Neighbor & Pet of the Month
Neighbor of the Month
OCTOBER: JOEL BLACK
This month we are delighted to shine a spotlight on longtime neighbor Joel Black, whose kindness, community spirit, and friendly smile make our neighborhood an even better place to call home.
Joel grew up in the country between Clarkesville and Helen, GA, and later spent about 20 years in Norcross before settling here. He moved to this neighborhood nearly two decades ago to be close to work and friends, and he hasn’t looked back since. One of his favorite things about living here is the convenience - being able to walk to so many things - and, of course, having great neighbors.
Joel’s home holds a special charm, as it was built the very year he was born and is filled with memories. Many of the items inside carry stories, whether they belonged to family, were purchased on trips, or even discovered on the side of the road. The previous owner, who lived there for 42 years, would occasionally drive by after Joel purchased it just to be sure he was taking care of things properly. He thinks she approved.
After beginning his career with the Old Sautee Store in Sautee Valley, Joel moved to Atlanta to work in the finance division of an insurance company that provided small face life and annuity products to prepay funerals. Over the course of 41 years, the company underwent several name changes, most recently TruStage Preneed, where Joel retired this past July.
Now, as a recent retiree, Joel is enjoying a slower pace while catching up on long-postponed projects. He loves working in the yard, doing home maintenance, cooking, baking, entertaining friends, and volunteering at Saint Mark UMC, AID Atlanta, and right here in the neighborhood with the Yardian Angels.
What many may not know is that Joel has a fun musical past - when he was a teenager, he sang in a gospel group with three of his cousins. They even recorded a record, though he admits it only sold about 10 copies! Talent aside, he treasures the joyful memories of singing in small country churches throughout Northeast Georgia.
Joel is also known for his dedication to keeping the neighborhood beautiful. His habit of picking up litter comes from his 20 years in Scouting, first as a Boy Scout and later as a Scoutmaster. To this day, he still can’t walk past a piece of trash without picking it up. His care for the environment - and for the community - shows in the way he lives out his Scouting values.
When he’s not busy volunteering or tidying up the neighborhood, Joel enjoys simple pleasures, like watching the hummingbirds dart around the feeder on his porch. He describes our neighborhood as peaceful, parklike, and friendly - a reflection of the atmosphere he helps to foster.
As part of our Neighbor of the Month feature, Joel has chosen to highlight the Yardian Angels. This group does more than just beautify the neighborhood; it builds connections, too. Volunteers meet on Saturday mornings for about an hour of work, then enjoy coffee and snacks together. Joel encourages neighbors to join in - more volunteers are always welcome! Thank you, Joel, for the many ways you give back and for being such an important part of our community.
Pet of the Month
OCTOBER: MOOSH THE CAT
Adoption Story
October feels like the perfect time to shine a little extra love on black cats, and this month’s Pet of the Month, Moosh, proves just how magical they can be. At six years young, Moosh is full of personality, playfulness, and charm. Her name, which means “mouse” in Farsi, came from the night she was found behind a dumpster in November 2018. She was so tiny that her rescuer first thought she was a black mouse, especially with her skinny little tail. On the coldest night of the year, chicken tenders won her trust, and once inside she immediately began purring, snuggling, and playing. A trip to the humane society showed just how many black cats were waiting for homes, and her rescuer knew she couldn’t leave her behind. From that night forward, Moosh became not just a pet, but part of the family.
Moosh's Personality
Moosh’s personality can be described in three words: sassy, calm, and caring. She loves cozying up by the fireplace, playing tag with her younger sister Milo, and sneaking in games of hide-and-seek, a favorite since kittenhood. Her nosey and funny side shows when she peers in on the neighborhood cats through windows - sometimes taunting them just a little from behind the glass! Unlike most cats, she even adores bath time and struts away afterward “so fresh and so clean.” She has her own bookshelf with blankets where she burrows away for hours in the winter, and she still loves to play fetch with her favorite green hair tie.
Giving Back
The superstition that black cats bring bad luck couldn’t be further from the truth, and Moosh is the proof. In fact, if you’re lucky enough to cross paths with her, her owner encourages you to make a wish - she might just bring you good luck! Congratulations to Moosh, our October Pet of the Month. She reminds us that black cats aren’t something to fear; they are pure love, warmth, and magic!
Good Mews Foundation has been providing a safe haven for cats like Moosh since 1988, offering shelter, love, and medical care until they find their forever homes. If Moosh’s story inspired you, consider making a donation to Good Mews in her honor!
