ROSWELL, Ga. — It appears Roswell residents and businesses will have a greater say in the city’s plan to close Canton Street to vehicle traffic on weekends this summer.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Running for more than 20 years, the Celebrate Freedom Rodeo welcomed some 22,000 visitors over three days to witness cowboys and cowgirls compete in a slew of competitions.
The traditional Southern rodeo was held at the Wills Park Equestrian Center from May 4 to May 6.
The event featured saddle and bareback bronc riding, with a bucking horse as men fought to stay on using one hand. It also had break-away roping, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling and cowgirls barrel racing. The finale of every night was bull riding, notably the biggest thrill.
“As they say, it’s the most exciting eight seconds in sports,” said Morgan
► PAGE 4
Rodgers, Alpharetta Recreation and Parks director.
Throughout the event, which led with a salute to the country, there were pauses for banter from a rodeo clown. Kids also stepped forward to compete in a dancing competition for a chance to win money.
Before the competitions geared up, some visitors were slung off a mechanical bull and rode ponies. Outside of typical concessions, there were vendors selling barbecue, boiled peanuts and funnel cake. There were also cowboy hats and other rodeo gear like oversized, ornate belt buckles for sale. But many already showed up dressed to impress.
“[The rodeo] is a staple, is what it is,” Rodgers said.
► PAGE 7
► PAGE 9
At a special public forum May 9 at City Hall, Mayor Kurt Wilson promised a crowd of residents and business owners that the City Council will hold formal discussions on the topic, with opportunity for public comment.
Wilson joined other council members – appearing separately so as to avoid a gathering that would constitute an official City Council meeting – to hear from residents who attended the nearly two-hour forum.
The city floated the idea recently to close the popular street to vehicles from Ga. 9 to East Alley on weekends over the summer to promote pedestrian traffic. Canton Street is regionally known as an entertainment hub, with an array of restaurants and shops. Almost 7,000 vehicles travel that stretch each day.
Wilson said the City Council will hold the special meeting to address the issue Tuesday, May 16 at 9:30 a.m.
“My expectation is we will deliver a plan that will address the things we discussed today,” Wilson said.
If there are further concerns, the mayor continued, the city will continue
See STREET, Page 5
NEWS TIPS
770-442-3278
AppenMedia.com
319 N. Main Street
Alpharetta, GA 30009
HANS APPEN Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher EmeritusCONTACT
Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.
ADVERTISING
For information about advertising in the AlpharettaRoswell Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278
CIRCULATION
To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police arrested a 22-year-old Roswell man who was allegedly caught racing at high speeds on Old Milton Parkway April 29.
An incident report said officers were patrolling the area near Old Milton Parkway and Haynes Bridge Road when two vehicles pulled up to a traffic light together, before speeding off at more than 70 miles per hour.
Once officers determined that the vehicles were traveling well above the 45-mile-per-hour speed limit, causing another vehicle to slam on its brakes to avoid a collision, one of the vehicles was stopped on the side of Old Milton Parkway.
The driver allegedly admitted that he had been racing the other vehicle. He was taken into custody for racing, reckless driving and speeding charges. He was transported to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police recovered a U-Haul reported missing from its Alpharetta Street storage facility on May 2. The business said a customer never returned the $35,000 van rented on April 13.
A U-Haul employee showed police that the “demand” letter sent to the customer about the van was never successfully delivered. The employee did not know why the delivery failed. Officers used the address listed on the rental agreement to find the
customer and the unreturned van. The customer said he knew the U-Haul was past due, but he had spoken with a woman on the phone about renewing the rental agreement to continue using the van. Other than the call, the man told police he had not heard from U-Haul about needing to return the vehicle. The customer thought he was still on a payment plan to rent the van for longer.
Police towed the van and took the customer into custody for outstanding warrants in Conyers.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An Alpharetta business owner reported April 26, that checks worth more than $56,000 were recently forged and cashed, after they were stolen from the mail.
Police said the business owner mailed the three checks to customers between March and April, but the theft wasn’t discovered until a recent financial audit showed the checks hadn’t been cashed by the correct recipients.
The business owner told police their bank allowed checks for $9,299.30 and $35,000 to be cashed, due to a glitch in the bank’s system. Another check for $11,745.44 was stopped by the bank before it was cashed.
Three possible suspects were identified as the individuals who cashed the checks, but at the time of the report, no official suspects had been named.
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell officers responded to a physical disturbance between neighbors April 29 on Camden Glen Court in which each neighbor told police they wanted to press charges.
The first resident told police her
neighbor, appearing intoxicated, had come to the door to confront her about a flood light. The resident said the neighbor had been harassing her for years, confronting her often and throwing bones in her yard. The neighbor then reportedly flashed a middle finger at the first resident’s granddaughter. As the two struggled, the first resident bit the neighbor’s finger.
Family members of the first resident said she had been harassed by her neighbor for years.
The second resident said she did go to the house to confront the other woman about the flood light but said the first resident came out of the home and tried to hit her. The second resident said she grabbed her neighbor’s hand to fend off the attack when the other woman bit her finger. She denied flashing a middle finger at the granddaughter.
Both women wanted to press charges and issue a criminal trespass warning on the other. Police could not determine which account of the struggle was true.
With two different versions of the incident and no video footage, officers could not press charges and make an arrest. Both women were given criminal trespass warnings and told to report future incidents to their homeowner’s association.
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell officials have approved more than $500,000 in roadway funds directed at improving street safety and for replacement of the Norcross Street bridge.
At its May 8 meeting, the City Council allotted $250,000 for street improvements with grant money received through the national Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The grant money included a $50,000 match provided by the North Fulton Community Improvement District –essentially costing the city nothing.
The funds will be used to create a safety action plan allowing the city to identify and complete future projects. The council approved the grant application, along with the CID match offer, last September.
The national Safe Streets and Roads for All program is an initiative through the U.S. Department of Transportation to appropriate $5 billion to regional and local governments over the next five years to improve roadway safety.
The council also approved $269,000 in local transportation
sales tax money to hire the city’s on-call consultant Barge Design Solutions for design of a replacement bridge on Norcross Street over Hog Wallow Creek. The current bridge,
Twenty-six bones, 33 oints, and thousands of steps a day.
Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia looks forward to helping you get back on your feet!
Foot and Ankle Fractures and Trauma
Pediatric Foot and Ankle Treatments
Sports Medicine and Tendon Injuries
Bunion and Hammertoe Correction
Laser Treatment
Ingrown Toenail Correction
Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
Podiatric Dermatology
Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
built in 1951, was rated “fair” during a 2021 bridge assessment conducted by the Georgia DOT. Funding for the design work will come from the $2 million in TSPLOST money allotted for the project.
The concept development will include pedestrian facilities on the new bridge as well as bridge aesthetics. As part of the concept development, the consultant will also look at methods to accelerate work to limit the closure of Norcross Street.
Some residents raised concerns about the concept design because of the city’s controversial history with ongoing road projects, including the redevelopment of Grimes Bridge Road.
“I would urge the transportation committee to be very serious about the budget before going into drawings,” one resident said.
She revealed it was a public disappointment for many residents when consultants created intricate, beautiful designs that weren’t included in the finished product.
Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson said he was in “complete agreement” with her concerns.
“We don’t need to tease ourselves by putting out pretty stuff and not deliver on it,” Wilson said.
Longtime Roswell resident Janet Russell also urged the city to not forget the pedestrians, especially when it comes to lighting Roswell paths.
The motion passed with Councilwoman Sarah Beeson abstaining due to a conflict of interest.
In other matters at the meeting,
the Roswell Water Utility division was recognized for winning its third Water Treatment Plant of the Year award at the 2023 Georgia Association of Water Professionals spring conference.
Paula Days from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals presented the award to city staff. The nonprofit association is made up of water professionals focused on protecting Georgia’s water resources.
