Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - February 9, 2023

Senate committee to examine funding for public education

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — The formula for funding public schools in Georgia dates back to 1985 when the Legislature passed Quality Based Education. It was considered landmark legislation at a time when schools were funded primarily by local taxes.

Taking the polar plunge

Roswell pushes plan to run own election

Officials, residents worry about planning timeframe

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell City Council has unanimously agreed to push forward on plans to have the city conduct its own municipal elections.

At a special called meeting Jan. 30, the council drew from discussions raised at a Jan. 23 work session and Jan. 24 committee meeting to avoid increasing election costs from Fulton County, which has run municipal elections for years. In 2019 and 2021,

Fulton County charged cities $2.96 per registered voter to manage their elections. In December 2022, the county proposed a new fee, $11.48 per voter.

The Fulton County Board of Registrations and Elections pushed back against the price hike and negotiated the county charge down to $9.38 per registered voter for this fall’s elections.

The number was still too high for Roswell officials.

On Feb. 1, Fulton County commissioners passed a resolution that may drop the charge to cities more by budgeting the same amount of money for elections as it did in 2021, $5.2 million. The new number complicates the city’s move to run their own

polling.

With the updated cost, the city will likely pay more than it did in 2021, but the cost will be significantly less than Fulton County’s original proposal.

Roswell is one of several North Fulton County cities pushing to split from the county-run arrangement.

Milton set things in motion in December when its City Council voted to bring municipal elections in-house. Milton officials said the move would save the city close to $90,000 for the fall 2023 municipal election.

Alpharetta and Johns Creek followed Milton’s lead, with recent meetings to delib-

See PLAN, Page 14

QBE determines the cost to educate a full-time, public school student. It uses that figure to calculate how much a district “earns” each year in state funding.

With nearly $11 billion of state revenue budgeted for public schools this year through QBE, getting the formula fully funded and fair is important.

“It’s a plurality of the state budget,” said Stephen Owens, education director at the Georgia Policy and Budget Institute. “But it’s in the [Georgia] constitution as a primary obligation to provide an adequate public education free of charge.”

In developing the “per pupil” cost each year, QBE considers a variety of factors including grade level, teacher staffing and experience, class size, special services, like special education or gifted classes, student-teacher ratio and other direct and indirect costs of education.

While QBE determines how much a school earns in state funding each year, the state’s economy and budget determine how much the school systems actually receive. Since 1985, the QBE has rarely been fully funded,

See FUNDING, Page 14

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Jumpers smile before the Alpharetta Rotary Club’s Polar Bear Plunge at the Wills Park Pool Feb. 4. Many jumpers wore costumes when they dove into the 47-degree water. Read story, Page 4.

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Police arrest Florida man in alleged home invasion

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta Police arrested a man in a suspected home invasion with shots fired at Sommerset Lane on Feb. 2. Police confirmed no one died on the scene, but they would not release information as to whether the home’s resident was injured.

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.

Wallet thefts reported at Alpharetta restaurant

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police were called to Rumi’s Kitchen in Alpharetta Jan. 14, after it was reported that thieves had stolen several wallets from restaurant patrons.

Officers were notified that a woman’s wallet had been stolen between 10:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. at either Rumi’s Kitchen on Avalon Boulevard or at a nearby business. However, while taking the report, officers learned that two other people had belongings stolen while eating at Rumi’s Kitchen.

All three victims reported their wallets, ID cards and credit cards had been stolen, and their credit cards were used immediately at a Lowes on Mansell Road in Alpharetta. While investigating, officers were able to view video evidence of the thefts and identified a male and female suspect, who could be seen on camera taken belongings out of a woman’s bag.

At the time of the report, the

Officers received several calls around 10 p.m. about a home invasion in progress in which a man entered a residence and began firing rounds. As police arrived on the scene, they saw a man exit the front door of a residence with a shotgun in his hand.

The police told the man to drop his weapon and get on the ground. The man dropped his weapon, but said “I’m not

suspects had not been identified.

Thieves burglarize vehicle repair facility

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police responded to a burglary report at AAA Mansell Car Care Plus on Mansell Road Jan. 13. Reports said thieves entered the facility through its front window, which was smashed-in with a rock, and several vehicles had been entered using keys kept in the facility.

Thieves allegedly attempted to steal several of the vehicles but were unsuccessful, the report said. Officers have not determined what, if anything, was stolen from the vehicles.

Security cameras captured footage of the burglary, but at the time of the report officers had not identified any suspects.

Customer pays for pizza with counterfeit money

ROSWELL, Ga. — Employees at the Pizza Hut on Holcomb Bridge Road reported fraud to the police after someone paid a delivery driver with prop money on Feb. 1.

Officers identified the $80 cash as “motion picture prop money,” which was used to pay for a $73 pizza delivery bill and tip. The delivery driver said he was given the apartment com -

getting on the ground, I have a pistol.” When he reached into his pocket, officers grabbed the man and forced him down.

The man was taken in for questioning and later charged with home invasion, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony and two counts of felony obstruction. The arrest report lists him as a Port Saint Lucie, Florida, resident.

plex address but not the apartment number. He also did not have the names of the three people who took the pizza.

The phone number used to order the pizza had no identifying information, and police could not track it to an individual. Officers said it could be a burner phone.

The Pizza Hut store manager said she wants to press charges. The case remains active.

Employee tackles man who snatched iPhone

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police responded to a theft at the Metro PCS store on Holcomb Bridge Road Jan. 30 after an employee said a young man tried to snatch an iPhone off the counter.

The suspect entered the store and asked about the new iPhone 14 Plus. When the employee brought the phone to the counter, he asked the suspect for his name and address. The young man provided what turned out to be a phony address.

While the employee was looking away, the suspect grabbed the phone and ran for the door. The employee ran after the young man and tripped him outside of the store. He grabbed the phone from the suspect, who hopped into a black Jeep that sped away.

AAPPEN PRESSCLU B

Polar Bear Plunge raises nearly $118,000

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The temperature in Alpharetta was 34 degrees the morning of Feb. 4, but that didn’t stop 29 teams from taking the plunge at Wills Park Pool.

Saturday was the fifth annual Polar Bear Plunge, a fundraising event hosted by the Alpharetta Rotary Club. Individuals and teams dove into the 47-degree water by donating to one of the participating organizations or causes.

Participating teams included Stand Up for Kids, the Alpharetta Rotary Foundation, Lionheart Life Center, Meals by Grace and the Alpharetta High School football program.

Event founder Casey Robinson said this year’s plunge raised more than any year before, with over $117,000 donated. Robinson also said the turnout was higher than usual, with at least 100 spectators cheering on jumpers.

Participants had to choose to dive straight in, or they could use one of the diving boards. Individuals could donate money to the event with a pledge of $50. Options for team fundraising started at a $1,000 goal.

Teams that earned $10,000 received 95 percent of the proceeds directly. The Alpharetta Rotary Foundation, Lionheart Life Center, Vision Warriors and The Plungers to End Human Trafficking raised over $10,000.

Typically, jumpers wear fun costumes. This year the pink rabbit costume returned. Others were dressed as a polar bear, a flamingo, a penguin and Aquaman.

Jackie Perkins, who wore a purple jumpsuit and matching tutu, dove twice for Stand Up for Kids. Perkins is the coordinator for mentor programs,

and she said she runs programs at five schools in Gwinnett and North and South Fulton counties.

“It’s a great cause for everybody to donate to charity,” Perkins said. “All the money that they raised is amazing.”

Perkins said her organization is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Stand Up for Kids provides training and counseling for youths experiencing homelessness or are at-risk. Perkins’ team was among the top 10 earners, with $4,400 raised for the event.

“It’s just been an amazing experience to see, like, being proactive and trying to get them on the right path with education and stuff like that,” Perkins said.

Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin has jumped for the past five years. This time he participated for the Brewable

Café, a North Fulton County grassroots organization that helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities find employment and achieve success in the workforce.

Gilvin was joined by City Councilman John Hipes, who jumped for the first time on behalf of the Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra.

The orchestra raised over $4,800 for the plunge, and Hipes had raised nearly $1,400 as an individual jumper.

Hipes said he was proud to be a part of the orchestra and Rotary Club, and there was a lot of community turnout.

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

The Plungers to End Human Trafficking dive into the Wills Park Pool Feb. 4 at the Alpharetta Rotary Club’s Polar Bear Plunge. The team raised over $10,000.

Fulton County revises municipal election charges

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Fulton County has revised its estimated charge to cities for operating municipal elections this fall, complicating a move by some cities to consider running their own polling.

In a split vote, the County Commission passed a resolution Feb. 1 to budget the same amount of money for municipal elections as it did in 2021, $5.2 million, plus an extra 10 percent for contingencies.

To ensure the county is not subsidizing cities the costs for running the election, the resolution calls for charging them a percentage of the total estimated cost the county anticipates spending to manage the November polling. The new formula, adopted by the County Commission in a split vote, replaces the old system used in 2019 and 2021 in which cities were charged a fixed rate of $2.96 per registered voter.

It means that while the cities will likely pay more than they did in 2021 for county-operated elections, they won’t pay as much as county election officials had proposed earlier this year.

