Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - May 18, 2023

Crowds fill downtown Alpharetta Thursday, May 11 for

Taste of Alpharetta fills downtown

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — More than 40,000 people flooded downtown May 11 for the 31st annual Taste of Alpharetta festival.

From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. streets from Main Street to Milton Avenue were closed to traffic and filled to the brim with crowds of happy families, stages for music and scores of food and drink vendors.

During his welcome speech, Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin called Taste of Alpharetta the “best day of the year” and a true celebration of the things that make Alpharetta great.

“It’s an integral part of how we come together as a community to celebrate the great things that we have to enjoy in Alpharetta, including all these great restaurants, all these great organizations,”

See TASTE, Page 28

SPOTLIGHT

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Citizen advisers resign en masse from their posts on Roswell panel

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Following a May 15 public information meeting on the Grimes Bridge Road corridor improvement project, members of the Roswell Transportation Advisory Commission resigned en masse.

Members cited frustration with the city’s ongoing transportation projects, and elected officials turning a deaf ear to recommendations.

Members Richard Arena, George Vail, Jason Hudson and Marisa Pereira resigned from the commission. Member Perry Dragon’s term ended in May.

The sole remaining member is Jason Yowell, who said he’s staying on to “run his mouth.”

In a letter to the City Council on May 11, Commissioner Pereira wrote that in more than a year on the panel, member recommendations and motions have never been acknowledged.

Pereira, who lives on Grimes Bridge Road, said she was told she could not speak about the improvement project because of a “conflict of interest.” She brought that frustration to the May 15 public information meeting where the Roswell Trans-

See PANEL, Page 24

PHOTOS BY ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

the 31st annual Taste of Alpharetta food festival. David Medlock ran the ferry at the Medlock Bridge location.

Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin gives a welcome address to crowds of festivalgoers on Milton Avenue during the 31st annual Taste of Alpharetta Thursday, May 11.

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Roswell police charge Ohio teacher in case involving child exploitation

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police arrested a 40-year-old Ohio high school teacher, Brandon Gordon, on May 12 for child exploitation following a multi-year investigation into his online conversations.

Gordon was previously an orchestra teacher at Bryan High School in Bryan, Ohio. Police investigated the teacher’s

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.

Three armed suspects burglarize residence

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police said that a home on Britten Pass in Alpharetta was burglarized by multiple armed men Friday, April 28.

Reports said a homeowner was alerted at about 1:17 a.m. that her front door camera had detected motion and observed three men, wearing ski masks and carrying handguns, breaking through her front door.

The homeowner was away during the incident but was able to see the intruders enter her home and then leave after a few minutes. The home’s security company quickly alerted 911, but when officers arrived at the home, the suspects had already fled.

Police were told the victim’s daughter is a social media influencer involved in the rap industry and recently had their address leaked online, which may have been behind five previous burglaries.

illicit online conversations with someone he believed was a 16-year-old girl.

A Roswell detective said the child exploitation occurred in Roswell, putting the case under city jurisdiction.

Roswell police worked with the Defiance Police Department in Ohio to arrest Gordon with warrants for the use of computer service to seduce, solicit, lure or entice a child to commit illegal acts; electronically furnishing obscene material to minors, child molestation and

Due to those prior incidents, the homeowner removed all valuables from the home, so nothing was taken during the incident.

Reports listed three possible male suspects, described as being about 20 years old with a medium build and undetermined race.

Witness says woman left dog tied to pole

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police responded to reports that a dog was left tied to a light pole on Mansell Road May 8.

By the time police arrived, a nearby local business owner had taken the dog into his store. He told police a woman left the dog tied to the pole, unloaded the dog’s food and belongings and drove off.

The business owner said he could not capture the license plate number, but he saw she drove a Honda Accord toward Alpharetta Highway. Police said the dog was a “very sweet” healthy, middle-aged female Pitbull mix named Kammy, according to a sign left with the pet.

Because the dog was clearly abandoned, police left the animal with the business owner, who was already in

two counts of solicitation of sodomy. Gordon was taken into custody in Ohio on May 12, and will be returned to Fulton County to face the child exploitation charges. Investigators have also found additional evidence that suggests there may be more victims in the Ohio area.

The Roswell Police Department said in a statement it will continue to work with law enforcement in Ohio on the investigation.

touch with a local Humane Society and was working on the surrendering paperwork. The owner said he would make sure the dog finds a new home.

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Roswell Housing Authority hopes to close funding gap on Grove Way revitalization

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Housing Authority says it expects to close a $6 million funding gap needed to redevelop the 199 Grove Way apartments, a residential haven for low-income or disabled seniors.

The housing authority owns the 40unit complex in the Pelfrey Pines housing development. Tenants must either be disabled or earn less than 80 percent of the area’s median income.

The agency anticipates redevelopment will require $30 million, which will include the addition of 62 units.

Residents were told the property was condemned in July 2022, and they needed to relocate.

As of April, all residents had relocated, pushing the housing authority closer to tearing down the original building and increasing the property to 102 units.

The redevelopment is estimated to cost about $30 million. To secure funding for the project, the housing authority is pursuing a low-income housing tax credit application that could generate about $17.92 million. To secure the credit, the board must raise $6 million in funding from other groups.

The Roswell City Council committed $2 million in grant funding at an April 11 meeting.

Recently, members of the housing authority met with Fulton County staff for further assistance. The group has worked with the county since the Grove Way “issues were created.”

“They are anticipating giving us nearly $2.1 million for this next development,” said Beth Brown, executive director of the Gainesville Housing Authority, which manages the property for the Roswell

agency.

Brown said the Roswell Housing Authority will present the funding proposal at a Fulton County Commission meeting May 17 for a formal vote.

Brown also applied to Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock’s office for appropriations, which allows the senator’s office to carry out government programs for the year. Roswell Housing Authority Chairwoman Karen Parrish said her agency has made the short list. Brown is even more optimistic.

“We’re it as long as it gets appropriated,” Brown said.

Parrish said if the appropriation does come through, the group has “no guarantee” of how much money the redevelopment could receive. The application seeks $2.5 million.

Knowing that Warnock’s office will not have an official answer until July, the Roswell Housing Authority will continue to source and leverage its own assets for the remaining $2.5 million needed to close the project. Parris specified that the funds are not required to be “in place” until the fall of 2024, though, allowing the housing authority to more easily apply for the tax credit.

After the city came through in April, Parrish said Fulton County and Warnock’s office became more receptive to providing funds.

“Having the city on board with this created a synergy with other groups,” Parrish said.

Though not formally approved, the show of support from Warnock’s office feels like the “pieces are falling into place,” Parrish said.

The process to redevelop Grove Way,

See HOUSING, Page 26

They have defended our liberty and have helped to keep us free. Remember the hundreds of service men and women that served in past wars this Memorial Day.

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

The Roswell Housing Authority expects to secure $4 million more in funds for the redevelopment of the 199 Grove Way apartments, with help from Fulton County and U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock.

Alpharetta considers update to ethics board composition

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta City Council is considering updating an ordinance that could shield candidates who are running for reelection from ethics complaints ahead of the municipal election this fall.

City Attorney Molly Esswein presented a draft of possible text amendments to the city ethics ordinance at a work session May 15. The new language would delay revealing complaints against candidates up for reelection until after the election.

She said an individual can still bring a complaint forward, but the amendments would prevent political weaponization. Complaints must also be filed within six months of the alleged violation, but no later than a year after the alleged action.

Under the current ordinance, the ethics panel consists of five members randomly drawn from a group of 14 individuals. Councilmembers and the mayor each appoint two individuals to serve on the body.

With the proposed revisions, the City Council would appoint between six and 12 attorneys who have three years of general civil litigation experience; do not reside in

or maintain office in Alpharetta; have not provided any campaign contributions; and have no familial or business relationship with any city officials.

Esswein also presented three alternative proposals in which the ethics board would consist of citizens who must have training, with alternate citizens appointed to avoid conflicts; or a hybrid model of citizens and attorneys.

Councilmembers were divided on the initial model. Councilmen John Hipes,

Brian Will, Donald Mitchell and Mayor Pro Tem Dan Merkel said they prefer a panel composed of legal professionals.

“There is a vast difference in terms of results for a dispute between a jury trial and a bench trial,” Hipes said. “When you submit something to a judge, who interprets ordinances and applies ordinances and statutes, he is operating or she is operating within the confines of what’s being charged, and if you put it to a jury, it just depends on what day it is, who your

jury is.”