“This is an important accomplishment, and it speaks volumes about the exceptional commitment and level of service that the City of Roswell provides to their customers,” Days said.
A committee of water professionals spent about six hours inspecting “every aspect of the plant,” Days said. To win the competitive award the plant must score high in safety, maintenance operations, documentation, lab operations and monitoring.
The award is given to the overall best managed and operated facilities in Georgia. The Roswell Water Utility division previously won the award in 2020 and 2022.
“We have a beautiful plant that the City of Rowell paid for and they’re doing a great job keeping it up,” Public Works Director Sharon Izzo said. “We have just an incredible group of folks that really care about what they’re doing.”
Also at the meeting, City Attorney David Davidson presented the city’s portion in a nationwide opioid settlement with Teva, Allergan, CVS, Walgreens and Walmart. States are in the process of distributing about $50 billion in settlement funds gathered from corporations involved in the opioid crisis.
The Georgia Attorney General has entered negotiations with some of the opioid distributors and manufacturers. Once the state completes negotiations, the city can collect settlement funds and use the money to fight opioid abuse in Roswell.
Specifically, the funds will help with Narcan, a treatment used to help people overdosing on opioids. A city representative said the city does not know how much money it will receive.
Public safety liaison Councilwoman Sarah Beeson said she reads every shift report from the Roswell Police Department, and on average she sees “maybe two deployments per shift of Narcan.” The councilwoman said it’s used frequently, so she supports the settlement.
The council unanimously moved to approve the opioid settlement.
Continued from Page 1
to adjust the plan to accommodate residents and business owners.
City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson declared that she was “frustrated” by the fact that the meeting was not public, and that she had been left out of seemingly long-term discussions about the road closure.
The forum came in the wake of a late April Facebook announcement from the city detailing its plan to close the street on weekends as a means to enliven the area.
The Facebook post lit up with comments from Roswell residents, confused about the lack of notice regarding the meeting and an absence of any prior public discussion. At the city’s “Roswell Moves” event on April 30, the city had a tent for City Administrator Randy Knighton to present the closure plan and get feedback from residents.
Some residents and business owners reached out to the city government, specifically Mayor Wilson, to get more information about the plan and where it came from. In the meantime, a few people announced a press conference outside Roswell City Hall on May 3 to “demand Roswell rescind its plan to close Canton.”
The residents said they heard nothing from city leaders until a 20-minute video dropped on the city’s Facebook page on May 2, with the mayor and City councilwomen Christine Hall and Lee Hills talking about the proposed road shutdown the city has worked on in private for the past 16 months.
In the video, Mayor Wilson explains the trial proposal to transform Canton Street into an open-air pedestrian plaza. His long-term vision is to create a “promenade on Canton Street, like Barcelona.”
Originally the city planned to close the street for the entire summer, but Wilson said that after hearing from local business owners, he adjusted the closure to run from Memorial Day to Labor Day. He said he’s willing to hear more feedback.
“Our door is always open,” Wilson said. “We want to talk.”
The proposed “promenade” would remove 39 parking spaces from historic downtown Roswell, but Wilson said visitors can use City Hall’s parking lot down the road. He also referenced the city’s $20 million bond referendum to build a parking deck in downtown Roswell, a project he said will be finished in two years. The city has not revealed any information about the location or construction of the parking deck.
Wilson said the road closure will make the area safer for pedestrians to roam
without fear of vehicle traffic, because “all it takes is one pedestrian dead and the success of Canton Street is no longer.”
Wilson said business deliveries will not be impacted and the closure is a “short-term” trial.
“If this hurts our businesses, we all will call it off because the last thing we want to do is hurt our businesses,” Wilson said.
At the end of the video, Wilson touched on Roswell’s history of “paralysis by analysis.”
“A lot of times in the past, things haven’t gotten done after there was enough discord that people said we can’t move forward,” Wilson said.
The mayor said it’s his responsibility to change that.
At their May 3 press conference at City Hall, residents and business owners said they were not satisfied with the video.
Jenna Aronowitz, owner of 1920 Tavern on Canton Street said there are “many reasons we can’t even begin to contemplate this idea.”
The restaurant owner cited a lack of notice from the city, discussion with residents or data on the possible impacts of closing Canton Street to cars.
The news conference focused on a few primary concerns, specifically with parking, traffic and an increasingly rowdy environment downtown.
Aronowitz said the city needs to build the parking deck before any further discussion can continue and ensure that elderly and disabled people can easily access Canton Street. With previous single-day road closures for events like Alive in Roswell or Roswell Moves, Aronowitz said her business had a steep drop in sales.
Residents who live on and nearby Canton Street said the closure will back up traffic on the open portion of the road.
Jim Dooley, president of the homeowners association of 70 townhomes off Canton Street, said the traffic would impede residents’ ability to get in and out of their neighborhoods.
For previous events like Alive in
Roswell, a monthly festival on Canton Street the association hired police to monitor the neighborhood entrances and turn non-residents away. Residents worry the closure will make every night like Alive in Roswell, and Dooley said they can’t afford to hire police every weekend.
“This is what this (closure) is going to make us do in order to handle all the overflow and outflow from this silly decision that’s been proposed,” Dooley said.
Other residents said the road closure will make the downtown neighborhood suffer from trash, street bands and public drunkenness. A Roswell ordinance allows restaurant customers to carry an open container of alcohol in the Canton Street district from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
“Do we really want a whole summer of Alive in Roswell?” Webb Street resident Susan Tyser asked.
She said the neighborhood deals with traffic gridlock and drunkenness during the event, destroying the area’s ability to rest and relax.
Even businesses feel the impact.
“Alive in Roswell is a drunk fest,” Aronowitz said.
As a restaurant owner she said the clientele changes from sophisticated diners to drunk people coming in and breaking things. Typically, she said the businesses will shut their doors early for the event.
Aronowitz said the group doesn’t
want Alive in Roswell to end, but that they want it to be a “nice community get together” where people can showcase their local businesses. They also don’t want it to feel like Alive in Roswell is happening every weekend.
‘We’re not set up that way’
Kelly Smith, the owner of Roswell Provisions on Canton Street said she disagrees with the entire process of turning Canton Street into a Barcelonastyle promenade, like the mayor mentioned in his video.
“You know, Barcelona, we’re in Roswell, Georgia,” Smith said. “We’re not set up that way.”
She said if the proposal is enacted, there will be disasters with deliveries, traffic and a loss of revenue.
The residents and business owners said they want the city to pause any plans to close Canton Street to vehicles until the parking deck is built. They agreed that the city should at least bring the issue to a public vote.
Roswell City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson attended the news conference to listen to resident concerns. The councilwoman said she first heard about the proposal on April 17, just weeks before it was announced.
Beeson said she called for a public vote at a regular meeting, hoping that the issue could be discussed at a May 23 Community Development meeting.
By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia. com
As if Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and graduations galore aren’t enough for one month, this May promises to be busier than ever, thanks to a pair of acclaimed Atlanta-area authors promoting new books. Karen White and Joshilyn Jackson, names long familiar to readers in this country and beyond, routinely bring the party with them everywhere they go, new releases in tow.
With nearly two million books in print in 15 languages, White’s novels are often set in the South, have a paranormal twist and are filled with a mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.
In “The House on Prytania,” a woman is haunted – both literally and figuratively – by ghosts of the past. The book is available May 9. And, one week later, the Milton resident will be discussing the novel at her hometown library.
