Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - June 22, 2023

The Alpha Arts Guild finds new home

Group christens The Scene in North Point Mall space

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — No longer rotating between the Alpharetta Arts Center, Joann Fabric and Crafts, restaurants or homes, the Alpha Arts Guild has secured a permanent home 15 years after it began.

“We were just vagabonds,” said Barbara Rush, president of the Alpha Arts Guild. She joined the group about two years ago.

Opened in mid-May, The Scene is an 11,269-square-foot space on the second floor of North Point Mall that includes a gallery as well as a classroom area. It’s exclusively for Georgia artists, and the Guild is looking for those who want to consign their family-friendly art in a juried selection for three- to six-month contracts.

“We're all about the arts,” Rush said. “We love talking with other artists about techniques, and we share information here.”

The Alpha Arts Guild, open to all Georgia residents, is a nonprofit arts community with 50 members. Its mission is to learn and inspire one another through their work. Mediums vary.

“We have such a melting pot of

See ARTS, Page 11

County issues nonprofits

$1.3 million in funding

► PAGE 3

Alpharetta officials pass $154 million 2024 budget

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Following a nearly month-long recess, the Alpharetta City Council returned to the dais June 19 to adopt the city’s final budget and property tax rate for the 2024 fiscal year.

The council unanimously approved the budget and a 5.75-mill levy at the meeting. Most of the levy, 4.87 mills, covers operational costs, with the remaining 0.88 mills dedicated to debt services.

It was the third and final public hearing on the budget and mill rate.

Board members of the Alpharetta Arts Guild and employees stand inside The Scene art gallery, a 11,269-square-foot home for the Guild and Georgia artists. From left, bottom row, is Sharmila Roy, member at large; Barbara Rush, president; and Max Lundin, gallery assistant. From left, back row, is Tatiana Mack, first vice president; Ericka Jones-Craven, gallery manager; and Kelly Cook, second vice president.

Roswell High School puts history on display

► PAGE 4

Knockerball service kicks up family fun

► PAGE 8

Just over $99 million of the $154 million budget is reserved for the city’s general fund – which covers day-to-day operation of the city – with an additional $16.2 million allotted for capital projects.

Based on the approved tax rate and reassessments on property, the city estimates a $39.83 tax increase on an owner-occupied home with a fair market value of $550,000 and a $164.50 increase for a nonhomesteaded property valued at

See BUDGET, Page 11

BARBARA RUSH/PROVIDED

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Copper worth $13,000 stolen from work site

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police reports said spools of copper wire worth $13,000 were recently stolen from an Alpharetta construction site.

Officers responded to a construction site on Lakeview Parkway in Alpharetta June 8, after receiving reports that cameras had captured thieves stealing two 500-foot spools of copper wire several days before.

Video footage showed two suspects entering the construction site at about midnight June 4 driving a silver pickup truck and taking the wire from a storage area.

Due to the low quality of the footage, no suspect descriptions were available at the time of the report.

Police determined the suspect vehicle fled the scene traveling south on Haynes Bridge Road, but no other information was available.

Thieves take car, items in residential burglary

ROSWELL, Ga. — A Roswell woman told police June 11 that $49,000 in belongings and her car were stolen in a home burglary on Wood Creek Drive.

The resident said she noticed her front door and balcony door were both unlocked and open when she got home that day. There were no signs of damage to the apartment, and the woman said it was locked when she left earlier.

She told police about $40,000 in purses, $6,000 in jewelry, $3,000 in clothing and several credit cards were taken. Her car was also stolen

from the parking lot, but a towing company contacted her and said it was recovered in Atlanta.

The towing company recovered the car on June 11, but they had no other details about the vehicle.

An officer reported there were no cameras in the area, and there weren’t any items on the scene that police could process for evidence. The case remains active.

Driver cited for speeding in construction zone

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police arrested a man who was allegedly caught driving over 100 miles per hour through a construction zone on Ga. 400.

Police reports said the man was taken into custody June 8 at about 6 p.m. after an officer conducting a traffic detail on Ga. 400 spotted a gray BMW traveling at high speeds while weaving in and out of traffic.

The vehicle was clocked traveling at 107 miles per hour in a 55-mileper-hour zone and was stopped on the side of Ga. 400. Due to the heavy rush hour traffic and the erratic driving, officers charged the 47-year-old Roswell man with reckless driving and speeding in a construction zone.

He was transported to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

Woman reports altercation at Roswell car wash shop

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police responded to reports of a verbal altercation at the Car Spa on Alpharetta Street June 9 after a man allegedly stood in front of a customer’s car and demanded money.

The customer told police she was retrieving her car when a man approached her and demanded $200. He stood in the doorway and did not allow the customer to close the door,

demanding she give him money, food stamps or other forms of currency.

The customer said she tried to close the door twice but the man pushed back. He did not threaten to harm her, but she was afraid he had a weapon. Eventually, the man let her leave, but he got in a car behind her, honked his horn and flipped his middle finger at her.

An officer reviewed footage from the store that corroborated the woman’s story. Employees said the man had worked there, but he had been fired a while ago. Police were able to get the man’s information through an employee and found multiple incident reports on him.

Police are waiting to hear from the customer about whether she wants to prosecute.

Alpharetta man arrested for aggravated assault

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police have arrested a 39-year-old Alpharetta man for allegedly attacking a woman who required hospitalization June 9.