The $5.2 million budget cap, proposed by Commissioner Bob Ellis, received pushback from other commissioners and County Manager Dick Anderson, who noted rising inflation over the past couple years.

But Ellis’ proposal was based on the grounds of a “good faith effort” to present cities a more accurate cost, “as opposed to something new, which

appears to be, for lack of a better term, a little bit of a, ‘Go away, go do it yourself.’”

The Fulton County Board of Registrations and Elections recently encouraged cities to conduct their own municipal elections. The board estimated the charge the county would impose for running the polling would be more than triple its bill for running the 2021 elections.

The preference for a percentagebased cost system stems from the 2021 elections cycle, when Fulton County went in the hole $2.77 million by subsidizing city elections because of a county-wide referendum on the ballot.

It cost the county $6.39 per registered voter to run the 2021 election. The cities paid $2.96 per registered voter, leaving the county to pay the difference.

With the newly adopted resolution, cities that choose to stick with the county will pay a percentage of each year’s election budget and use the number of registered voters to calculate cost.

This year, cities face a price based on $5.2 million the county has budgeted for general municipal elections, plus the 10 percent contingency.

The cost per registered voter the county wants to charge cities has fluctuated in recent months. In December, Fulton County estimated $11.48. And in January, the cost was lowered to $9.38. Interim Elections Director Nadine Williams said the department will continue to evaluate

processes for more cost reduction.

Because the county does not profit from municipal elections, any excess charged to cities would be refunded, Ellis said.

New considerations

Following the lead of Milton, which decided to break away from Fulton County election control in December, other North Fulton cities have begun to forge their own path to self-administer elections in recent weeks.

In December, the Milton City Council elected to move forward with selfoperated elections after its elections committee, tasked with studying the feasibility of the project, estimated tens of thousands of dollars in savings. The same committee recommended exclusively using paper ballots, different from the state-regulated voting machines Fulton County is required to use.

While Johns Creek and Roswell have yet to take official action, the Alpharetta City Council approved a city elections superintendent at its Jan. 23 meeting in anticipation of setting up its own municipal election apparatus.

An intergovernmental agreement, drafted over the past couple of weeks, would set up a regional elections superintendent to oversee municipal elections in several North Fulton County cities, including Milton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek and Mountain Park. It outlines that the cost for the elections superintendent would be split among the cities and paid to Milton.

However, it does not impose details of how elections will be conducted, leaving each city to adopt its own process.

With the Feb. 1 County Commission vote, the cities will need to calculate their own expenses to determine whether local control is worth pursuing.

One city official, who has been following the topic closely, did her own estimate based on the county’s latest proposal. Using the 8 percent allocated to its city, Johns Creek Councilwoman Erin Elwood said election cost would be around $414,000. Cost per registered voter would be around $6.78, excluding the 10 percent overage that was approved.

County Commissioner Dana Barrett said municipalities should be aware that Fulton County is required to run municipal elections when there’s a county-wide referendum on the ballot.

“They may do it, doing all that planning, and taking on all of that cost to only use their own process once every four, six, eight years,” Barret said. “You never know, depending on referendums.”

Originally given a March 1 deadline, the cities now have until March 31 to either sign on with the county or go it on their own.

► PAGE 16

Former Alpharetta city administrator receives Pioneer Award

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Former Alpharetta City Administrator Bob Regus has been honored by the Greater North Fulton County Chamber of Commerce for his contributions to the city.

Regus received the chamber’s Pioneer Award, presented to individuals who set a precedent for innovation, partnership and community leadership.

Regus served as city administrator for more than 20 years. During his career in Alpharetta, Regus oversaw the development of City Center, Avalon, the Innovation Center and the Big Creek Greenway.

Prior to his role as city administrator, Regus was Fulton County Manager for two decades.

Regus retired in June 2022, and he was officially succeeded by Chris

Lagerbloom Aug. 8 later that year.

“Under Regus’ leadership, Alpharetta grew and evolved from a small bedroom community to a thriving city that is nationally recognized as one of the best cities to live, work and play in the United States,” said the chamber in a Jan. 30 statement.

Kali Boatright, chamber president and CEO, said Regus and the three other recipients were honored for their vision, leadership, innovation, collaborative spirit and commitment to the North Fulton region.

Fulton County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney was awarded the Citizen of the Year award. Atlanta-based real estate firm Pope & Land Managing Director Kerry Armstrong received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Their impact will be felt for decades to come, and we are proud to recognize them in this way,” Boatright said in the statement.

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin presents a proclamation to retiring City Administrator Bob Regus, celebrating his 23 years of service to the city.

Church plans development at vacant Kohl’s site

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. —Eagles Nest Church in Roswell is moving forward with a multi-use development plan after purchasing the vacant Kohl’s lot on Holcomb Bridge Road for $13 million in December.

The 15.5-acre site was once home to Kohl’s, a Rite-Aid, Petco and Moe’s – all now shuttered. The Kohl’s lot has been vacant since 2016.

Details of the development are private for now, but Lee Jenkins, the founder and Senior Pastor of Eagles Nest Church said he hopes to have a general vision for the property in three months. In the next year and a half, he said there should be some major changes.

Jenkins said they’re trying to do something “unique” for a church. Many churches use their property for religious services and daycares and leave them empty the rest of the time.

“I always thought that was a poor use of such a valuable asset,” said Jenkins, who has experience working in the financial sector.

That experience, he said, helped him focus on “return on asset” for the church property and spurred him to explore a multi-use development, rather than a traditional space.

Since its creation in 2012, Eagles

Nest Church has bounced around temporary homes for its services. The church started with 20 people, but as its membership has grown to almost 3,000 people, so has the need for a permanent location.

“We were vigorously looking for a permanent facility, but we could not find a place zoned for us,” Jenkins said.

Traditional church buildings were too expensive and not conducive to multi-use development.

Jenkins wanted “a destination spot that could spur economic and social activity.” It was essential to Jenkins that the property would be in East Roswell, where he has lived for 20 years.

City Councilman and economic development liaison Peter Vanstrom said he’s excited to have Jenkins develop the property.

“It seems like he’s planning something exciting, something destination oriented,” Vanstrom said.

Vanstrom has not seen plans for the property yet because the project is still in early development, but he looks forward to working with the pastor.

“We needed something positive to happen on this side of Roswell because we have seen many major projects over here fail,” Jenkins said, referencing the closed SuperTarget,

Taco Mac and Kohl’s as examples.

Jenkins said many residents want more development and economic activity in the area.

“We have been extremely disappointed with the failures of those businesses and the lack of choices that we have as a consumer,” Jenkins said. “I would like to see that change.”

East Roswell is seeing some spark of life recently with a $101 million luxury apartment and townhome

development taking over the former SuperTarget, which closed six years ago. The project began construction in June 2022 and is expected to be completed in late 2024.

Vanstrom said the development on shuttered businesses must be done carefully.

“What’s important is the vacancies be filled with something progressive.

Roswell Roots hosts activities saluting Black History Month

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell kicked off its annual festival for Black History Month, Roswell Roots on Jan. 29. The festival hosts various cultural and educational events across the month, from live theater to student art exhibits. The programs will be at various locations across Roswell. Events vary in cost, and some require registration.

A full event calendar with registration information can be found online at roswellroots.com.

Inspired: A student art exhibit

What: Fulton County elementary, middle and high school students display art on the theme of “Black Resistance” at the Roswell City Hall rotunda.

When: Jan. 24-March 10, Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street

Cost: Free, no registration

Author talk with Birdel Jackson

What: Author Birdel Jackson discusses

his autobiography, “Growing Up Donnie & Kaki: the first 18 years,” which follows the story of Jackson and his sister as they grew up in segregated Memphis, Tennessee. Jackson is a retired civil engineer who lives in Alpharetta.

When: Thursday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Mimosa Hall and Gardens, 127 Bulloch Avenue

Cost: Free, registration required

Open-hearth cooking and living history with Clarissa Clifton

What: Food historian and cook Clarissa Clifton demonstrates open-heart cooking with Black culinary dishes and historical Southern poverty food.

When: Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m. and Sunday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m.

Where: Smith Plantation, 935 Alpharetta Street

Cost: Free, no registration

Black History Brain Bowl

What: Middle school students can participate in a head-to-head trivia game about Black history. The questions, all related to Black history will cover science,

technology, engineering, arts and math.

When: Saturday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m.

Where: Virtual event

Cost: Free, registration required

Exploring Black Experiences in Roswell Tours

What: Guided tours at Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation that will talk about Black experiences in Roswell dating back to the city’s founding.

When: Saturday, Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 26, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Where: Roswell’s historic house museums

Cost: $6 per ticket

Reflections on Slavery

What: A 30-minute theatrical presentation where actor John Doyle portrays a man reflecting on the lives of the enslaved people of Roswell.

When: Saturday, Feb. 18, 1 p.m.

Where: Mimosa Hall and Gardens, 127 Bulloch Avenue

Cost: Free, no registration

Black health and wellbeing

What: An event with presentations on marriage, holistic healing and Black women’s wellness. The event also features double Dutch aerobics and a performance by Babatunde, a rhythmic storyteller.