“Join me on Tuesday, May 16th, at
Tuesday, May 2, Lynn Cullen. Johns Creek Books and Gifts will host the bestselling author of historical fiction as she chats about her new release, “The Woman With The Cure.” Cullen’s book is based on the true story of Dr. Dorothy Horstmann, whose groundbreaking research helped make the polio vaccine possible. 1 p.m. Conversation, signing. Free. Johns Creek Books and Gifts, 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Suite B500, Johns Creek, 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com
Saturday, May 6: Boozy Bookfair. Read It Again Bookstore, Suwanee, is partnering with Distillery of Modern Art on a Boozy Bookfair spotlighting carefully curated books and locally distilled beverages. 6 p.m. Free. Distillery of Modern Art, 2197 Irvindale Way, Chamblee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com/event/ boozy-bookfair-doma-0
Tuesday, May 9: Shelby Van Pelt. Roswell Reads will host two virtual book discussions of Van Pelt’s New York Times bestselling debut novel, “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” Online. 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. Free. Register by emailing name, city and preferred time to RoswellReadsBookDiscussions@gmail.com. Roswell Reads book discussions are moderated by volunteers (without authors) and all selections are available at Bookmiser. 770-509-5611. RoswellReads.com
Tuesday, May 16: Karen White. The North Atlanta Author Series continues with White, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 34 books, including the Tradd Street series. Book two in her new Royal Street series is “The House on Prytania.” 6 p.m. Talk, signing. Free. Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Milton.
Milton resident and bestselling author Karen White will be discussing her latest release May 16 at the Milton Library. Bestselling novelist Joshilyn Jackson will be in conversation with acclaimed author Wanda Morris May 23 in Alpharetta.
6 p.m. at our very own and gorgeous Milton Library,” White said. “It’s always a pleasure chatting about books with my Milton neighbors. Local bookseller Annell Gerson of Bookmiser will be on hand to sell books – and I’ll be on hand to sign them. It’s a win-win!”
Jackson, whose page-turning thrillers and Southern fiction have been translated into a dozen languages, will be at the Alpharetta Library May 23. She will be talking about her new title, “With My Little Eye,” which author Karin Slaughter called “a dark, twisting confection. ‘With My Little Eye’ will send readers racing through its pages. Joshilyn Jackson is a master storyteller.”
Jackson will be in conversation with another renowned author, Wanda Morris, and both will be answering questions and signing books.
Details about these events, and others, are:
bookmiser.net/book-events.html
Tuesday, May 16: Boozy Bookfair. Suwanee’s Read It Again Bookstore is partnering with Indio Brewing for a Boozy Bookfair featuring thoughtfully curated books and locally brewed beer. 6 p.m. Free. Indio Brewing, 5019 W Broad St. NE M145, Sugar Hill. 770-232-9331. read-itagain.com/event/boozy-bookfair-indio-brewing-co
Friday, May 19, Saturday, May 20, Monday, May 22: Friends of Roswell Library will have a “Stock up for Summer Book Sale” featuring children’s books, $1 novels, nonfiction titles and more. Free. See website for hours. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 404612-9700. forl.net
Tuesday, May 23: Joshilyn Jackson. A Novel Idea presents Jackson, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist, detailing her latest release, “With My Little Eye.” Jackson will be in conversation with thriller writer Wanda Morris, and Bookmiser will have both authors’ books available to purchase. 6 p.m. Talk, signing. Free. Alpharetta Branch Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 770-509-5611. anovelidea.us
Saturday, May 27-28: Married authors George Weinstein and Kim Conrey will be signing their books at the Alpharetta Street Fest. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 175 Roswell St., Alpharetta. eventeny.com/events/2022-alpharettaarts-streetfest-3515/
To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail.com by the 15th.
ROSWELL, Ga. — A North Fulton County nonprofit organization earned $55,000 for families in need at a golf tournament at the Country Club of the South April 24.
North Fulton Community Charities hosted the 15th annual Swing Into Action Golf Tournament, which aims to lessen hardship and provide financial stability to residents in need.
“This tournament plays an important role in helping prevent homelessness and food insecurity in our community,” organization Director of Development Sherri Morgan said. “We are grateful to the many golfers and sponsors who supported this event and make it possible for us to continue our work providing food and clothing assistance; case management; education and workforce development; and seasonal assistance.”
The 11 a.m. tournament presented by Omnivore Ventures featured 96 golfers. The event was sponsored by Toyota Financial Services, Synchrony, Roswell Presbyterian Church, Northside Hospital and 19 other community groups.
Mike and Jeff Moskal; Ryan Grieb; and Peter Pyun of Northside Hospital won first place at the tournament; and Jim Pope, Phil Johnson, Ken Morton and Erik Bagwell took second place. Teams from Envision Office Solutions, Toyota Financial Services and DataScan were tied for third place.
Erik Bagwell also won the longest drive contest; Scott Kagan won the putting contest; and Casey Robinson won the closest to the pin contest.
— Shelby IsraelROSWELL, Ga. —
The Roswell Fire Department named long time firefighter, captain and lieutenant Brian Wolfe as the Deputy Chief of Administration on May 8.
Wolfe has 27 years with the Roswell Fire
Department and begins his new role on May 30.
Wolfe will oversee the Fire Marshal’s Office, budgeting, procurement and logistics. The department leader will be heavily involved in the execution of the city’s public safety bond project. The $52 million bond will fund a new police and fire headquarters and new fire
stations in Roswell.
Deputy Chief Wolfe currently serves as the assistant chief of Business Services for Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services, where he manages their operating and capital budgets. Wolfe oversees fire facilities, finance and resource management.
Wolfe has previously served as a battalion chief, fire captain, lieutenant
and firefighter and is also on the Woodstock City Council.
“Chief Wolfe is a dedicated executive fire service leader and will bring a wealth of knowledge to our team,” Fire Chief Joe Pennino said. “He will undoubtedly help the Roswell Fire Department obtain its vision of being an innovative world-class public safety organization.”
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell firefighters rescued a woman who was drowning in the Chattahoochee River at Don White Memorial Park near Riverside Road April 27.
Bystanders reported the woman was struggling to stay afloat around 1:30 p.m. The Roswell Fire Department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team and firefighters
arrived on the scene soon after.
The team threw a water rescue rope toward the woman. She couldn’t grab the rope, so firefighters Andrew Riley and James Laudermilk swam out and brought her to safety. First responders on the scene then provided medical care to the woman.
“Thanks to their quick thinking,
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Nine studentathletes from King’s Ridge Christian School in Alpharetta were celebrated during the school’s annual athletic signing day ceremony April 20. Students honored during the ceremony included Oli Clark, Quinton Grimes, Grace Kester, Isaac Martin, Ryder Mitchell, Zak Thomas, Jack Thomas, Mason Tucker and Robbie
Walker. These students will continue their academic and athletic careers at the University of Arizona, Concordia University, Gardner-Webb University, Berry College, Rollins College, Covenant College, Oglethorpe University, the Coast Guard Academy and Lenoir-Rhyne University.
calm demeanor and exceptional bravery, firefighters Riley and Laudermilk were able to rescue the victim and bring her safely to the shore,” Roswell Fire Chief Joe Pennino said. “Their heroic actions undoubtedly saved her life.”
The Roswell Fire Department said May is water safety month and encouraged residents to practice water
safety, like wearing life jackets and not swimming alone. They advised people to pay close attention to their surroundings around water and be cautious when entering a body of water.
The department said if you see somebody struggling in the water, call for help and never attempt to rescue them alone.
ROSWELL, Ga. — Al Anderson and Leigh Braglia built their friendship on a shared love of champagne. Now, years after they met, the pair co-own and operate Metro Atlanta’s only champagne bar, Pop Alleigh on Canton Street.
Pop Alleigh opened in December 2022, named after Anderson and Braglia who met in 2008 when Anderson coached Braglia’s son in cheerleading. The champagne bar offers more than 220 bottles of sparkling wine for purchase, as well as over 20 bubbly options by the glass. Customers can choose champagnes a la carte or opt for one of the rotating champagne flights, curated by Anderson and Braglia.
