A YEAR IN REVIEW
Some of the key moments in Alpharetta and Roswell over the past year included, clockwise from top:
Fourth and fifth graders from Atlanta Academy celebrate their first-place win in the chocolate-based flavor category during the 20th Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’ fundraiser Aug. 25 at Roswell United Methodist Church.
left,
of Rotarians Against Slavery,
an award
for her work combating human trafficking. McCleary thanked Kemp for her dedication to “service above self.”
Aigauge Jumper performs a traditional dance during an educational program based on the history and culture of Southeastern Native Americans at Riverside Park in Roswell on Oct. 27.
Led by the Mulroy Family and Alpharetta City Council Member John Hipes, residents and their furry friends celebrated the opening of a new dog park located inside Webb Bridge Park on May 5.
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HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
From
Dave McCleary, vice chair
presents Georgia first lady Marty Kemp, right, with
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Roswell Police search for Christmas Eve murder suspect
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Police Department is searching for 49-yearold Roberto Dominguez Soto, wanted in connection with a homicide discovered on Christmas Eve.
A statement from the department says officers responded to Azalea Drive near Atlanta Street around 3:15 p.m. Dec. 24, after a passerby reported discovering a possible deceased person.
Upon arrival, officers said they located an adult female in a ditch near the roadway who was confirmed deceased at the scene.
The statement says further investigation revealed that she had suffered at least one gunshot wound before her body was discarded in the area. The victim has been identified as 47-year-old Blanca Sauer of Sandy Springs.
“This is a heartbreaking situation, especially during the holiday season, and our hearts go out to the family and loved
POLICE BLOTTER
All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
Louis Vuitton purse stolen while unattended at store
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 28-year-old Alpharetta woman reported her purse was stolen Dec. 11.
The woman told officers her Louis Vuitton purse was taken after she’d set it down in a North Point Parkway department store, according to an Alpharetta police report.
The woman said she left her purse for about 10 minutes in the pajama section. When she returned, the purse was missing. The purse contained a red wallet with credit cards, a car key, lip gloss and a phone.
The woman used her wife’s phone to ping hers, which was inside the purse. The
ones of Ms. Sauer,” Police Chief James Conroy said. “We are committed to bringing justice to those affected by this senseless act of targeted violence.”
Detectives have identified Sauer’s boyfriend, Roberto Dominguez Soto, as a suspect and secured arrest warrants for murder.
Soto is described as a 49-year-old Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds.
The Roswell Police Department says its detectives are actively working toward his apprehension in collaboration with state, federal and international authorities.
In addition to his charges in North Fulton County, the Roswell Police Department says Soto is also wanted by Interpol on firearms possession charges.
Law enforcement says Soto should be considered armed and dangerous.
phone pinged to a shoe store nearby.
The couple drove to the store and found the phone in a trash can.
Department store cameras captured no recording of the theft. Neither did cameras at the shoe store.
Officers searched other trash cans and found the woman’s wallet. They were unable to find the car key or lip gloss.
No items were missing from the wallet.
The woman had a second car key and was able to drive home.
The purse was valued at $4,000. The lip gloss was valued at $200.
— Jon Wilcox
Erratic driving behavior tips police to DUI stop
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 35-year-old Johns Creek man was arrested on a driving under the influence charge Dec. 8.
Officers stopped a car about 4 a.m. on Ga. 120 at State Bridge Way after observing it failing to maintain its lane, according to an Alpharetta police report.
Roswell Police are searching for a murder suspect, Roberto Dominguez Soto, after officers discovered the body of a deceased woman Dec. 24.
Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is asked to contact the Roswell Police Department immediately at 770-640-4100.
Anonymous information can be provided through Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www. StopCrimeATL.org.
During the traffic stop, officers observed a Modelo beer bottle on the driver’s side floorboard. They saw the car’s front bumper in the back seat.
The driver said he was coming from an event in Roswell. He said he had placed his bumper in the back seat after it had fallen off.
While speaking with officers, the man’s breath smelled strongly of alcohol, according to the report. His eyes were bloodshot and glassy.
The man declined having anything to drink that night and said the smell of alcohol might be coming from his passenger. The man said he was swerving because he had just broken up with his partner, who was the passenger.
The man declined to perform a breath test. He was arrested on a driving under the influence charge. He also was charged with open container while operating a motor vehicle and failure to maintain lane.
A search of the vehicle found another opened beer bottle in the back seat.
Jon Wilcox
— Hayden Sumlin
ALPHARETTA IN 2024
City bets on housing redevelopment to breathe new life into aging offices
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta made headway in a campaign to reinvigorate the city’s 21 million square feet of office space in 2024.
Once about 90 percent occupied, office vacancy has since increased to about 23 percent.
With one of the highest vacancy rates in the city, about a third of the space at Brookside office park off Old Milton Parkway is unoccupied.
The COVID-19 pandemic and changing attitudes toward work have meant workers now desire to be closer to restaurants, retail and residences.
In November, the City Council approved a residential project they hope will transform the Brookside area and serve as an example for how the Alpharetta’s Class A offices can be modernized.
The project, developed by Providence Group, will bring high density homes to about 10 acres in the Brookside area. City officials hope the project will breathe new life into the area, making the office park more attractive to employers.
In December, council members approved a second residential project in the area on about 20 acres. The project will bring townhomes, commercial spaces, a five-story parking garage and multifamily apartments.
CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED
A proposal submitted to city officials plans to bring residences and commercial space to a Brookside office park in Alpharetta.
Some council members see the projects as the first step in an exciting transformation.
For years, the city has maintained a considerable office inventory.
While Alpharetta makes up less than 2 percent of Metro Atlanta’s population, it has about 10.4 percent of its large offices, Alpharetta Community Development Director Kathi Cook said.
Before 2020, the city was third
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In no particular order, here are the top 10 stories that drew the most interest from readers this year in Alpharetta, according to online traffic:
• Alpharetta announces plans for major park improvements. The Alpharetta City Council voted in January to approve more than $1 million in upgrades and new equipment for three local parks.
• Church acquires Alpharetta office for $14.5 million. Free Chapel Worship Center acquired a 123,000-square foot office building on Mansell Road for $14.5 million in January.
• Alpharetta approves developer’s project to rehabilitate gym at iconic Black school.
• Alpharetta approves revamped plan for Windward Parkway, Ga. 9 area. Alpharetta officials have approved new redevelopment and rehabilitation plans at the site of the Bailey Johnson school, a historic facility that served Black North Fulton students through the 1960s.
• Ga. 9 widening stalls in Alpharetta; work moves to Milton. Alpharetta officials voted to move ahead with a new plan to guide future capital projects and redevelopment aimed at revitalizing the Windward Parkway and Ga. 9 area.
• Alpharetta planners give nod to condo project downtown. Motorists face an additional year of delays on the state’s Ga. 9 widening in Alpharetta.
in the nation for daytime population increase, which Cook attributed to workers arriving for day jobs.