City Councilman Doug DeRito said he supports the initial draft ordinance, but he thinks citizens and those who do business in Alpharetta understand the city better than those from neighboring jurisdictions.

“I do trust the citizens, just like they trust us sitting on this dais today,” DeRito said.

Mayor Jim Gilvin said he supported the version that features attorneys. While he said he agreed with DeRito’s trust in the citizens, he emphasized the process is not like a trial.

“As good as our residents’ judgment may be, if the process is distorted by not having that objective judge administer the evidence, it can be distorted,” Gilvin said. “And to me, that’s the benefit of what is being presented, as opposed to just having residents.”

An updated form of the draft ordinance will be returned to the City Council at a later date.

At the regular meeting that followed the work session, councilmembers voted to unanimously approve employment agreements for two substitute city solicitors, who will handle legal matters in any possible absence of Municipal Court Solicitor Kelsie Speight.

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

From right, Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin swears in substitute city solicitors Joseph Cusack and Margaret Benson at a City Council meeting May 15. Cusack and Benson will fulfill the duties of Municipal Court Solicitor Kelsie Speight, left, during any absences.

The Velvet Note: Live jazz with the comforts of home

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — In every great jazz show, there is a beautiful moment when the notes begin to fade and seem to hang in the air, halfway between the instruments and your ear, resonant at first, then insubstantial, like a wisp of smoke.

That moment in jazz music is what businesswoman Tamara Fuller calls the “velvet note” — a concept that inspired her to choose the name for

her jazz club off Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta.

For the past 11 years, The Velvet Note - Acoustic Living Room has provided suburban residents in the “North Pole” of Atlanta with a cozy, intimate space to see renowned jazz musicians play live.

“The Velvet Note gives you a chance to hear a world-class musician in a setting that feels like your living room. Which is the ultimate luxury,” Fuller said. “Just imagine the people you would love to see, but if they came to

your house. That’s what it feels like here.”

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and most Sundays, The Velvet Note produces two shows a night for 40 guests, with dinner, drinks and an unparalleled live jazz experience uncommon in such a suburban setting.

“We’re not open unless we’re performing live music with real musicians playing real instruments,” she said.

Fuller, a longtime lover of jazz,

pianist and entrepreneur, was inspired to start The Velvet Note after reading about how cultural centers like symphony orchestras, ballets, and jazz clubs were all located in city centers, while the people who frequented them lived primarily in the suburbs.

That disconnect was causing city establishments to “die on the vine” without regular, consistent patronage, she said.

“So, I chose to take this powder

See JAZZ, Page 9

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Tamara Fuller, owner of The Velvet Note jazz club, stands in front of her establishment off Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta shortly before opening for a set of shows May 4.

We’re not open unless we’re performing live music with real musicians playing real instruments

TAMARA FULLER, owner, The Velvet Note

Jazz:

Continued from Page 8

blue frozen yogurt shop, which is what it was … and convert it to a jazz club in the suburbs. That was considered to be wack crazy,” she said. “Now, I look like Nostradamus because people have discovered the suburbs are a pretty great place to bring culture.”

More than a decade later and The Velvet Note is still going strong, offering multiple shows each week from incredible artists.

“We have a combination of performers who are residents of this area, meaning that they’re from Atlanta or the region, to performers who come from overseas or who are national performers,” she said. “We really enjoy giving them a place, it’s a lot smaller than they’re accustomed. But here they have a chance to really feel what their audiences are feeling.”

But unlike most venues or clubs, The Velvet Note is what Fuller calls a “listening room,” which means after doors open, dinner and drinks are served, and the performer is introduced by Fuller at 7:30 p.m., all talking is taboo and the music is all that matters. Then they do it all over again at their late show.

“If you’re a performer, it means

that it doesn’t have that den of bar talk,” she said. “It’s truly people listening.”

Fuller said she’s seen countless amazing and inspiring musicians come through her doors to perform, but two, in particular, are the inspiration that kept The Velvet Note going strong.

The first, Atlanta jazz singer Freddy Cole, the brother of legendary musician Nat King Cole, was a dear

friend of Fuller’s before his death in 2020. Cole’s life and work, often overshadowed by the work of his ultrafamous brother, taught her how to be true to her authentic self, she said.

“He taught me that I will never be as good at being something else as I will at being myself,” she said. “We have 40 seats here. We’re not trying to be 60 seats; we’re not trying to be 100 seats … We’re just doing the best

we can be as us and we’re good with that.”

Her second-most important inspiration was the jazz singer Carmen Lundy, who played at The Velvet Note in 2015.

Fuller said after soundcheck on the day of Lundy’s performance, the jazz singer came up to her and scolded her for not having the venue’s antique piano perfectly tuned.

“She comes over to me and says, ‘If you plan to be what you say you want to be. You’re gonna have to keep your piano in tune,’” she said. “I’ll never forget she said, ‘Good enough, isn’t good enough.’”

From that moment forward, Fuller and her staff have striven to be as excellent as their patrons and performers expect and deserve them to be.

“We sell Chesapeake Bay jumbo lump crab, we sell beef that has no antibiotics and that’s grass-fed and comes from small production farms,” she said. “We do not allow musicians to use recording tracks. They’re making real music with real instruments, and we do those things because good enough, Isn’t.”

The Velvet Note is at 4075 Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta. For more information about their performers and get tickets to a show, visit thevelvetnote.com.

Tucker

Paras

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Tamara Fuller, owner of The Velvet Note jazz club, opens a show at the club on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta. Fuller kicks off each performance Thursday through Sunday each week.

Know the rules

Brought to You

by - Geerdes & Associates

A trust is an individual’s very own rulebook that determines how their assets will be distributed after their death.

You know this already, but do you know there are different types of trust? That’s right, depending on your purpose of creating a trust - whether that’s to avoid probate, qualify for Medicaid, or protect your assets for your children - there are different types of trust you can make.

Let’s go through a few of the many types of revocable trusts. An A-B or Marital Deduction trust allows you to enjoy the benefits of marital deduction and also protect your assets for your spouse if you pass away first. With a marital deduction trust, couples can reap the benefits of estate tax exemption and also reduces

the federal taxes for bigger estates.

If you have children with unique needs, a beneficiary’s or separate share trust is a type of trust managed by an independent trustee for the wellbeing of the beneficiary. The Trustee has full control over how the funds can be used for the benefit of the beneficiary, which ensures that the assets remain in the trust and protected for your children’s creditors, lawsuits, and divorces. The trust assets can even be protected for your children in the event that your spouse remarries.

Finally, there’s the blind trust, a special type of trust often created for politicians. A blind trust is useful when it’s better for the beneficiary to be unaware of what’s in the trust, to prevent conflicts of interest. For blind trusts, a Trustee will manage the assets inside a trust while keeping it secret from the beneficiaries until the right time.

There are many more different types of trust, and it’s highly recommended to begin your estate planning sooner rather than later. Speak to an estate planning attorney to see what trust is best for you.

GEERDES

PEXELS

Roswell City Council takes first look at 2024 budget

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — At a special called meeting May 11, the Roswell City Council reviewed the fiscal year 2024 proposed budget, which includes funds for 25 new full-time fire department positions, $21 million for transportation projects and $5 million for historic parks and gardens.

The presentation is the first of three planned public meetings for the budget.

On Monday, May 22 at 7 p.m. the city will hold the first budget reading, and the budget is set for adoption on Thursday, May 25 at 7 p.m. Roswell’s 2024 fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, 2024.

The proposed $194.3 million budget is up almost 14 percent from the current year, with $100.5 million going to the general fund that pays for day-to-day city operations. The general fund draws from property taxes and the countywide sales tax for revenue, each providing about $32 million. Additional funds come from businesses taxes and reserves.

In the budget presentation city officials highlighted Roswell’s ongoing investment into public safety,

particularly pay increases to the Police Department and funds for the Fire Department.

In 2022, the Roswell Fire Department hired its first 21 full-time fire captains as part of a five-year strategic plan to make Roswell the “safest community in America.” The plan centered on a transition from part-time to full-time staff across five years to ease employee workloads.

With a $14.8 million budget, the Fire Department proposed 25 fulltime positions, including a captain of logistics, who would be the department’s first full-time position dedicated to maintaining its seven fire stations and over 200 employees.

“This proposal represents a huge enhancement for public safety and the Fire Department,” Roswell Fire Chief Joe Pennino said.

The fire department proposed about $900,000 to fund part-time employees’ transition to full-time roles.