Officers responded to Parkerwood Way in Alpharetta at about 10 p.m. where they arrested a man after a woman came to the Alpharetta Police Department with visible injuries, reporting that her boyfriend attacked her and attempted to strangle her during an argument.

Reports said the woman’s neck showed signs that she had been severely choked and EMS personnel reported that she would need to be taken to the hospital for injuries sustained to her ribs and body.

At the scene of the alleged attack, police met with a possible suspect and observed several defensive wounds on his body that were consistent with the woman’s story.

The man was charged with aggravated assault and two counts of battery. He was transported to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

County issues $1.3 million to North Fulton nonprofits

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Fulton County leaders have granted 25 North Fulton nonprofit groups more than $1.3 million in grant funding, as part of the county’s Community Services Program and Veterans Services Program.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted to approve funding for 167 nonprofit groups throughout Fulton County at a meeting in May. Included in the grant funding commissioners approved was nearly $1,365,000 which went directly to North Fulton County groups.

Groups awarded grant funding through the Community Services Program and Veterans Services Program were celebrated during an event at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell May 24. During the event, nonprofit representatives were congratulated by Fulton County Commissioners for Districts 1 and 2, Bridget Thorne and Bob Ellis.

Nonprofits awarded with Community Services Program and Veterans Services Program grants in North Fulton included the following groups:

• Camp Kudzu - $70,716

• Chattahoochee Nature Center$55,000

• Champions Community Foundation - $50,000

• Community Assistance Center$85,000

• Erin’s Hope for Friends - $50,000

• Jewish Family and Career Services$60,000

• Los Niños Primero - $85,000

• Mary Hall Freedom Village - $65,000

• North Fulton Child Development Association - $85,000

• North Fulton Community Charities$85,000

• North Metro Miracle League$35,000

• Raksha Inc - $50,000

• Reach Out and Read - $25,000

• Revved Up Kids - $25,000

• Senior Services North Fulton$70,000

• STAR House Foundation - $85,000

• The Drake House - $78,000

• The Lionheart School - $60,000

• The Summit Counseling Center$70,000

• U Hope CDC - $90,000

• Vision Warriors - $86,000

Georgia Press Association honors Appen Media staff

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Appen Media staff won multiple division titles in the Georgia Press Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel June 9.

The 136th annual competition recognizes state journalists for outstanding achievement in newspaper reporting. Appen Media staff won second place in general excellence and page one, lifestyle and local news coverage in the F Division for weekly papers with a circulation of 15,000 or greater.

Company staff also scored third place in the lifestyle category, as well as breaking and local news coverage.

Appen Media reporter Delaney Tarr was awarded first place in the division’s feature writing category, and Amber Perry received the third-place title.

Alex Popp was awarded first place for best news photograph, and Perry won second place.

Former reporters Chamian Cruz and Jake Drukman were recognized as the top two winners of the division’s business writing category.

Publisher and CEO Hans Appen won first place in serious columns, and columnist Bob Meyers was awarded the second-place title. Columnist Steve Hudson also won second place for best lifestyle or feature column. Managing Editor Pat Fox took the third place prize for best humorous column.

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Roswell High School unveils wall of history

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell High School is celebrating 185 years of education history with a recently unveiled history wall in the school atrium.

The project, “A Flight Through Hornet History” was produced in collaboration with the Roswell Historical Society. It celebrates 185 years of education over three campuses and six schoolhouses.

“The history wall coming to

fruition means a great deal to me, it is a huge piece of the puzzle,” Roswell High School Principal LaToya Miley said. “I do believe it is onward and upward.

Miley said the visual map of the school’s history will help students connect to history and traditions at their “second home.”

Brand developer and graphic artist Pam Nitzken designed the piece, documenting Roswell High School’s

origin as a two-room cabin in October 1838. The school for elementary and high school children, located on what is now Mimosa Boulevard, was called The Academy and eventually Roswell School.

When the city was annexed into Fulton County in 1932, the Roswell School became part of the Fulton County School System. In 1954, the elementary and high school students were physically separated when

Roswell High School moved to its second campus on Alpharetta Street.

In 1990, Roswell High School moved to its third and current campus on King Road. The visual piece exhibiting over 100 years of history is on permanent display in the school’s atrium.

Roswell High School representatives said the school is planning a fall event where the public can visit the art piece.

Fulton County property owners to receive Notices of Assessment

ATLANTA — Property owners in Fulton County will soon receive their 2023 Notices of Assessment.

As required by Georgia law, every property receives an annual Notice of Assessment, which must reflect fair market value. Property owners should be prepared to see increased values reflected on their 2023 Notices of Assessment.

The county mailed the notices June 9. However, they can be accessed online at fultonassessor.org.

The Fulton County government says property owners are advised to carefully review their notice as soon as possible, and are recommended to appeal their notice of assessment if they do not believe it reflects fair market value.

Appeals to be filed online at fultonassessor.org, by mail or dropped off at the Board of Assessors Office. The appeals deadline for most property owners is July 24, unless another date is specifically printed on

the notice of assessment.

The government says many homeowners receive tax relief through floating homestead exemptions.

Properties in the county with at least a basic homestead exemption in place also benefit from at least two “floating” homestead exemptions. These exemptions are designed to insulate homeowners from rapid increases in value, and cap the annual increase in taxable value at around 3 percent per year or the

Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.

Homeowners who do not currently have a homestead exemption in place can apply by April 1 of each year. Any homestead exemption applications submitted at this time will be valid for the 2024 tax year.