“Alpharetta is a regional employment hub, and we continue to be a leading choice for corporate locations,” she said. “We boast one of the largest concentrations of high-tech firms in a single community.”
City Council members approved projects for more than 400 new residences in 2024. Projects included 57 single-family homes at two Park Walke neighborhoods, 36 condos at 55 Canton St., and 149 single-family homes at Upper Hembree and Harris roads.
In the past three years, the city has steadily increased the number of housing permits issued, according to city data. After issuing 191 in 2022, permits increased in 2023 by about 5.8 percent. In 2024, permits jumped by 31.7 percent to 266.
Alpharetta officials plan to continue to look for opportunities to add housing in 2025. Limited lot availability will mean those opportunities will arise mainly through redevelopment, Cook said.
The city aims to concentrate housing in the North Point area while looking for other opportunities in its ample office parks.
• Alpharetta approves North Point design contract. Alpharetta planners have approved a new condominium and restaurant development downtown, but street congestion from delivery drivers and vendors continues to be a concern.
• Investment firm buys Alpharetta’s Hamilton Hotel after foreclosure. The Alpharetta City Council approved a $200,000 design contract that will prepare the city to redevelop the area surrounding North Point Mall.
• Investment firm buys Alpharetta’s Hamilton Hotel after foreclosure. The Hamilton Hotel, a luxury inn located in the heart of downtown, got new owners following a foreclosure sale that came years after it lost almost 25 percent of its appraised value.
• Comedy club to open in Alpharetta in October. A family-owned comedy club set to open soon in Alpharetta plans to feature national and local talent.
• Alpharetta, Roswell recover from hurricane remnants. Roswell and Alpharetta dodged most of the high winds from Helene.
• Alpharetta approves 6-acre pickleball venue by North Point. The City Council unanimously voted to amend the city’s Delta Credit Union Master Plan to construct the new Pickle and Social.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 stories that drew the most interest from readers this year in Roswell, according to online traffic:
• Roswell begins effort to add safeguards in allowing new massage parlors, spas. In the wake of a police investigation on human trafficking throughout Metro Atlanta, the city sought new requirements for those looking to establish new massage parlors and spas.
• Roswell tops $22 million in unfunded pension obligations. The City of Roswell discussed a new retirement plan provider after staff uncovered that the unfunded liability in its pension plan more than doubled over the past decade.
• Roswell snags Masonic Lodge through eminent domain. In April, the City Council acquired the historic Roswell Masonic Hall building through eminent domain, intending to use the land for its parking deck plan.
• Roswell reaffirms church expansion despite backlash from neighbors. The Roswell City Council upheld a Design Review Board decision in May that would allow St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Hardscrabble Road to expand.
• Roswell adds restaurant district on Crabapple Road. In June, the City Council created a new restaurant district on Crabapple Road, to match the energy of Canton Street.
• Roswell Masons say city underpaid for Alpharetta Street lodge. Former Roswell Mayor Jere Wood at Save Roswell’s History Committee meeting in July updated stakeholders about a court appeal related to Lodge No. 165, which was under the threat of demolition.
• Roswell weighs Masonic Lodge options at contentious council meeting. In July, the Roswell City Council considered its options on whether to destroy, remodel or salvage the historic Masonic Lodge No. 165 building, which it acquired through eminent domain.
• Water tower work off Hembree Road in Roswell draws nearby furor. Repairs to two water towers off Hembree Road caused issues for nearby residents and Fulton County officials.
• Food hall to open on Roswell’s Atlanta Street. Developers announced plans for Roswell Junction, a food hall and entertainment complex at the site of the former Atlanta Street Baptist Church.
• Roswell’s Lavender Festival scheduled for June 1. This year, organizers announced the return of the Lavender Festival, a celebration of all things lavender.
ROSWELL IN 2024
City employs local consultant to map future economic course
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — The top story for Appen Media in Roswell this year is a series mapping the moves of economic development consultant Seer World.
The city hired the Roswell-based firm in April, pinning much of its economic future on the company. Millions of dollars in taxpayer money is at stake in the relationship, and dozens of residents have voiced concerns about it.
The partnership has also led to fiery debate on the dais, particularly between Councilwoman Sarah Beeson and Mayor Kurt Wilson.
Beeson has generally been the only council member to push back on proposed projects with the firm or question the logistics of certain projects. The mayor has regularly dismissed her points as political fodder.
The new host of initiatives included a weeklong trip to the Czech Republic in October, where City Councilwoman Christine Hall, Government and Community Affairs Manger Katrina Singletary and Seer World founder and CEO Peter Sorckoff met with officials to promote economic ties. An open records request placed the cost of the trip at $14,300.
The city’s economic development strategy will have long-term impact, from the construction of a stadium-anchored entertainment district in East Roswell to a “baby Avalon” off Hill Street downtown.
Another major new item this year was the successful campaign to save the historic Masonic Lodge structure on Alpharetta Street from demolition, an option the council considered after it had exercised eminent domain to acquire the property.
Readers followed the story online, as well, with three related stories making it to the top 10 most read this year.
The city’s intent was to integrate the land into its Green Street Activation Plan, which includes the bond-funded parking deck.
But, the campaign’s effort to save the site, spearheaded by former Roswell Mayor Jere Wood, led to a council decision that seeks to transform the pre-Civil War building into an open-air pavilion.
Other major news includes items related to public safety, such as the $5.9 million purchase of the SharpShooters USA facility on Ga. 9 to house the city’s Emergency Operations Center and 911
Center.
The city also closed the purchase of property on Holcomb Bridge Road to house its new Public Safety Headquarters.
Seer World founder Peter Sorckoff leads Roswell officials in a discussion at the City Council retreat in February. The council has authorized Seer World to hire one of its employees to serve as the city’s COO for the next three years, at an annual salary of $340,000.
Looking forward to 2025, the community should keep an eye on Seer World developments as well as new bond projects, funded by the voter-approved referendum in 2022.
Alpharetta makes strides to absorb strong growth A
As 2024 ends, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on our shared accomplishments and look forward to an exciting year ahead. This year, Alpharetta has seen significant growth, as we continue our mission to make our city the best place in Georgia to raise a family and build a business.
Our City Council has continued to prioritize public safety and transportation improvements, expand parks and trails, and support redevelopment initiatives that incorporate mixed-use components into Alpharetta’s older office parks.
The transformation of the Webb Bridge Road corridor stands as one of many examples of how local infrastructure improvements have made a lasting impact on our community. We’re also proud to have opened Waters Road Park, bringing us closer to our goal of ensuring every neighborhood is within a 10-minute walk of a park.
Efforts to bring more homes closer to employment and commercial centers are developing along Haynes Bridge Road through the Lakeview and Gathering projects. These developments are key catalysts in revitalizing the corridor’s million square feet of office space, now connected to City Center and Avalon by the new section of the Alpha Loop. The recent expansion of Morgan Stanley in Alpharetta further highlights our city’s continued appeal as a place where
both people and businesses want to be.