When: Saturday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Roswell adult recreation center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road

Cost: Free

My view from seven feet, a Joe Barry Carroll exhibit

What: Former NBA All-Star Joe Barry Carroll displays paintings about his life at 7 feet tall. On Feb. 5, Carroll will moderate a panel on the history and impact of Black sports and athletes, and on Feb. 23 he will host an artist talk.

When: The exhibit runs Jan.8-March 28. Carroll will hold events on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2:30 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Mimosa Hall and Gardens, 127 Bulloch Avenue

Cost: Free, registration required for Feb. 5 and Feb. 23 events

DELANEY TARR / APPEN MEDIA Eagles Nest Church plans to turn the vacant Kohl’s property on Holcomb Bridge Road into a multi-use development with an auditorium space for church services. See

Fly fishing shop recasts image under new ownership

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Jeff Wright worked at Alpharetta Outfitters for more than 10 years before he bought the business in December. He began work there in 2010 as a new college graduate and worked his way up until he decided to purchase the shop from its founder.

The ownership has changed, but Wright wants customers to know “the spirit of the shop remains.”

Today, Alpharetta Outfitters on Main Street is a full-service fly fishing destination. The retail store offers a variety of gear from Yeti cups to fishing rods. It also hosts fly fishing excursions, guided trips and community events.

Wright has been with the business from nearly the start. The store opened in 2009, and he hired on a year later. He majored in biology in college, but originally planned to pursue a career in dentistry or nursing. At Alpharetta Outfitters, Wright realized a desk job wasn’t for him.

“I needed to kind of be able to move around and talk with people,” Wright said.

He loved fly fishing, a hobby he practiced with his father. Wright also cared deeply about water health and natural resources. Together, his interests created a “perfect storm,” and Wright knew he would be at Alpharetta Outfitters for the long haul.

The business looked different when it began. Chuck Palmer, the founder and original owner, sold all kinds of outdoor equipment, like backpacking

gear, hammocks and fly fishing supplies.

As similar businesses popped up around Alpharetta, the store shifted focus.

“We decided to go ahead and specialize with larger businesses coming in town, like REI,” Wright said. “We needed to branch away from that kind of (shop).”

The store doubled down on fly

fishing, becoming a one-stop shop offering trips, equipment and events like “Bugs and Suds,” a fly-tying night when the store serves pizza and beer. Wright said the decision made sense, because Alpharetta had an interested and affluent customer base.

“People that are going fly fishing typically have some disposable income,” Wright said. “Its not a cheap hobby.”

In Alpharetta, where the store has most of its customers, the average household income is about $119,000, according to U.S. census data.

Wright said a beginner can buy the necessary equipment for a few hundred dollars, but the higher-end pieces and additional gear can add up to the thousands. A single fishing rod

See FISHING, Page 9

People that are going fly fishing typically have some disposable income. Its not a cheap hobby.

JEFF WRIGHT, owner, Alpharetta Outfitters

DELANEY TARR / APPEN MEDIA

From left, Ross Tew, e-commerce specialist; Jeff Wright, shop owner; and Brent Goodman, marketing magician, stand at the counter of Alpharetta Outfitters on Feb 1. The store is a fly fishing retail and guided trip destination on Main Street.

Fishing:

Continued from Page 8

can range from $200-$1,000.

“A lot of guys get into it and love getting gear, and they’re fine spending money on higher-end stuff,” Wright said.

The costs increase with things like guided trips and excursions.

Alpharetta Outfitters offers trips to Idaho, Alaska, Patagonia, Argentina and Belize. Wright said the trips can cost anywhere from $4,500 to $9,000, depending on the destination.

Alpharetta Outfitters spent 12 years in business operating on a different business model than most shops of its kind. Palmer founded the store as a “not-for-profit” business.

After expenses were covered, any additional income the store brought in was donated to organizations and individuals. One year, the store gave $1,000 to an organization or person in need every day of December.

When Wright bought the store, he knew the model would change.

“I don’t have pockets as deep as Chuck,” Wright joked.

The store moved to a for-profit model at the start of 2023, but Wright said he will continue to donate to charitable organizations at a smaller

level.

A key focus for Wright is the preservation of the “natural treasures” in the environment around Alpharetta Outfitters. The store sponsors organizations in the area, including Upper Chattahoochee Trout

Unlimited.

Wright said the store also donates to specific environmental projects the organization does, like its work on Crayfish Creek, the first feeder stream on the Chattahoochee River.

Alpharetta Outfitters donated

$5,000 help reduce silt that comes into the streams from nearby development. The silt coats the rocks on the creek floor, which trout need to spawn.

The contributions are about protecting natural resources, but water health also helps the business. The better shape the streams and rivers are in, the easier it is to catch a prize trout.

“Trout don’t survive well in warm, stagnant water and polluted water, so they’re a pretty good indicator of general water health,” Wright said.

The store owner hopes his work on natural resources will raise awareness, especially for his customer base. Wright said when people get out in the field, they notice their environment more, and ask questions about its condition.

“They start to kind of understand their resources, what’s at stake and how to get involved,” Wright said.

In the future, Wright hopes to expand the store to create a dedicated community space for events, where people can hang out and share their love for fishing.

“Those bonds that are created at those events and on those trips, they’re so fun,” Wright said. “You see these guards drop, and you see these men and women really ultimately having fun and enjoying each other.”

Tara Tucker

Paras

DELANEY TARR / APPEN MEDIA

Alpharetta Outfitters on Main Street sells a host of fly fishing equipment, like lightweight lures that mimic the appearance of flies. The store’s team also lead guided fly fishing trips in Georgia and across the world.

Alpharetta pursues grant for North Point improvements

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta City Council unanimously approved a $200,000 grant application for improvements in the North Point Eco District.

At the Feb. 6 council meeting, Planning and Development Services Manager Michael Woodman said the infrastructure framework plan the grant would fund is part of the North Point Livable Centers Initiative.

“Of course, we believe this plan would reinforce the LCI’s goal to reenvision the area as a vibrant walkable area, so we’re trying to create walkable blocks,” Woodman said.

The plan also features a River of Trees, multiple green public spaces throughout the area connecting to the Big Creek Greenway.

Woodman said the grant application to the Atlanta Regional Commission has a 20 percent match, making the city’s share $40,000.

Mayor Jim Gilvin said some parts of the plan originate from the 2014 North Fulton Community Improvement District Master Plan.

“It has been something on the drawing board for a long time, so it’d be nice to actually get that formalized and get it moving,” Gilvin said.

A Cambridge High School student presents Alpharetta City Councilmembers with a gift at a Feb. 6 public hearing. Students in the school’s AGaretta Box program shared their successes and struggles from their year in the program.

Councilmembers also unanimously approved a contract to renovate Arena No. 3 at the Wills Park Equestrian Center. Recreation & Parks Director

Morgan Rodgers said the cost of $434,085 will be evenly split between the Wills Park Equestrian Foundation and the city.

Rodgers said the arena renovations will lay down the same soil mixture

that is used in Arena No. 1. He said the material has performed beautifully, and it has had no drainage issues in the other arena.

In other matters at the meeting, the council heard updates on the Cambridge High School Ag-Business Program’s AGaretta Box initiative, which teaches students how to farm local produce at Old Rucker Park &

Recreation

Rodgers tells the Alpharetta City Council Feb. 6 the soil mixture that will be used in the Arena No. 3 renovation has had no drainage issues. Councilmembers unanimously approved the project at the Wills Park Equestrian Center.

Farm.

The program sells boxes of fresh produce to encourage community support of agriculture.

Students shared their successes and struggles from their year in the program, and they told councilmembers it has made them appreciate Alpharetta’s agricultural history.

Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra sets ‘Symphonic Tapas’ concert

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Grant Gilman, will present “Symphonic Tapas” Feb. 24.

Held at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, the concert offers a wide selection of musical tapas, all with a Hispanic flair.

Music from Georges Bizet’s “Carmen,” one of the most beloved operas in history, will envelope listeners in the classic, yet tragic, love story between a

gypsy and a corporal.

“Capriccio Espagnol” by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov, a work inspired by Spanish folk songs and dances, takes the listener on a journey through the fields and mountains of Spain and brings to life ancient dances that celebrate the rising of the sun, the deep thrumming of Spanish guitarras and the freedom of the gypsy life exploring the open road.

Popularly used in films and television shows like “Mozart in the Jungle”,

“Danzon No. 2” by Mexican composer Arturo Márquez takes rhythms and tempos from the dance style danzón, which is Cuban in origin but is popular in Mexico. Making use of a wide range of percussion instruments to keep the smooth and flowing theme of the music, “Danzon No. 2” ignites the senses — you can almost smell the citrus in the air, feel the warm breeze floating through the trees and hear dancing shoes clapping against the floor.

Adding a grandiose element is Bedrich Smetana’s epic “Die Moldau,” which evokes aspects of the composer’s home country, the Czech Republic, by using folk music and dances to his advantage.

Beginning with the small trickle of the Vlatava River, embodied by two solo flutes whose playing intertwines to create what seems like a single musical flow, this piece works its way to a grand pinnacle.

‘Little Women’ coming to Sandy Springs Act3 Playhouse

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Act3 Productions in Sandy Springs will kick off a new year of performances Friday, Feb. 17, with the musical, “Little Women.”