For more information about 2023 Notices of Assessment, homestead exemptions and appeals, property owners can visit www.fultonassessor. org or call 404-612-6440.

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Roswell launches summer-long outdoor art installation

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Arts Fund Program Director Elan Buchen knows that an interactive public art and performance installation is something new, but he hopes the nonprofit’s newest project can activate the local art scene.

The organization has spent the past year working on ArtAround: Pathways, an installation that will run from mid-June to the end of September in Don White Park. The project displays over 30 pieces of art, a variety of performances and artist-led workshops all exploring the city’s response to nature. All are free.

It was a big step forward in Roswell’s Public Art Master Plan, established in 2017.

The total cost for the exhibit, including visual installations, performances and workshops, is $120,000. It fits into the four-year master plan that the nonprofit worked with the city on in 2022. Roswell Arts Fund has been the city’s designated art agency since 2015, but in recent years Buchen said there has been increased public and government interest in public art.

“We’re working hard not to have the arts be sort of separate on its own little island,” Buchen said.

One of the goals in the master plan is the “activation” of several so-called corridors in the city — spaces that connect popular spots in Roswell, he said.

“If there’s something that was really inspiring about Roswell and especially for this space, it’s that people are constantly moving through it,” Buchen said.

Don White Park was one of the plan’s key pathways to activate. Getting the

project done was the next challenge. Buchen previously worked with the Atlanta BeltLine, a 22-mile multi-use trail system in the city where public art is much more common.

At the BeltLine, he explained, most artists will participate in “requests for proposals” where they come forward with a piece planned out and ask for a commission.

Buchen wanted to do things differently for the BeltLine. First, the program director asked how residents experience the space and what makes them love it.

“The inspiration comes from what Roswell truly is, it’s about our response to nature,” Buchen said. “It’s about play and it is about how we play in nature.”

To ensure the nature-oriented vision was executed, Buchen pursued “requests for qualifications,” in which artists submitted portfolios and were accepted to collaborate with Roswell Arts Fund on a piece.

“It isn’t about taking art from all over the place and slapping it here, it’s about finding the right fit in the right place and holding it to a high standard,” Buchen said.

The organization hired a variety of artists for the project. Roswell-based artist Sam Carter collaborated with the group on a series of troll-like figures that will be hidden throughout the park.

Carter typically works in Atlanta on film sets, specializing in set pieces, props and puppets for major projects from “Black Panther” to “Stranger Things.” He jumped at the chance to expand beyond film work and into a more local project.

“(I wanted) to get my hands on opportunities where I have more autonomy, to have my creative vision rather than one passed down by a department head,” Carter said.

Dozens of businesses join up for Roswell Summer Sippin’

ROSWELL, Ga. — Dozens of Roswell businesses are participating in the city’s eighth annual Summer Sippin’ competition from June 13-Aug 15, all tasked with creating a special summer inspired drink.

Throughout the two-month competition customers can order drinks from participating businesses and rate them on the Summer Sippin’ website or app. At the end of the contest, one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic beverage will be crowned the best sips in Roswell.

With 61 participating breweries, tasting rooms, coffee shops, bars and restaurants, the 2023 event is the largest Summer Sippin’ yet.

“We’re thrilled to have our largest number of food and beverage partners participating in Summer Sippin’ to date,” Visit Roswell Executive Director Andy Williams said. “This summer-long competition allows us to further showcase our local businesses and drive sales throughout our hotter months.”

On June 24 Summer Sippin’ will host a one-day bar crawl with 12 participating locations. The $35 ticketed event, hosted through Bar Crawl U.S.A includes six cocktail tickets and various discounts.

The full list of participating establishments for the summer-long contest is available on SummerSippin. com.

It was his first time exploring Roswell’s art scene, which he said “doesn’t get the attention” it should.

“I think that the Roswell art scene is there, there’s a ton of creativity there,” Carter said.

When Roswell Arts Fund told Carter the exhibit would be outdoors and up for months, he settled on the creation of forest creatures — namely, Woodknotts.

The troll-like figures are his daughter’s concept. Carter described them as dwarflike tree dwelling forest creatures. He drew

up the Woodknotts based on his daughter’s mythology and Roswell Arts Fund approved the idea.

“I’m not an artist with some big message behind my work,” Carter said. “I’m far more interested in humor.”

His approach matched the familyoriented Pathways project. He also created a field guide for children to use while they hunt for the Woodknotts along the trail.

One of the Roswell Arts Fund’s key goals, Buchen said, was to encourage the sense of play captured in art like Carter’s forest dwellers. Different pieces in the summer-long installation will have interactive and “playful” components.

“I think everyone plays, it’s just that they don’t know they still do,” Buchen said.

On a broader scale, Carter said he hopes his Woodknotts can contribute to an installation that would draw even his “buddies in the Perimeter” to come visit Roswell for the art scene. Buchen said he wants to create a destination.

“I’m trying to kind of create an experience that will not just make you enjoy the space, but also develop an appreciation for something that you wouldn’t ever have 20-30 minutes outside of Atlanta,” Buchen said.

The full performance schedule is available on the Roswell Arts Fund website.

SAM CARTER/PROVIDED

Roswell artist Sam Carter contributes a series of forest creature sculptures called Woodknotts to the summer-long public art installation ArtAround: Pathways at Don White Park, running from mid-June to the end of September.