Looking to 2025, we are excited about the future of our city. We look forward to the transformation of the former Harry’s Farmers Market site into a new neighborhood, alongside newly approved homes at Brookside Park. What was once an abandoned market and vacant office buildings will soon be revitalized into vibrant residences, offering families a chance to call Alpharetta home.
The North Point Mall corridor will remain a top priority as we continue to support the mall’s ownership and investment team in their efforts to make North Point the ideal location for a National Hockey League team, should the NHL choose to establish one here.
Construction of the Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is underway, and next year we expect to break ground on the Encore Park Gateway project — a new park connecting commercial centers to the Big Creek Greenway. In partnership with the True North 400 Community Improvement District, this development will enhance Alpharetta’s connectivity and green spaces.
These achievements are made possible thanks to the dedication of Alpharetta’s 450 public employees who support our community.
While much has been accomplished, there’s always more to do. Those of us who call Alpharetta home are truly blessed, and the City of Alpharetta is doing everything in our power to keep it that way. Thank you for your continued support as we work toward this shared vision.
May your blessings continue in 2025.
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JIM GILVIN Mayor of Alpharetta
Roswell strengthens effort to quality of life, preserving history
As we come to the close of 2024, I find myself reflecting on an extraordinary year filled with growth, collaboration and achievement. It’s been my honor to serve as your mayor, and I am grateful for the partnership of our community. Together, we’ve made remarkable strides, and I’d like to take a moment to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished.
Infrastructure and safe streets
At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to improving the quality of life for every Roswell resident. This year, we made significant headway in strengthening our infrastructure and enhancing transportation. New sidewalks and multi-use trails across the city are helping us stay connected in smarter, more sustainable ways. We’ve established a new policy for traffic-calming measures and have made strides in pedestrian safety, installing solar lighting on Scott Road and implementing crosswalk improvements near several schools. We have completed much-needed improvements at King Road and Ga. 92, and we’re gearing up to start
YEAR-END COLUMN
phase I of the catalytic Big Creek Parkway project.
Economic Development
Economic vitality remains a cornerstone of our vision. In 2024, we saw incredible momentum with projects like the Southern Post mixed-use development and Roswell Junction, the city’s new food hall on Atlanta Street. Forthcoming projects, like the Hill Street MixedUse Development, will continue to transform our city, driving economic growth while generating new city revenue streams to help keep property taxes low for residents. Perhaps most exciting this year is our partnership with the United Soccer League to bring professional soccer to our city. The proposed stadium and entertainment district will energize our local economy and further position Roswell as a hub for innovation and opportunity. We also purchased land for the Bond-funded downtown parking deck which will support business development and connectivity for years to come.
Public Safety
Our community’s safety has always been a top priority. This year, we celebrated becoming one of the few cities our size with a fully staffed police department and approved best-in-class pay for our firefighters and 911 operators. We also selected
and purchased the sites of our new E-911 Center and Public Safety Headquarters, made possible by the bond approved by voters in 2022. We are continuing the transition to a full-time fire department and have implemented an innovative 48/96 schedule pilot to enhance the safety, health and effectiveness of our first responders.
In 2024, the city also continued its relentless fight against human trafficking with the approval of ordinances that put new restrictions around licensing and permitting for massage and spa establishments within the city. Through investigations conducted by the Roswell Police Department, the city has made multiple arrests and has rescued more than 50 victims of human trafficking to date.
Parks, recreation and history
Roswell is known for its gorgeous parks, and 2024 saw improvements and enhancements come to several, including bond-funded renovations to the Big Creek Greenway boardwalk and new turf fields at multiple parks throughout the city. We also completed the Ace Sand Phase I project, the first project of the River Parks Master Plan, which will redefine Roswell’s riverscape. We also purchased the former Crabapple Middle School to expand parks programming to our residents.
The City of Roswell celebrates its rich history around every corner. We are committed to preserving our historic assets while also making these unique experiences available to more residents and visitors in the years to come. In 2024, we completed improvements to Historic Town Square Park and Mimosa Hall, which received renovations to enhance the safety, accessibility and versatility of this special events facility. These upgrades are just the beginning. We are envisioning what we are calling Founders Park — an inspired plan to activate our contiguous historic properties (Bulloch Hall, Mimosa Hall and Holly Hill) into a unified destination, offering rental venues, serene gardens, locally curated art, educational programming, historical tours and vibrant cultural events.
None of this progress would have been possible without the residents of Roswell. Your enthusiasm, support and engagement are what fuel our city’s success. I am profoundly grateful for your contributions and for the opportunity to serve such an incredible community.
As we look ahead to 2025, I am filled with optimism. Together, we will continue to build on this momentum and work toward our shared goal of making Roswell the number one family community in America.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year!
Affordable housing deficit needs attention
By
We appreciate the opportunity to highlight our volunteer team’s efforts to address the urgent need for affordable housing in our community. We’re working hard to build a network of advocates prioritizing housing solutions. While this challenge is nationwide, we’ve identified communities successfully implementing proactive strategies. Encouragingly, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce has made affordable housing a legislative priority this year. Although North Fulton’s six cities boast strong leadership focused on economic development, we are not adequately forecasting the workforce housing required to sustain growth. Industries like healthcare, education,
hospitality and emergency services face critical shortages due to insufficient housing stock. The “missing middle”— households earning $50,000 to $80,000 annually — struggle to find affordable options, whether renting or buying. Current zoning restrictions further hinder progress, leaving comprehensive plans for workforce housing unfulfilled.
To prepare for future needs, we must adopt innovative solutions, including property reuse, zoning adjustments, and the addition of Auxiliary Dwelling Units, carriage houses, or multi-generational housing on private land. Faith-based organizations could also play a key role by repurposing land or underutilized parking lots for housing development.
Empty nesters lack downsizing options, and young professionals —
Affordable housing continues to be a serious issue across North Metro Atlanta. Groups like the North Fulton Improvement Network are trying to help, and Appen Media is dedicated to covering the process. Send ideas, questions and feedback to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
our children and recent graduates — cannot afford to return to live here. It’s time to change that.
Thanks to our partner, John Ray, with Business Radio X, you can now access our podcast, “North Fulton Voices,” via our website or your favorite podcast platform. The podcast features experts discussing critical issues such as senior housing, housing for school employees, and workforce challenges
faced by healthcare providers. We also share insights from the Atlanta Regional Commission, Georgia Public Policy Foundation, elected officials and economic developers on potential solutions for North Fulton.
This is not a political issue; it should be a community priority. Addressing housing affordability can ease traffic congestion, strengthen our workforce, and provide homes for the people we need and value in our community.
Kathy Swahn, Nancy Diamond and Jack Murphy are members of North Fulton Improvement Network. Learn more at www.improvenorthfulton.org.
Kathy Swahn, Nancy Diamond and Jack Murphy are members of North Fulton Improvement Net-work. Learn more at www.improvenorthfulton.org.