The beloved coming-of-age story by Louisa May Alcott will be presented over three weekends through Sunday, March 5, showcasing a cast of veteran and new actors with Act3 Productions.

The musical tells the story of four

sisters and their mother, as they navigate, “life and love” during the Civil War.

“After what we’ve all been through the past few years, I think audiences will strongly relate to the story of how the March family draws strength from each other as they face the anxiety and uncertainty of wartime and the absence of Mr. March,” Act3 Artistic Director

Zachary Stutts said. “Their situation parallels many of the challenges we all faced as the pandemic disrupted our lives. I believe the play’s message of maintaining hope and finding joy in family and the small, everyday moments is ideal for our time.”

Music for this production will feature lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and music by Jason Howland.

Showings of the play will be presented at the Act3 Playhouse, 6285-R Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, and will feature several different showing times throughout its run.

The play is suitable for all audiences, officials said.

For ticket sales, showing times and more information, visit www. act3productions.org.

PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

& Parks Director Morgan

Performer evokes the spirit of Harriet Tubman in one-woman show

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The stage at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center was sparsely decorated, with only a few trunks and boxes as decoration for the one-woman show, “The Spirit of Harriet Tubman,” Feb. 4. The set was all writer and star Leslie McCurdy needed to put on the play, which she has performed for 26 years.

As a dancer-turned-actor, McCurdy portrayed abolitionist Harriet Tubman’s life from childhood to old age using only her movement and strategic costumes. The show was a part of the city’s monthlong Roswell Roots festival celebrating Black History Month.

Harriet Tubman is best known for her time as an activist working the Underground Railroad, a network of activists and safe houses used by slaves searching for freedom. Tubman was born into slavery and escaped through the Underground Railroad, then returned to rescue 70 more slaves across 13 missions.

Throughout the hour-long family friendly show, McCurdy explored the life and “spirit” of the famous abolitionist in depth, talking about Tubman’s, childhood, family and romantic interests.

As 7-year-old Tubman, McCurdy bounded across the stage and gestured wildly. As Tubman aged, McCurdy crept through the seats to hide from slave catchers, and later in life, McCurdy’s Tubman trembled and croaked with the wisdom of an elderly woman.

For McCurdy, the performance was an ode to her “personal hero.” McCurdy has always studied Harriet Tubman, but it wasn’t until a friend told her about a play about Tubman that she considered playing her hero.

Once she was cast, McCurdy started performing the play, but she wasn’t comfortable with the script.

“(My friend) actually told me to take that other person’s play and edit it and

then I could still use it,” McCurdy said. “He did not tell the playwright that.”

When McCurdy got a cease-and-desist order from the playwright, she wrote her own play and performed it.

“I wrote it in three weeks and memorized it in two days,” McCurdy said. “Twenty-six years later, I’m still doing it.”

After the Feb. 4 performance, McCurdy hosted a Q&A with the audience. She said she does it after every show to help people engage with the material. She also told the audience that not everything in the show is truthful, because it was based off the “legend” of Harriet Tubman.

When a child asked what McCurdy learned creating the show, she said “all of this stuff you saw.”

McCurdy has left the script the same since she created it, even though the information available on Tubman has shifted over that time. McCurdy has changed, though, and so has her performance.

“Every year, I’m a little different, and I bring that perspective,” McCurdy said.

When asked why she keeps performing the piece year after year, McCurdy’s answer was simple.

“Audiences keep requesting it, and

I love it.” McCurdy said. “Performing, it gives me life.”

She came to Roswell after the city’s Cultural Arts Center requested she put on two shows for the annual Roswell Roots festival, a month-long celebration of Black History Month with various educational and cultural events. McCurdy performed the play on Feb. 3 and Feb. 4.

“We programmed this show because we wanted to include a strong youth and family event in our Roots lineup,” Cultural Arts Coordinator David Crowe said. “One that was educational, theatrical and showcased the way arts and culture can bring a community together through history and storytelling.”

Roswell City Councilwoman Christine Hall attended the show, and said it was a great moment for the Roswell Roots 2023 festival.

“This year really rocks,” Hall said.

Families lined up after the show to meet McCurdy and take photos with the performer. One woman tearfully hugged McCurdy and thanked her for her work. Another woman from Tucker said the show was “awesome.”

“Through the arts you can touch people emotionally, even if it might make them uncomfortable,” McCurdy said.

DELANEY TARR / APPEN MEDIA Writer and performer Leslie McCurdy answers questions from the audience after a performance of her one-woman show “The Spirit of Harriet Tubman” on Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.

Cottage School schedules talk by retired pro football linebacker

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Cottage School in Roswell recently hosted former NFL linebacker and motivational speaker Rennie Curran.

Now a leadership coach and author, Curran visited the school Jan. 23 for a speaking event with teen students about, “improving leadership capabilities,

teamwork and performance.”

“His passion aligns with The Cottage School mission of building a sense of self for students with special learning needs,” school officials said.

For more information about The Cottage School, visit www.cottageschool. org.

Milton seeks public opinion for Big Creek Greenway connections

MILTON, Ga. — In hopes to proactively link up parts of Milton via multi-use paths to the Big Creek Greenway, the city is looking to use federal grants to help pay for the project.

As part of the grant application process, the city is inviting public comment over the next 30 days on where and how the new “trails” would pass by, and minimally impact, two parks.

The project’s big-picture goal is to give Milton residents direct access to the Big Creek Greenway, a popular run of trails extending between Roswell and Forsyth County.

The Big Creek Greenway does not go into Milton, but it does come close. Once this project finishes, many Milton residents will no longer have to hop in a car to reach the Greenway. Instead, they’ll be able to get there directly and safely by walking, strolling or biking without mingling with cars on a busy road.

New multi-use paths would stretch from the Cambridge High School area along Cogburn Road, on Webb Road,

then to Morris Road and ultimately to McGinnis Ferry Road, the Milton border. The route would meet up with the Georgia Department of Transportation’s McGinnis Ferry Road/Ga. 400 interchange construction project that features a trail connection to the Big Creek Greenway.

The Milton route runs by North Park, an Alpharetta space surrounded by Milton, as well as Freedom Park. The impact on the park properties would be minimal, affecting only small slivers where they meet the roadway. Still, one condition of the federal grant application is that the public be notified and have an opportunity to share their views on these park impacts.

Citizen input on this matter can be sent to Milton Engineering Project Manager Rob Dell-Ross at robert.dellross@miltonga.gov. The opportunity for public comment lasts 30 days, closing on March 3. Details on this project, including relevant documents and imagery, can be found on the Milton’s online transparency portal at cleargov.com.

THE COTTAGE SCHOOL/PROVIDED

Former NFL Linebacker and motivational speaker Rennie Curran meets with Steven Palmer, head of The Cottage School in Roswell Jan. 23.

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Northern Ridge lists January Eagle Scouts

The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District, which includes the cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton, is proud to announce its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Board of Review on January 26, 2023, at Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. Top Row, from left:

Josh Arneson , of Troop 1134, sponsored by St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church, whose project was the design and creation 40 fleece blankets for CURE childhood cancer.

William Giesler , of Troop 431, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of three picnic tables for Fulton Academy of Science and Technology

Edgar Adrian Martinez Morales , of Troop 10, sponsored by St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, whose project was the design and construction of four benches for the Soccer Fields at Friendship Christian School.

Alan Albert , of Troop 10, sponsored by St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, whose project was the collection of over 1,200 food and household items (such as cooking oil, dishwashing detergent, toilet paper, kitchen paper napkins, laundry detergent, rice, salt, sugar, dry beans, cereals, toothpaste and hand soap) to give to the Missionaries of Charity in Atlanta.

Yudhajith Murugan , of Troop 27, sponsored by the Johns Creek Christian Church, whose project was the design and construction of three picnic tables for the Sri Shiva Durga Temple.

Bottom row, from left:

Joshua Gaus , of Troop 1134, sponsored by St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church, whose project was the design and construction activity boards for

special needs individuals. Joshua built 12 boards of manipulable objects and another set of 12 boards of tactile materials that provide sensory feedback for adults with dementia, for the St. George Village Retirement Community. Joshua also constructed three activity boards of fun manipulable objects, and another set of three boards will consist of tactile materials that provide sensory feedback for youth with special needs disabilities, at St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church. Joshua also built wooden rolling carts to house all these activity boards.

Roumika Patil , of Troop 432, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of wooden ramp, two metal shelves, and a raised pollinator bed for the Mabry Community Garden.

David Breen , of Troop 1486, sponsored by North River Baptist Church, whose project was the design and construction of six benches for the outdoor meeting area, at North River Baptist Church

Mason Myhand , of Troop 629, sponsored by Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church, whose project was two parts; first, he collected over 33 feed and supply items that feed and aid in care of the animals such as ducks, chickens, rabbits and goats, at the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center. Myles also led volunteers in a total cleaning of all the animal pens and shelters at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center

Brian Jeffries , of Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church whose project was design and construction of a firewood shed for Birmingham United Methodist Church.

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Plan:

Continued from Page 1

erate on the issue.

The cities plan for a possible partnership by which the polling will be run by one shared election superintendent. The timeline is tight, though, because Fulton County has set a March 31 deadline for cities to decide.