Knockerball: New sports trend rolls out in Alpharetta

By LUKE GARDNER newsroom@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Over the past few years, countless viral videos have shown people playing soccer and bouncing around wearing giant, inflatable bubbles. Those bubbles are called Knockerballs, and they are rapidly gaining popularity as one of the newest sports trends.

Alpharetta Knockerball opened for business in April and draws participants from throughout north Metro Atlanta.

“I think it’s popular because it's new and exciting,” said General Manager Sara Downum. “It’s totally outside of the box and fun for all ages, from elementary to adult. It’s hard to find something that has that kind of niche.”

Customers book Knockerball

Alpharetta services online and the business brings the equipment to an event location, helps with the setup and stays throughout to referee and supervise games. Event organizers have the option to order a variety of games and inflatables.

The most common is the regular Knockerball, an inflatable sphere with a hole in the middle that comes in four sizes, from small to extra-large. It has

two handles and straps on the player like a backpack. Knocker soccer is most popular, a game in which all players except goalies are in Knockerballs bouncing into each other.

As few as two can play Knocker

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soccer, but typically at least six participate, with an even number on each team. Knocker soccer is usually played on a large grassy area — never on concrete — with regular soccer goals. The sport can move indoors with action taking place inside an inflatable arena. The Knockerball arena looks similar to an inflatable wrestling ring, with built-in goals and barriers to keep players from falling out.

People commonly make up their own games using the Knockerball and incorporate it into classic games like King of the Ring and musical chairs.

“You don’t stop laughing from the time you get in the ball until the time you get out,” Downum said. “If it was up to my son, I would drag out the equipment every day. We play as often as we can. We love King of the Ring, and Knocker soccer is my favorite. It doesn't seem challenging but it really is. It’s great for family bonding and team building.”

The Knockerball is not to be confused with its inflatable companion, the Zorb ball. While the Knockerball is essentially a bubble backpack, the Zorb ball is essentially a giant hamster ball that you step inside of.

Besides the Zorb ball, Alpharetta Knockerball also has a giant inflatable dart board that is played by kicking soccer balls at it, which stick to the board like a dart. On the other side of the board are three targets that soccer balls can be kicked into.

Unlike the Knockerball and Zorb ball, the dart board requires less explanation and supervision, meaning no referee is needed for events that just order the dart board.

The most common events Alpharetta Knockerball hosts are corporate teambuilding events, church events and kids' parties, but they’ve also hosted Knockerball games at graduation parties, food festivals and this year’s Cumming Spring Fling.

That Spring Fling was one of Alpharetta Knockerball’s first events, and it solidified Downum’s love for the new business.

“Rather it was a couple on date night, or dads climbing into Knockerballs [to play with their] kids, everyone was having their own experience,” Downum said. “I realized that this is really something, that it really is fun for all ages… We wanted to have fun with the community and make memories, and this is exactly why we are doing this.”

For more information or to schedule an event, visit alpharettaknockerball. com.

PHOTOS BY ALPHARETTA KNOCKERBALL/PROVIDED Kids play inside the Knockerballs.

A group of coworkers stand in front of the giant soccer dart board at their teambuilding event.

Taste of Alpharetta draws record 45,000 visitors

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The beloved annual food festival Taste of Alpharetta drew a record number of attendees and ticket sales in its 31st year May 11.

City Community Services Manager Amanda Musilli said the exact ticket revenue and sales numbers are private because the event was produced by marketing agency JacobsEye, but she said at a Recreation Commission meeting June 13 the Public Safety Department estimated total attendance around 45,000 with unprecedented ticket sales.

Similar street events, such as the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest in the Grove at Wills Park, drew crowds of 25,000 this May, and the annual Brew Moon Fest saw its highest attendance to date of 2,500. Roswell city officials averaged attendance at the Alive in Roswell festival, which runs from April-October, at 5,000.

First launched in 1992, the annual Taste of Alpharetta draws local restaurants and business owners to downtown Alpharetta, where guests can sample different menu items using individual tickets. In 2023, over 60 city

Alpharetta Community Services Manager Amanda Musilli said Taste of Alpharetta saw record attendance and ticket sales at a Recreation Commission meeting June 13. The annual food festival, which averages 40,000 guests, drew roughly 45,000 visitors this year.

businesses ran booths.

This year, guests purchased virtual tickets called TasteBucks, equivalent to $1. Musilli said the experiment moving from printed to digital ticketing was successful, but next year the city will

improve signage to inform guests how to purchase tickets and reduce wait times.

The next Taste of Alpharetta is scheduled from 5-10 p.m. May 9, 2024.

Because of an increased volume of visitors at events downtown and at City Center, Parks Manager Eric Milley said the Park Services Division has increased trash receptacle cleaning and servicing this month, which will continue throughout peak event seasons.

Also at the Recreation Committee

meeting, Projects Manager Kurt Kirby said the Project Management Division is pursuing ongoing bond projects, including improvements for Old Rucker Road, Union Hill and Waters Road parks, as well as the artificial turf at Webb Bridge Park.

Kirby said half of the construction plans for the Old Rucker Road facility were submitted June 9 and are under review by staff. Similarly, finished plans for Waters Road Park are also under review, with construction anticipated in late summer.

Renovations to the restrooms, the concession building, roof insulation, painting, gutters and electrical upgrades are complete at Union Hill Park, with the remaining work to continue through July.

Recreation and Parks Director Morgan Rodgers unveiled a new conceptual plan for Union Hill Park at a City Council work session April 17. The park, which declined in popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was earmarked for an art installation, renovated restrooms, a new parking lot and a relocated skate park.