We would love to hear from you!
Mark Jagor, President
Virginia Tywnham, Treasurer
Laney Chambless, Secretary
Beth Harber, Social
Sarah Rose Harrill
Rebekah Barr
We have an active, private Facebook group for our neighborhood. If you’d like to join, simply click the Facebook icon below to send us an email requesting access. As long as you're a current resident, we’ll get you added as soon as possible!
2025 Honorees
Neighbor of the Month
SEPTEMBER: RONNIE BRIDGMAN
This September, we are delighted to recognize Ronnie Bridgman as our Neighbor of the Month!
Ronnie’s story begins in Charleston, South Carolina, where he grew up before moving with his family to Savannah and eventually to Atlanta in 1967. Just over a decade later, in 1979, work brought him to Sandy Springs - and he’s been part of our neighborhood family ever since.
For Ronnie, this community has always been more than just a place to live. “The neighborhood has been a great place to meet people and become friends,” says Ronnie. Some of those friendships have lasted decades, while others continue even after neighbors have moved away.
Though his wife and pets have since passed, Ronnie shares that his life is still full, with family nearby and neighbors who brighten his days. One of his greatest joys has been watching new generations grow up right here. “As far as smiles go, it’s when my neighbors have new babies, and I get to watch them grow up,” he says.
Many of us know Ronnie best by his steady presence outdoors. Since the early 1990s, he has cared for yards throughout the neighborhood - first lending a hand to a neighbor down the street, and eventually helping others, including older neighbors who could no longer manage the work themselves. As the great neighbor he is, Ronnie has turned those simple acts of kindness into lifelong friendships, all while keeping our neighborhood beautiful.
Ronnie worked much of his life for himself before joining a friend in the tire business, where he spent more than 20 years. When Atlanta traffic finally grew too tiring, he stepped back from the daily grind - but never from helping others. “I am blessed to be able to get up every day with no problems and go out and do things that I want to. I’m a very giving person and will help most everyone that I meet.”
When asked to describe the neighborhood in three words, Ronnie chose: “a giving neighborhood.” To him, community means looking out for one another, sharing a smile, and lending a hand. He encourages all of us to help our neighbors and become more like family. “Sometimes we don’t even know the people who live right next door,” he reminds us. “All it takes is to smile and say hello - it doesn’t cost you anything.”
We couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Ronnie, for the countless ways you’ve given back to our neighborhood and for being a wonderful reminder of what community is all about. If you see Ronnie out in the neighborhood, be sure to wave, say hello, and maybe even share a story of your own - you’ll be glad you did.
What Ronnie doesn’t know is that while he’s been busy looking out for his neighbors, they’ve been noticing him too. Here are a few surprises from neighbors who wanted to share their appreciation:
"Ronnie is a kind and reliable friend who is always there when you need him!"
- The Griffiths
"Ronnie is the epitome of a good neighbor. His concern and care for other neighbors goes above and beyond the norm. He is always helpful! We are grateful for a neighbor like Ronnie! Thank you for all you do for Glenridge Hammond, Ronnie!"
- Leslie Burns
"Ron was one of the very first neighbors we met back in 2008, and he has been a constant presence throughout the years. We are so thankful for his true neighborly spirit, cheering on the kids as they grow, celebrating their milestones, and often offering supportive words, sharing life lessons, and passing along hard-earned wisdom. We can almost always count on seeing him out and about whether it’s keeping the yards beautiful, spending time with neighbors, or most importantly, helping create lasting childhood memories by taking part in neighborhood traditions."
- Christine Kassas
"We first met Ronnie 25 yrs ago in our first home in the n'hood when Ronnie helped us with yard work and tree trimming. Over the years since, Ronnie has become a great friend! Hes always willing to pitch in for any neighborhood project, pool cleanup, or anything else a neighbor would need. He also has the "scoop" on all things happening in the hood and knows everyone! So if you havent already met Ronnie...you should! He's the guy with a great smile, usually on a riding tractor... so go say "Hi!" and meet a really great guy!"
- Rick Duerr
"He is so deserving as he just quietly cares for everyone and everything in our neighborhood. He loves to know about everyone. One day I was trying to bake overly ambitious cakes with my 2 little bitty kids and all the cakes were completely stuck in the pans. He quickly got the cakes out while I nearly lost my mind. He ends every conversation with Okey-Doke! I’m so happy for Ronnie!"