The Roswell City Council agreed to have city staff “work on due diligence with sister cities” on conducting municipal elections. The details of the possible intergovernmental agreement are still in the early stages, and Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson said the council cannot answer all the questions right now.

Roswell City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson raised concerns with the timeline, especially because so little is known about

Funding:

Continued from Page 1

or appropriately adjusted to the current education environment.

Four decades ago when QBE was implemented, technology in classrooms was limited. Students used typewriters to submit papers, phones were still wired to walls, and there were fewer options available for students with unique learning needs.

Georgia’s last three governors have made fully funding QBE a priority, but it will take the will of the General Assembly to see it through.

“I look forward to working with the Georgia General Assembly and other partners to strengthen supports and opportunities for students [and] support for public education,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods, who has made funding the QBE a 2023 priority for the Georgia Department of Education.

Church:

Continued from Page 6

and positive for the city,” Vanstrom said.

Jenkins said he had been eyeing the old Kohl’s property ever since it closed seven years ago. The lot is a mile away from his home.

“When Kohl’s closed down, I immediately identified that property as our promised land,” Jenkins said.

The church was still relatively new at the time and could not afford the pricey property, so Jenkins looked for a partner to help fund and develop the site.

In 2020, he found a partner in developer Competitive Social

the plan right now. She asked whether a city twice the size of Milton could put all the pieces in place in time and whether Roswell would face the same organizational pressures in future municipal elections.

Still, Beeson voted in support of moving forward, asking for a kind of “exploratory committee” to see if the city could manage its own municipal elections in 2023 or 2025.

Wilson stressed that the decision is not binding, and the city will “bail” if necessary.

“I talked to the mayor of Milton this evening, and if the process is not worked out to the satisfaction of any of the cities, the process could be aborted,” Wilson said.

Beeson also asked if the city had tried to further negotiate costs with the county, in the effort of “due diligence on both sides,” in case Roswell decides not to run their own elections.

Fulton County originally set a March

“We have an enormous opportunity as we move beyond the pandemic to build a public education system that is truly centered on the needs of Georgia students.”

In an amended 2023 budget, Gov. Brian Kemp has requested an additional $745 million for schools and proposed more than $1.1 billion to fully fund the QBE formula.

Committee to review QBE

Last year, the Georgia Senate approved a resolution to form the “Senate Study Committee to Review Educational Funding Mechanisms.” Meetings were held across the state last fall to gather input from the public as it looks to address shortfalls in QBE this session.

The five-member committee is tasked with reviewing the “efficacy and sufficiency” of school funding, primarily the QBE, to determine if it is meeting the needs of Georgia’s 1.7 million public school students and 2,300 public schools.

Owens said the QBE formula is

Venture. The group planned to open a pickleball sports and recreation facility called Pickle and Social. Eagles Nest would develop an event center on the property as well.

The pickleball developers backed out of the property in March 2022 after they deemed the property “too cost-prohibitive,” and Jenkins had to start over.

“If we got another opportunity to purchase this property we would seize it,” Jenkins said.

The opportunity came last year, when the church found new partners. Jenkins cannot divulge who the partners are but called them “real estate experts.”

With the new partners on board, Jenkins said he hopes to create the “way of the future” with Eagles Nest

1 deadline for cities to decide if they would run their own elections. The new March 31 deadline was set after the county passed the new election budget.

Roswell residents have expressed varying levels of support and concern. One resident asked whether the city had run a feasibility study for the elections.

“We’ve done a workshop and we’ve done a committee meeting where we’ve begun to explore the costs,” Wilson answered.

Two poll members came forward with different takes on the city’s plan. One said she was in favor of the plan, as well as the possibility of using paper ballots, which the Milton elections committee recommended for its elections. The poll worker said paper ballots are more efficient than electronic scanners.

Councilmembers have raised concerns about using paper ballots for a city of more

working for the most part, but in serious need of review and updates.

“Georgia has one of the fairer funding systems in the nation,” Owens said during a recent media symposium hosted by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education. “But it is getting less fair year after year.”

He noted in the recent past Georgia was among the top 10 states in the country for how much money was directed to public schools with high numbers of economically disadvantaged students. Georgia has now dropped to 16, and is one of only six states that does not have targeted funding for students in poverty.

Owens also pointed to the state’s $6.6 billion in surplus revenue above the “rainy day” fund that sits at the discretion of the governor and Legislature.

“So we will all be watching with bated breath on how that money is spent this year [to see if it is used] to increase services for the people of Georgia,” Owens said.

Church. The details are still private, but the church is dedicated to a multi-use development. The property will likely include an auditorium or event center facility for church services.

The planned auditorium development will likely seat somewhere between 750 and 1,000 people to encourage “hybrid,” online and in-person attendance, he said.

Many of the Eagles Nest Church members attend entirely online, and with almost 3,000 members Jenkins said the services will continue to be hybrid.

Meanwhile, Eagles Nest Church meets at the auditorium in Centennial High School, right across the street from the Kohl’s site. Jenkins wanted to be close to the future development

than 90,000.

Another poll worker, Eren Brumley, took issue with the tight timeline.

“I strongly suggest this change is taken as a research project for this year and then implement it next year after we find out it makes sense in the long run,” Brumley said. “In the meantime, you could negotiate a better rate from Fulton just for this year.”

Other residents asked for more voting locations in East Roswell, and they asked how the city would decide on an election superintendent.

Wilson said he does not have all the answers, because the discussion is about “learning more about” what it would look like for Roswell to run elections.

“In committee, we began to share information, but by no means is it all the information or all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed,” Wilson said.

Local districts pay ‘fair share’

QBE is considered a funding partnership between state and local school boards. Local school districts are expected to contribute revenues equal to five mills on the property tax digest to the school system – whether they actually assess it or not. This is referred to as the Local Five Mill Share.

This local share is calculated for each county, then subtracted from the QBE formula before state dollars are allocated. According to the Georgia Department of Education, the Local Five Mill Share in FY2021 equaled $2 billion of funds deducted from QBE. This is the equivalent of $1,176 per student earned but not provided by state funds.

For less wealthy districts with low property values and limited tax revenues, the state provides most of the school funding, and offers “equalization grants” to cover some of the gaps. For wealthier counties with high property values, local taxes still fund the majority of public education.

to get his membership used to the area.

Eagles Nest rents the auditorium from Fulton County Schools for a fee, and the church has invested more than $150,000 in upgrading the space, including improvements to the audio, video and lighting equipment. But, the auditorium still is not big enough for the church. It seats about 450 people, so Eagles Nest holds two services. Soon, the church may have to hold three services to accommodate the large membership.

The tight fit at Centennial creates urgency for the development, but Jenkins said the church must be patient.

“Things are going to change, not overnight, but things are going to change,” Jenkins said.

North Fulton cities may cede election decisions to six people

The process for which Alpharetta, Roswell and Johns Creek officials are changing the way nearly half a million people can cast ballots this November stinks.

with an exploratory committee after that.

And they did. In April of the next year, the City Council approved the committee and designated two of the its six members be filled by community members.

Our reporters started asking more questions, and after we received a response to an August open records request, we discovered that there were about half a dozen meetings of an “informal” committee (made up of the same members) held long before the City Council formalized the panel at the April 18 City Council meeting.

in the report.

Now, Milton’s sister cities want in on the action.

HANS APPEN Publisher

The cities are relying – seemingly entirely – on a report generated by an exploratory committee sanctioned by the Milton City Council last year.

Let me tell you what we know (and don’t know) about that report, and what led to it.

In the summer of 2021, a group of Milton citizens petitioned the City Council to run its own municipal elections. It had unfounded concerns about election integrity amid the 2020 General Election and legitimate concerns about increased costs imposed by Fulton County.

At the time, city representatives said they didn’t have enough time to make any changes before that November’s elections, but promised to move forward

One was Lisa Cauley, a surrogate for several partisan Republican organizations, and the other was Mark Amick –who we now know is a “target” in a Fulton County investigation into attempts to overturn an election.

In a city of 40,000 people, its City Council allocated a grand total of two spots for ordinary citizens to give input and then gave them both to partisans with axes to grind.

To make matters even less serious, when we asked the city who appointed, or even recommended Mr. Amick for the committee, no one knew.

I repeat, no one within the City of Milton – not the mayor, not the city manager – no one can account for how someone being investigated for crimes related to elections interference found himself on a sanctioned committee to reform elections!

But that’s not all.

No announcement or advertisement of the informal meetings, as would be standard, could be located.

When we asked about these informal meetings, the qualifications of the member panelists, or minutes, agendas or records related to any of the above, we were greeted mostly with “no comment” and “no records exist pertaining to your request.”

Eventually, the panel did finish its report. Mr. Amick, who had not resigned or been asked to resign from the committee, gave the presentation to the City Council in which he concluded that Milton should take its elections in house and use paper ballots, primarily due to cost concerns.

The City Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendations laid out

Using the Milton election study as a guide, an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) involving Milton, Johns Creek, Roswell, Alpharetta and Mountain Park is in the works that will propose one regional election superintendent to oversee all of the cities’ 2023 municipal elections.

All under the assumption that Milton’s exploratory panel report is both impartial and accurate.

Johns Creek has not formed its own exploratory committee.