Development of the formal design will begin once the City Council approves plans.

Also at the June 13 meeting, Kirby said the City Council is considering a design contract to replace the failed septic system under the artificial turf at Webb Bridge Park. He said the new turf can only be installed after the completion of the sewer project.

Milton launches webpage chronicling history of area

MILTON, Ga. — While the City of Milton was incorporated in 2006, the encompassing area has a rich, deep history that stretches many centuries before then.

In cooperation with Friends at the Milton Historical Society, Milton has created a new "History of Milton" webpage at miltonga.gov/residents/ history.

The webpage offers a broad overview that covers a long period of time, from when the Cherokee called the region home through the presentday. It includes context on the creation and demise of the former Milton County, how the development of roads like Ga. 9 and Ga. 400 impacted the region, as well as the creation and governing approach of the City of Milton.

Major elements of this timeline help

explain what Milton is today, including its treasured rural heritage.

The webpage continues a broad partnership between the city and the nonprofit Milton Historical Society to help relate the area’s history and provide those who live in Milton a more profound level of understanding and connection with the community.

This includes monthly historythemed posts on the City of Milton’s Facebook page. Plus, the city's GIS team has worked with the Historical Society to produce an interactive map as well as another page showcasing cemeteries.

To learn more about the Milton area's history and to take part in telling its stories, visit miltonhistoricalsociety-georgia.org to learn more about the Milton Historical Society.

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Northern District lists newest Eagle Scouts

The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District (cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, John’s Creek, Milton) has announced its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Board of Review on April 27 at Johns Creek Presbyterian Church.

Top row, from left:

Evan Self, Troop 51, sponsored by American Legion Post 201, whose project was the design and construction of a bench, rebuilding thee existing benches, and rebuilding and painting a set of bleachers for the Wexford Neighborhood HOA.

Aarnav Shankar, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church whose project was the design and construction of two life jacket loaner stations, awareness information boards about life jacket safety at Old Federal Campground and Bolding Mill Campground at Lake Lanier.

Dominic DeLuca, of Troop 143, sponsored by John’s Creek United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction two garden beds after leveling the ground for Christ the Sheppard Lutheran Church.

Shaktik Bhattacharyya, of Troop 3143, sponsored by John’s Creek United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of two benches and the painting of a border fence for the Children's Development Academy of Roswell

Reece Hannah, of Troop 431, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church, whose project was the installation of a 100’ French drain with seven catch basins, outside the front doors of Roswell North Elementary School. Reece also removed dead plants and bushes and relandscaped with flowery bushes and river rock.

Patrick Flood, Troop 87, sponsored by Roswell Presbyterian Church,

whose project was the renovation and restoration of the front landscape area, by installing two concrete footings for two benches he constructed, dug out several dead bushes, weeded the area and then mulched the area for Masonic Temple at Roswell.

Front row, from left:

Kayden Pham, of Troop 226, sponsored by Bridge to Grace Church, whose project was the design and construction of a kiosk to hold a map of the property for the Holy Vietnamese Martyr's Church

Michael Wilson, Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, whose project was repairing a fence that covers a cooling tower outside of Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, as well as replacing the 6-foot fence with an 8-foot fence.

Christopher Slemmer, of Troop 356, sponsored by Fellowship Christian School, whose project was the design and construction of four planter boxes for Roswell High School.

Henry Brown, of Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church, whose project was designing and constructing a 10'x7'6" garden shed for the Milton High School Garden Club.

William Harrison, Troop 51, sponsored by American Legion Post 201, whose project was the design and construction of six wooden benches for the Children’s Development Academy of Roswell.

Aiden Clark, of Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church, whose project was design and construction of a pergola and one accompanying bench and filling the area under the pergola with gravel for the Lion Heart School at The Cottage.

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July author meetings sizzle with books hot off the press

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

The dog days of summer have arrived, but these nearby book events are the cat’s meow. Author appearances across the area in July offer such novel approaches to beating the heat as curling up with a chilling thriller or perusing a variety of genres with a locally distilled beverage in hand. What’s more, local luminaries are providing much of the month’s reading respite. Lisa Yaszek, the

Saturday, July 8, Licia Chenoweth. Chenoweth will chat about her awardwinning debut middle-grade novel, "My Thousand Treasures.” Noon. Talk, signing. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331 www.read-it-again.com

Saturday, July 15, Cody Ray George. George will chronicle his new occult thriller, "Good Night Room Nine." Noon. Discussion, signing. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. www.readit-again.com

Saturday July 15, Boozy Book Fair. Suwanee’s Read It Again Bookstore is partnering with Distillery of Modern Art on a Boozy Bookfair showcasing a selection of carefully curated books and locally distilled beverages. 6 p.m. Free. Distillery of Modern Art, 2197 Irvindale Way, Chamblee. 404- 482-2663. distilleryofmodernart.com

Thursday, July 20, Lisa Yaszek. Yaszek, the Regents Professor of Science Fiction Studies at Georgia Tech, will detail her new anthology, "The Future Is Female! Volume Two, The 1970s: More Classic Science Fiction Stories By Women: A Library of America Special Publication.” 7 p.m. Talk, signing. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. www.read-itagain.com

Saturday, July 22, George Weinstein and Kim Conrey. Married Atlanta Writers Club officers Weinstein and Conrey will sign and discuss their latest works. Weinstein is the award-winning author of six titles, including the Southern Gothic historical novel “Hardscrabble Road” and its sequel, “Return to Hardscrabble Road.” Conrey’s works include the sci-fi romance series Ares Ascending and the urban fantasy, “Nicholas Eternal.” 11 a.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566.