KATHY SWAHN, NANCY DIAMOND, JACK MURPHY
KURT WILSON Mayor of Roswell
MATTHEW SMITH, co-owner, Marie’s Italian Deli
8 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | January 2, 2025
Italian restaurant creates cult following in Cumming
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Every Sunday after mass, Karen Marie Smith and her family would visit her grandmother’s house.
“She’d have pots and pots of the most amazing food cooking,” Smith said. “I just had these wonderful memories of her kitchen.”
Smith remembers sauce bubbling in big pots, pasta, pigs’ feet, chicken, short ribs, thick Sicilian pizzas, cookies and pastries of all kinds, homemade meatballs and an atmosphere of warmth and joy.
As co-owners of Marie’s Italian Deli, Bakery & Market, Smith and her son Matthew Smith have worked hard to replicate that atmosphere at their Cumming restaurant. They have won the hearts of the community by serving authentic Italian cooking and creating the kind of place where it’s easy to lose a couple of hours with friends.
“It doesn’t feel like a restaurant. It feels like a family,” Matthew said.
Tucked in an unassuming strip mall off Atlanta Highway near Ga. 20, Marie’s Italian Deli has transformed a space once occupied by a Mellow Mushroom. The restaurant’s unexpected success spurred an expansion into an adjacent tax office a few years back.
When you enter the restaurant, activity bustles in a small but lively kitchen. The aroma of roast garlic and simmering marinara permeates the cozy dining area where groups of friends share spirited conversation.
On any given day, Karen and Matthew Smith split their time behind the counter, in the kitchen and among the tables where they “walk in circles,” catching up with regulars and newcomers.
Regulars like Cumming resident Steve Lazzara have become a part of the Marie’s family. During a Wednesday lunch service, he and Karen Smith chatted about Sicily, where they both trace familial roots.
“The food’s excellent, and the service is phenomenal,” Lazzara said.
Since opening about four years ago, Marie’s has created a cult following of both locals and visitors from outside Forsyth County. An air traffic controller from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport regularly makes the drive during his lunch break.
Some customers even come six days a week and might make it seven if the restaurant wasn’t closed on Sundays.
Atmosphere is important, the Smiths said, but Marie’s has laid a foundation on its menu. The most popular items track to southern Italy where Karen Smith’s grandmother grew up until the 1890s.
“I was a twig until we opened this place, and then I blew up like a balloon,” Matthew said, chuckling.
Just like her grandmother did, Marie’s marinara is browned in a skillet and allows the flavors from high quality tomatoes, garlic and onion to mingle.
See DELI, Page 9
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
The dining room at Marie’s Italian Deli bustles with energy on a Wednesday lunch service.
MARIE’S ITALIAN DELI/PROVIDED
A hot meatball sub is one of many menu items that features both a marinara and meatballs inspired by family recipes.
Deli:
Continued from Page 8
“It’s wonderful,” Matthew said. “If you don’t like garlic, you’re not going to like it.”
That sauce is a crucial part of many dishes from hot subs on crispy rolls to calzones stuffed with mozzarella, ricotta, sausage and meatballs.
Many dishes are named after members of Karen Smith’s “ginormous” Italian family. That family is featured in framed black and white photographs around the restaurant.
Like the sauce, the meatballs have been replicated from Karen’s childhood memories of her grandmother’s cooking. Made in-house from parmesan and fresh ingredients, they are seasoned with parsley from a local farmers market and built around softened bread, rather than breadcrumbs.
Marie’s also offers a full breakfast menu that includes quick bites, like a bagel sandwich and more indulgent offerings, like pancakes topped with
blueberry compote and whipped cream.
In a bakery connected to the restaurant, diners often chase meals with lattes, cappuccinos, affogatos and other espresso drinks. Glass cases are filled with cupcakes, cannoli, cakes and other desserts.
A lemon blueberry cake has garnered rave reviews with its delicately flavored icing and a moist, spongy interior.
Despite a varied menu featuring numerous authentic items, the restaurant’s biggest seller is a humble white bean and ham soup.
Made fresh daily, the soup’s buttery white beans are imbued with a rich savoriness from smoked ham bone and a base of carrots, celery and onion.
When Marie’s first opened, the Smiths prepared the soup in a crock pot, but its popularity quickly grew out of the small container.
“It tastes like a warm hug,” Karen said.
Cumming resident Julie Kelleher said she thinks of the soup as a food for her soul.
“It’s just warm. It’s inviting,” she said.
Marie’s Italian Deli offers a full breakfast menu featuring pancakes, eggs, sandwiches, frittata and more.
PHOTOS BY: MARIE’S ITALIAN DELI/PROVIDED
On the bakery side of Marie’s, diners can finish meals with coffee and indulgent desserts like this blueberry and lemon cake.
Milton boys top Etowah to move to 7-1 on season
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga — Milton boys basketball improved to 7-1 with a win over Etowah, 63-58.
Senior point guard Josh Dixon led Milton with 24 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists. He showcased three-level scoring with a tough, heavily contested three, several floaters and multiple makes from the restricted area. Dixon set up his teammates with precision, with three of his assists feeding center Daniel Ogunyemi in the post.
Ogunyemi tallied his third doubledouble of the season with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Etowah’s strong frontcourt in Alex Young and Aiden Weaver were unable to contain his performance on the boards. Lethal on the putback, Ogunyemi turned three offensive rebounds into immediate points for Milton.
The first quarter kicked off yet again with a scoring spurt from Dixon to get the team rolling.
“My role on the team is to score the ball,” he said. “Getting to the rim and getting to my spots are important to get-
ting my team going.”
Milton entered the second quarter up three points, and their lead extended each time the buzzer sounded. With more communication on defense, Milton was able to get a stop in critical moments and transition to offense.
Etowah struggled to get into rhythm in the first half, but they kept the game close and went to the locker room still fighting to take the lead. Milton’s defense was the difference-maker when Ogunyemi forced a miss from Etowah guard Will Myles, a shot that would have given Etowah a two-point advantage.
In the second half Milton began to pull out of reach, achieving a sevenpoint lead during the third quarter. Etowah battled back with some fast break points of their own with a lay-up by senior guard Colton Etter.
The last minutes devolved to exchanging fouls until Milton emerged victorious, 63-58.
Head coach Allen Whitehart reflected on the win and looking ahead to 2025.
“This was our last home game of 2024, and we closed out with a win,” he said. “We’ll take that, now 7-1 against a very well-coached and talented team.”
PHOTOS BY: ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Milton junior guard Nate Earl uses a screen from center Daniel Ogunyemi to get a perimeter shot off at Milton High School Dec. 20. Earl splashed three 3-pointers against Etowah to make for 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
Milton senior point guard Josh Dixon prepares to take a free throw against Etowah at Milton High School Dec. 20. Dixon went off for 24 points, four assists and four rebounds.
Milton senior guard Jaydon Cole dribbles up the court while being defended by Etowah senior Cooper Heller.
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A new era in 55+ living
What’s drawing
Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division
Soleil Belmont Park has quickly become a magnet for active adults seeking an unparalleled lifestyle, and it’s easy to see why. Nestled between Milton and Canton, this luxurious 55+ community by acclaimed Patrick Malloy Communities offers a unique combination of thoughtful design, resortstyle amenities, and a prime location—all tailored to enhance life for today’s active adults.