The pair only pours champagne they like to drink, Anderson said. The owners hand-pick the selection to ensure they serve what they enjoy and what they can educate customers about.
“Our approach is to be able to offer a high-end experience,” Anderson said.
Part of their push to open Pop Alleigh was a lack of champagne bars across the country. Leigh joked to Anderson that in Sonoma, California,
there’s a “wine bar on every corner” while champagne destinations are few and far between. Anderson said the lack of shops is due to the perception of champagne.
“Having something where people can discover champagne was really important because the conception of champagne is that its rosy and its sweet,” Anderson said.
The selection of sparkling wines at Pop Alleigh is all brut, or very dry, with a few sweeter options for customers who crave it. Anderson said Pop Alleigh offers about “three wines” for people who want something different, but the focus is on champagne.
Neither of the co-owners have any wine certifications, but Anderson said they bring years of enthusiasm for champagne and travel across major sparkling wine regions like Champagne, France, and Cava, Spain.
Leigh Braglia discovered the property that would become Pop Alleigh after dinner with her husband at Little Alley Steak on Canton Street. Braglia said she had always wanted a business, and when she saw the space, she decided on the “spontaneous”
Our approach is to be able to offer a high-end experience.
AL ANDERSON, co-owner, Pop AlleighPOP ALLEIGH/PROVIDED Best friends Al Anderson and Leigh Braglia made the “spontaneous” decision to open champagne bar Pop Alleigh on Canton Street in Roswell after bonding over a shared love of drinking bubbly. See BUBBLY, Page 9
Continued from Page 8
move. She called up Anderson and the best friends decided to go into business together.
The co-owners wanted to create a business that would stand out in Roswell — something “niche, intentional and specific” that differed from restaurants and wine bars.
Without many champagne bars to pull from, Braglia said the two had the freedom to follow their own vision.
“We were just able to do whatever we wanted to do,” Braglia said.
The pair completely renovated the Canton Street space with a focus on the details. Braglia said she had a vision for everything from the glasses to the architecture. The nine-table space is intimate, which lets Braglia and Anderson have a hands-on experience with every customer.
“We’ve got a great thing, just having something different and not having to think about anything else to by,” Braglia said.
Setting the mood
Pop Alleigh offers private events and champagne tasting classes, but Anderson said the bar isn’t as formal as a wine school or as casual as a club.
It’s somewhere in between, with music and conversation as well as information cards and tasting explanations.
“I feel like we have it all, like we’re curating nightlife in Roswell,” Anderson said.
In the months since Pop Alleigh opened, Anderson said the business
has “elevated” the area, offering customers a place “before dinner, after dinner or instead of dinner.” The bar already has a group of loyal customers from around the town and strong support from the city, according to the co-owner.
The business has been successful
enough that Anderson said Pop Alleigh is opening on Mondays and Tuesdays and extending its hours on the weekends. Anderson and Braglia said they feel like they “have it all.”
“In this short of a time to make (Pop Alleigh) what it is, I know I’m really proud for sure,” Braglia said.
Brought
Most people don’t know the difference between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist.
Optometrists provide eye examinations, mainly for young healthy eyes, for determining your glasses and/or contact lens prescriptions.
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and eye surgeons. They provide medical eye exams to determine eye conditions, diseases, and the treatment of such and can also determine your best corrected vision and provide you with a prescription for glasses or contacts.
Celebrating 40 years of eyecare in the Roswell and Cumming community. Drs. Paré, Hewitt and Park are general ophthalmologists/surgeons. All are
board certified and trained at Emory University Medical School. Our practice specializes in medical eye exam, laser assisted cataract surgery, LASIK surgery, Corneal/Pterygium surgery, Blepharoplasty surgery (eyelid surgery) and treatment of medical eye conditions and diseases such as Dry Eye, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy and many other conditions of the eyes. Our state-of-theart offices are in Roswell and Cumming. Our practice is built on personalized patient care with short wait times and a personal touch from our staff, opticians and physicians.
Both locations also have an optical department for your convenience.
You only get 1 set of eyes. Let us help you care for them. northfultoneyecenter. com
Brought
to You by
- Brent Taylor, MD, Premiere Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta
Yes, you read that correctly. Those were the only words written in what must have been size 20 million font on a billboard near Greenville, South Carolina. A beautiful United States flag was proudly portrayed on the billboard behind those words. And, oddly, no company name, logo or other identifying information was present to connect this billboard to a specific business or corporation. From what I could see as I drove by, nothing was on the billboard except an American flag and the words “Be Patriotic. Vape.”
This billboard had me puzzled. Was it a joke? Was it actually trying to convince people that vaping is an act of patriotism? Does it assume that the general population and particularly our young people are so impressionable as to believe this billboard and start vaping because they love our country?
I laughed as I drove by, but the billboard did have me worried. The US military included cigarettes in soldiers’ rations from World War II through 1975, and as a result, nicotine addiction and tobacco use has long been a plight of our veterans. Many adult smokers have attempted to use e-cigarettes and vaping as a way of avoiding regular cigarettes. But the fastest growth of vaping has been among young people. Approximately 20% of those aged 18 to 29 report vaping – the highest for any age group.
Since young people seem to be most strongly prone to vaping, it’s important to spread the word on the negative health effects of vaping to our youth. As a dermatologist, I can attest to negative skin effects of vaping, some of which should grab one’s attention:
1. Black, hairy tongue. Multiple oral problems can occur from vaping. The most newsworthy from a teen’s perspective is probably black hairy tongue. The exact reason vaping can
cause this condition is not known, but it’s well-established that some individuals will develop a black, hairyappearing tongue when they vape. Skin cells on the tongue build up, and certain types of bacteria can overgrow. Go to Google Image and type in “black hairy tongue” to scare any teens you know out of vaping.
2. Genital burns. Many e-cigarettes use lithium batteries that were manufactured poorly and are prone to exploding. Between 2015 and 2017, more than 2000 people went to the emergency room for burn injuries from e-cigarettes. Explosions were often spontaneous while the device was simply in the person’s pocket. Pockets are close to one’s private parts, and genitals were commonly burned. Scare your teen with this one!
3. Acne and aging skin. Nothing seems to motivate a social-media era individual like aesthetics. Cigarettes are known to cause acne, premature aging of skin, enlarged pores and oil glands. Nicotine causes many of these changes, and nicotine is present whether one is using traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes.
Finally, the question of patriotism. In case you were worried that you need to starting vaping to prove that you are a patriot, the answer is that you do not. Patriotism and vaping have NOT been linked. An article in the journal Tobacco Use Insights entitled “The Vaping Teenager” found that teens who identify themselves as “patriotic” are actually less likely to vape than those with other peer crowd identifications. Teens who self-identified as patriotic were more likely to report valuing hard work and enjoying the outdoors. The billboard would have been more accurate had it said “Want to risk burnt genitals, hairy tongue, acne, cardiovascular side effects and a lighter wallet? – Vape.” I guess they ran out of room?
May is National Stroke Awareness month, highlighting the symptoms and recovery challenges posed by the most common cause of disability in our country. Someone has a stroke every 40 seconds, with over 800,000 strokes and 140,000 deaths in the USA each year.
Almost 80% of strokes are caused by lifestyle choices we can address. High blood pressure is a leading cause along with smoking (which quadruples your risk), diabetes, lack of exercise, cardiovascular disease, obesity, being 65 or older and having a family history.
The most common stroke type is Ischemic, when a blood clot blocks a vein or artery in the brain. A Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. It’s important to know the signs and act quickly, as doctors can give clot busting drugs within 4 hours of the onset of a stroke. Early warning signs include face drooping or numbness in the face, arms or legs on one side of the body, arm weakness and motion difficulty, loss of balance, sudden confusion, speech difficulty or words that don’t make sense, sudden severe headache, blurry vision and trouble seeing from one or both eyes. If you suspect a stroke is happening, call 911 immediately.