Regents Professor of Science Fiction Studies at Georgia Tech, is heading to Suwanee July 20 to talk about her new anthology. Atlanta’s Thomas Mullen, an internationally bestselling author and Townsend Award finalist, will discuss his latest release in Sandy Springs July 24. And, on July 25, the powerhouse Atlanta Writers Club couple of George Weinstein and Kim Conroy are launching a pair of new books in Alpharetta.

Here are details about these and other July author events:

Poeandcompanybookstore.com

Monday, July 24, Thomas Mullen. Friends of the Sandy Springs Library, in partnership with Bookmiser, will host Mullen, an internationally bestselling author and Townsend Award finalist. The conversation will center on his seventh book, “Blind Spots,” a riveting crime novel with a speculative edge about the ways our perceptions of reality can be manipulated. 6 p.m. Discussion, signing. Free. Sandy Springs Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway NE, Atlanta. 404-612-7000. bookmiser.net/ book-events.html

Tuesday, July 25, George Weinstein and Kim Conrey. A Novel Idea presents Atlanta’s philanthropic writing couple as they officially launch their latest books. Weinstein, the twice-former president and current executive director of the Atlanta Writers Club, will focus on his new release, “Offlining.” Conrey, whose many roles include serving as AWC’s vice president of operations, will be spotlighting “Nicholas Eternal.” Bookmiser will have copies of both authors’ novels for sale. 7 p.m. Celebration, signing. Free. Brimstone Restaurant & Tavern, 10595 Old Alabama Road, Alpharetta. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/book-events.html

Friday, July 28, Saturday, July 29, Monday, July 31: Friends of the Roswell Library will have a “Mid-Summer Sale” filled with all the boxes of treasures they can pull from storage. Old and new books, books for children and senior citizens, fiction and nonfiction, vintage and collectible, cheap and pricey, sad and funny. If weather permits, the sale will be held on the library’s front porch as well as in the meeting room and bookstore. Free. See website for hours. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 404-612-9700. forl.net

To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail.com by the 15th.

Budget:

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$1,175,000.

Property taxes are expected to generate some $39 million in revenue, which funds about 25 percent of the city’s total budget. Other funding comes from sales taxes, licenses and permits and charges for services.

Councilman John Hipes said despite Alpharetta’s booming growth in recent years, the city has maintained a steady property tax rate for over a decade.

Arts:

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nationalities that have come to our local area,” Rush said, represented throughout the gallery.

There were more than 100 pieces by 35 artists, many of them Guild members, hanging on the walls that day. Rush had her own work on display — what she calls “geocubism,” consisting of colorful animal portraits formed through geometric shapes.

She highlighted several artists throughout the gallery. Hope Riveron, Guild member, uses herbs, ground seeds and berries to create the pigments for her paintings. Sangeeta Lal, another longtime member, dyes silk for her vibrant work.

And, there’s space for more. Rush pointed out newly painted sculpture stands waiting to be used, sitting by the breaker box she opened to flip more than a dozen light switches in the backroom.

Tables were gathered and chairs were stacked in the same room for upcoming monthly artist workshops.

“I never thought that I'd be flipping switches,” Rush said.

It took a year and half to close the deal on The Scene. Rush said it was a “big undertaking” for the Guild’s board of directors, who have volunteered time and energy into making the gallery their new home.

“We have been through many trials and tribulations and have chosen to continue moving forward without looking back,” Rush said. “We are The Scene, but we are also the Alpha Arts Guild, and together we pulled all of this together.”

For Georgia artists looking for consignment at The Scene, apply online at thesceneartgallery.com.

To join the Alpha Arts Guild, apply online at alphaartsguild.org.

The millage rate on property has remained at 5.75 mills since 2009.

Alpharetta Finance Director Tom Harris said the city has also enacted homestead exemptions, caps on the taxable value growth and discounts on the assessed values of homes, to provide further relief to homeowners.

Finance staff estimate Alpharetta’s floating homestead, basic homestead, senior basic homestead and senior fullvalue exemptions will save residents more than $6.7 million annually.

City Councilman Doug DeRito also said he is proud of the final product, and he thinks the budget supports the Public Safety Department, infrastructure, stormwater management and city staff.

“This is a great budget,” DeRito said. “Not many cities can do what we’re doing here tonight in supporting not only increases in the budget, but taking care of our professional staff as far as maintaining some sense of level of competition against the inflations that all families are feeling in the marketplace today.”

The budget includes additional positions in the Public Safety Department, $50,000 for a grant management firm and citywide needs that total over $3 million, as well as a $239,900 capital component.

Following approval of the budget, councilmembers voted 7-0 to approve the City Council Priorities and Annual Action Plan for the 2024 fiscal year.

Drafted by City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom who drew from direction at the City Council annual strategic planning retreat in January, the plan highlights five key focuses for the new fiscal year, which runs July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024.

Lagerbloom said top objectives include: maintaining a safe and welcoming community; a focus on the Alpha Loop and Greenway; strategic growth and redevelopment; improved communications strategies; and downtown Alpharetta.

The second tier of priorities were identified as recreation, parks and culture; facilities and infrastructure maintenance; transportation and traffic; economic development; and an emphasis on a people-focused workforce.