A lifestyle tailored for active adults. At the heart of Soleil Belmont Park is its 9,800-square-foot clubhouse, designed to be the social and recreational epicenter for residents. From a cozy coffee and cocktail bar to a state-of-theart fitness center, the clubhouse offers everything needed to stay engaged and energized. Creative pursuits flourish
buyers to Soleil Belmont Park?
in the arts and crafts studio, while a catering kitchen and club/card room create spaces for gatherings and connections.
Resort-style amenities that inspire connection. Beyond the clubhouse, the community’s amenities elevate daily life to vacation-like bliss. A resort-style pool provides a serene setting for relaxation, while tennis and pickleball courts keep homeowners active and social. A dog park welcomes four-legged companions, and a community garden offers a creative outlet for green thumbs. Scenic walking trails wind through the community, inviting residents to immerse themselves in nature’s tranquility.
Move-in ready homes on maintenance-free sites. Buyers are captivated by the thoughtfully designed homes and maintenance-free living at Soleil Belmont Park. The model home park showcases five stunning
designs, with a variety of move-inready homes and additional options under construction. Every detail has been considered to ensure comfort and elegance in a home that supports an active, carefree lifestyle. Starting in the $500s and ranging to the $800s, homes at Soleil Belmont Park deliver unmatched value in a community that fosters new friendships, memorable experiences, and a vibrant lifestyle.
An unbeatable location. Convenience is another reason buyers are flocking to Soleil Belmont Park. Situated near Alpharetta, Milton, and Canton, homeowners have quick access to premier shopping, dining, and entertainment options. For healthcare, Northside Hospital-Cherokee is just a short drive away. And whether it’s the vibrant culture of downtown Atlanta or the peaceful beauty of the North Georgia Mountains, you’ll enjoy seamless access to both via nearby interstates.
A developer with a proven track record. Award winning Patrick Malloy Communities’ reputation for excellence further sets Soleil Belmont Park apart. With over 30 years of experience, the company has developed more than 11,000 homesites and sold over 7,000 homes, earning numerous accolades, including multiple Community of the Year awards.
Explore your future at Soleil Belmont Park. Visit SoleilBelmontPark. com or call 770-635-4080 to learn more about available homes and why so many active adults are calling Soleil Belmont Park home. For more options, explore Soleil Summit Chase in Snellville, with homes priced from the $400s to $700s. Visit pmcommunities.com for more details. Patrick Malloy Communities and Soleil are proudly represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division. Equal housing opportunity.
Five polished winter landscaping looks
Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Winter landscaping can pose a challenge. You’re working with colder temperatures, a starker backdrop and increased maintenance due to snow and ice buildup. However, the things that at first glance seem like obstacles are exactly where your opportunity lies to create a refined and inviting landscape. Whether you’re enhancing curb appeal for a home on the market or simply want to enjoy a well-maintained property, polished winter landscaping can make all the difference.
From evergreen elegance to artfully illuminated pathways, these five winter landscaping looks will ensure your outdoor spaces stay sophisticated and on point all season.
1. Evergreen elegance.
Evergreens are a timeless choice for winter landscaping. They retain their foliage, provide consistent structure, are hardy and durable, create visual interest and beautifully capture the spirit of the season. From boxwood and pine to holly and juniper, they are the backbone of cold-weather curb appeal.
2. Seasonal planter displays. Use planters to add a pop of color to your front porch with bright red berries. Layer colors and textures, beginning with a base of deep green and sprinkling your chosen color or colors
throughout. You can also create striking winter displays using hardy plants such as winter pansies, ornamental kale and red twig dogwood. Accent with pinecones, twigs or fairy lights.
3. Pathway lighting perfection.
Decorative lighting adds warmth and increases visibility during shorter days. Use sleek, low-voltage lighting or lanterns to illuminate walkways and driveways. Subtle uplighting highlights landscape features like trees or stonework for added drama.
4. Groundcover refresh.
Fresh mulch and ground cover are essential to a sophisticated winter landscape. Not only do they add texture and visual depth, but they also serve practical purposes by protecting the soil and plant roots from harsh winter conditions.
5. Hardscaping focal points.
Playing up hardscaping elements is key to achieving a sophisticated landscape design that feels both polished and purposeful. Highlight elements such as stone walls, fountains or benches by clearing snow and framing them with evergreen accents. Winter is the perfect time to emphasize these permanent features for added visual appeal.
Sophisticated winter landscaping is about embracing the season’s unique beauty, and these simple, effective strategies ensure your home remains inviting and stylish all winter long. Reach out to Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300 for all your real estate needs. We would be happy to assist you!
Compiled and edited by Angela
Valente, Marketing Copywriter/ Copyeditor
FLICKR
Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad
New year, new name, endless possibilities
Introducing The Dolan Group
Brought to you byLara Dolan, The Dolan Group | Ansley Real Estate | Christie’s International
As we step into 2025, it’s time to embrace fresh starts and new opportunities.
2025 marks an exciting milestone with the announcement of our new brand: The Dolan Group at Ansley Real Estate | Christie’s International. Each New Year offers a sense of possibility and growth; 2025 is no different, and we’re excited about the wealth of opportunities that change brings.
The Dolan Group has a new name and brand for the new year, which makes us wonder: what changes are our friends, neighbors and clients seeking in 2025?
There are the big goals like getting healthier, deepening personal relationships and saving money; and fun, easy goals like planning a trip, spending more time with friends or redecorating a room of your house. Sometimes deciding what you want is the hardest part. Once you identify your objective, having a clear plan to get there is usually essential to achieving it. Admittedly, planning is my weakness (I’m a chaser of squirrels and shiny objects), so I have a coach who keeps me accountable to my business, and it’s been a game changer. Whether it is fitness,
Estate workshops can be essential
Brought to you by - Estates Law Center USA
business, finances or real estate, a trusted coach can help you take your goals to the next level.
Perhaps you’ve been thinking about homeownership, moving, or investing in real estate. Is changing where you live on your list of 2025 aspirations? Setting a goal to buy or sell a home doesn’t mean you have to figure it out overnight, or all by yourself. The process takes careful planning, and having a knowledgeable partner at your side makes all the difference.
Knowing what boxes you need to check in terms of preparation— from understanding your finances to understanding the communities that will be right for you - is crucial to your success. If you have a property to sell, it really is never too early to start preparing by decluttering, making repairs, and organizing. If you are looking to purchase, getting out there early with a Realtor to learn what the market has to offer in your price point and area will ensure you feel confident when you decide to make that offer.
Our team has helped countless people navigate upsizing, building, downsizing, investing, you name it. Our mission is to make the process of buying or selling real estate as smooth and stress-free as possible. With expert knowledge of the local market and a passion for helping people find their perfect fit, we’re always ready to help you achieve your real estate goals. We want to hear about your aspirations for 2025 and wish you and yours a very happy, healthy, New Year.