The Roswell Police Department accounts for the largest chunk of the city’s general fund expenditures, about 30 percent of the budget. The $30 million sum will increase various department funds and add new staff positions. Two proposed full-time roles

to expand the city’s crimes against children unit will cost $370,016.

Roswell Parks and Recreation is also looking to add seven staff members, including landscape crew and a full-time wedding planner for historic parks and gardens, which will cost $270,912 total.

The proposed general fund expenses include a $2 million investment into the citywide road resurfacing and reconstruction program, as well as over $500,000 in bridge maintenance and replacement. The rest of the Transportation Department’s funds will come from the transportation special purpose local option sales tax. The tax will fund an additional $17 million in transportation-related projects including Riverside Road and Pine Grove Road corridor improvements.

Roswell is still waiting for the property tax digest values from Fulton County to determine the property tax rates. Currently, the proposed budget is based on the 2023 millage rate of 4.463 mills. While the city won’t receive the tax digest until July, city officials said there is “flexibility” within the proposed budget to adopt a lower millage rate.

The proposed budget does not include any additional tax increase that could come from the nearly $180 million

bond referendum passed in November 2022. The additional millage rate from the bonds will be factored in when the bond sale is finalized, and the tax digest is released.

Some members of the City Council asked to adjust the budget approval timeline. The fiscal year does not begin until July 1, but the mayor expressed a desire to get the approval process done ahead of time. Councilman Peter Vanstrom pointed out that May 25 falls close to Memorial Day weekend, when many residents will be taking time off work.

“Attendance that evening would be a little tricky for, I imagine, a lot of citizens who might want to be here,” Vanstrom said. “I’m excited to see this moving so quickly and crisply and efficiently, but I don’t see a lot of harm in pushing this back a little bit.”

Councilman Mike Palermo suggested pushing the second reading and adoption of the budget to a Monday City Council meeting, weeks after the first budget reading.

Mayor Kurt Wilson said he expects residents will weigh in on the topic in the next 10 days, before May 22 and the city will have a “good sense of what they like and what they disapprove of.”

High Meadows School – Inspiring future global citizens and innovative leaders

Brought to you by - High Meadows School

There is no place like High Meadows School. Since 1973, High Meadows students in Pre-K through 8th grade have learned through experiential, immersive educational opportunities offered both in the school’s spacious, light-filled classrooms and across 42 acres of grassy fields and scenic woodlands. High Meadows School’s progressive curriculum is focused on developing future global citizens and innovative leaders who embrace challenge and think for themselves.

High Meadows lower years classrooms offer low student-teacher ratios in which instruction emphasizes academic excellence, love of learning, critical thinking, and environmental and social responsibility. As a nationally recognized

and award-winning leader in progressive education, High Meadows is an accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering its renowned Primary Years Program for students in preschool through fifth grade.

High Meadows School’s accomplished and experienced faculty lead each student on this journey. Through interactive, inquiry-based instruction, supported by of-the-moment technology and our nature-based campus, High Meadows teachers are unequaled in their intellect, passion, and compassion for these kids. Every day they inspire authentic learning opportunities that are engaging and sticky (literally and figuratively!).

When children graduate from High Meadows, they are empowered with a deep respect for international perspectives, an intuitive understanding of life’s

interconnectedness, and an exceedingly strong sense of self. Education is an expedition that starts from the moment we are born. When we teach children to be curious and inquiring at an early age, we create within them a love of learning

that lasts an entire lifetime. What is more important than that?

Please visit our website at highmeadows.org or call 770-993-2940 to learn more about High Meadows School.

Great minds think differently

Brought to you by - The Cottage School

Since 1985, The Cottage School (TCS) has provided a comprehensive program for students with learning differences grades 3-12. TCS offers a business-based model that promotes self-advocacy and fosters self-confidence, preparing them for life after graduation to pursue post-secondary educational paths or vocational opportunities. Our accredited college preparatory curriculum meets Georgia graduation standards and HOPE scholarship requirements to take students to graduation and beyond.

Our students, in all grades, enjoy unique experiential learning with electives based on their interests and clubs including archery, drama, forensics, robotics, horticulture and amazing off-campus experiences throughout the year.

The school’s beautiful 23-acre Roswell campus is a hidden gem in North Fulton, with small class sizes our students develop meaningful connections to our teaching staff. Our cottages are unique and warm learning environments that include computer and science labs, art studios, a multi-purpose athletic and performing arts facility, indoor and outdoor classrooms, and trails for mountain biking and cross-country. TCS encourages students

Brought to you by - Mill Springs Academy

Those are the words of Mill Springs Academy’s founder, Tweetie L. Moore, and the words that Mill Springs administration, faculty, and staff continue to live by today. Founded in 1981, Mill Springs provides a values-based college preparatory program for students with ADHD and learning differences. Mill Springs’ school-wide Community Structure encourages students to participate in their own education by teaching self-advocacy, social problemsolving skills, and how to forge their own path. Our small class sizes allow teachers to provide each student with individualized instruction. Our highly skilled faculty and counselors provide academic rigor on all levels, from kindergarten through 12, in a supportive, nurturing environment. Mill Springs Academy also offers students a wide variety of opportunities outside the core curriculum. Mill Springs’ fine arts program encourages students to explore their creativity through painting, sculpture, set design, music, performance, and more. Our robust athletic programs allow students to play at a competitive level while building teamwork and confidence.

PROVIDED

of all abilities to participate in athletics by offering sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, cross-country, tennis, and golf.

The Cottage School has built a one-ofa-kind learning environment perfect for students who learn differently. TCS offers 12-month rolling admissions for all grade levels. Visit our website or call for a campus tour today.

The Cottage School

700 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, Georgia 30075 770-641-8688

www.cottageschool.org

PROVIDED

Mill Springs’ 85-acre Alpharetta campus includes indoor and outdoor classroom space, athletic facilities, and visual and performing arts facilities. We serve students from over 50 different zip codes in the Metro Atlanta area and provide four bus routes with ten stops in the morning and afternoon. To learn more about Mill Springs Academy, visit us at www.millsprings.org/visit.

“If a student can’t learn the way we teach… we should teach the way a student can learn.”

Change lives, change the world

Brought to you by – Wesleyan School

Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. Our leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesleyan’s school motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, Yourself, and every aspect of school life is oriented to reinforce this philosophy of putting Jesus first and others ahead of ourselves.

A college preparatory environment, students have access to a wide range of academic opportunities along with athletics, arts, service and other extracurricular activities. Wesleyan’s 85-acre campus provides state-ofthe-art academic facilities along

with on-campus practice space for athletics and arts.

Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan enrolled 1,207 students in grades K-12 for the 2022-2023 school year. Wesleyan

offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Supervised care before school is included in the cost of tuition and after care is available (K-8) until 6 p.m. at an affordable rate

The Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-7640

https://www.wesleyanschool.org/

A letter to students

1. You are awesome. Be confident in who you are. I promise you’ll meet people who are smarter than you, and that’s OK. You don’t have to be the smartest person—oddly enough, sometimes being the smartest person is difficult. I also promise that you will be smarter than most. Enjoy that; while being smart isn’t everything, it is definitely something. Be confident in your intelligence, but not arrogant. I’ve found that, most of the time, being arrogant backfires on you. That leads into point two…

2. Sometimes it takes more courage and intelligence to be silent than to speak. It took me a long time to understand and respect silence. I’m still learning that it’s a mark of maturity and, most of the time, intelligence. Also, respect everyone’s differences and challenge yourself to learn about them.

3. Never stop learning. I don’t mean that in a teacher way, I mean it in a learning life sort of way. You are constantly growing, maturing, and developing, so enjoy it. Life is a condition to which no one is immune. We learn something every day. Our taste in music, food, TV, and the people we surround ourselves with evolves. It’s natural for these preferences to change. I wasted a lot of time trying to be someone I wasn’t because I thought I was supposed to be someone else. To complete number three, you need to invest in number four…

4. Spend time with yourself. Since you’ve been in my class, I’ve learned how amazing you are each in your own way. If you sit and spend time with you, I think you’ll feel the same way. I’m such a people person, but sometimes the best thing is time alone with great music, a book, TV, or whatever. As cheesy as this sounds, be your own best friend. The sooner you learn that all of your faults and idiosyncrasies are what make you awesome, the sooner you will be a better person and enjoy life so much more. That leads to number five…

5. Everyone has faults. With the advent of social media, I sometimes find myself comparing my faults with everyone else’s highlights. Scrolling through your Twitter feed (or Snapchat or TikTok), you see people

lauding their accomplishments, great times, and great friends. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, as long as you understand that what you see on social media is an incomplete picture. If you compare all of your faults to those highlights, you may feel a bit inadequate. Everyone has faults, so embrace yours. Grow from them and know that they add to what makes you, you. And remember, you’re awesome.