Lagerbloom said city staff will use the action plan as guidelines in executing projects and preparing for next year’s budget.

In other matters at the meeting, the council approved a contract with Prime Engineering to design the new sanitary sewer system at Webb Bridge Park.

Earmarked by Mayor Jim Gilvin and the City Council at the planning retreat, renovations on the artificial turf at the park have been postponed pending work on the failed septic system.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Opened in mid-May, The Scene is located on the second floor of the North Point Mall. Behind the gallery is space for monthly classes.

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA Alpharetta Finance Director Tom Harris presents the final version of the fiscal year 2024 budget and property tax rate at the June 19 City Council meeting. Councilmembers unanimously approved both items, effectively maintaining the same property tax rate since 2009.

Talk of the Table takes guests on wines of the world journey

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — In a cozy shop in The Collection at Forsyth, Amy Moreau invites guests to travel from Metro Atlanta to vineyards abroad with a unique repertoire of wine and a friendly experience.

While Moreau was doubtful about starting a business immediately following the Great Recession, she identified the need for a wine experience that is elevated and accessible to local residents and opened Talk of the Table in 2013.

“I was a stay-at-home mom for a very, very long time and went through a divorce, and during that process, knew that I was going to have to start working full time again,” Moreau said. “I had little kids, and I needed to be able to find something that was close by that I could manage my schedule.”

Moreau, who previously operated a small catering business, said she had liked wine before opening her shop, but it was a trip to a wine bar and a cheese shop in California that inspired her to conceive Talk of the Table.

A place like no other

Moreau’s boutique sells roughly 300 different wines, many sourced through distributors from small wineries. She said one of the shop’s core principles is offering customers a variety not available at other major retailers like Costco and Total Wine.

“There are so many wine producers out there, whether it’s in the United States or anywhere else, that make amazing

wines that are not super expensive that don’t get a lot of representation,” Moreau said. “And the reason they don’t get a lot of representation is because they’re small, but I wanted to make a commitment that I was going to taste every single wine that I put in my store.”

Daily at 1 p.m., Talk of the Table hosts Flights out Front, a sampler of four wines. Themed, educational tastings are Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 4 and 5:30 p.m.

“[Educational tastings are] where you come in, you taste through the wine, somebody leads the tasting, we talk about the grapes and how they’re grown and how they’re harvested and any interesting winemaking techniques that are used to make the wine,” Moreau said.

Tucked away in the back of the boutique is a tasting room with a table that seats 12 and a wall made of multicolored wine bottles. Here, customers can socialize and learn more about the wine they taste.

The shop also sells cheeses to pair with wines, salami, herbed almonds, gift bags and accessories, such as corkscrews and decorative stoppers.

“I wanted to make sure that when you came in to Talk of the Table … whether you knew nothing about wine, or whether you had incredibly high preferences about wine, that we approached you in the same way, and we could meet you at your level of knowledge about wine,” Moreau said.

While many customers enjoy tasting in the boutique, Moreau also provides special event services; custom gift baskets; a wine

See WINE, Page 13

AMY MOREAU/PROVIDED

Owner Amy Moreau opened Talk of the Table, a wine and cheese boutique on Peachtree Parkway, in 2013. A trip to California inspired Moreau to invent a retailer that offers an immersive and accepting wine experience in Forsyth County.

I wanted to make sure that when you came in to Talk of the Table…we could meet you at your level of knowledge about wine.

AMY MOREAU, founder, Talk of the Table

Wine:

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club for customers to sample new blends each month; and international trips to the vineyards from which the wines originated.

“Part of the mission of the store from the very beginning was to have a wine club,” Moreau said. “That community has become just an amazing group of people that are very, very, very connected.”

Recently, Moreau traveled to Spain to visit Casa Rojo Bodega y Viñedos and Yllera Bodegas y Viñedos, whose products are on her shelves.

A taste of business

When Moreau decided to pursue her own business in 2010, she attended formal classes to learn more about the specifics of wine. She said she is studying for the Certified Specialist of Wine Exam offered by the Society of Wine Educators, a nonprofit that recognizes experts of the beverage.

Moreau said she also learns from experience. Trips to foreign vineyards and frequent visits from winery representatives allow her to disseminate what she has learned to customers.

She also said Forsyth County has been helpful in accommodating code changes. As a retail location, she said she

was originally unable to allow tastings. That changed in 2012 when the code was revised to allow customer samplings under her packaged beer and wine license.

With her current licensure under the county and the Department of Agriculture, Moreau is allowed to offer tastings and food that is already cooked. Now, she is asking the County Commission to allow her to sell wine by the glass in addition to food.

Celebrating her 10th year of business, Moreau said running Talk of the Table has broadened her palate and appreciation of wine. In the beginning, she said she focused more on domestic wines, but now the shop has ventured into selections from Slovenia, Croatia, Lebanon, Hungary and Israel.

“Wine has been part of our history for thousands of years, and what I have learned is that it is not only an agricultural product, but part of our history in terms of food and medicine and culture,” Moreau said. “I have an immense appreciation for people that have continued to carry on that legacy.”

With a recent franchising underway, Moreau will open her second location in Sugar Hill in the coming weeks, where she hopes to continue her easygoing approach to the world of wine.

Talk of the Table is open MondaySaturday noon-7 p.m. and Sundays noon-5 p.m. in Suite 218 at 410 Peachtree Parkway.