As an estate planning attorney, I often stress the importance of being proactive with your estate plan. One of the best ways to get informed and start on the right track is by attending an estate planning workshop. Here’s why these workshops are so valuable: Simplified Learning: Estate planning can be complex, but workshops break down the legal jargon into understandable terms, making concepts like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney much clearer. Personalized Advice: Many workshops offer interactive Q&A sessions where you can get answers tailored to your specific situation, ensuring your estate plan fits your unique needs. Identify Gaps: Even if you have a plan, workshops help identify any gaps or outdated provisions, keeping your plan current and effective. Explore Strategies: Learn about various tools
and strategies to optimize your estate plan, from minimizing taxes to avoiding probate. Peace of Mind: Attending a workshop provides reassurance that you’ve taken important steps to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. If you haven’t yet attended an estate planning workshop, consider it an essential step in securing your future. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance—I’m here to help! Our live workshop will be held at 1100 Cambridge Square Ste B, Alpharetta, GA 30009
• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?
• Medicaid. What’s true and what’s not?
• How do I protect my assets for my family and legacy?
• How do I remain in control?
• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?
• How can my family avoid probate?
Jan 15
12 pm (Lunch and Learn)
DOLAN
PEXELS
Review and update your insurance policy
Brought
to you by
- Allison Kloster, Associate Broker, Home Real Estate
Happy New Year!! Wow – it’s hard to believe that 2025 is here. We get asked a lot of questions over the holidays and this year, the big discussion we had was centered around home insurance and content insurance.
We highly encourage everyone to review and update your insurance policy now, especially since housing values and the cost of contents have increased tremendously over the last 5 years.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that you’re properly covered and avoid any gaps in protection due to rising home values and costs.
1. Reevaluate your home’s value (Dwelling Coverage)
• Home value vs. Market value: Home insurance generally covers the replacement cost of your home (the cost to rebuild it) rather than its market value (how much you could sell it for). You will likely find that your current dwelling coverage is insufficient to rebuild your home after a loss.
• Rebuild costs: Consider changes in construction costs, labor rates, and material prices. If your home was built several years ago, it might cost more today to rebuild it than when you initially purchased the policy.
• Cost of renovations: If you’ve made improvements, additions, or renovations to your home (e.g., adding a room or upgrading the kitchen), you’ll need to update your coverage to reflect the increased value.
2. Update your Contents Coverage
• Inflation and rising prices: With inflation driving up the cost of everyday items like electronics, furniture, appliances, and clothing, the total value of your possessions may be higher than it was when you first purchased your policy.
• Inventory and documentation: Take the time to make a detailed inventory of your belongings. Document the value of high-ticket items with receipts or photos. Some home insurance policies will only cover the replacement cost, while others may offer actual cash value (which factors in depreciation). Make sure you understand which one you have and consider upgrading to a policy that offers replacement cost if you’re not already covered. Using video is also very helpful and offers more detail in items. Note serial numbers where applicable.
• Specialized items: If you own high-value items such as jewelry, artwork, musical instruments, or collectibles, these might require scheduled personal property coverage (also known as a floater). A floater policy provides more protection than the typical contents coverage, including worldwide coverage for loss, theft, or damage.
3. Inflation guard/Extended replacement cost
• Inflation guard: This is a feature that many insurance providers offer, where they automatically adjust your policy’s limits each year to keep up with inflation. It’s particularly important if the cost to rebuild homes in your area is climbing faster than average inflation rates.
• Extended replacement cost: If your home’s replacement value is higher than the initial estimate (due to rising material costs), extended replacement cost coverage may provide extra coverage—often up to 20%
to 25% beyond the policy limit. This can be invaluable if you don’t want to find yourself paying out-of-pocket for the difference between the policy payout and actual rebuild costs.
4. Consider additional coverage for special items –some of these are more applicable to areas outside Atlanta
• Scheduled property: For items like fine jewelry, collectibles, high-end electronics, or rare antiques, consider a scheduled personal property endorsement. This provides specific coverage for individual high-value items, and often offers fewer exclusions or limits than your standard contents coverage.
• Flood insurance: Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage. If you’re in a flood-prone area, especially as sea levels rise or with increasing storm severity, you should consider purchasing separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
• Earthquake insurance: Similarly, earthquake coverage is often excluded from standard homeowners’ policies. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, consider adding this coverage.
• Umbrella insurance: If your personal assets have increased, an umbrella insurance policy can provide additional liability protection above and beyond the limits of your homeowners’ or auto insurance.
5. Review Liability Protection
• Personal liability coverage: This covers legal and medical expenses if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. With rising property values, it’s important to assess whether your liability coverage is enough to cover potential lawsuits or claims.
• Dog liability: If you have a dog, some policies may include exclusions for certain breeds. If your dog is considered a higher-risk breed, make sure your policy includes adequate liability coverage.
• Guests and social media: Liability insurance may also extend to incidents involving guests or activities you share online. If someone is injured at a gathering or as a result of your actions posted on social media, the liability insurance could protect you.
6. Compare quotes and shop around
• Changes in premiums: Even if your home value increases, your premiums might not automatically increase in line with those changes unless you update your policy. It’s always a good idea to shop around to see if you can find better coverage or more competitive rates. If premiums have risen due to inflation or changes in the housing market, you might find insurers that offer better deals by reviewing their current offers.
• Multi-policy discounts: Many insurers offer discounts if you bundle multiple policies together (such as home, auto, and life insurance). If you’re not already bundling, ask your insurer for a quote to see if that could save you money.
• Loyalty discounts vs. competitive shopping: While some people stick with the same insurer due to loyalty, rates can vary significantly between companies. Make sure you’re not paying more than necessary for your coverage.
7. Consider optional endorsements
• Home-based business coverage: If you operate a business from home, your homeowners’ insurance policy might not cover business-related equipment or liability. Consider adding an endorsement for business property, equipment, and liability.
• Home inventory service: Some insurance companies offer home inventory apps or services that make it easier to track and value your belongings. These can be invaluable when filing a claim, especially if you’ve accumulated more items than you realize over the years.
8. Natural disasters and catastrophic events – if you own property in areas where these occurrences are common
• Hurricane/storm coverage: In areas that are prone to hurricanes or major storms, ensure that your policy covers damage from wind, hail, and rain. Even if you live in a non-coastal area, the increased frequency of extreme weather events can still affect your property.
• Wildfire protection: If you live in an area prone to wildfires, ensure that your policy covers damage from fire and smoke. Also, check if you have coverage for any necessary evacuation expenses or loss of use if you can’t live in your home after a disaster.
9. Periodic policy review
• Annual review: It’s essential to review your insurance coverage regularly—at least annually or when major life events occur, such as renovations, purchases of valuable items, or changes in your financial situation. This ensures your coverage remains adequate as your needs evolve.
By regularly updating your homeowners’ insurance and ensuring it reflects the current value of your home and personal belongings, you can avoid being underinsured in case of a disaster. It’s always better to be proactive rather than finding out after the fact that your coverage isn’t enough to fully protect you.
