AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

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TESTIMONIALS

“They did well once they were there. They help prepare my meals and get things for me because I was immobile. They also helped with my bath. They could have the caregiver give me a call if they're going to be late, so I'm not wondering if they're coming or not.”

Julia J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The caregiver they send that takes care of him is a good match. I would recommend them because they person they send is quite qualified and caring.”

Luis V.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The agency has made my life easier by providing excellent care. I like that the agency always has someone to cover if someone is not able to make it.”

Danny H.
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“We can have more hours. They can have more caregivers and have replacements.”

Darrin S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It helps the clients feel safer at home. I really like the caregiver that's with the clients, she's smart.”

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TESTIMONIALS

“My parents needed care after my elderly mom was discharged from the hospital . Latasha was very responsive and caring while helping us secure the right person to help them during a difficult transition in their lives. Duke, the interim care provider was extremely well liked by my parents . They felt super comfortable and safe with him while Latasha worked to find a longer term caregiver. I really appreciate all of them ! Thank you Always Best Care”

Chris M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They have helped me the most in doing things around the house and doing things they are supposed to. I like that they are understandable and have good workers.”

Bobbie C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“When they did send someone most of them were quality caregivers. They could have done better with scheduling and making sure their clients were covered.”

Learetha J.
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“They have been very helpful and courteous. They always ask if I need anything.”

Betty C.
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“My experience was positive because the caregiver was very effective and willing to take care of my needs. I would recommend them because they were available, professional and willing.”

Susan W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They come 3 days a week and they do everything I need for me. They have bettered her quality of life. They have been responsive when I need to make changes.”

Chuck B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The caregivers that have come have had positive attitudes. I think they need more staffing and have more people available to come to other locations.”

Josiah F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They just didn't have enough staff to be there when we had them scheduled. They were short-handed a lot of times so they weren't able to take care of my mom all the time when they were scheduled.”

Ryoko G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I don't know what I would have done without them! The service we've gotten has been pretty good.”

David W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked with Always Best Care for several of my patients/clients and they are always satisfied with their care! Thank you Always Best Care…”

Kunbi A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best senior services helped us through a very difficult time and provided peace of mind to our entire family. They were responsive, knowledgeable, timely, efficient and all over the course of a holiday. Life happens but Latasha and her team gave us the assurance that our father would be cared for when we were not by his side. They even provided travel companionship so that he could move safely across the country to be with our mother. Thank you”

Zoe P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Caring, attentive, reliable, responsive, diligent, professional & pleasant are the words that best describes our experience with ABC...”

Peter P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My first panicked phone call to Latisha was answered promptly and she quickly helped me define what we needed during my mother in law’s apparent immediate decline on Hospice. The CPA, Iness, was prompt, efficient, and caring - but the best part for us was my MIL’s instant liking and acceptance of her care. Always Best Care was there for us in the best possible way to get us started on what now looks like a longer journey. I am confident that when we need them again they will give us the needed help.”

joreece
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked with Always Best Care for several of my patients/clients and they are always satisfied with their care! Thank you Always Best Care…”

Lavell H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I don’t know what our family would have done if we had not found Always Best Care Senior Services! Our mother Mary needed more care with everyday life and Latasha and her sweet caring team were an answer to prayer! Words cannot describe how much that means when you cannot be there to care for your loved one yourself! Thank you Latasha and your team you treated a special life with great care ❤️ The Scanlan Family”

Scanlan F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I hired another home health agency prior to finding Always Best Care. I wish I had hired them first to care for my mother. Because of Ms. Emeri's leadership, the staff that cared for my mother (Gabrielle, Stephanie, Nykia, Shay and Sheika) were punctual, very professional, attentive, and demonstrated their top notch skills in knowing what do do if/when my mother had a health crisis. My journey as a caregiver for my mother was a honor, but, challenging. Always Best Care was an integral part in helping me remind my mother to take her medications, do light housekeeping, prepare meals, as well as bathing and grooming. I will be forever grateful to the staff as my mother is now resting in peace.”