After a stroke certain physical issues can occur, including weakness or paralysis, walking, speech and coordination difficulties, fatigue, cognitive and memory problems, trouble swallowing, depression and anxiety. Recovery time differs, and almost 10% of stroke victims recover almost
completely. Another 25% recover with minor impairments and 40% will have moderate to severe impairments that require special care. The first 3 to 6 months are the time to make the most strides in recovery, but performance can continue to show improvement 12 to 18 months out. Recovery is likely to start in a rehabilitation center with a team that includes speech and language pathologists and physical therapists. Researchers have found that after discharge, stroke patients who continued rehabilitation and physical therapy at home had a faster recovery and, after three months, performed activities of daily living at higher levels than those who only received traditional rehabilitation.
At Home Helpers we create a unique care plan that can meet your immediate needs and change as recovery progresses. A heart centered, skilled in-home caregiver can assist with daily consistent exercise - helping to follow your occupational and physical therapist’s techniques that are so vital for recovery. Most stroke patients tire easily and will need help with housekeeping, meal preparation or feeding while regaining use of their hand or arm. Many need help with showers and personal grooming. Your loved one may experience vision difficulties that require them to stop driving, or emotional changes that make them anxious or more easily frustrated.
We’re here to help - from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 and live-in care. For a free consultation please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta (770) 681-0323.
Brought to you by – Dr. Bradley Hepler and Dr. Jeffrey Priluck, The Atlanta Center for
Dental Health“Hi, how are you doing today?”
She said, “Do you really think that you can make teeth last for one hundred years?”
It caught me off guard, but I love this question. This is a good question. It came from a long-term patient that I genuinely love and respect. And today she came in with a question that she had already given a great deal of thought. People are living longer. They need their teeth to last longer. Average life expectancy has been increasing for years now.
I had never promised anyone that I could make their teeth last for 100 years. But I must admit that I have thought about it and that it has become one of our goals at The Atlanta Center for Dental Health. I have a curious mind and have done some reading about longevity. There seems to be a growing interest in the topic. Some great minds in science and medicine seem to be making incredible progress. Ray Kurzweil has postulated that in a few years we may reach escape velocity.
His prediction is that scientific and medical advancement will reach a state of adding at least one year to life expectancy every year. Doesn’t that mean that I could live forever?
My answer to the question that afternoon: “Yes, I think that we can make teeth last 100 years. I think that we just need to try harder. People must take really great care of their teeth and prevent problems.”
Dentistry has incredible technology for repairing and restoring teeth. With dental implants and the vast array of great materials, we can do amazing things to fix and improve smiles. But my answer to the question really had to do with preventive dentistry. Preventive dentistry is the practice of taking care of your teeth to keep them healthy. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding sugary and acidic foods, seeing your dentist for regular check-ups, and getting sealants and fluoride treatments. These measures help to reduce the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. If we can prevent diseases of your teeth and gums and prevent people from just wearing out our teeth, I really believe that we can make them
last a very long time. The Atlanta Center for Dental Health’s mission is to help people achieve healthy, attractive smiles for a lifetime. Even a century!
“Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life.” -Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic
And maybe more! A healthy mouth is part of a healthy body. Our wish for you is that you look and feel your best in 2023!
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 which of these options is best for you, please call us at 770-992-2236. 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.
about nutritional supplements. Part of my job is to prioritize the right supplements for them. This is especially important when it comes to cancer.
If I had to choose just one supplement to recommend, it would be vitamin D. We know that vitamin D is important for supporting several
key aspects of health, including the immune system, the musculoskeletal system, and even the brain and heart. Research has shown that it has an anticancer effect as well.
Although we obtain some vitamin D from the sun, as well as from food, I have found that virtually all patients who are not supplementing with vitamin D have a suboptimal level.
I encourage you to ask your doctor to check your vitamin D 25-OH level
the next time you have blood drawn. A level between 60-80 ng/mL in the blood is considered optimal. For most people, a daily dose between 5,00010,000 international units of vitamin D3 is required to achieve this optimal level. It is also recommended to have vitamin K2 (often included within the same capsule) to enhance absorption.
As always, please discuss any potential new supplement with your doctor to make sure it is right for you.
In May of 2020, Dr. Destinee Hood self-diagnosed a brain tumor. What first began as mild, infrequent, and short-lasting disturbances in her vision, developed into episodes occurring more and more frequently.
Destinee got connected with a neurologist who would see her as a new patient (during COVID it was exceptionally hard to be seen by doctors!). After an initial exam, the neurologist told her she had “hormonal migraines”.
After receiving this diagnosis, something just didn’t feel right. She ordered her own MRI scan, and, that night, got the news that she had a brain tumor the size of a lemon.
The following 6 months, she had brain surgery and radiation. Recovery was a slow process, and felt frustrating, despairing, and downright unfair at times. She experienced severe radiation fatigue as well as problems with memory.
One of the biggest hardships was having a 2-year-old who didn’t know why Mommy was tired or couldn’t pick him up.
Destinee is now 3 years out and feels back to normal. She is incredibly thankful to have had the support of her husband Zach, her family, her dental team at Roswell Dental Care, and her mentor Dr. Remaley. She receives a regular 6-month MRI scan to check that she is tumor-free!
Dr. Hood brings her journey and advocacy to her patients at her practice every day. She works hard to advocate for her patients and empower their voice to be heard.
Brought to you by - By Dr. Benjamin Zussman, neurosurgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center
This Stroke Awareness Month, learn the signs and causes of a stroke so you can take action right away if you or someone else experiences one. The Neuro Care team at Wellstar works with patients to reduce their risk of a stroke and provide lifesaving care in the event of a stroke.
The carotid artery is a major blood vessel that brings blood from your heart to your brain. There are normally two carotid arteries, one on the right side and one on the left. At the point where the carotid artery divides into a branch that feeds the face and a branch that feeds the brain, there is a natural location for the buildup of debris, called atherosclerotic plaque.
As plaque buildup increases, it takes up more space within the vessel and begins to narrow the path for blood flow through the vessel. This narrowing is called stenosis. Because plaque buildup is typically disorganized, bits of plaque can tear off or rupture. When a plaque ruptures, it may cause a stroke.
Patients with plaque buildup who develop stroke-like symptoms, or an actual stroke are referred to as having “symptomatic” disease, because the plaque is believed to have caused their symptoms.
In contrast, patients with plaque buildup who have never had symptoms before are referred to as patients with “asymptomatic” disease. Patients with asymptomatic disease may be identified during a physical examination when a “whooshing” sound or bruit is heard over the carotid artery or when an imaging study of their neck is done for another reason. In general, the worse the carotid stenosis, the higher the chance of a stroke.
If you know that you have carotid artery stenosis, then you should watch out for the signs and symptoms of a stroke. One easy way to remember the classic stroke symptoms is to BE FAST:
• Balance — One sign is a sudden loss of balance or coordination. This can also appear as a sudden, severe headache or dizziness.
• Eyes — Blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision can be symptoms of a stroke. If you think someone else may be having a stroke, ask if they are having trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.
• Face — One side of the face may be drooping or feeling numb. Ask the person to smile and see if it appears lopsided or uneven.
• Arms — Look for sudden arm weakness or numbness. Check if the person can lift both arms without one drifting downward.
• Speech — Check for slurred speech or difficulty speaking. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence to determine if they are having trouble talking.