HOME Real Estate – Offering the luxury experience at every price point.
For more information, reach out to Allison Kloster. Allison@HOMEgeorgia.com 404-784-5287
PEXELS
My favorite reads of 2024
Once again, I’m emulating Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and a host of others by providing a list of my favorite books of the year. And once again, these are the favorite books I “read,” not necessarily those published in 2024. They’re in no particular order except for the three at the top of the list. They are very different books, but all stayed with me for days after I finished them.
“The Comfort of Ghosts” by Jacqueline
Winspear
This is the eighteenth and final book in the Maisie Dobbs series. Winspear says she always knew the series would end with World War II, and she has done a masterful job of capturing what the two world wars did to England and her beloved characters. She brings alive not only the physical devastation, but also the loss of two generations of young men and the lasting emotional trauma it leaves on those who survived. In this final book, she brings us a more vulnerable Maisie, one who is still helping and protecting others, but who is also reflecting on her life. It may well be the best in the series, but I do recommend you start with the very first one, “Maisie Dobbs.”
“The Seven Year Slip” by Ashley Poston
This book was not only named a New York Public Library Best Book of 2023, but also a most anticipated book by “Entertainment Weekly,” “Harper’s Bazaar,” and “Real Simple” magazines. Could it possibly be that good? Trust me. It is.
It’s a story of grief, of love, of loss, and friendship. Clementine is dealing with the death of her beloved aunt, the charming adventurer who took her on trips to faraway lands and enriched her life in so many ways.
It’s also a romance with a bit of fantasy thrown in. It’s whimsical yet serious and portrays Clementine’s grief in a way that makes you feel it.
“The Bright Sword” by Lev Grossman
I am a huge King Arthur fan and when I saw a review of this book, I had to get it. Warning: This is not your typical King Arthur story. It is set wholly in Arthur’s time but has a modern tone.
If profanity bothers you, you’ll want to avoid this book. If the conflict between the pagan world and Christianity will upset you, this is not the book for you. Those fairies don’t mince their words.
This description from a Forbes review captures what you’ll encounter in this tale featuring lesser knights of the Round Table. It “… broaches issues that are decidedly more contemporary: abandonment and abuse, sexual and gender identity, even immigration, all in ways that feel natural and organic rather than preachy or pedantic.” And the humor in it is also delightful.
“Locked in Pursuit” by Ashley Weaver
Set in England during World War II, this
mystery has a strong female protagonist. Ellie is a safecracker, roped into working for Major Ramsey to thwart the Nazis at every turn. Of course, both she and the major are good looking and single, but their backgrounds couldn’t be more different. He’s a nobleman. She’s carrying on the family tradition of thievery.
In this fourth installment, they discover an odd rash of burglaries in London, and soon figure out that the crimes have their origin in Lisbon. Spies are in search of something more important than jewels. If the description appeals to you, I suggest you start with the first in the Electra McDonnell series, “A Peculiar Combination.”
“The Busy Body” by Kemper Donovan
What fun! Two smart women on the trail of a killer. One a ghostwriter who pens memoirs and autobiographies for celebrities and politicians, the other a losing candidate in a recent presidential election. One who is accustomed to being front and center, the other a woman who makes a living being invisible.
You’re bound to note the similarities to Hilary Clinton in former Senator Dorothy Gibson, who has sequestered herself in her Maine home to lick her wounds. The major difference? As far as we know, Hilary Clinton never solved a murder mystery.
“Everyone on This Train is a Suspect” by Benjamin Stevenson
I don’t know how I missed this author’s first book with Ernest Cunningham as the main character, but I did. Both are written in first person and the main character, Ernest or Ern or Ernie, is a writer.
He is living the murder mystery. The Ghan, a train through the Australian desert, is hosting the Australian Mystery Writers’ Society, and Ern is invited as a guest speaker. After all, he wrote the wildly popular “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone.” (Yes, this is really a published book.)
Naturally, a murder on a train smacks of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” and for my money, it’s every bit as complex and twisty as that Golden Age mystery. The difference is that it’s also quite funny. I finally recently got around to reading Stevenson’s first book—“Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone”— and it too is highly entertaining.
There you have it, five books I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. Did I read many, many more in 2024? Of course. I average two-three books a week. Did I occasionally start a book I couldn’t finish? Yes. That seems to happen more frequently these days. In the words of Frank Zappa, “So many books, so little time.”
Happy reading!
Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her Dickens & Christie cozy mysteries on Amazon or locally at The Enchanted Forest, Bookmiser, and Johns Creek Books. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ KathyManosPennAuthor/.
I Want It All and I Want It Now…
D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist dcaiken.com
My motivation for this week’s article is Queen’s 1989 hit “I Want It All”. While housing continues to slow, home prices are beginning to slide lower; unemployment is on the rise, but the American Consumer continues to spend money that in most cases…they don’t have and at record levels. Credit card debt has now risen to over $1.17 trillion (a new record) while paying at an average interest rate of 23.37%, student loan and auto debt are now over $3 trillion which is also a new record. Couple this with a national deficit which is now at record highs, and you can now see why mortgage rates are not moving down as quickly as many had projected. Fortunately, this trend cannot continue. The day is coming when folks will eventually “cap out” their availability to credit. Part of the slowdown in housing can be attributed to this record spending by what were potential homebuyers who now don’t qualify. The Fed cutting rates only places a bandage on the bigger issue. Yes, it does lower interest payments on the “unsecured” debt but most likely only delays the inevitable of the total debt never being paid back.
The ”I Want It All, I Want It Now” mindset needs to change and change soon. The credit card spending is simply buoying an economy that is not as strong as what some stats may show. If credit card purchases continue, prices will not come down as demand continues to be relatively stronger than what it would be if it were not for unsecured lines of credit/credit cards. The slowdown in the economy would be certainly more identifiable. We would start to see overall mortgage rates begin to fall back below the 6% mark and maybe even further as the economy would show signs of slowing and mortgage rates would begin to fall back. However, at record level debt, both from the consumer and the US Government, falling mortgage rates may take longer than what was previously projected.
It seems the US Government and the American Consumer are reading the same book. Spending money they don’t have which in the long run will mostly likely not have a happy ending.
D.C. Aiken is vice president, producing production manager for BankSouth Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com.
The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of BankSouth Mortgage or its affiliates.
KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist
Goodbye 2024; Now a few asks for coming year
The late great player and broadcaster Frank Gifford once compared life in the National Football League to nuclear war, saying: “There are no winners or losers. Just survivors.”
My thoughts exactly when it comes to 2024.
I’m still here, blessed to be on this side of the grass. I cover my eyes with dread when reading the obituaries, grateful that my name has avoided that publicity for now.
Like a guest that has stayed too long, I’m not quite ready to leave. There are simply too many superb subjects I can write about Hearing about ex-classmates and ex-colleagues who are struggling with keeping a firm grasp on their mental faculties, is a stern reminder to bow my head in thanks. Like an old priest used to remind me: “Michael, it’s always better to be needy and not greedy.”