PBennett
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TESTIMONIALS

“From Latasha's excellent leadership to the caring, responsible caregivers, ABC absolutely deserves their 5-star rating. Every concern has been addressed quickly. My sisters and I have received good guidance in coordinating with ABC and others for Mom's care. ABC came highly recommended through a trusted source, and we've not been disappointed.”

David F.
 In-Home Care Druid Hills, GA

How does In-home Senior Care in Druid Hills, GA work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care Druid Hills, GA

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort
Comfort

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them? A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Druid Hills, GA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors. Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

Independence
Independence

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like an assisted living community. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care in Druid Hills, GA gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.


Respite Care Druid Hills, GA

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Druid Hills,GA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

 Caregivers Druid Hills, GA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

An assessment of your senior loved one

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An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

Latest News in Druid Hills, GA

Persistence, Non-Region Approach Brings New Life to Druid Hills

Druid Hills High School is a very special place, located right next door to Emory University. Founded in 1914, it is one of the oldest high schools in metro Atlanta, with an alumni list that includes an Atlanta Mayor (Sam Massell) and a Georgia Governor and Senator (Herman Talmadge). There is a great tradition here. Unfortunately, that great tradition has seldom found its way to the gridiron.The Red Devils last appeared in a playoff game way back in 1985. None of the current students had been born yet. In fact, there may be parents of...

Druid Hills High School is a very special place, located right next door to Emory University. Founded in 1914, it is one of the oldest high schools in metro Atlanta, with an alumni list that includes an Atlanta Mayor (Sam Massell) and a Georgia Governor and Senator (Herman Talmadge). There is a great tradition here. Unfortunately, that great tradition has seldom found its way to the gridiron.

The Red Devils last appeared in a playoff game way back in 1985. None of the current students had been born yet. In fact, there may be parents of current students who had not been born yet. Enter Frederick Green, a Savannah native who previously coached at Lithonia. Green stepped forward to take the Druid Hills challenge.

“I knew it was a program that really hadn’t had much success in the recent years,” says Green. “Once I got the job, I was like ‘WOW.’ I would really need to change some things around. We are working with youth football to just try and bring some joy to the community and bring the school together, in that aspect.”

Credit: Sam Crenshaw

Here is the part where it would have been nice for the coach to step into a nearby phone booth or discover a pocket full of magic dust. Green had neither, but brought a lot of determination, tenacity, persistence, patience and elbow grease. It would all come in handy.

“I got the job just two or three weeks before the season started and there were only nine players,” recalls Green. “I walked in and someone said, ‘Here Is the team and I went WHOA!' The first year I was just wanting to make it to the off-season. That could give us a chance to build the guys up. The first year we were 0-10. That was followed by a good off-season and last year we went 4 and 6."

Weight training and conditioning during the off-season has helped transform the Druid Hills team in ways that others can see. Green says that before last Friday night's game, the McNair coaches complemented the physical appearance of some of the Druid Hills players. That was before they beat the Mustangs 27-18 to improve their record to 2-0.

“Last year McNair got up on us 20-0, and we came back to win,” recalls Green. “The kids were believing that we could do it again. This time we were down 18-7 with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. We just knew that we had to click. When we started clicking, it seemed like nobody could stop us. We kept on fighting and things started going our way. We were able to score three touchdowns during those seven minutes to take the lead. Then we went for a two-point conversion to go up by nine. That sealed the win and it was pretty awesome.”

The last time a Druid Hills team started the season 2-0 was 2014. This year's team has a different vibe. Green says that his roster has grown to more than 60 players. Practices are better, with more time spent in the playbook along with teaching fundamentals. There were group trips to Atlanta Falcons training camp, to see how the pros do it. The coach is seeing his vision come into focus.