6. Surround yourself with people who love you and think you’re great (but also who know and accept your faults). You need this. If someone won’t accept you for who you are, ask yourself if you really need that relationship (be it friends or more).

7. Smile. Every day. I’m not getting into the psychology of it all, but it could possibly make you happier and healthier. It works. Trust me.

8. Don’t trust people just because they say, “trust me.” Still...

9. Trust people. It’s endearing. I know this is very contradictory, but it’s true. Even though “trust me” should raise flags, trusting people means you are human and we all need people we can trust.

10. I’ve saved one of the most important tips for last: Be happy. Genuinely happy.

Choose a profession that pays the bills and makes you want to go to work most days. You won’t be happy every day. You will have bad days, weeks and maybe even months, but you’ll be generally happy. Money will not, in the end, make you happy.

One of the greatest pieces of advice my dad ever gave me was to make great memories. Good and bad, and all kinds in between, they are all part of our life.

So, make them good ones and remember that you are part of other’s memories so make sure they are positive, too.

I have to end this the way my mother ended most of our conversations when I was in high school and college. Make good choices. (I repeat this often to my own kids.)

Lori Fenzl, Upper School social studies teacher

Brought to you by - Woodward Academy

Sowing the seeds of organic learning

Brought

to you by

– Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia

Maria Montessori, Italy’s first woman doctor, invented a system of early childhood education based on her scientific observations of how the child constructs himself through interaction with his environment.

Her emphasis on the importance of the “prepared” environment created by the teacher offers the child the freedom to choose his work. This freedom - which is given when the child demonstrates the responsibility to use it wisely - allows him to remain with an activity until its purpose is accomplished. Working without artificial timelines allows him to engage in the spontaneous repetition of a skill so that it is refined; this freedom also creates in him the ability to concentrate for long periods of time and to feel the satisfaction of mastery.

In a Montessori environment, the teacher serves as a guide rather than as a traditional instructor. She continually observes the child, using these observations to give the next lesson so that he steadily progresses.

The multi-aged classroom gives every child regular opportunities to be the learner as well as the leader in the security of a home-like environment which is cared

for by everyone in it, teacher and student alike. The Montessori classroom is ordered and beautiful, filled with materials that are aesthetically pleasing, materials which capture the imagination and assist in physical, academic and social development.

Montessori develops children who are responsible, creative, innovative, respectful and kind. Montessori children are truly the citizens of the future, equipped to face challenges with confidence and competence.

Located near the intersection of 141 and McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek, Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia provides excellence in Montessori education for infants, toddlers and children to six years old. JCMSOG provides an authentic Montessori environment, where each individual’s needs are respected, and everyone works together for the good of the community. The focus is always on helping the children to develop themselves in a caring, peaceful environment. By helping children to develop independence, we assist them in their physical and emotional development. As their sense of security in their ability to care for themselves and their environment grows, their brains have more energy or “bandwidth” for increased academic learning. Additionally, this focus

on development of muscular control is a first step in developing self-discipline. The JCMSOG Difference is best experienced in

PROVIDED

person. Please schedule a visit with your child to observe our “Montessori Magic”www.JCMSOG.org 770-814-8001.

Limited Openings Available – The JCMSOG difference is best experienced in person, schedule a tour or visit with your child and observe our “Montessori Magic.”

Be amazed.

From Kindergarten PrepEighth Grade, The Davis Academy teaches to the whole child, creating compassionate leaders and equipping them with skills they will use for the entirety of their academic careers and beyond. Davis graduates attend the most prestigious public and private high schools in Atlanta, they know who they are and continuously make a difference in their communities and the world.

Students learn amongst a warm and supportive community that shares common values and visions. We teach life skills, instill Jewish values, and provide diverse experiences so that our students become well-rounded and self-confident individuals. We celebrate both the ways our diversity makes our school vibrant and the

individual differences that make our school community so unique. With a retention rate of 97%, The Davis Academy community is comprised of families from across the globe, nation, and 31 metro Atlanta zip codes.

The school offers many options for prospective families to learn about the school and community. Parents can schedule a personal tour. In addition, families can engage in wonderful Nurture events that are free and open to the community.

To learn more or schedule a tour go to www.davisacademy.org/ admissions/visit or call 678-5273300.Visit or call 678-527-3300.

The Alfred & Adele Davis Academy 8105 Roberts Drive, Atlanta, GA 30350

770-671-0085

www.davisacademy.org

Brought to you by - The Davis Academy

PROVIDED

Mount Pisgah Christian School’s new preschool facility opens this fall 2023

Mount Pisgah Christian School’s new preschool facility, the Stuart and Eulene Murray Academy, will open its doors for the first time this fall.

Located on the Lower School campus of MPCS, the 24,000 square foot, $3 million preschool is a state-of-the-art facility with 10 new classrooms, a chapel and theatre space, innovation center, indoor interactive play space, and a natureinspired outdoor playscape.

The Murray Academy program serves the school’s three and four-year-old full day preschool students. An open house on June 1

for interested families will include a tour of the new facility. Located in Johns Creek, Georgia, Mount Pisgah Christian School serves more than 1,000 students from infants through 12th grade.

These early years of learning are essential as children learn about the love of Christ and set a foundation to become lifelong learners.

First made possible by Mount Pisgah Church’s generous gift to the school of the South Campus property itself, the Murray Academy is named in recognition of a $1 million grant from the Stuart and Eulene Murray Foundation. The Murray Foundation has a strong history of serving Christian education.

The new playground playscape is a one-of-a-kind outdoor play environment, featuring natural and hand-carved materials. Treeinspired and sensory stations such as the Eagle’s Nest, Creation Corner and the Hatchling Dig engage students in both learning and play.

In their classrooms, children open a new world of discovery through technology and multisensory experiments. Students participate in Chapel, Atelier, music, P.E. and STEAM classes each week. They grow in faith through chapel programs featuring singing and dancing and Bible curriculum.

In the Atelier space, an Atelierista, or art specialist, provides a variety of creative

experiences through music, clay, light and shadow, loose parts, paint, nature, movement and sound.

With small classroom sizes, teachers prepare Preschool 3s and 4s students for the next stage of learning. Elements of formal instruction and curriculum are introduced strategically to prepare children for school.

Children will have opportunities to focus on gross and fine motor skills and social and emotional development. Concepts in language arts, math, and science will be introduced in engaging activities and through the arts and experiments.

To learn more and schedule a tour, visit www.mountpisgahschool. org

Brought to you by - Mount Pisgah Christian School

The power of psychological testing

The Summit provides comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults who have suspected learning differences, attention problems, and cognitive and emotional issues. Overall, psychological testing can be a valuable tool for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals in supporting a child academically, emotionally, and socially!

Some specific benefits of psychological testing include:

Pinpointing Learning Difficulties. Psychological testing can help identify the root cause of a child’s learning difficulties so that they can receive targeted support and interventions.

Identifying Emotional or Behavioral Issues. Testing can help to identify emotional or behavioral issues that may be affecting the child’s social or academic

functioning. Once identified, appropriate interventions can be put in place and coping skills can be taught to help them manage their feelings in a healthy way.

Providing Insights into Cognitive Abilities. Psychological testing allows for insight into a child’s cognitive abilities, such as memory, reasoning, and problemsolving skills. This information can help teachers and parents to understand the child’s strengths and weaknesses. Details about the child’s cognitive profile allows educators to tailor teaching and learning strategies to the child’s individual needs.

Offering Guidance for Educational Placement. Psychological testing can help determine the most appropriate educational placement for a child, such as a mainstream classroom, a special education program, or a gifted program.

Learn more about our services and schedule a psychological assessment at summitcounseling.org!

Brought to you by - Summit Counseling Center

18 Golfer Woosnam 19 ___ loss for words

See solution Page 39

‘THAT’S A CLOSED DOOR’

Roswell family talks impacts of transgender medical care legislation

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Jordan-Grimes household in Roswell greets people with a wall of energy.

JD and Ellie Jordan share five kids, 3 dogs, two cats and a rabbit. They’re a typical “blended” family, with kids excited to show off old family photos and the “fat dog.”