It didn’t mean much then, but these days, I am grateful for every day, every holiday. It was sobering to think that this might be my last trip around the sun. I contemplated it in silence as the family exchanged Christmas gifts. I didn’t mention those thoughts to anyone, but like an itch that longed to be scratched, it was there in my mind, and it was seemingly futile to tell those thoughts to “Go away.”
No matter how I tried, those thoughts stayed for dinner.
Like I’ve been told by everyone: “You gotta live your life.” I want to be like George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Just give me another chance to do right. One more column. One more birthday. One more ride on the Black Beauty with Jerry Nix. An occasional loaded cheeseburger (no onions, please). One more visit with son, Chris when he’s here from New York. More rides with Greg listening to College Football Radio.
More times to tell Vicki how much I appreciate her putting up with my nuttiness and fiascos for these going on 45 years.
If it’s not too much to ask, I’d like to see Lynyrd Skynyrd one more time, not caring if they play no new songs.
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MIKE TASOS Columnist
Dental training at Lawson General Hospital during World War II
During World War II, more people with medical and dental training were needed, which led to the U.S. setting up Medical Department Technicians schools across the country. One MDTS was at Lawson General Hospital in Chamblee.
MDTS began at Lawson General in 1942 and continued into 1945. MDTS started out with 50 people being trained as laboratory technicians, 50 in dental training, 125 in medical training, 125 in surgical training and 50 in X-ray training. By 1943, there were 106 dental trainees at Lawson. (achh.army. mil)
Glenn H. Curtis began his training November 1942 at the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command in St. Petersburg, Florida. From there, he was sent to Lawson General Hospital for dental training in December 1942.
Curtis was born Jan. 28,1920, and was 21 years old when he completed his World War II registration card. He was employed as a driver for Hanna Market in Rochester, New York. His brother Robert registered on the same day and was sent to France.
Curtis did not share much with his family about his time at Lawson General Hospital. He did say he enjoyed his time training in Georgia, and he knew and sang the Georgia Tech fight song.
Maybe that was because the Lawson General sports teams sometimes played against or at Georgia Tech.
Curtis’ childhood friend, Loren Brown, was also in the MDTS program at Lawson. Brown’s fiancé Lois Howell and Curtis’ girlfriend and later wife,
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL PLANNING RETREAT
The Mayor and City Council of the City of Alpharetta plan to attend a strategic planning retreat where a quorum of the members will be present. The purpose of the retreat is to discuss the goals, initiatives, and direction for the City of Alpharetta.
The retreat will take place at Barnsley Resort, which is located at 597 Barnsley Gardens Road NW, Adairsville, Georgia 30103. The first session of the Planning Retreat will begin on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Saylor Hall meeting room, and the second session of the Planning Retreat will begin on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. in the Town Hall meeting room.
The agenda and minutes for the upcoming 2025 City Council Planning Retreat will be posted to the City of Alpharetta’s online Meeting Manager Portal at www. alpharetta.ga.us.
Mildred, plus Curtis’ sister Joyce Curtis visited the two men in Chamblee. They stayed in a cottage at W.O. Pierce Dairy in Chamblee. Visitors to patients and staff of Lawson General Hospital and trainees of MDTS usually stayed in nearby homes.
While Mildred was visiting, she and Glenn Curtis became engaged. They went to a jeweler on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta to buy her ring.
From Lawson, Curtis was sent to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., where he was part of the 25th Training Group, Squad C. Baseball teams were common at bases across the U.S., and Curtis was injured playing baseball. Curtis is documented as being at O’Reilly Hospital in Springfield, Mo., during the last part of 1943 and his son believes this may have been a result of the injury.
Once recovered, Curtis returned to Jefferson Barracks. His next assignment was in the 18th Replacement Wing in Salt Lake City, Utah, in February 1944. Then, he was sent to Walker Army Air Force Base in Victoria, Kansas. He also
worked at Press Steel Car Company in Pennsylvania, a rail car manufacturing company that produced tanks during the war.
Curtis’ service continued at Sheppard Field in Texas from July to September 1945 as part of the 3706 Army Air Force Squad H and until February 1946 as part of the 1060 Army Air Force Squad E.
The dental training he received would eventually be used for the difficult job of identifying victims in aircraft training crashes in the U.S.
After the war, Curtis opened an Amoco gasoline station near his home in Rochester. He later worked for the post office, retiring after 17 years. He also ran an antique store with his wife.
I am grateful to Glenn Curtis’ son, Gary Curtis, for sharing this history, memories and photos.
Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist
GLENN CURTIS
GARY CURTIS/PROVIDED
Lois Howell, facing camera, and Mildred Curtis at the cottage they stayed in at Pierce Dairy Farm.
Asks:
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I’d welcome a straight flush and “trips” when I sit down at a Three-Card Poker table.
Admittedly, I was dead wrong about Notre Dame this year after the Irish’s mystifying loss to Northern Illinois back in September. Like the bastion of medical knowledge possessed by a rural Oklahoma described my stepdad’s chances of getting out of the hospital. In that lilting India way of speaking: “He’s not going anywhere. I believe his goose is cooked.”
I was not alone in thinking cooked goose was on the menu in South Bend.
I guess it’s not greedy to light a few candles for Notre Dame. Maybe better to pray they don’t (or didn’t, depending on when you read this) batter and filet my Irish.
A PET scan at Northside Hospital looms and I’d like it to show the cancer has fumbled and is taking a knee. But something tells me, the results will show that the battle continues. Just a feeling that gnaws at me from the deep recesses of my mind.
Regardless, every phone call from brother Matt and nephew Blake is a treat. Blake’s dad was my late baby brother Marty and Blake saying: “My Dad really loved you” resulted in a king-sized lump in my throat.
I’m down to five toes and one kidney. But more importantly, I have support from prayer warriors who are with me in this fight. Be it on Facebook, at church, via text or in emails, it’s gratifying to know that my fight is their fight too.
PET scan and cancer be damned.
I’m still in this fight!
Mike Tasos has lived in Forsyth County for more than 30 years. He’s an American by birth and considers himself a Southerner by the grace of God. He can be reached at miketasos55@gmail.com.
DEATH NOTICES Solution
James Cook, 76, of Roswell, passed away on December 19, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Daniel Feruck, 88, of Alpharetta, passed away on December 19, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
CITY OF ALPHARETTA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The following item will be considered by the City Council on Monday, January 27, 2025 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
a. E-25-01 Angela Krause Sign Exception
Consideration of an exception to allow an additional wall sign and increase the size of the wall sign. The property is located at 1565 Mansell Road and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 560, 561, 589 & 590, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
Joseph Fiore, 71, of Roswell, passed away on December 12, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Terry Mathis, 81, of Alpharetta, passed away on December 19, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Lester Wooten, 92, of Roswell, passed away on December 16, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
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Thank you, Atlanta, for
Rony Ghelerter