- Molly Kittrell
"He has been taking great care of my yard since I (perhaps deliberately) broke my lawn mower. While I decided 43 years of mowing the lawn was enough, fortunately he feels differently. I have very much enjoyed our 10-minute conversations every couple of weeks, during which he fills me in on everything and everybody past and present and houses for sale and soon to be from the neighborhood. He knows everybody!"
- Ross Friedman
"Ronnie is an amazing neighbour - always ready to help anybody in the neighborhood. Whether somebody’s tree is down or grass needs a trim, or our our Hammond Hills team is hosting ALTA match - Mr. Bridgman is always there to help. Mr. Bridgman is always the first to arrive at the HH pool clean up and he is always there to hand out our candies for Halloween. He is one of the people keeping the heartbeat of our neighbourhood."
- Dina Khismatulina
Pet of the Month
SEPTEMBER: MOOSE TRACKS ICE CREAM
Moose is a 7-year-old hound/lab mix who quickly became one of the neighborhood’s most beloved furry friends. His family describes him in three simple words: sweet, smart, and go-with-the-flow. And if you’ve ever met him, you know those words couldn’t be more fitting.
Adoption Story
Moose joined the family in the summer of 2019. After losing their yellow lab, Cooper, the house felt empty. Determined to bring in a new furry friend, they spent months trying to adopt through a local agency - only to be heartbroken when a promised puppy went to someone else. A friend suggested a visit to the Humane Society on Mansell Road - and boy were they blown away by the hundreds of healthy, happy animals to choose from!
Though the search was originally for a female pup, everything changed when her son picked up a sad, lonely, tri-colored male hound/lab. In that instant, Moose stole their hearts. “He has become one of the best dogs I have ever owned,” Rhea shares.
A Community Companion
Moose isn’t just a family dog - he’s a neighborhood friend. He loves walks, belly rubs, food, kids, hiking adventures, and spending time with his humans and canine pals. Don’t be surprised if he happily greets you on one of his strolls!
During the days of COVID, when everyone was at home, neighborhood walks became the highlight of the day. Each evening, a family would stroll past the Oberholtzer’s house, where Moose could usually be found stretched out in the yard, happily sunbathing. The family's son, Carter, was particularly enamored by Moose and Carter quickly became one of Moose’s favorite humans! Over time, the two formed a special bond that brightened those long months at home. Their friendship was so memorable, it inspired a “published” book (make sure to check out the pictures).
Moose also has his favorite canine pals in the neighborhood - Phil Novotny is his VERY best friend, and Chloe, Theresa Berry’s dog, holds the spot of “girlfriend.”
Rhea encourages neighbors "If you are one of the few neighbors that haven’t met him yet, please stop by and I will introduce you to him!"
"I love Moose so much. Sometimes we don't see each other for days but whenever we're reunited, we play and wrestle as if we saw each other yesterday. He is just all around great guy."
- Phil Novotny
"They don't come sweeter than Moose. He loves his walks and we love seeing him out and about on Brookgreen."
- Bruce Piefke
"Moose is my best four legged friend and I love seeing him on our walks every night in the neighborhood. He is always excited to see me and play fetch. I also write a book with Moose about our adventures. Check out the book in the pictures!"
- Carter
"Moose is such a staple on our daily walks - almost always waiting to greet us as we head out and again when we return! One of the very first times our two-year-old ever said a word was when he looked at Moose and said ‘dog!’ Moose is always there, wagging his tail, waiting for a wave or a hello. We love you, Moose!"
- The Chamblesses
Giving Back
In honor of Moose, his family has chosen to spotlight Bosley’s Place, a neonatal puppy rescue that provides care for the tiniest and most vulnerable pups.
Neighbor of the Month
AUGUST: ROSS FRIEDMAN
Ross Friedman is one of the people who make this neighborhood feel like home. From a young age, kids come to know him as our “Banjoman,” always spreading joy - whether it’s a friendly wave or a free concert at the pool for everyone to enjoy. Ross is the epitome of the neighbor we all hope for: kind, thoughtful, and genuinely interested in who you are and what you have to say. We are a better, brighter neighborhood because of him, and are honored to celebrate Ross as our Neighbor of the Month.
I grew up in suburban Chicago, and, after graduating from the University of Illinois, was teaching fifth grade there in 1976 when a friend invited me to his wedding in Memphis. His fiancée was from Atlanta, and he told me to bring my banjo as there was this cool chick coming from Atlanta who played guitar. Anyway, Teresa and I met and played a few songs at their rehearsal dinner, and, yada, yada, yada, we played some songs at the Hammond Hills pool last night. We are in a band that plays at retirement homes, church groups, and the farmers’ market, and the two of us often sit on a bench at Chastain or City Springs to entertain both ourselves and happy passers-by. Playing music for others brings us joy.