Alpharetta has not formed its own exploratory committee.

Roswell has not formed its own exploratory committee.

So, in effect, two unelected people – one whom no one wants to take credit for empowering – have created the framework for how 400,000 people will be able to cast their votes this November and we are all supposed to just go along with it.

If you ask me, the whole thing smells.

Progress leaves drivers in a world of hurt on our roadways

Oftentimes, standing too close to a painting is detrimental to appreciating the true beauty of the piece of art. Having recently traveled via Ga. 400 to Sandy Springs’ Hammond Drive as a designated driver for an early-morning appointment, I needed a concoction that would assuage a headache-excess stomach acid parlay.

Simply put, traveling toward Atlanta at 7:30 a.m. is a ball-peen hammer to the thumb combined with smacking a dresser with your toe in a darkened, middle-of-the-night trip to the bathroom.

How do you hearty daily commuters do it?

Obviously, some handle this better than others. On the Tuesday trip, I saw a guy talking on the phone, grooming nose hairs and brushing his teeth, all at the same time.

Apparently, he didn’t get the memo that hands-free is the law. Not that it would have mattered.

The skill of deftly using a trimmer is a skill that is impossible to use without using hands. I’m pretty sure of this. Ex-

cept this guy seemed to have mastered the skill.

I only hope he’s not the guy “Crash” Clark highlights during the incessant traffic reports on local radio.

By the way, will someone please explain to me the value of having traffic reports broadcasts every 10 minutes?

After all, you’re already in traffic. Does it really matter if “400 is backed up all the way to Dahlonega?”

You’re in the soup and best find a good commercial-free blast of music to get you through the tribulations. Just ease up on the daydreaming or you’ll be a poster child for Morgan, Montlick, Foy or another lawyer salivating for personal injury paradise.

Of course, having roads torn up to look like a third-world country thoroughfare doesn’t help. In fact, no matter the road you find yourself on, it takes the skill of a Formula 1 driver to avoid the cones, barrels, and caverns, formerly known as potholes.

And don’t get me started on those steel plates that feel like, instead of being flush with the roadway, seem to stick up a few feet. You’d better slow down or it’ll be time to fork out some cash for a front-end alignment.

Road construction is a constant, providing wonderment at the time needed to complete a project, any project. It

seems like months stretch into years, no matter what is promised by whoever won the right to improve the road.

Remember the road that got burnt to a crisp in Atlanta. In a perfect example of “money talks,” repairs were made in record time. The contractor confirmed his fire was lit under someone’s backside in the form of a bonus paid.

Nothing wrong with paying for performance. That concept would probably be a blessing for John Wills, the proprietor of Ferguson’s Meat Market, located on Matt Highway in north Forsyth.

The store has been open since 1992 and is a community fixture. That sense of community was never more apparent than what happened after a call went out on social media.

Getting access to the store, compliments of the highway improvements that have seemingly lasted for generations, is tougher than picking three correct numbers in a Powerball drawing. Heck, once you’re in the parking lot, getting out requires some courtesy from drivers, whose nerves are certainly frazzled from dodging steel plates and flagmen.

Having grown up in the grocery business, I can appreciate that the plight of a grocer is tough, especially for someone not named Kroger or Piggly Wiggly. John has always been a “go-to guy.”

Need a donation for a charity, go to John. Raffle prizes? Go to John. Want to give away a Green Egg? Go to John.

But with a torn-up road that fronted the business, it was difficult to buy steaks for Sunday grilling.

That’s when loyal customers got busy on social media, relaying that John’s loyal friends needed to stay loyal.

And that’s what has happened.

On a Saturday visit, it was like a NASCAR track: three deep at the counter.

Wills has gotten back to his roots and is sharpening up his meat-cutting chops while cutting chops.

The community has turned out in droves to let John know they care. Sitting in his office with baseball and John Wayne photos on the wall (you just gotta love this guy!), Wills, in an emotional voice, promised: “Someday I’ll do something to let all these people know how much I appreciate them.”

As a “go-to guy” his customers keep coming back. Being appreciated is a given. That’s why they just keep coming back.

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.

MIKE TASOS Columnist

Brought to You by Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs

While February brings thoughts of those we love and Valentine’s Day cards, the best gift of all is to remember it’s also American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of hospitalization for those over age 65 and is still the leading cause of death in this country. Over 800,000 deaths a year are due to cardiovascular disease. The good news is it’s largely preventable, so let’s review how to improve and maintain your heart health.

Monitoring your blood pressure is a key indicator of where you stand with your heart health. Yet only 48 per cent of people age 50 to 80 who take medication or have a health condition affected by high blood pressure (or hypertension) monitor it on a regular basis. Preventing hypertension lowers your risk of heart disease and stroke. So setting a regular schedule and getting a blood pressure monitor you can learn to use at home is the start of knowing the numbers for your heart health journey.

Eating a healthy diet with a variety of food with potassium, fiber, protein, and importantly is lower in salt is critical. Flavor your food using more spices, eat salads and steamed vegetables. Select grilled poultry or fish and avoid heavy sauces, salad dressings and fats. This will help you get to or keep a healthy weight.

Staying physically active and reducing stress comes next. Moderate walking or other forms of physical exercise can do wonders. While 150 minutes of moderate activity a week is recommended, be sure to check with your doctor about

forming a personalized plan of action and regular visits that are right for your current health status. Social isolation can also impact your stress levels, so staying in touch with friends, community groups and family is an important part of the picture.

Sleep is emerging as an ever increasing factor in heart health. It keeps your blood vessels healthy, and not getting enough sleep on a regular basis correlates to increased rates of stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease. Aim for a regular schedule and seven to eight hours of sleep.

Stop smoking and be careful about alcohol consumption for a healthy heart. So if this is an issue, monitor your use and start a plan to cut back.

At Home Helpers, we know how important a skilled and well matched Caregiver is to helping an older loved one maintain their heart health. Whether it’s making sure a moderate walk can be done without fear of a fall risk, regularly monitoring blood pressure and vital signs, following a nutritious diet, keeping a regular sleep schedule, or creating social bonds to battle loneliness, we strive to make each day the best it can be.

Our heart centered Caregivers can assist with all personal care, help around the house, safely speed up recovery from surgery, or provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, etc.

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It’s time to focus on heart health

Digital Dentistry- A Better Way

Brought to you by - Dr. Bradley Hepler and Dr. Jeffrey Priluck, The Atlanta Center for Dental Health

Have you ever been to the dentist and the dentist needs to take an impression of your mouth? If you have done this before, you may have just taken a deep breath and started to get nervous. Traditional impressions have always involved a large tray loaded with impression material (goop!?!) that must be inserted into your mouth to make a mold of your teeth. Isn’t there a better way? Yes! The latest technology now allows your dentist to take a digital impression instead.

Digital impressions (also called 3-D intraoral scanning) construct a three-dimensional digital model of your teeth and your entire mouth. Digital impressions are less messy and more pleasant than traditional impressions. Patients with a gag reflex or sensitive teeth have a better, more comfortable experience. A small (radiation-free) laser wand takes a series of images of your teeth and your gums and stitches them together into a 3-D virtual model of your mouth. You can immediately touch the screen and rotate and adjust the image to see your

teeth from all angles. You very likely have never seen your teeth and your mouth like this. It’s amazing!

The Atlanta Center for Dental Health has the iTero Element intraoral scanner imaging system. The 3-D model of your mouth is immediately on the IPadlike screen right beside you. It can immediately be adjusted and looked at from all angles. This image can be

PROVIDED

uploaded to the dental laboratory for the construction of a crown or clear aligners or other dental prosthetics and appliances. This allows for the rapid fabrication of amazingly accurate, perfectly fitting, artistically created natural looking dental restorations that improve your smile and your appearance and wow your friends. One of the most amazing uses of this technology is the ability to immediately see

a Smile Simulation. In about a minute, your dentist can show you what your smile would look like if you straightened your teeth or improved your bite with clear aligners, like Invisalign™. Again, you can touch the screen so that you can see your smile from all angles. Dr. Hepler and Dr. Priluck at the Atlanta Center for Health would love to show this technology. Please call or stop by for a quick no cost Smile Simulation of your very own.

“Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life.” -Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic

Dr. Bradley Hepler, Dr. Jeffrey Priluck and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the most modern advances in cosmetic dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover your options, please call us at 770-9922236. Dr. Hepler and Dr. Priluck are highly trained and certified to provide you with the latest and best techniques to allow you to achieve your cosmetic and restorative goals.

Sunshine on healing skin — one step forward, two steps back?

to you by - Brent Taylor, MD, Premiere Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta

The most common pre-cancerous lesion dermatologists treat is the actinic keratosis or “AK.” These rough growths are often frozen with liquid nitrogen and gone in a zap. Sometimes, however, a patch of skin is covered with precancerous lesions. One almost doesn’t know where to start. For such a patient, the correct treatment is often not to spray twenty or thirty AKs with liquid nitrogen. If the whole patch of skin is affected with precancerous lesions, then spot treatments like liquid nitrogen zaps will just result in a game of whack-a-mole. One AK is beaten down only to have one or two more pop up by the next visit.