• Time — The more treatment is delayed, the more the brain is damaged. Don’t wait to seek care. If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
For patients with mild carotid artery disease, there are several effective strategies to reduce the risk of a stroke. High cholesterol contributes to carotid plaque formation, and providers may prescribe medications to lower the body’s cholesterol level. Carotid stenosis narrows the path for blood flow, so other medications are used to keep blood flowing smoothly around the plaque. Finally, quitting cigarette smoking improves the body’s natural repair mechanisms, since smoking limits the body’s ability to heal vessel walls.
For patients with severe carotid disease, there are different procedures to reduce the risk of a stroke. In carotid endarterectomy, the provider will make a two-inch neck incision to expose the carotid artery. First, the artery is temporarily clamped to prevent bleeding. Then, the artery is opened and cleaned to completely remove the plaque. Finally, the artery is sewn, and the incision is closed.
In carotid artery stenting, a small tube or catheter is inserted through the wrist or the leg and steered within the body’s vessels to the carotid artery. First, a protection device is positioned to catch any debris that may become dislodged. Then, a metallic tube called a stent is expanded to push the plaque to the side and widen the artery. Finally, the machinery is removed, and the entry sites are closed.
The neurosurgeons at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center have extensive training and experience in the treatment of carotid artery disorders. The hospital is recognized as a Certified Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center — the highest level of stroke certification available — by The Joint Commission. Our dedicated neurocritical care and vascular neurology teams provide worldclass care for patients before and after they undergo a carotid artery procedure.
To make an appointment with a neurosurgeon on the campus of Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, call (770) 664-9600.
From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship, Wellstar is ensuring the community in this area has access to expert, compassionate cancer care.
The new Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center brings more than 12,000 additional square feet on the medical center campus dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking cancer treatments right here in the North Fulton area. Services include:
• CyberKnife radiation technology
• Physician expertise in many specialties
• Surgery, medical and radiation oncology
Find care at every step of your cancer journey here in North Fulton.
wellstar.org/northfultoncancercare
Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center
4500 Hospital BLVD | ROSWELL (770) 410-4530
PROVIDED
Brought to you by – The Exercise Coach®
Are you ready to experience a groundbreaking approach to fitness that not only transforms your workouts but also challenges the way you age? The Exercise Coach uniquely blends the focus and support of a coach with stateof-the-art Exerbotics technology, delivering an efficient, full-body workout in just 20 minutes.
At The Exercise Coach, we meticulously craft workouts tailored to your individual needs and goals. Our exclusive strength training machines intelligently adapt to your fitness level, ensuring safe, enjoyable, and highly effective workout sessions. This advanced technology empowers you to achieve maximum
results in minimal time while promoting healthy aging.
The essence of The Exercise Coach experience lies in our exceptional Coaches. Our dedicated trainers provide unwavering support, motivation, and guidance, helping you unlock your full potential and conquer your fitness goals. Together, we’ll challenge the aging process and embrace a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle.
Break free from one-size-fitsall fitness approaches. Choose The Exercise Coach and tap into the transformative power of Exerbotics. We invite you to visit us and experience firsthand our innovative approach to aging and fitness.
Take the first step today – your first two sessions are on us! Call or text 770-870-1750 to begin your extraordinary fitness adventure.
Brought
to you
by - Cathy Murphy, Director of Community Outreach at Summit Counseling Center
According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we are continuing to see a trend of declining mental health among our teens. The data showed more than 4 in 10 (42%) students felt persistently sad or hopeless and nearly one-third (29%) experienced poor mental health. The
report also showed more than 1 in 5 (22%) students seriously considered suicide and 1 in 10 (10%) had attempted suicide in 2021.
While statistics worsened for all teens during this period, data shows a stark disparity for teenage girls. In 2021, fifty-seven percent of female students experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness and 13% had attempted suicide in the past year.
You can read the full report on
the CDC’s website at tinyurl.com/ cdcyouth23.
On May 18th, United Way of Greater Atlanta will be presenting new data regarding Child Well-Being both in the Atlanta region generally and in North Fulton specifically.
Your feedback is crucial as we open the discussion to Child WellBeing intersectionality with mental health outcomes. Participants are
invited to share their impressions and implications of these findings. The discussion will inform a comprehensive perspective and provide momentum toward collective action.
Please join us from 10:00 – 11:30 AM in-person on Thursday, May 18th at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, 69 N. Main Street or via live streaming on Facebook @NFMHC. Register online at tinyurl.com/NFMHC523.
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — When she paints, Fran Scher says she is an observer.
“It’s totally a journey. It’s totally intuitive,” Scher said. “Every stroke informs the next stroke.”
Her abstract work, on display at Sandy Springs City Hall, takes on a pastel color palette, indicative of spring, but broken up with dissonant strokes of black. A Sandy Springs resident, Scher has had her paintings showcased in local Atlanta galleries and in collections around the world.
Around 50 people attended the gallery’s opening reception May 3. City Hall’s lobby serves as a rotating art gallery and changes every quarter. Scher’s paintings will hang through the beginning of August.
Starting with paint-by-numbers as a child, Scher went on to become an arts education teacher. But she always painted “here and there.” While her kids napped, she would go to the basement to paint.
Scher got involved in painting groups when she moved to Atlanta and began submitting her work, with more courage. Scher, 77, described her experience in painting “abstract reality,” or what is more representative. Maybe the painting would be of a dog or a person, she said, but technical elements would be broken apart.
In the current display, more searching may be required to find some semblance
of reality. But if you stare at it long enough, you might see familiar figures, and in some, they perform familiar actions.
With any painting, Scher said viewers bring their own experience to interpretation, but perhaps more with abstract work.
“When you look at an abstract painting, each time you might focus on something else, and see things differently,” Scher said. “But the painting hasn’t changed. It’s the viewer that changes the painting.”
Scher said abstract work allows for more self-expression. Unlike photorealism, she said her work is more whimsical. But she said abstract is still difficult, and she keeps in mind good composition that has a focal point where the eye can rest.
In remarks to the reception crowd, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul spoke about the growth of the city’s arts community.
“What is our mark? How are we different?” Paul asked. “So, we decided … we wanted to build a real arts community and really salute the arts and be known for the Arts Center on the north side of the metropolitan area.”
Paul said the city started to establish itself as a performing arts center but didn’t want to stop there.
“The visual arts are just as important,” Paul said.
Susan Westmoreland, board member of Art Sandy Springs, spoke about Scher’s work. Westmoreland had been a friend of Scher’s for around 20 years, painting alongside her.
She recalled an eccentric Scher, shorter in stature, walking into a class carrying a canvas bigger than her body. Scher brought out a matted, decades-old brush, Westmoreland said, and would add unpredictable colors.
“She feels her way through the painting, and it shows,” Westmoreland said. “It’s just beautiful.”
BUDGET FOR 2023-2024
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, PURSUANT TO CITY OF ROSWELL CHARTER ARTICLE 6, SECTION Ch. 6.30, THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR, WILL SUBMIT TO THE CITY COUNCIL A PRELIMINARY BUDGET FOR FY 2023-2024 AT THE MEETING OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL SCHEDULED FOR 7:00 P.M., MAY 11, 2023 IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT ROSWELL CITY HALL. THE BUDGET DOCUMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR CITIZEN REVIEW AFTER THE MEETING OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MAY 11, 2023 IN THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M., MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. THE BUDGET DOCUMENT WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.ROSWELLGOV.COM/BUDGET.
THERE WILL BE A PUBLIC HEARING ON MAY 22, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M. AND A PUBLIC HEARING ON MAY 30, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M. REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2024. THE HEARINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT ROSWELL CITY HALL, 38 HILL STREET IN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND WILL BE STREAMED ONLINE AT WWW.ROSWELLGOV.COM.
RANDY G. KNIGHTON City Administrator KURT M. WILSON Mayor
Creator invites visitors to ‘see things differently’AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA Sandy Springs resident Fran Scher stands next to her abstract paintings on display at Sandy Springs City Hall during the May 3 opening reception. The lobby serves as a rotating art gallery and changes every quarter. Scher’s work will hang through the beginning of August.