We were one of several young couples who moved into the neighborhood in 1978, after one of Teresa’s friends with whom she taught at North Springs told us about it. We played tennis and swam at the Glenridge Forest pool at the end of Greenbriar - I believe it now is a refuge for coyotes and deer - until it closed in 1983, at which time I took my banjo to the Hammond Hills pool where I have been set up ever since in the corner under the oak tree, still hoping for a cabana bar.
As our family grew to five in the 80’s we thought of moving on occasion, but we liked it here, and I thought knocking out some walls and expanding was easier than boxing up all the books, so we happily stayed put and expanded twice. Every spring I’d plant some azaleas or a flowering tree, in the fall I’d return the ones that didn’t make it (You gotta keep those receipts!), and our backyard after so many years has several beautiful spots. Our three children and four (soon to be five) grandchildren all live within a few miles, with daughter Stephanie Alterman and Joe living on Kayron. We understand we are blessed having our adult children so close. We currently share our home with Mr. Bingley, our golden doodle, whom I walk early each morning to avoid confrontations, as his friendly rambunctiousness is far stronger than my ability to control him.
I loved teaching A.P. English at Milton High School for 27 years (neighbor Becky Neece was one of my students) and have taught dozens of adult literature classes at Osher Lifelong Learning at Emory since I retired. I realize my life mostly has been dependent upon teenagers, first as a teacher, and now as I am concerned if the lifeguards will show up to open the pool and that sad day when the pool closes as they will be leaving to go back to school.
In addition to our several music jams and yoga classes each week, Teresa plays pickleball and I’ll do Zumba, though I can’t dance at all. Few people know—though I’m happy to tell them—that I was a baseball pitcher in high school, college, and in a men’s league until I was 36. Our front yard was a great place to play ball with my sons—who starred at Riverwood—and neighbor Tyler Thornburg, who went on to pitch for the Braves. It does my heart good to watch the constant ballgames on Emily and Brick’s front yard where all the kids gather. That’s what front yards are for.
Now, while we are no longer one of the young couples, Teresa and I still walk through the neighborhood holding hands every day as we have for 47 years enjoying the new construction, selecting the “tree of the day” during fall and spring, waving to neighbors, and dodging the cut-throughs as we go. We have loved living in Glenridge/Hammond. Even without a cabana bar.
Pets of the Month
AUGUST: OLIVER & HAWK
It's not every day you get to witness a legendary neighborhood friendship - but for those who stroll down Kayron Drive, you’ve likely seen it firsthand in the form of two determined, sun-loving cats: Oliver and Kitty Hawk.
Oliver, affectionately known as O or Ollie O, has fully embraced Glenridge Hammond life with the Harrill family. At 10 years old, he’s got a heart for adventure and a nose for moles. He loves being outdoors, surveilling the neighborhood, and enjoying his minnow treats - when he’s not cozying up to his favorite neighbor, Laura Plank. His story is one of resilience: from “straight off these streets” to a life of comfort, independence, and the occasional wild mishap. (Ask him about the time his humans went to Hawaii and he got banned from Camp Kitty - legend status secured) His family jokes that Ollie O just pops in to eat and sleep; he’d much rather be out and about exploring the neighborhood with his best friend.
Enter Kitty Hawk - or just Kitty or Hawk, depending on who's calling. He joined the Wright family in 2020 from Good Mews during the early days of the pandemic, chosen for his giant “bunny” ears, adorable bob tail, and willingness to receive lots of “love” from their toddlers. The fact that he was an expert chipmunk chaser was just a bonus in the battle for the front yard. Now 7 years old, Hawk is a true boss - known for his vocal meows, love of lounging in unexpected places, and fearsome reputation among local rodents. Friendly and always ready for a chin scratch, Kitty has never met a stranger - unless you’re a deer. (Yes, he and Oliver once stared down a pair of deer like comrades-in-arms. They firmly believe they would’ve won that standoff had the humans not intervened.)
No one knows exactly how their feline friendship began, but the bond between Oliver and Hawk is undeniable. They’re often spotted walking side by side down the street, hiding out in the bushes together, or keeping watch from driveways and garages. Their companionship has become a sweet part of the neighborhood rhythm - two cats from different pasts with different demeanors, finding common ground in shared territory.