Caption

The Red Devils are 2-0 for the first time since 2014.

Credit: Sam Crenshaw

“When you are building a program, you want it to go beyond football practice,” says Green.”So we came up with a number of outings that allowed the players to spend more time together away from the field. Now, when you walk into the cafeteria and see guys actually sitting together, that means you’re doing something right.”

There is something else at work here. The Druid Hills Red Devils are playing a non-region schedule. That means no region championship and no playoffs. At the same time, it increases the team's chances for success and a winning season. That is something that hasn't happened at Druid Hills since 1993. Coach Green has watched the success enjoyed by fellow DeKalb School District member Chamblee after playing a non-region schedule.

"I’m really connected with Chamblee," says Green. "They did give a blueprint for us. I talk with their coaches all the time."

The Red Devils are not alone. According to the Georgia High School Football Daily, there are 13 schools in the state playing a non-region schedule this fall. Druid Hills, joins Lakeside Dekalb, Stone Mountain, Clarkston and Cross Keys as non-region participants from Dekalb County. Chamblee head coach Bob Swank has seen his program flourish after playing a non-region schedule. The objective was simply to make the game fun and have success.

"Football is a game of confidence and it is very hard to gain confidence when you are getting beat up every week," recalls Swank. "We went 5-1 in the COVID season and then went 9-1 the next season, both as a non-region schedule. We had way more fun knowing that we had a chance to compete, and we actually got way better, way faster than we ever anticipated. It paid off when we went back into a region last season, and we finished second in our region and went to the second round of the state playoffs. I do not believe there is any way that we would be where we are right now without having made that decision to play non-region."

Caption

Playing a non-region schedule gives Druid Hills a chance to realistically taste victory, a model used successfully at Chamblee.

Credit: Sam Crenshaw

Last season the Red Devils won their homecoming game for the first time in five years. It's another box Green got to check as he watched his program thrive. Athletes from baseball and basketball have decided to play football as the participation and retention rate increases.

As the 2023 Georgia high school football season gets rolling, practically every team is aiming to play 15 games and win a state championship. Those that fall short of that lofty goal will be happy to win region championships or earn a state playoff berth. Teams that play a non-region schedule set different goals. Frederick Green sees his team reaching those goals and hopes that he can serve as motivation for other coaches of programs that have trouble competing.

“It’s hard to sell the kids on what you want to do, when you don't have any success at all,” says Green. “Success helps build up your program. It makes a big difference when you have those wins. So, if you can do it, in order to build your program up, I definitely recommend it. Then you can keep that momentum going when you hop back into region.”

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Andy’s Frozen Custard opens in Toco Hills this month

Atlanta, GA — Andy’s Frozen Custard is making its Toco Hills debut on April 26.It will be located at 3033 N Druid Hills Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329, according to Google Maps. It will be open from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.“In celebration of its newest location, Andy’s Frozen Custard will be having a Soft Opening event on Wednesday, April 26,” the press release says. “Fans that download the Andy&rsquo...

Atlanta, GA — Andy’s Frozen Custard is making its Toco Hills debut on April 26.

It will be located at 3033 N Druid Hills Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329, according to Google Maps. It will be open from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

“In celebration of its newest location, Andy’s Frozen Custard will be having a Soft Opening event on Wednesday, April 26,” the press release says. “Fans that download the Andy’s App before April 26 will receive a Free Treat reward in the app on Opening Day to celebrate! A Grand Opening Ceremony will follow in May with an official ribbon cutting event and games and giveaways on the patio that evening. Save the date to join in on the Andy’s fun!”

Here’s the full press release about the opening:

Toco Hills, GA – April 19th, 2023 – Toco Hills is giving ice cream the cold shoulder, as it welcomes the old-fashioned dessert shop that is rocking the nation! Andy’s Frozen Custard® will be serving Toco Hills, Georgia the first scoop of its famous frozen custard on Wednesday, April 26th.