But a recently passed piece of legislation looms over the family, a Georgia law that limits medical care for transgender minors. Two of the five kids are transgender — Lily Grimes Jordan, 17, is a trans woman, and Onyx Grimes, 16, is a trans man.

The legislation, which bans medical procedures for transgender minors, including genital reassignment surgeries and hormone replacement therapies, was co-sponsored by Republican State Sen. John Albers who lives just down the street.

The law bans medical procedures for transgender minors, including genital reassignment surgeries and hormone replacement therapies. Transgender youth will still have access to puberty blockers prior to turning 18.

State Sen. Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta), another co-sponsor of the legislation, spoke frankly about the reasoning behind his decision. He said young people who make “dramatic changes” at a young age may end up regretting them.

Panel:

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portation Department presented project plans for Grimes Bridge Road.

The public information meeting focused on three proposals to mitigate traffic on the Grimes Bridge Road and Dogwood Road corridor. The project would be funded by the transportation special purpose local option sales tax. At the meeting, residents were shown renderings of three proposed construction projects and spoke with city staff. Then, they were given opportunity to fill out a survey choosing one of the three proposals.

The first rendering maintains the signal at Vickery Lane and adds a miniature roundabout at Grimes Bridge Road and Grimes Bridge Landing, a right turn lane at the Cottage School entrance and pedestrian crossing with flashing lights across from the Cottage School.

The second proposal also keeps the Vickery Lane signal, adds a miniature roundabout at the Grimes Bridge Road

The Jordan-Grimes family is frustrated with the new law. JD says he’s angry to see it happening with the help of Albers, a Roswell legislator.

“How was this legislation informed by his constituents?” JD said.

JD and Ellie say they worry that the law will harm transgender youth.

“You have just publicly told your children you are never allowed to be this or to broach this with you,” Ellie said. “Because you co-sponsored this law.”

As parents to two transgender children, Ellie and JD are familiar with the reasoning behind the legislation. Lawmakers stated concern with children making permanent medical decisions before they turn 18.

Requests for Sen. Albers to comment

and Grimes Bridge Landing intersection and adds a miniature roundabout at the Cottage School entrance.

The third proposal includes three miniature roundabouts: one at s Grimes Bridge Landing, another at the Cottage School Entrance Drive and one at Vickery Lane.

At the meeting, Pereira gathered residents and encouraged them to not choose any of the survey options. Instead, she said they should all deliver a coordinated response in the online survey’s comment box.

Yowell, the sole remaining Transportation Advisory Commission member, called the whole plan “garbage.” The commission had previously recommended to the Transportation Department to avoid roundabouts — not include three on one road.

“This is rubbish, it’s not what we proposed,” Pereira said.

Some residents liked the proposed developments. Scott Long, a frequent cyclist and scooter user, said the inclusion of a trail that reaches the river will make his commute easier.

“This means I can ride my bike

on the topic went unanswered.

Ellie said those ideas are based on “assumptions” that parents are ready to let their children have surgery the moment a kid comes out. It’s not like that, she said, the process is long, complex and involves many medical steps.

Lily’s transition started not with a coming out, but with a depression diagnosis. In the summer of 2020 JD and Ellie noticed Lily showed signs of depression and took her to one-on-one therapy sessions. She eventually moved on to an outpatient group therapy, where many of her fellow patients were also LGBTQ+. Lily didn’t come out as a transgender woman to her parents until September 2020, although the teen remembers the story differently from her

downtown,” Long said.

Other residents were frustrated with the proposals. One woman asked why the public information meeting wasn’t a Q&A with city officials. Yowell said the city was only hosting the meeting to “check a box.”

Pereira said members would “speak and speak and try to work with people” but nothing would change. Now, she’s looking to voice her concerns through other means, like possible protests or demonstrations before the Transportation Department makes any decisions.

“Typically, they say this is already done, that ship has sailed,” Pereira said. “We’re not waiting for ‘that ship has already sailed.’”

Roswell City Councilwoman Lee Hills, who attended the meeting, along with Councilwoman Sarah Beeson, said the plan is far from a “done deal.”

“There’s time to make adjustments and for us to go back to the drawing board and figure out some options,” Hills said.

She said one of the “resounding” pieces of feedback she has received was opposition to roundabouts. While Hills

parents.

“I was accidentally outed, but it didn’t end poorly,” Lily said.

She said her former significant other had outed her by accident, referring to her as “Lily” in front of her parents before the teen had shared her gender identity and chosen name. The parents don’t remember the conversation, but they recall when she came out as a transgender woman at a family dinner.

“We didn’t know what we were doing,” JD said.

The parents said it was a major adjustment at first.

“There’s so much worry and thought and research and therapy sessions poured into receiving the news and processing it,” Ellie said. “Is this a symptom of the depression or is the depression a symptom of being trans?”

Ellie said the first step was figuring out the best course to take for Lily. The family began by using Lily’s chosen name, rather than her birth name, and began using she/her pronouns for the teen.

By December 2020 Lily met with her first doctor for a consultation. In October of 2021, she started taking Spironolactone, a hormone blocker that targets testosterone. It is also used to treat excessive hair growth in women, acne and high blood pressure.

The hormone blockers did not work well for Lily, though, and after numerous

said no plan will appease everyone, she “feels good” that residents were able to talk to city officials directly.

“We want it to be great for residents, but at the same time, not a great pick for the commuters, which is a tall order,” Hills said. “So, knowing what the challenges are from our residents is a big deal.”

Roswell Transportation Department Director Jeffrey Littlefield spent the meeting gathering comments and feedback from residents, and he will “see how they can be incorporated or see what makes sense.”

Littlefield pointed to roundabouts as a major resident issue. He said residents prefer stop signs.

“We need to see what effect that would have on traffic and safety, as stop signs tend to have more accidents than roundabouts,” Littlefield said.

Transportation officials will sift through the online and in-person survey results to see if there is any consensus on project details. Officials predict the corridor improvements will reach the mayor and City Council for an official vote sometime in July.

JD JORDAN/PROVIDED

The Jordan-Grimes household consists of five children, from left; Sean Grimes, 14; Lily Grimes Jordan, 17; Jack Jordan, 15; Onyx Grimes, 16 and Malcolm Jordan, 12.

See IMPACT, Page 26

Impact:

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consultations and doctors’ appointments, the family decided to start the teen girl on hormone replacement therapy. Lily began taking estrogen on Nov. 1, 2022.

Ellie told Lily about the estrogen with a handwritten note and a box of the medication. She said both of them had tears in their eyes.

“The experience of telling her was very affirming,” Ellie said.

Under the newly passed Georgia law Lily’s healthcare will be grandfathered in and she will continue receiving hormone replacement therapies while still under the age of 18.

Lily’s transition journey was a learning curve for the parents, but across numerous appointments, consultations and therapy sessions they had some major takeaways. One consultant told the family to watch out for three things in transgender and questioning youth: persistence, insistence and consistency.

“As soon as she said that, it was like this lightbulb went off,” Ellie said.

Ellie kept the three words in mind when Onyx said he wanted to be a boy and get gender-affirming care.

“My mom had said ‘Alright, so I want you to keep a calendar for how many days you felt like you want to do this,’” Onyx said.

Onyx kept the calendar for almost two years. Because of the new law, he won’t be able to get gender affirming care.

“That’s a closed door until he’s 18,” Ellie said.

Onyx will have to wait two years before he can receive the healthcare he

Housing:

Continued from Page 4

she said, has been long and complex. Parrish said that plans to demolish and rebuild the apartments date back to 2011, which is why the property was poorly maintained. By 2019 the group realized there were major costly structural issues that needed to be addressed, so the housing authority submitted a low-income tax credit application for two rounds of redevelopment funding. The application failed.

The housing authority fell short of meeting the application requirements because it lacked external financial support. After the first application failed, some housing authority board members resigned. Parrish said it was “heavy” work, particularly when they had to relocate the Grove Way residents last summer.

She said that while the board largely focused on helping its residents relocate, it also concentrated on a second tax credit

wants. Ellie said the people opposed to transgender healthcare need to talk to people that are affected by these laws, like Onyx.

“You can’t say authentically ‘I’m opposed to this’ if you don’t even understand and you haven’t made an effort,” Ellie said.

JD said he was frustrated to see the law pass in Georgia especially with a connection to Roswell via Sen. Albers.

“I don’t associate our community with being that kind of hateful,” JD said.