Whether they’re on patrol or just lounging in the sun, Oliver and Kitty Hawk remind us what good neighbors look like: loyal, friendly, and always inviting the other along for the next adventure.
If you see these two out and about, be sure to say hello and offer a friendly wave. Just don’t get between them and a chipmunk.
If their story made you smile, consider donating in their honor to Good Mews Animal Foundation or FurKids Atlanta Animal Shelter - their picks for a purr-fect cause.
CLICK BELOW TO DONATE IN THEIR HONOR
Neighbor of the Month
JULY: THE NOVOTNY FAMILY
The Novotny family has been part of the Glenridge Hammond community since 2000 and moved into their current home in 2016. In Jody’s words, “We just couldn’t move away from this amazing neighborhood!” Jody works for Cox, Pete works for GE, and their three children are Olivia, a senior at UGA; Ella, a sophomore at FSU; and Sam, a senior at Riverwood.
The Novotnys share a deep passion for Lighthouse Family Retreat, a faith-based nonprofit they began volunteering with in 2015. Lighthouse exists to strengthen every family impacted by childhood cancer. The organization hosts restorative retreats and develops resources so families and their support systems can find hope in their faith and help in their fight.
The family helps raise funds so retreat families can attend at no cost, and they joyfully serve during retreats - hosting unbirthday parties, caring for children while parents connect, tidying condos, doing laundry, and much more. For them, it’s an incredibly meaningful experience they truly cherish.
The magic behind how Lighthouse hosts these retreats comes from mobilizing more than 1,000 volunteers each year. As the organization shares on its website, they simply couldn’t do what they do without the dedication of every single volunteer - especially family teams like the Novotnys. One of the most common things Lighthouse staff hear from retreat families is that they wish they could take the volunteers home with them. There’s no doubt in our minds that Jody, Pete, Olivia, Ella, and Sam are among those remarkable volunteers who leave a lasting impact each and every summer.
We are proud to honor the Novotnys as our Neighbor of the Month. Their dedication, compassion, and joyful service are an inspiration to us all. If you’d like to support Lighthouse Family Retreat in their honor, please consider donating by clicking the link below.
LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY RETREAT
Pet of the Month
JULY: LUCY THE BASSET HOUND
Hi, I’m Lucy Lulabella Tillman - but you can call me Lulie, Lucy-Lu, Lu-La, Lulie-Lu… the list goes on! I’m 12 and a half years old, and I’m proud to say many of my neighbors call me the mayor of the neighborhood because I love greeting everyone and keeping an eye on things!
I’m a proud alumna of Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia. When I found my fur-ever home at age 5, I was an outside dog. My humans have a hard time believing that now - these days I sleep in a bed like the princess I am! When I first arrived, I slept for a whole day and didn’t eat a thing. But with some toys, sweet nursery rhyme songs, and lots of love, I settled right in. Now, I go everywhere with my family. I even have my own “go-bag” packed with toys, treats, water, and a blanket - always ready for the next adventure!
Some of my favorite things? My daily walks, socializing with everyone I meet, endless belly rubs, and of course, cookies! I also love sniffing every inch of the world around me. My nose - second only to the bloodhound’s - has led me on adventures all over the neighborhood.
Over the years, I’ve had a few spinal strokes, but nothing keeps me down for long. Thanks to acupuncture, my love of walks, and my determination to see all of you, I’ve bounced back each time. Truly, seeing my neighbors is the highlight of my day!
I’ve made some special friends along the way. I love romping with my “nephews” - Jackson the golden retriever and Frank the dapple dachshund. The three of us together? Hilarious! Two of my favorite human friends are Gianni and Michelle. When they lived nearby, I visited them often. After they moved to Dunwoody, I would still pull toward their old house on every walk, hoping to say hi. One night, after my humans had dinner with them, Gianni and Michelle came by to see me. I was so excited I ran out to greet them - then promptly went back inside! But a moment later, I came back out with Ducky, my favorite toy, and gave it to Michelle. I’d never done that before! It was my way of saying, “I’ve missed you so much, and I’m glad you’re here.”
My humans describe me as gentle, gregarious, and inquisitive. I would describe them as my heroes. A big woof and tail wag to them for rescuing me all those years ago. I adore them, and I’m so grateful to call this neighborhood home. I’m honored to be Pet of the Month, and if you’d like to support my friends at Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia, you can donate in my honor by clicking the link below. Woof!
BASSET HOUND RESCUE OF GEORGIA