Field damage demands field treatment. Rather than spot-treating individual AK’s, an entire patch of skin can be treated with certain creams and therapies to reduce the number of precancers and the amount of sun damage in an entire area. Field treatments like fluorouracil cream, imiquimod cream, and photodynamic therapy (“blue light therapy”) can reduce the AK burden across an entire zone such as the entire scalp or face. These treatments reduce the number of future cancers and get the number of AK’s back down to a reasonable number.

I often recommend field treatments to my patients but with one big caveat. I tell them, “Don’t undergo a field treatment unless you can stay out of the sun during the treatment and for a week or so afterwards.” I advise patients that I am worried that sun damage on skin that is being treated or is recovering may not only cancel out the benefits but might leave them worse off.

Why the worry? Am I overcautious? I believe not. I’m concerned about more than just a little sunburn. I’m concerned about the sun hitting cells when they are at their most vulnerable: when they are replicating – such as when cells fill in tiny wounds and even micro-gaps created from the killing of precancers like AKs.

Every system has its vulnerabilities, and our DNA repair processes are no different. Our cells’ repair processes work well during the resting phases of cell life when they are happily performing their usual functions. But when a cell decides to duplicate its DNA and divide into daughter cells in a process called mitosis, some of the repair processes are temporarily shut down.

Remember in the movie Jurassic Park when getting the park back online requires temporarily turning everything off? The electricity to the fences had to be shut off, too, and some of the carnivorous dinosaurs escaped and wreaked havoc. Well, the same thing happens in our cells when they duplicate their DNA and divide from one cell into two cells. When cells synthesize new DNA, many of the DNA repair processes are temporarily turned off to allow DNA duplication and cell division to take place. If a mutation, such as from sunlight, occurs when the repair systems are off, then the mutation is often not corrected. The resulting daughter cells are permanently affected with the mutation. Such mutated cells can develop into cancer.

Field treatments like fluorouracil, imiquimod and photodynamic therapy kill bad cells. The healthy neighbor cells must then start dividing to take the place of the bad cells. More cells dividing means more cells with DNA repair processes in the “off” position. Treatments aimed at eliminating cancerous lesions temporarily create a vulnerable state.

Advice to avoid the sun during AK treatments is not just a case of preventing your usual sunburn or of healing skin being more sensitive. Healing skin is more susceptible to mutations and DNA damage from sunburns than resting skin is. Biology argues against taking a “cheat day” and getting sun exposure during or after any treatment that requires skin to heal. If you find yourself in need of field treatment such as PDT, fluoruracil or imiquimod, remember it is only a good idea if you can stay out of the sun during the entire treatment and for the time it takes afterwards for your skin to repair itself.

Brought

How to prevent cancer

Brought to you byJonathan Stegall, MD

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, so now is a great time to talk about how to prevent cancer.

To be honest, we aren’t doing a very good job of this in our society.

The lifetime risk of developing cancer has been steadily

rising to the point that roughly 40% of the population will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Why are we seeing so much cancer today?

You might wonder if cancer is simply due to genetic causes, but that is actually a very small cause of cancer today (about 5-10% based on most estimates). Rather, cancer is mostly due to poor lifestyle choices.

If you want to significantly reduce your odds of developing cancer, be sure to eat a plant-focused diet full of fruits,

vegetables, beans, and grains. Organic is best. Avoid processed, sugary food. Drink plenty of clean, filtered water. Exercise regularly. Don’t smoke. Enjoy alcohol in moderation. Get plenty of sleep. Seek to minimize stress. Embrace a strong support system of family and friends.

Oh, and be sure to see your doctor for regular check-ups, including the recommended cancer screening tests. Hopefully, you won’t get cancer, but if you do, early detection is key.

STEGALL

ISTOCK

5 ways to revitalize your relationship routine

Brought

to you by

- Will Goodwin, Licensed Associate Professional Counselor at Summit Counseling Center

With the beginning of a new year well underway and the somewhat cliché mantra of “New year, new you!” still ringing in the air, many of us are starting to look around and wonder what has really changed. The problem with this phrase is that it often implies that there must be a complete and total change - whether in our habits, our work, or even in our relationships. However, you may not need a complete relationship renovation. Instead, perhaps a simple “refreshing” in some areas that have grown stagnant or mundane might be the appropriate course to take. Just like the warmth and satisfaction that can come from simply rearranging or reorganizing a space, your relationship can be revitalized as well.

Here are five ways to breathe some new life into your established routines:

1. Strive to Surprise . There is a certain satisfaction that comes from knowing one another’s habits, tendencies, and preferences. However, this capacity for anticipating what to expect from one another can also promote boredom, complacency, and indifference. Going out of your way to gift little surprises

to one another can be a way to spark those feelings you shared back when you were first discovering each other. It could be preparing their favorite dish, treating them to their favorite hot or cold beverage/snack, cleaning their car and filling up the gas tank, or arranging a date if you don’t typically plan them. Whatever you choose, choose to make it a surprise.

2. Reassess Your Roles. While knowing “who does what” can simplify and streamline the management of household chores and responsibilities in a way that sets up a relationship for success, it can also create ruts. As change enters our lives, we may grow to dread a task or become overwhelmed by it. Talk to one another about these shifts and consider switching things around. If possible, team up on tasks and responsibilities that you previously did alone. You may surprise yourselves one day by discovering that you feel eager and excited about a chore because you know it is a chance to spend time together.

3. Freshen Up Your Look. Of course, no one is saying that the way someone looks is the most important feature about them. However, there is value to be acknowledged in continuing to make an effort, no

See ROUTINE, Page 26

Treating and preventing heart disease

Brought to you by - Ryan Wilson, MD, interventional and structural heart cardiologist at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center

Now that the holidays are over and people are getting back into their regular routines, it’s time to focus on Heart Month, which is observed each February. The importance of heart health cannot be understated since heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death in the United States each year. In 2020, nearly 700,000 people died from heart-related diseases. That is more deaths than all cancers combined or COVID-19 related illnesses. Heart disease is a largely preventable problem in many circumstances.

Prevention is always our primary focus when it comes to heart disease. Your risk of heart-related disease can be significantly reduced if you focus on some of these key areas in your life:

• Don’t smoke, and if you do smoke or use other tobacco products, seriously consider quitting. This is one of the most serious risk factors. If you are ready to quit, please contact your healthcare provider for assistance. There are patches, gums and medications that can help you quit.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Reducing your weight into a healthy category can significantly lower your risk of heart disease.

• Maintain a healthy blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, follow up with your healthcare provider regularly to make sure this is controlled. If you don’t have high blood pressure, get checked intermittently.

• Maintain healthy cholesterol levels

and a low-fat diet. If you have high cholesterol already, make sure you are getting regular blood work to ensure your treatment is working. If you don’t have high cholesterol, continue to focus on a healthy diet and lifestyle. Try to avoid fried foods with lots of butter, fat and grease, which is where a lot of cholesterol comes from.

If you already have heart disease, it’s important to follow up regularly with your cardiologist to ensure we are doing everything possible to minimize the progression of disease and prevent any major problems like a heart attack or stroke. Heart disease can often be managed with medications and lifestyle modifications. If you ever have symptoms such as ongoing chest pain/ pressure, new onset of significant shortness of breath, excessive sweating or nausea associated with chest pain or shortness of breath, severe dizziness or heart racing (palpitations), call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.

If you have more mild symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to get diagnostic testing done. If you are ever in doubt, check it out.

Dr. Ryan Wilson is a cardiovascular disease specialist with Wellstar Health System. He specializes in heart and vascular interventions and treats patients with structural heart and valve conditions. To make an appointment with Dr. Wilson at his office on the campus of Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, call (770) 410-4520. To make an appointment at his office at Wellstar Avalon Health Park, call (470) 267-0430.

WILSON

Thank You for Voting US Best for 8 Years in a Row!

Get a GLO-ing smile

Brought to you by – Roswell Dental Care

Have you always dreamed of a kilowatt smile? Or just want to lighten up your darkened or yellowed teeth? Tooth whitening, or tooth bleaching, is a fast and easy procedure that can whiten and brighten your natural tooth color, for an average of 8 shades lighter.

What causes yellow, stained teeth?

Some of the toughest stains come from various foods and beverages, such as coffee, soda, wine, and smoking. Over time, these stains can infiltrate the enamel and get packed into the inner layer, called dentin, causing yellowing. Other stains can be genetic and still others can be from a chemical interruption during tooth development, such as too much consumption of fluoride or from the medication Tetracycline.

How does whitening work?

Whitening agents approved by the FDA contain hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide has a whitening effect because it can pass easily into the tooth and break down complex molecules. At Roswell Dental Care, we utilize the GLO whitening system, which has a mouthpiece to apply gentle heat and a blue LED light to the teeth. When heat is applied to a peroxide gel on the teeth, it increases the speed with which that gel does its work, creating brighter, whiter teeth in less time.

Is tooth whitening safe?

Yes. The American Dental Association and the FDA have extensive clinical studies proving its safety, under the supervision of a dentist. Whitening is considered the safest cosmetic dental procedure by most dental professionals. However, whitening is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women or children under 13 years old.

What are the side effects?

The most common side effect is temporary tooth sensitivity. This is due to the stains being broken down and bubbled out (imagine the classic science fair volcano experiment). This goes away within a few days after treatment and there is no longterm harm to the nerve of the tooth.