He said Roswell is “resistant to change” but people in the area have been largely accepting of Lily and Onyx. Lily, a student at Roswell High School, said her experience has been a mixed bag.

Teachers use her chosen name and pronouns, and many students are allies, but Lily has also faced hatred and slurs from others.

Younger brothers Sean and Malcolm Jordan are both accepting of their transgender siblings. They are religious but said their beliefs “don’t have to collide” with transgender people.

“It’s your belief, if they don’t believe the same thing, why do you have to tell them?” 12-year-old Malcolm asked.

JD said he knows there are dozens of transgender teens at Roswell High School alone, with even more across Georgia. He said Albers and his co-sponsors did not talk to them, the people the law would affect most.

Lily said she is ready and waiting for the public to approach her. When asked how she feels about being a spokesperson for transgender youth, she said her voice is a “more accurate representation” of what being trans is like.

“It’s a bit better being approached and being talked to,” Lily said.

application for 2023. The agency partnered with the developer Pennrose to helm the construction project.

“We need a plan, and we need to work together,” Parrish said.

She started working with the city to get formal financial support, acutely aware of why the first application failed. She looked to Fulton County and Warnock for additional funds to show backing for the redevelopment, too.

The tax credit application is due May 19, but the housing authority will not know until November whether it has secured the funds.

Meanwhile, Parrish assured residents that the work will continue — specifically on the housing authority’s additional 55 units not included in the redevelopment plan.

“Right after this, we plan a second phase to address the other 55 issues,” Parrish said. “We’re still not out of the woods.”

The first and second phases of development will be performed back-toback with the tax credit funds.

Taste:

Continued from Page 1

Gilvin said. “I can’t help but think back to about 11 years ago when Mayor Belle Isle was elected … and our goal at that point was to have a place in downtown Alpharetta where we can come together. Well look around, folks, we got a place to come together.”

The Taste of Alpharetta, launched in 1992 with just a handful of participating restaurants, has grown into the city’s signature annual event, with food, drinks, music and fun for people of all ages.

City of Alpharetta Marketing Coordinator Deanna McKay, who facilitated this year’s event, said the city logged more than 60 restaurants and drink vendors, including top chefs in the area and downtown businesses.

“All local brick and mortar, restaurants and businesses, all within the scope of Alpharetta,” McKay said. “There’s a little over 60 actually, we got a few late additions.”

McKay said growth over the last 31 years has led to a huge burst in popularity, drawing in eager participants from throughout the state.

She and other Alpharetta officials said they think the food festival has spawned a host of other similar festivals in other cities.

“I would say with confidence we pioneered and paved the way for ‘Taste of’, food events … not to brag or anything,” she said.

In addition to the annual favorites like beer tents and the kid’s “Fun Zone,” the city added a “Learn Zone,” with interactive displays from organizations like the Milton Bee Club, North Fulton Young Farmers and the Sunshine STEM Academy to this year’s event.

A big priority this year, Gilvin said, was to teach the community about more than just the best restaurants in Alpharetta, but also about where food comes from locally and why sustainability matters.

“Our team over in special events has really been thoughtful about how we make this a responsible event and teach about food resources,” he said. “You know, a lot of kids grow up today and don’t understand, this came out of the ground from somebody’s farm or off the hoof.

“When you can respect it, you’re a better steward of those resources,” he added.

PHOTOS BY ALEX POPP

Alpharetta officials estimate that more than 40,000 people attended the 31st annual Taste of Alpharetta festival held downtown Thursday, May 11.

During the 31st annual Taste of Alpharetta held Thursday, May 11, crowds were able to taste a variety of different culinary delights, like these tapas from local steak and seafood eatery, Palm 78.

People gather for food, music and games at a fundraiser at Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant April 30 in Alpharetta. Funds raised at the Community Block Party benefit pancreatic cancer research.

Alpharetta restaurant hosts benefit to fund pancreatic cancer research

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — People gathered at Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant in Alpharetta April 30 for games, live music and food at an annual fundraising event to benefit pancreatic cancer research.

The Community Block Party benefited the nonprofit Purple Pansies, which was founded in 2009 by Maria Fundora after her mother died from the disease. Fundora is also co-owner of the restaurant.

The organization has raised over $5 million to support research, families’ medical expenses and scholarships since its creation to help those impacted by pancreatic cancer.

“With the support of our community, Purple Pansies will be able to continue to positively change lives [affected] by pancreatic cancer,” Fundora said. “The funds raised at the block party will continue to help fund the fight against pancreatic cancer, as our mission is to not only fund research, but to also conquer this deadly disease.”

The nonprofit will host its annual Pillars of Hope Gala fundraiser at Astro Celebrations in Cumming Sept. 10.

Those interested in volunteering or donating can visit purplepansies.org.

Councilman Merkel To Seek Re-Election This Fall

— Shelby Israel

CASA NUOVA ITALIAN RESTAURANT/PROVIDED

Master Gardeners to bring Celebration Garden Tour to Sandy Springs

MICHAEL SNOW Guest Columnist

The Celebration Garden Tour provides access to five glorious Southern gardens in the Chastain Park area. On June 3, five home gardens of Master Gardeners will be on display for ticket holders. The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. These are truly fabulous gardens, which will be complemented by musicians and plein air artists.

Tickets may be purchased for $22 for adults, including taxes and credit card/Eventbrite fees. Children under 18 are free. Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/GardenTour2023. Information about garden locations and tour information will be sent to all ticket holders. If still available, tickets may be purchased on-site for $25.

Master Gardener Extension volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and highlight areas of interest in each garden. The gardens can be viewed in any order. Please note that the gardens are not wheelchair accessible or suitable for strollers. Sturdy shoes are suggested. Photography is acceptable for personal use and enjoyment.

Garden #1 - Neo-classical Southern

Leading to this home’s stately entrance are deodar cedars, rhododendron, viburnum and camellias nestled beneath the magnolias. The collection of whimsical birdhouses among the trees are just some of the garden’s delights.

Some of the charm includes bird of paradise, confederate jasmine and beautiful camellias as well as a weeping katsura with climbing hydrangea petiolaris draping over the door to the house. Another favorite feature is the collection of small stone houses.

A view of the rear of the house features crape myrtles and Coral Bark Japanese maples along the end of the brick wall covered in creeping fig and accented with containers of rosemary balancing the whole arrangement. Two Japanese maples flank the pool spa, while palms, agave, ajuga, and a Harry Lauder’s walking stick plant occupy containers.

Garden #2 - Sculptures in the gardens of a midcentury modern

This Master Gardener’s house and multiple garden areas are designed to showcase art. Near the entrance are a silver sculpture, a fig tree, a Richard Jakobus family memorial bench, and a blue wave sculpture. Further on are a David Borgerding bronze sculpture, Peace Rising, and a sculpture by Kevin and Jennifer Box from the “Origami in the Garden” exhibit at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

The flora includes redbud trees, Carolina jessamine, deodar cedar and sweet bay magnolia, to name a few. Also, 70-year-old ginkgo and ficus trees grace the grounds.

A koi pond containing Fat Albert, a koi inherited with the house over 26 years ago, and a Zen Garden with climbing hydrangea covering the wall complement the garden.

The birdhouse village and raised bed vegetable garden are just a few of the garden delights.

About the Author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Michael Snow, a Master Gardener since 2021 and a Milton resident. Michael has always been active in “yard work” and growing plants and shrubs. Upon retiring from a career in real estate property finance, he sought to benefit from an organized source of garden information and became a Master Gardener. He cochairs the Celebration Garden Tour along with Kelly Mogelgaard, a Master Gardener since 2016 and avid Sandy Springs gardener.

Garden #3 - Charming Container Garden

This garden emphasizes containers to maximize the variety available every season. This Master Gardener has grown many of the plants in the garden from seed or seedling, and he will be available during the tour to discuss his propagation methods.

Hollies, crape myrtles, camellias, and gold mound spirea are featured as well as containers of double white gardenias with a tremendous river birch. The gardens contain a prized crown of thorns and a yellow angel trumpet from Oakland

Cemetery.

Across from the terrace is a sculpture flanked by rhododendrons. A prized Southeastern Flower Show camellia and Carolina jessamine reside near the pool.

Garden #4 - Secluded Oasis

This all-inclusive garden contains many delights. Fatsia, japonica camellias, boxwoods and matching Japanese maples invite you into the garden. The pool area is accented with containers planted for color as two crape myrtles flank the entry to an adjacent lawn. The arbor at the rear of the house supports a ‘New Dawn’ rose.