Andy’s has a wide variety of treats based on their Made Fresh Hourly™ frozen custard. Enjoy rich, creamy flavor in every bite. Choose between vanilla or chocolate frozen custard, and have it transformed into delicious Concretes, Jackhammers™, shakes, malts, sundaes, and seasonal treats. Favorites include the James Brownie Funky Jackhammer™, made with Andy’s vanilla frozen custard, peanut butter and baked in-store brownies, “drilled and filled” with hot fudge; and the Triple Chocolate Concrete, made with Andy’s chocolate frozen custard, chocolate chip cookie dough, and melted chocolate chip.

In celebration of its newest location, Andy’s Frozen Custard will be having a Soft Opening event on Wednesday, April 26. Fans that download the Andy’s App before April 26 will receive a Free Treat reward in the app on Opening Day to celebrate! A Grand Opening Ceremony will follow in May with an official ribbon cutting event and games and giveaways on the patio that evening. Save the date to join in on the Andy’s fun!

Toco Hills will fall in love with this new dessert shop! Andy’s Frozen Custard, located on North Druid Hills Rd, is amidst local shopping centers, DeKalb County schools, outdoor parks and is just 15 minutes from MidTown. The heart of Andy’s is to give back to the local community through donations, fundraisers, and school partnerships. They can’t wait to inspire smiles for kids and “kids at heart” with delicious frozen custard!

Andy’s Frozen Custard franchisee, Tom said, “I am super excited to finally serve the Toco Hills community! We have been working on this project for over 3 years and have come across many challenges, but the support of the community has been incredible! Our whole team is thrilled to finally bring them the product and service they deserve!”

Andy’s also offers a quick and easy drive-thru where customers can get their Andy’s on the go within 90 seconds of placing an order. They have a unique line of frozen custard treats, known as Andy’s Anywhere™ to-go program. Select from pints, quarts, Quart Combos™, and a ‘Pick 6™’ mix-and-match bundle. Enjoy these frozen treats at home with the family, walking through MidTown, or celebrating with friends. Whether it is a Concrete under their bright lights or a Quart at home, Andy’s sparks smiles by the spoonful wherever it is enjoyed.

Andy’s has a unique but simple approach which has been used to achieve such immense success; hire great people and treat them right. Their team focuses on bringing every customer a smile, one delicious frozen treat at a time. The quality of quick and friendly service makes this dessert stop a gem for families in Toco Hills to enjoy.

Andy’s Frozen Custard will be open this spring from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Customers can download the Andy’s Frozen Custard app to take advantage of touchless payment options and join the FANdy’s loyalty club to receive a free small 1-topping Concrete after their first visit. Fans can stay up-to-date on the latest from Andy’s, including news about seasonal menu offerings loaded with fresh fruit and baked goods, on Instagram (@andys.atl) and Facebook (@AndysAtlantaGADruidHillsRoad) or via Andy’s website.

About Andy’s Frozen Custard

Founded in 1986 in Osage Beach, MO by Andy’s parents John and Carol Kuntz. Andy’s Frozen Custard has been providing the freshest frozen custard in the business for 37 years, giving ice cream the “cold shoulder” by scooping, mixing, and presenting handcrafted frozen custard treats with speed and a smile. Since the beginning, the family has had one dream: to share what makes them happiest with everyone else, and to warm hearts, one scoop of frozen custard at a time. With a focus on product quality, customer service and community involvement, Andy’s has grown into the nation’s largest frozen

custard-only business, with more than 2,000 employees and 131 company-owned and franchised stores across fourteen states proudly serving the World’s Finest Frozen Custard. Andy’s also offers the ‘Yum Squad Loyalty Club,’ designed to say “thank you” to loyal customers by earning points for every dollar spent, towards redeeming a free. For more information or for details about franchising opportunities, visit eatandys.com.