What is the difference between at-home and in-office tooth whiteners?

The main difference is the time it takes to whiten your teeth, which is based on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. At-home or over-the-counter whiteners can be anywhere from 7 percent to 10 percent. We use a 30% formula during an in-office treatment, so there’s a much better chance that your teeth will whiten even the toughest stains.

The GLO whitening system has a pat-

ented dual-whitening experience, providing an in-office teeth whitening procedure, plus an easy-to-use take-home device for maintenance.

How long does tooth whitening last?

After your whitening appointment, avoid dark foods and drinks like marinara sauce, red wine, or blueberries. Whitening your teeth and keeping your smile bright is a little like coloring your hair: maintaining your results requires maintenance. You will be given instructions for care before and after your treatment. For touch up care, you will be provided with take-home vials, so you can recharge your pearly whites before a dinner party or event.

Roswell Dental Care is nominated to win “BEST OF THE BEST” Dental Practice in North Atlanta by Appen Newspaper for the 8th year. We’ve been serving patients in the area over 40 years.

As your cosmetic dentists, Drs. Hood and Remaley give your comfort and trust top priority. We assure you feel confident in any dental solution before beginning

See GLO-ing, Page 25

When the Alpharetta Women’s Club and Sears Roebuck came together

Sears Roebuck was founded in 1886 as a seller of watches by mail order. It has undergone many changes over the ensuing decades, but one of its most ambitious undertakings was the sale of house kits by mail order catalog. Sears claims to have sold more than 100,000 mail order homes in North America between 1908 and 1940 via their Modern Homes program. During that period. Sears designed 447 different home styles, each of which could be modified by a purchaser, thus creating an infinite number of unique homes. Depression era mortgage loan defaults and pre-World War II shortages of lumber and other building materials forced closure of the business. Some estimates are that up to 70 percent of the Sears houses are still standing, but no one knows for sure where the houses are because Sears destroyed the sales records during a corporate housekeeping. There are ways to determine if a given house is from a Sears kit, such as identifying stamps on the lumber.

Seven companies provided kit houses, but Sears Roebuck was by far the largest. As an alternative to the purchase of a complete kit, customers could buy house plans and use local lumber to build the homes.

One of the best-known homes in Alpharetta from that era is found at 112 Cumming Street. The most common and accepted version of its origin is that B.F. (Benjamin Franklin) Shirley (1879--1963) built the Queen Anne style home from a plan purchased in 1908 from a Sears

Roebuck catalog. Shipping a complete kit from the factory to Marietta by train and then hauling the lumber over dirt roads to Alpharetta posed many challenges and B.F. Shirley would have used local lumber for the project.

However, according to a July 1999 article in the Atlanta Constitution, “Right out of the Sears catalog,” the cost of the home was less than $1,000 including shipping and construction of a complete Sears house. In 1911 two other possible Sears houses were built nearby. B.F. Shirley’s brother Obadiah built a house next door, and Sherman Gardner built a house across the street.

According to another version based

provided with take-home vials, so you can recharge your pearly whites before a din ner party or event.

Continued from Page 24

treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE conscious sedation, including nitrous oxide. Rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding. Take the first step in feeling great about your smile. Schedule your COMPLIMENTARY smile makeover consultation by calling (470) 288-1152. Whitening your teeth and keeping your smile bright is a little like coloring your hair: maintaining your results requires maintenance. You will be given instructions for care before and after your treatment. For touch up care, you will be

Roswell Dental Care is nominated to win “BEST OF THE BEST” Dental Practice in North Atlanta by Appen Newspaper for the 8th year. We’ve been serving patients in the area over 40 years.

As your cosmetic dentists, Drs. Hood and Remaley give your comfort and trust top priority. We assure you feel confident in any dental solution before beginning treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE conscious sedation, including ni trous oxide. Rest assured that your experi ence will be positive, relaxing, and reward ing. Take the first step in feeling great about your smile. Schedule your COMPLI MENTARY smile makeover consultation by calling (470) 288-1152. top priority. We assure you feel confident

on research and a book by Fred Shirley of Alpharetta, now deceased, the house was built by his great-great grandfather John Franklin Shirley (1841-1906), a Civil War veteran who became a successful farmer after the war, accumulating 1,000 acres. He built several family homes on his property plus three tenant houses, a cotton gin and two sawmills. To build the house he used lumber cut from his property and processed in his sawmills. He moved his family and mother into the Cumming Street house prior to 1905, according to Fred who noted that it later became the headquarters of the Alpharetta Women’s Club.

It is interesting to note that John

Franklin Shirley’s father was named Benjamin Shirley and that John had a son named Benjamin Franklin Shirley which may be the cause of some confusion.

The Alpharetta Women’s Club, founded during World War II, purchased the Shirley home in 1962 and used it as its headquarters. It held fundraisers to pay off a bank loan signed for by three of the ladies’ husbands, Troy Carroll of Carroll Realty, Louie Jones, owner of a funeral home, and Q.A. Wills, mayor of Alpharetta and business owner. The club paid off the loan in 1969. Fulton County Bank President, William Barrett presented the club with a silver tea service from the bank. The club had about 30 members at its peak. The women had a favorite charity, Tallulah Falls School, founded in 1909 with 29 mountain children. Located in the town of Tallulah Falls, Georgia, the school serves 500 students today.

The club took an active role in 1965 to establish a permanent library in Alpharetta. Up to that time, the city was serviced by a bookmobile which came to town every other Wednesday afternoon.

The club was a social and community services organization, but over the years membership dwindled and it eventually closed. Former club Vice President Vespa B. Smith says “the Alpharetta Women’s Club was an integral part of the community for decades.”

Postscript: The house was sold in 2017 and is being restored and renovated.

Special thanks to two outstanding local historians, Ed Malowney and Connie Mashburn for their help with this column.

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net.

BOB MEYERS

Columnist

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

The B.F. Shirley home at 112 Cumming Street in Alpharetta has been undergoing major restoration and renovation. It was home to the Alpharetta Women’s Club for many years and may have been built based on a Sears Roebuck architectural plan. (January 2023)

matter how long you have been in a relationship. Perhaps you could trim your beard or experiment with a new hairstyle. Maybe showcase an outfit that feels fun and playful, paint your nails, or try out a new accessory. You may feel that you have already “sealed the deal,” but that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t continue to garner your partner’s interest.

4. Spend Time Apart. Though this may seem counterproductive, it can, at certain points and for certain lengths of time, play a vital part in enriching your time together. By reserving some time for both of you to “do your own thing,” you can eagerly return to one another feeling recharged mentally, emotionally, and relationally – and feeling ready to reconnect.

5. Swap Out the Usual. Sometimes exchanging a common experience for an uncommon one can really do the trick when it comes to re-energizing your relationship routines. Collaborate

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to pick something you routinely do together and trade it out for something new. If you tend to rely heavily on watching tv shows, try exchanging that screen time for some kind of face-to-face engagement (board/card game, reading together, go for a walk/ exercise). This exchange doesn’t need to be a total or permanent removal of watching tv together, but changing things up from time to time can create some healthy variety and novelty.

Many times the act of rearranging furniture or replacing

a new lease on life. In a parallel sense, your relationship may simply require some minor adjustments to bring life flowing back into your various shared experiences.

Whether your relationship is on the rocks or rock solid, all couples can benefit from therapy - and the therapists at Summit Counseling Center are here to help! We see couples involved in every stage of a relationship and assist them in finding harmony and balance in their lives together. To learn more about our services, meet our therapists, and schedule an

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NFCC is looking for a full-time executive assistant to support the Executive Director and leadership team.  This person will play a vital role in help keep the NFCC leadership team organized and productive and will interact with the board of directors and other important stakeholder groups. Sensitivity, discretion and attention to detail are a must. Candidate must have a two-year degree, bachelor’s degree preferred and should have at least 2-3 years of relevant experience. For a complete job description visit https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/

Client Services Specialist

The full-time Client Services Specialist greets visitors to NFCC and assists them with obtaining services. In addition, this person conducts followup interviews, enters data and may participate in additional follow-up activities.  A high school degree or equivalent is required along with at least one year in customer service or other relevant experience. Discretion and strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish are also required. For a complete job description, please visit https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/

Truck Driver

NFCC needs a reliable driver to work part-time picking up scheduled donations. The person in this role may also assist with facility maintenance and must maintain accurate vehicle maintenance records. It is crucial that they represent NFCC with a professional and friendly demeanor. 1-2 years of box truck delivery experience is preferred. Candidate must maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license and be free of any traffic violations for the past three years.  Work on Saturdays or Sundays may be required occasionally. For a complete job description, please visit https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/

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Infor (US), LLC has an opening for a Senior Network Administrator in Alpharetta, GA.

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IT - Nexwave Talent Management Solution LLC, an Alpharetta, GA – based IT Solutions Firm. Multiple openings for JOB ID 10537: Software Engineer. Education and Experience requirements along with Remunerations as provided on the website. Travel/relocation may be required. Details at http://nexwaveinc.com/. Send resume to: b.vamsi@nexwaveinc.com including the JOB ID. Equal Opportunity Employer

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