Best Date Night Hotspot
Best Day Spa / Massage
Best Farmers Market
Best Golf Course
Best Group/Corporate Activity
Best Gym / Fitness Facility
Best Music Lessons
Best Performing Arts / Theatre
Best Place for Kids to Have Fun
Best Sports Program
Best Summer Camp
Best Wedding Venue
RETAIL:
Best Antiques Store
Best Apparel Boutique (LOCAL)
Best Art Gallery / Retailer
Best Beverage / Wine Store (LOCAL)
Best Boutique Shop (LOCAL)
Best Bridal Shop
Best CBD Retailer
Best Consignment Store
Best Florist
Best Furniture / Home Décor
Best Community Event
Best Dance Lessons/Studio
APPENMEDIA.COM/PODCASTS
The Mayor and Council of the City of Alpharetta has tentatively adopted a debt (“Bond”) millage rate which will require a decrease in property taxes for the General Fund by -4.35 percent. Please see the Notice of Property Tax Increase for the M&O millage rate.
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax decrease to be held at the City of Alpharetta, Council Chambers, City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, on the following dates and times:
May 22, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
June 19, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.
June 19, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
This tentative decrease will result in a Bond millage rate of 0.880 mills, a decrease of -0.040 mills. Without this tentative tax decrease, the Bond millage rate will be no more than 0.920 mills. The proposed tax decrease for a home with a fair market value of $550,000 is approximately -$8.40 and the proposed tax decrease for non-homesteaded property with a fair market value of $1,175,000 is approximately -$18.80.
While Alpharetta’s overall millage rate would remain flat under the proposal, there would be some changes to the individual components as follows:
The City is shifting 0.085 mills from the Bond millage rate to the M&O millage rate and investing revenue growth to cover, among other things, law enforcement initiatives, cyber security technological improvements, inflationary demands on salary and contractual obligations, and increases in capital infrastructure maintenance.
No doubt being a Seabee in Vietnam taught Bill Lusk many things, but what set him apart was his family background. His father and his four brothers were in the construction business. All served in the military during WW ll. His grandfather was a master carpenter with whom Bill worked as a youth.
One of the lasting impacts of his ancestry and wartime experience was his creation of the Milton Veterans Memorial Markers program after the City of Milton was formed. Today’s column tells the story of that journey.
After graduating from high school in the Finger Lakes region of New York State where his ancestors have lived for 500 years, Bill graduated from a two-year program at a technical school and worked for the Ridge Construction Company, a division of Eastman Kodak Company. While there, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Seabees reserve in 1964.
His unit was activated the following year and Bill underwent advanced training at the Naval Construction Battalion Center at Port Hueneme, California. When he arrived in Vietnam in 1966 things were getting very hot. The Viet Cong appeared to be winning the war, and the U.S. was rapidly increasing its forces. The Seabees
were destined to play a vital and historic role as the conflict grew, and the need to construct military support facilities increased.
The U.S. Naval Construction Battalions, widely known as the Seabees, is responsible for building much of the infrastructure at U.S. military operations abroad, particularly in combat zones. If you pronounce the first letters of Construction Battalion, it sounds like Seabee, hence the nickname. The Seabees were established in 1941 to meet the growing need for airfields, docks, bridges and other support facilities during WW ll. They primarily serve the Navy and Marine Corps because the Army has its own Corps of Engineers. Seabees are trained for combat as well as construction and frequently saw action in Vietnam when their construction projects were attacked. Their motto is “we build, we fight” and their logo is a bee holding a wrench, hammer and machine gun. Bill was initially stationed around the Chu Lai combat base in central Vietnam. During his second tour, he was assigned to Khe Sanh, one of the more remote mountain outposts in Vietnam a few miles from the Ho Chi Minh Trail near the Laotian border and later the scene of a bloody battle. He also served near the Da Nang airbase on the coast where his battalion built airfields, roads, bunkers, barracks and revetments to protect the aircraft. In short, the Seabees built anything that needed to be built quickly and well.
On April 29, 2023, the Seabees were honored with a special monument at the Georgia National Military Cemetery in Canton.
When he returned home in 1967, Bill attended Tri State College in Indiana on
the GI Bill where he obtained a degree in civil engineering. His first job after college was as an engineering project manager for the Detroit Water Department. A job offer took him to Atlanta in 1973. Thirteen years later he started Lusk and Company, a firm that continues to build churches, schools and assisted living facilities and numerous projects for Georgia Tech. He sold his company to its employees in 2018. Now in its 37th year, the company is known as Lusk Commercial Contractors. His favorite project is the Lyndon House Arts Center in Athens.
When the City of Milton was formed in 2006 from portions of unincorporated north Fulton County, Bill was elected to the city’s first City Council. He felt that as a new city, Milton lacked an identity and thought that one way to create identity would be to honor our city’s fallen soldiers. He was inspired by the City of Duluth’s veterans’ marker program and was determined to institute something similar in Milton that would help create a sense of place and inspire patriotism.
The program launched in 2007 with about 50 markers which Bill hand built in his home workshop. The City of Milton supported the effort by placing ads in the Milton Herald. The program grew rapidly, and soon Bill and a few volunteers were making 50 markers in his workshop. In 2016 a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization called the Milton Veterans Memorial Markers, Inc. was established. Today more than 800 markers are placed along Highway 9 and in Crabapple for two weeks over Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Bill and volunteers such as Justin de Couto and David Garmon help make the markers. More than than 50 volunteers place the markers carried by large trailers, two of which were purchased from donations, while one was presented to the organization by local businessman and veteran Ron Wallace.
For further information on the program or to apply for a marker send an email to info@miltonveterans.org or to luskwc@gmail.com.
I believe that there is a clear link between the background and wartime experiences of one committed citizen and a program that brings recognition to the City of Milton and honors those deceased veterans who served our country.
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 welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
I have enjoyed growing lavender in my personal garden for many years. As a second-year Master Gardener in 2009, the North Fulton County Extension Agent requested volunteers to open a booth at the new Roswell Farmer’s Market. I agreed to open a booth named “The Lavender Lady” where I sold cut lavender bundles, lavender crafts and garden flowers.
Garden Lavender is a spiky, shrubby plant prized for its wonderful color, scent and appearance. The plant comes in colors of deep purple, lavender, pink, white and several shades in between. There are over 450 varieties of lavender that exist with more currently being identified.
Our Georgia climate is different from the dry, chalky Mediterranean climate where lavender originated. In recent years, growers have developed a species that is more tolerant of our Southern heat and humidity. It is an English lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) named ‘Phenomenal’ that has been field tested from Texas to Georgia and has even been grown in Florida’s hot climate.
Other types of lavender, such as Spanish lavender (Lavendula stoechas), including the varieties “Otto Quast,” “Silver Anouk” and “Anouk” have been successfully grown in Georgia. The main difference between English lavender and Spanish lavender is their size. English lavender is taller than Spanish lavender and typically has longer leaves. Other differences between the two varieties include their color, the appearance of their flowers and their tolerance of cold weather.
An additional type of lavender that may be successfully grown in Georgia is the Lavendula x intermedia. The “Grosso” variety is considered to have the best scent of all the grown lavenders and is a good cut flower. It is a hybrid of English lavender and broadleaved lavender (Lavandua latifolia). Other lavender varieties that have been successfully grown in Georgia are “Dutch,” “Hidcote,’’ ‘‘Munstead’’ and ‘’Provence.’’
Lavender is best planted as young cuttings in the spring after the threat of frost has passed.
If planted in the fall, choose larger, more established plants to ensure survival through the winter. The plants are hardy in growing zones 5 to 9, which encompasses all of the state
of Georgia. Lavender can be planted year-round unless the weather is freezing. October is the best time for planting so their roots will develop by springtime.