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Toco Hills neighborhoods petition for annexation into Brookhaven

Two DeKalb County neighborhoods are petitioning to be annexed into Brookhaven, a city of 58,000 in North DeKalb that has steadily grown since its 2012 inception.A concerted effort began in 2022 with grassroots canvassing at shops and intersections in Toco Hills, then a door-to-door campaign for signatures.A petition for the annexation of Merry Hills and Biltmore Acres was filed on May 30, showing 64% of the area’s 1,390 active voters and 62% of landowners are in favor of the move.If approved, the annexation would b...

Two DeKalb County neighborhoods are petitioning to be annexed into Brookhaven, a city of 58,000 in North DeKalb that has steadily grown since its 2012 inception.

A concerted effort began in 2022 with grassroots canvassing at shops and intersections in Toco Hills, then a door-to-door campaign for signatures.

A petition for the annexation of Merry Hills and Biltmore Acres was filed on May 30, showing 64% of the area’s 1,390 active voters and 62% of landowners are in favor of the move.

If approved, the annexation would be the largest annexation by the 60% method in Georgia’s history.

The state of Georgia requires a written petition signed by at least 60% of the owners of the land area (by acreage) and at least 60% of the resident electors in the area proposed for annexation.

Bounded by North Druid Hills Road, Houston Mill Road and Lavista Road, the 462-acred area is mainly residential with some mixed-use, office, and commercial properties, including the busy Toco Hill Shopping Center.

The neighborhoods are part of the area known as North Druid Hills, but most residents colloquially call the neighborhoods around the shopping center Toco Hills.

The application for annexation is being reviewed by DeKalb County commissioners, and Brookhaven is planning to vote on the matter on July 25.

DeKalb County commissioners will hold a public meeting on June 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Central DeKalb Senior Center, 1346 McConnell Drive, Decatur, GA 30033. Brookhaven City Council will hold two public meetings on June 28 at 6:30 p.m. and July 25 at 7 p.m. at Brookhaven City Hall, 4362 Peachtree Road.

Brookhaven City Council typically meets on Tuesdays, but the next meeting is Wednesday, June 28, due to a conference with the Georgia Municipal Association.

The annexation could have considerable implications for the community, DeKalb Commissioner Michelle Long Spears wrote in a recent newsletter. She encouraged participation at public meetings.

If it passes, Brookhaven will establish a special tax district to fund improvements in services like sidewalks and stormwater to the annexed areas. Brookhaven’s most recent annexation was Lavista Park in December 2019.

In related news:

Brookhaven Planning Commission voted June 15 to recommend an amendment to a zoning ordinance. City staff is proposing ANX zoning classification to apply to newly annexed land. It’s a zoning code that prevents buying annexed property and immediately changing zoning.

“If someone buys a house and tears it down, we’re going to apply the standards in DeKalb County’s ordinance on setbacks or height limits – any rule DeKalb County currently has on that zoning classification. The new owner can’t change the zoning classification,” Linda Abaray, Brookhaven Director of Community Development, said.

The zoning code is a placeholder for annexed properties for up to two years to ensure the land uses are studied and folded into the city properly, Abaray said. ANX zoning would apply to future annexations.

City Attorney Jeremy Berry said the ordinance is a comprehensive approach on how to annex property while being transparent with the public, the county and potential annexation applicants.

The amendment will come before City Council on June 28.

This story has been updated.

Tagged: annexationbrookhaven reporterDeKalb CountyordinanceToco Hillszoning

Unfinished project in Druid Hills frustrates drivers

By Rachel Aragon, Atlanta News FirstATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — An unfinished project is giving drivers mixed signals.Some drivers are unsure how to approach a new miniature roundabout in their DeKalb County neighborhood.DeKalb County officials say additions are on the way that should clear things up for those...

By Rachel Aragon, Atlanta News First

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — An unfinished project is giving drivers mixed signals.