This Master Gardener enjoys the produce from the raised vegetable beds and the perennial garden. The stunning stone-rimmed vegetable beds are fabulous. The perennial garden features peonies of every variety and color — some new and some old — as well as roses, hydrangeas, and gooseneck loosestrife, which pops up regularly. Beyond the hedge is a large lawn specially planned for their daughters’ soccer and softball.

Garden #5 - Generational homage

This garden was inspired by the Master Gardener’s parents who worked the land and gardened

See SNOW, Page 32

FRIENDS OF BULLOCH, INC. presents

the 38th

THE EVENT

The Magnolia Ball has been an outstanding and highly coveted Roswell black tie event for 38 years. Join us for an amazing night which begins with a very social cocktail reception, exceptional food, a band that will not let you stop dancing, an irresistible auction, and great shopping. Do not miss this incredibly fun night!

FUNDRAISER MISSION

Bulloch Hall is the only nationally recognized historic house museum in Roswell since it was the childhood home of Mittie Bulloch, mother of President Theodore Roosevelt. After Mittie’s marriage to Theodore Roosevelt, Sr. they moved to New York City where Mittie Bulloch Roosevelt became an adored high profile New York socialite while in a closeknit family lovingly nurturing four children, one who would become a US President.

DUNWOODY COUNTRY CLUB

Magnolia Ball

1600 DunwoodyDrive

Atlanta, GA 30350

SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2023

6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

$175 per person / Formal evening attire

Presenting Sponsor

MALON D. MIMMS

Co-Chairs

CHRIS & TRACY ARCHER

Tickets available online at: friendsofbulloch.org/events/2023-magnolia-ball

The mission of this year’s Magnolia Ball fundraiser is the preservation of Bulloch Hall and grounds with a pressing need for renovation of plumbing, replacement of period appropriate fabrics, rugs, draperies, and repair of furniture.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS OVER 30 YEARS

This year the Magnolia Ball will highlight the numerous restorations and reconstructions that Friends of Bulloch, Inc. has achieved over 30 years to include period appropriate furnishings for Bulloch Hall; reconstruction of the Service yard with dog-trot cabins and Carriage House; the Summer House; Main & Cooling Wells; Osage Terrace, Pavilion & Fireplace; Orchard Hill with pond, fountain, dock, gazebo, bridge & earthen amphitheater; and more recently the Blacksmith Shop. A beautiful pergola will grace the entrance to Orchard Hill within the next year.

PRESERVING THE PAST

The fascinating history of honey and honey bees

Honey bees are essential to our health and wellbeing. Many plants that provide us with food would not reproduce without the assistance of bees, and honey bees are the only insect that produces food for humans. Today we will explore the history of beekeeping with some observations about the practice in this area.

Georgia ranks ninth among states in the production of honey with 3.3 million pounds annually. One of the best-known Georgia bee producers was J.J. Wilder (1872-1950) of Waycross, called the “Georgia Bee King,” whose 300 apiaries (place where beehives are kept) and 14,000 colonies extended 200 miles and housed a billion bees in the early 1930s, making it one of the world’s largest.

Bee cultivation history dates back to prehistoric times. Cave paintings in Spain have portrayed humans foraging honey from wild hives 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. Honey played a vital role in ancient Egypt where it was used for food, cosmetics, medications and more. Even after organized beekeeping using woven straw hives or baked clay tubes or domes was developed around 2500 B.C., destruction of the hives during honey collection continued until the 1850s. That’s when Lorenzo Langstroth of Philadelphia invented the wooden Langstroth hive with removable frames to hold honeycombs. His box revolutionized beekeeping and continues to be the most popular design today. If kept under proper conditions, natural honey can last forever, which explains why honey found in dry Egyptian tombs is still edible.

Bee colonies are wondrous creations. Each contains between 60,000 and 100,000 bees consisting of three types: workers, drones and the queen. The bees work together to assure the health of the hive, each type with its defined role. The vast majority of bees in a colony are

Snow:

Continued from Page 30

at Sawnee Farms in Cumming. Many of the plants, shrubs and trees were transplanted from the family farm. The gardens showcase Southern legacy plants and flowers, such as large azaleas, kousa dogwood, a Bloodgood Japanese maple, box -

female worker bees who build the wax comb that holds eggs, feed the brood of new bees, take care of the queen, forage for pollen, nectar and water among other responsibilities. Worker bees live for only a few weeks.

Every colony has only one queen bee whose main job is to lay eggs, up to a million over her lifetime of two to four years. Drones are males whose only responsibility is to mate with the queen who may mate with up to 17 drones over a one- to two-day period. The beekeeper must understand the lifecycles of the bees and provide a healthy environment for them, a management task that requires detailed knowledge of many factors.

Here are a few facts about bees from the monthly American Bee Journal to help with your next trivia game: The publication first appeared in January 1861 and is still relied upon by beekeepers.

• The average honeybee will make only one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.

• Honeybees fly up to 15 miles per hour with wings that stroke 11,400 times per minute, creating their distinctive buzz.

• Bees maintain a temperature of 92-93 degrees in their central brood regardless of the outside temperature.

• Fermented honey, known as mead, is the most ancient fermented beverage.

There are several local bee clubs in Georgia and many small beekeepers in North Fulton County.

Ed Parsons and Stan Key are two of the best known.

Ed and Carter Parsons operate the Milton Honey Farm. Ed handles the bees, and Carter is responsible for the business aspects and makes a line of honey soap. Ed is busy with his honeybee business, and his IT company and a wood company that services furniture makers. He has some 40 or 50 hives in two locations in Milton and maintains two self-serve stands. Ed explains that

woods, large camellias, and peonies. Plants that dominate in each garden area include abelia, strawberry begonia, epimedium, and pittosporum. This well-articulated setting includes both a cutting garden and a formal garden showcasing more ligustrum and oak leaf hydrangeas set before a collection of camellias. A goldfish pond centers the formal garden. Also attracting attention is a Harry Lauder’s walking stick tree.

honey purchased in stores is typically blended honeys from several states, which accounts for its uniform taste and color. Like most beekeepers in the area, Ed produces Wildflower Honey which can vary from light to dark depending on the flowers visited by the bees. Spring honey is lighter in color than fall honey, which is tulip poplar flower-based. Every June to mid-August, Ed takes his bees to North Georgia so they can enjoy sourwood tree flowers. Sourwood is most abundant in the southern Appalachian Mountains and produces a uniquely flavored light to medium amber honey depending on the amount of sun and rain a tree receives.

Stan Key is president of Stan’s Bee Loved Honey Company in Alpharetta which makes wildflower honey, sells bees, and relocates beehives. He is a frequent speaker about bees and beekeeping at schools and community groups, consults and mentors individuals who are new to

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 order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. More details about the

the bee business. He is past president of the Fort Worth, Texas Metro Bee Association. Earlier, he was director of American schools in Brazil, Bolivia, Spain and Nicaragua. Stan says, “A third of every bite of food we eat has been touched by bees.”

Both Stan and Ed are active members of the Milton Bee Club which supports local hobby apiarists and works to build the next generation of Milton beekeepers. For information contact Stan at Milton Bee Club Home or email him at stankey. texas@gmail.com or phone 817 8880470.

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.

tour are at https://www.nfmg.net/ garden-tour.html.

Proceeds from Garden Tour support gardening education for young children; scholarships for horticulture students; community gardening education classes (https://www.nfmg. net/communityclasses.htm) in North Fulton and beyond; and local demonstration gardens (https://www.nfmg. net/projectgardens.htm) maintained by the North Fulton Master Gardeners.

KEY FAMILY/PROVIDED

Stan Key and his 12 year old granddaughter Estelle inspect their beehives. Estelle has been working with bees for three years and now has her own hive to care for.

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What does Alpharetta stand for?

I recently attended a fund-raiser for Family Promise, a faith-based nonprofit that provides shelter and more for local homeless moms and their children.

Alpharetta Mayor Jimmy Gilvin was the main speaker. We spoke for about 10 minutes during the meet and greet about the city in general. I took the opportunity to suggest to him that with all the amazing things that the city offers, that perhaps the city might consider working on what, in my opinion, may be the last significant missing piece of the city profile/ brand –what Alpharetta stands for.

What does Alpharetta in fact, stand for?

Until now, what Alpharetta has stood for is what most successful growing communities “stand for” – affluence, comfort, convenience, style, second homes and Range Rovers – that “successful” lifestyle.