Before planting, get a soil test to determine the soil pH, and if needed work lime into the soil. Every two to three years add a maintenance dose of lime. However, Lavendula stoechas and hybrids do not want lime.
Prune young lavender plants after the cuttings have achieved a height of 24 to 36 inches. Pruning them in autumn after they have matured will help them retain their rounded form. However, prune Lavender x intermedia less severely because it is much less hardy than the English lavender. Lavender stoechas are best pruned in the summer after flowering.
Further reading on the topic of growing lavender includes: “The
Lavender Lover’s Handbook”
by Sarah Berringer Bader (Timber Press), “Lavender” by Tess Evelegh (Lorenz Books), and
“Lavender: A Grower’s Guide” by Virginia McNaughton (Timber Press).
If you are interested in learning more about growing lavender in the south and which species do best, the soil type, and weather conditions best suited for optimum growth, please check out my virtual talk, “Growing Lavender,” on the NFMG YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/8IA-Ku8VKo.
Happy gardening!
North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in
PROVIDED
order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net.
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Sandy Springs resident Rebecca Pinckney. Rebecca, a Master Gardener since 2008, has grown several types of lavender. She is a native Floridian who has lived in Atlanta all her adult life. Gardening, writing, drawing, painting, and reading are her interests. She and her husband are grandparents to six children.
Columnist
Glenn Greer Austin was born in 1885 to Elizabeth and John Thomas Austin. Their home was in the Grogan’s District of Milton County, which was along what is now Roberts Drive and Spalding Drive in Sandy Springs.
In 1906, he married Nettie Southern. Her family’s property and home were along what is now Mount Vernon Road near Dunwoody United Methodist Church. Their wedding was the first to take place at the church, a small wooden building across the road from today’s church. The couple stayed active at the church throughout their lives, serving as Sunday School Superintendent and on the Board of Stewards. (The Story of Dunwoody, Elizabeth L. Davis, Ethel W. Spruill)
The history of Nettie Southern Austin, who taught at the Dunwoody School for many years and is the namesake of Austin Elementary, has been told previously in this column. Glenn Austin was also an important part of the community.
Glenn Greer was a carpenter, farmer and justice of the peace for Dunwoody. His work as justice of the peace was done in Nash’s Store and the post office, which were at the northwest corner of Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Mount Vernon Road. The justice of the peace in a community held court to try minor civil cases. They also performed marriages.
Austin’s son, Glenn Thomas Austin remembered his father doing all these jobs. He also recalled working construction
alongside his father when Dunwoody Methodist Chapel was built. (DeKalb History Center oral histories, “Dunwoody, I Remember Hour,” 1994)
Dunwoody School students of the 1940s remember fondly the small wood house he constructed, known as the Dutch House. The students were studying Holland at the time, so Austin built the house and a small windmill that stood next to the house. He used his carpenter skills in many ways to help the school and his wife Nettie.
He built a sand table for the playground. Inside the school, there was an area filled with his wood toys and identified with a sign that read “Toyland.” He built rocking horses, doll cradles and strollers, tables, a tall giraffe, and an assortment of other wooden animals.
Glenn Greer Austin and Nettie Southern Austin had six children. He died in 1948 and Nettie died in 1956. They are buried at the Sandy Springs Methodist Cemetery.
Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Sandy Springs. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.
We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas.
Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude.
For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant background/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”
Sawnee EMC is seeking an Electrical Distribution System Engineer. Requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, civil engineering or similar engineering discipline. Preferred experience in design, modeling and maintenance of distribution power systems. Must have strong computer, mathematical and communication skills.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, May 12, 2023. Apply online: www.sawnee.com/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.
Mining and Raw Materials Engineer (Alpharetta, GA):
Lead the process to create and implement mining plans to guarantee the availability of resources, support new mining projects to add new raw materials, lead the study of reserves and new material sources, and coordinate with Operations the required Capex to invest in every quarry. Mail resumes to Argos USA, LLC, Attn: Mark Prybylski, General Counsel, 3015 Windward Plaza, Suite 300, Alpharetta, GA 30005. Reference job number: JB462198.
Retaining walls (brick or wood), grading, sod, tree services, hauling, topsoil & more.
Ralph Rucker 678-898-7237
Brick or Wood
Contact Ralph Rucker. Many local references. Honest, punctual, professional and reasonable prices!
678-898-7237
Protestant church in downtown Alpharetta seeks a parttime (15-18 hours per week) Administrative Assistant for Youth & Children’s Ministries. In addition to normal administrative duties the candidate will assist with scheduling, social media, securing supplies, maintaining attendance records, planning events and mission trips.
Qualified candidates are a person of outstanding character who is friendly, organized, able to prioritize, exhibits an understanding of the importance of confidentiality, and is willing and able to work in an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of all people.
A degree from an accredited college or university is preferred. Computer competence within Office 365, editing, and writing skills are required. Experience with REALM is a plus.
Successful completion of a criminal records and child abuse background check is required.
Send resumes to alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.
Near (.7 mile) Downtown Alpharetta
• Turnkey – Everything provided
• Utilities included
• Marketing can be included
• Conference Room
• Parking
• 24/7 access
• Private office suite within Appen Media Group’s building
• Easily accommodates up to 5 people
• Office has great light. Ground floor
• .7 mile to Alpharetta City Hall on Hwy. 9
• Smaller office space also available in same building
• Short or longer term lease. Reasonable $
Contact Ray Appen via Text (770-527-4042) or email me at RayAppen@Gmail.com – or just call me but best to text and I will return your call.
Atlanta will take place on May 21st, Sunday from 7:30AM to 10:30AM at Wills Park in Alpharetta. You should expect some delays in travel during these hours
Children’s Healthcare
AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS
Installed. Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aaronsgutters.com. Senior citizen discount! 678-508-2432
Tree Services
24 hour emergency service. Licensed, insured. Workers Comp, insurance claims. 25+ years experience. Family business. Free estimates. We Love Challenges!
Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts
770-512-8733 • www.yellowribbontree.com
COMPLETE TREE SERVICES
Appen-Rated 98
Text or Call us for a FREE quote appointment.
Tree removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Free mulch. Fully insured.
Emergency 24/7 770-450-8188
Haulers
Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc.
Many local referencesCall Ralph Rucker
678-898-7237
VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Español
Dental insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real in-surance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www. dental50plus.com/ads #6258
Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587
Pinestraw PINESTRAW, MULCH
Delivery/installation available. Firewood available. Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch. 770-831-3612
DECKS BUILT & REPAIRED-PAINT
Decks repaired/built. Labor payment upon completion. 30-plus years experience. John Ingram/678-906-7100. Act now before prices increase next year! Heritage Home Maintenance HOMEREPAIRGA@GMAIL.COM, (HERITAGECONSTRUCTIONGA.COM)
ELECTRIC PRESSURE WASHER, A.R. Blue Clean plus surface washer $115. ABOVE GROUND POOL PUMP and motor, new ETJ $200. 770-640-6250
Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725
Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398
HughesNet - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo!
Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141
Become a published author. We want to read your book!
Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-7294998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads
DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24.
1-866-479-1516
The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote.
1-877-539-0299
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Fi-nancing available.
1-855-417-1306
Switch & save up to $250/yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based service. Call
1-855-903-3048
MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure!
1-888-489-3936
Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom!
1-833-758-3892
Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief to find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote:
1-877-592-3616
Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation
ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971
DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS
1-866-859-0405
Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on vet bills? Physicians Mutual In-surance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-844774-0206 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/ads
Diagnosed with lung cancer? You may qualify for a substantial cash award - even with smoking history. No obligation! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help!! Call 24/7, 1-877-648-2503
1-855-417-1306