Some drivers are unsure how to approach a new miniature roundabout in their DeKalb County neighborhood.

DeKalb County officials say additions are on the way that should clear things up for those driving along North Decatur Road.

Officials say the mini-roundabouts are “intended to reduce travel speeds and the number of crashes on North Decatur Road at the Springdale Road and Oakdale Road intersections.”

But the unfinished mini-roundabout off Oakdale Road is causing confusion for several reasons.

“There aren’t many roundabouts in Atlanta to begin with. Then this one is so tiny and it’s very easy to just drive over,” said Alicja Podbielsk, who rides her bike in the Druid Hills neighborhood.

While some people treat the circle as a roundabout and drive around, others have driven straight through.

Residents say the other issue is the signage.

“I don’t think anyone knows what’s intended because the signage is so confusing, it’s completely unclear,” said Cynthia Waterbury who lives in the area.

There are signs that are covered up and there are signs that signal a roundabout is ahead.

“So people stop, people go, and it’s just confusion,” said Waterbury

In a statement to Atlanta News First, DeKalb County officials say additions are on the way and the county anticipates the project to wrap up in a few months.

DeKalb County officials sent this statement to Atlanta News First regarding the Druid Hills mini-roundabouts:

— The mini-roundabouts are intended to reduce travel speeds and crashes on North Decatur Road at the Springdale Road and Oakdale Road intersections.

— These islands will have a vertical rise that will encourage vehicles to maneuver around the roundabout.

— Final roadway striping will further clarify driver and pedestrian paths at the mini-roundabouts.

— The anticipated completion date is June 2023.

The Druid Hills Civic Association Chair Van Biesel released a statement about reducing speed and improving safety in the area:

The Druid Hills Civic Association has been working with DeKalb County for several years to reduce speeds and improve safety conditions for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists within the Druid Hills neighborhood. We greatly appreciate DeKalb County’s efforts to find new, innovative solutions to accomplish this, and we will continue to work with the County to advocate for our residents as they find effective ways to improve the current designs.

— Druid Hills Civic Association Chair Van Biesel

This story was provided by Decaturish partner Atlanta News First.

Andy’s Frozen Custard to open on North Druid Hills Road next year

This story has been updated. Atlanta, GA — Andy’s Frozen Custard will be opening on North Druid Hills Road on the site where Reggie’s Salon was located.The salon was destroyed in a fire last year, and DeKalb Fire Rescue said the fire was caused by arson. Firefighters responded to the scene on J...

This story has been updated.

Atlanta, GA — Andy’s Frozen Custard will be opening on North Druid Hills Road on the site where Reggie’s Salon was located.

The salon was destroyed in a fire last year, and DeKalb Fire Rescue said the fire was caused by arson. Firefighters responded to the scene on July 13, 2021, and were able to put the fire out with no injuries to bystanders or firefighters. The fire could be seen from the nearby Publix grocery store and resulted in a temporary road closure at the time.

The site is currently under construction and is set to be serving up frozen custard in early 2023.

“We are finally going vertical on the building and hope to have a roof on in the next couple of weeks,” said Tom Maune, Andy’s Frozen Custard franchisee and CEO of Peach State Custard. “?We anticipate a soft opening in late January 2023 where we will invite the local community to give our delicious frozen custard a taste.”

The custard shop anticipates celebrating its grand opening toward the end of February 2023. The shop will be located at 3033 N. Druid Hills Road in Atlanta.

?”Andy’s Frozen Custard mission statement is simple, ‘Serving our community and its people by creating an environment that promotes memories through our superior product and exceptional staff,'” Maune said. “At Andy’s Frozen Custard, we look for communities with strong roots in the surrounding neighborhoods that have similar values. We believe that by expanding to Toco Hills, we will be able to partner with a like-minded community with schools, universities and community organizations that strive to make an impact in their neighborhood.”

Editor and Publisher Dan Whisenhunt contributed to this article.

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