Alpharetta has been blessed with amazing relatively controlled/strategic growth for the past 20+ years that is

probably unduplicated in the Southeast if not the entire United States. We have a massive commercial tax base, primarily from all the office space. That office space has been home to a large percentage of high-tech, including especially fin-tech – Fortune 200 companies which have brought thousands of high-paying, whitecollar jobs which, in turn, has driven one of the more robust housing markets in the country. The affluence has supported even more growth in the form of developments like Avalon, continuous development of new massive live-work-play communities like the two currently going up off Haynes Bridge Road just west of Ga. 400, plus over 25 hotels, restaurants and golf courses, and more. No city will ever catch up with Alpharetta – or will they?

Our schools are the envy of almost all other Georgia school systems – or are they?

Forsyth County now has even better schools than we have in North Fulton. Forsyth County schools didn’t used to be so high-performing though, but maybe that is the point that should begin to wake us up. Forsyth schools caught up and passed North Fulton schools, just as many other cities – think regional cities such as Peachtree Corners, Sandy

Springs, Canton, Suwanee, Buford, and many more that are rapidly closing the gap with Alpharetta in so many ways – especially in infrastructure and development.

Plus, “remote work” has broken or will break almost every business and social model that exists, including here in Alpharetta. Long-term viability of all these office buildings – and our fabulous tax base – cannot be assumed. No aspect of our current success will not be impacted. Anyone who doesn’t see that needs to look again – real hard.

So, we’ve got it all, and we are in the front of the pack – until we’re not.

Over time, most people, cities and trends usually regress to the mean. That is, they get back to “normal.” It happens in sports; it happens with countries, companies, restaurants, writers, musicians and artists – and yes, with cities.

So how does Alpharetta avoid “regressing back to the mean” and remain “the place where everyone wants to be?” We need to stand for something – something new, something relevant for the future.

I think that answer depends on the city leadership having vision—new, longterm, strategic vision. At present, I don’t think I see it. Right now, what I see is business as normal – status quo – the mindset and actions that brought us to the current desirable table. But that “way,” I’m afraid, won’t cut it into the future. And, I am not saying that they have done or are doing a bad job; I am just saying that it is time to strategically shift gears and go way outside the envelope to find the new path – one that will work for 5,10, 50 years from now.

The future belongs to younger generations, and the status quo that so attracted most of us to Alpharetta doesn’t work for them as much. They want more. They want different. They want things that were not on our radar, and they will move to and live in cities that have what

they want and leave cities that don’t. What they want is the $64 million question. Some answers are easy –affordable housing, jobs, remote work, modality and entertainment – stuff that we are already working on, just like every other growing city with any sense. So, if most cities are already working on those things, what can set Alpharetta apart?

I think what can set Alpharetta apart is purpose – a “why” for the city.

I will offer an extreme example of what happens when the “why” is missing. The war in Ukraine should have been over in just a month or two, but it now is into the second year. The main reason is that one side has a “why” and the other side doesn’t. It is all the difference. If Alpharetta wants to “stay ahead” and keep winning in the growth and development/quality of life “war” – which will mean continuing to be able to attract a strong young work force – it is going to have to have a “why.”

How Alpharetta creates a successful and long-lasting “why” might be the biggest challenge the city has ever had. It will take way outside-the-box thinking, and I suggest that the effort can only be successful if the city goes “all in.” It is not something that can be half-hearted or piecemeal or any iteration of the status quo.

The “why” must be crystal clear. It must become the city’s public and reputational “brand.”

If one looks around, deeply, and sets aside the status quo thinking – opinions, beliefs, and biases – and acknowledges that eventually all institutions fail if they don’t change, then our “why” must become institution-lead sustainability. If climate, carbon footprint and priorities become our brand, Alpharetta wins. We all win. It’s no longer tree-hugger stuff. It’s not left or right stuff. It’s no longer optional thinking stuff. It is exactly where we are today, and it will determine exactly where we are able to go tomorrow.

We must have this “why.”

RAY APPEN

Publisher Emeritus

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

CITY OF MOUNTAIN PARK

118 LAKESHORE DRIVE

MOUNTAIN PARK, GA 30075

The City of Mountain Park is accepting proposals for GDOT bridge maintenance and repairs that need to be completed for the Russell Rd. bridge. Please contact City Hall at (770)993-4231 to obtain a copy of the RFP or visit the website at www.mountainparkgov.com. Deadline for submission is Tuesday, June 20, 2023, by 2:00 p.m.

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DEATH NOTICES

Beverly Boardman, 81, of Alpharetta, passed away on May 9, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Kenneth Christian, 83, of Alpharetta, passed away on May 5, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Alexander “Alex” Finnell, 23, of Milton, passed away on May 5, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Sarah Pippin, 93, of Alpharetta, passed away on May 6, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Susanne Sonke, 80, of Roswell, passed away on May 8, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Nellie Taylor, 91, of Milton, passed away on April 28, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

John Vlahiotis, 70, of Alpharetta, passed away on May 6, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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Facilities/Property Manager for church in Alpharetta area.

Benefits.

Needs basic competency of the practices, methods, and equipment utilized in facility maintenance, construction, and repair activities; including skills and abilities related to plumbing, janitorial, electrical systems, painting, carpentry, construction, and heating and air conditioning systems. Basic understanding of IT and AV technology would be helpful. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage contractors/volunteers. Requires successful completion of a criminal record and child abuse background check, a valid driver’s license and the ability to perform physical tasks.

Qualified candidates please send resume to Alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.

SysPro IT Solutions, Inc. (Duluth, GA 30097) seeks multiple Software Developers to analyze user requirements, design, develop, test and deploy various client-servers, web-based software applications. Requirements: MS or Foreign equivalent in Comp. Sci./ IT, Engg. / Math / Science / MBA with Computer Science as major or minor/or related + 1 year of relevant IT experience using Java, Microsoft SQL Server, .Net, Salesforce (or BS or foreign equivalent in Comp. Sci / IT / Engg. / Math / Science / BBA with Computer Science as major or minor or related plus 5 yrs. of relevant IT experience using same IT skills listed above). Positions involve travel to client locations all over the USA. Send resume to HR Manager – SysPro IT Solutions Inc. 3057 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30097 or hr@sysproinc.com.

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Community Events Manager

The Community Events Manager is responsible for all aspects of NFCC’s community events, from inception through execution, including helping secure sponsorships. Events may include annual golf tournament, annual fundraising gala, community engagement events, donor recognition events, and other community events. Position requires a highly organized, creative, and motivated person to lead event planning, sponsorship, and community engagement. Bachelor’s Degree preferred with 2-3 years special events and fundraising experience. To view entire listing visit: https://nfcchelp.org/workat-nfcc/  To apply, send a resume to Sandy Holiday, sholiday@nfcchelp.org.

CARPENTERS

Experienced. Prevailing wage. Must speak English. Open immediately. 352-449-5697

Appen Newspapers is looking for one or two folks to help deliver our newspapers. Work is part time and flexible. Routes can be done at night or during the day - on your schedule - within our deadlines. Comfortably earn $550 or more a month on your own schedule.

This is a great way to get out as well as contribute to helping your local newspaper! Perfect for retired person who wants to stay active or a parent with school-aged kids - deliver during school hours. Also good way to earn supplemental income at night. We have had many retired couples deliver our papers and almost all have managed a route well and enjoyed the time and the work.

Requirements include reliable vehicle, clean driving record, availability, reliability, and honesty. Prior delivery experience is good, but not required. It helps if you live relatively close as papers are picked up to be bagged and delivered from our office in Alpharetta. Delivery areas can be Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, South Forsyth, Dunwoody, or Sandy Springs typically - depending on open routes.

Please contact our Office Manager Heidi to set up an appointment to come in and fill in paper work or start the process via Email!

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Administrative Assistant for Youth and Children

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.

Dawson’s Pediatrics Peach Kids Triathlon presented by Children’s Healthcare of 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

Tree Services

Donor Operations Associate

The Donor Operations Associate greets and removes donations from vehicles and sorts merchandise in a designated area.  They are responsible for keeping the merchandise secure, all areas free of debris and the donor door area neat and clean.  This position is the face of NFCC so they are expected to provide excellent customer service and treat each donor with a professional and friendly demeanor.  High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Ability to perform low to moderate facility maintenance tasks.  To view entire listing visit: https://nfcchelp.org/work-atnfcc/  To apply, please complete an application for employment and email to Marten Jallad,  mjallad@nfcchelp.org.

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