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Talk of the Table sells a variety of curated wines from small domestic and foreign vineyards June 13. Owner Amy Moreau said red blends are a best-seller at the shop, which offers special tasting events, custom gift baskets and a wine club.

Men have emotion regulation needs, too

Brought to you by - Jason Howard, Licensed Professional Counselor at Summit Counseling Center

As a male therapist, I’m constantly surprised by my own hesitancy to ask for help. I know the benefits of regulating my emotions and opening up to someone I trust, but I also know the challenges men face when it comes to seeking therapy. Many men have grown up under pressure to suppress emotions and maintain a tough exterior. Be vulnerable? Not today! Unfortunately, this leads many men to suppress valid thoughts and emotions, missing out on greater satisfaction in our work, relationships, and life.

Here are some helpful strategies to regulate emotions:

1. Develop emotional awareness. Recognize tense shoulders, shaky legs, and tiredness as your emotions giving you a heads up. Next, identify your main emotional triggers, like work stress or financial problems, to know why your body is sounding an alarm.

2. Once aware, learn strategies to regulate the emotion. In the work I do with men, we process what the emotional alarms communicate and determine effective responses. Men tell me they feel more empowered and less stress when they can observe the anger or fear start in then body, and then check the facts and choose their response. Responding effectively versus just reacting is both tough and doable.

3. Create healthy coping mechanisms. It’s amazing the benefits I see in my office from straightforward actions like addressing sleep issues, drinking water, eating well, and exercising. In fact, regular exercise has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood in men.

I know it takes courage to seek help, and the benefits of improved mental health and wellbeing are well worth it. Learn more about Summit and schedule an appointment by visiting www.summitcounseling.org.

The Exercise Coach: Revolutionizing personal fitness

Brought to you by - The Exercise Coach

- Alpharetta

Discover The Exercise Coach, a groundbreaking approach to fitness that promises to redefine your journey towards optimal health and wellbeing. The unique philosophy of The Exercise Coach is predicated on the idea that personal fitness isn’t a one-sizefits-all endeavor, but rather, a bespoke journey unique to each individual.

At The Exercise Coach, we believe in the power of quality over quantity. Diverging from conventional wisdom that insists on hours of grueling exercise, we embrace a smarter, science-backed approach that leverages technology to deliver effective, time-efficient workouts tailored to your specific needs.

Our workouts, packed into just 20 minutes, twice a week, are created using a data-driven strategy, incorporating insights from exercise science, physiology, and human performance. Our patented Exerbotics technology

ensures that each routine is personalized, dynamically adapting to your progress and challenging you to grow stronger, faster, and fitter in less time.

The Exercise Coach fosters an atmosphere of inclusion and personal attention. Our team of dedicated coaches guide you every step of the way, offering invaluable insights, motivation, and a touch of inspiration. We work in small, private studios, which guarantees an intimate and personal workout experience free from the distractions and discomforts of crowded gyms.

What truly sets The Exercise Coach apart is our focus on effectiveness and efficiency, allowing you to achieve more in less time. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast seeking a new challenge or a busy professional struggling to find time for exercise, The Exercise Coach is a beacon of change and the future of fitness.

Join us at The Exercise Coach, and experience the transformative power of smart, personalized exercise.

Flying free of skin cancer

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

In the last month, two airline pilots have come to see me for suspicious spots that proved to be invasive malignant melanomas. As an instrument-rated recreational pilot myself, I sympathize and understand that the stakes involved for commercial pilots are not only health and lifespan but also work and livelihood. Pilots are sometimes wary of physicians, but it is critically important for pilots and non-pilots alike to know that early diagnosis is the best way to keep your wings and your life.

The FAA is very strict with pilots’ health. Regular health examinations with an FAA flight examiner are required of all pilots. For pilots over the age of 40 acting as “pilot in command” of a commercial airline flight, a medical certificate must be renewed every 6 months by means of a thorough flight physical. The running joke among physicians who take care of pilots is that non-pilots come in with a list of ten maladies and complaints whereas pilots respond to every question about possible illnesses with single word answers ranging from “nope” to “never.” Most jokes have a grain of truth. Pilots do not want an illness on their medical record that might result in an inability to fly.

Sometimes, you can make a case for someone trying to fix an illness without a physician’s help. For example, someone at the edge of type II diabetes might restore his or her own health with disciplined diet and exercise and be healthy by the time medical certificate renewal comes around.

Not so with melanoma. Don’t delay. Don’t try to fix it yourself. If a spot is changing, get that spot checked out! Melanoma continues to grow as long as it is left in place. The single most important feature of a melanoma is how deep it has grown. A melanoma that is less than 0.80mm is generally considered “good” with a low risk of having spread to other parts of the body.

The FAA draws the line in the sand for melanomas at 0.75mm. Melanomas

less than 0.75mm deep need only documentation of no clinical signs of metastatic disease and complete removal with clear and appropriate margins. Then, the flight examiner can issue the medical certificate to allow a pilot to keep on flying. This means that a simple excision by a dermatologist under local anesthesia for a shallow melanoma in almost all cases allows a pilot to keep his or her ability to fly. Melanomas deeper than 0.80 mm often require lymph node biopsies under general anesthesia, imaging such as MRI and/or PET/ CT scans. Even then, permission to fly is not guaranteed. Instead, all documents must be submitted to the FAA for consideration of permission to continue flying which is called “Special Issuance Authorization.” It wouldn’t be called “Special” if it were routine and for everyone.

Both pilots who came to me recently with melanomas had noticed the spot changing for a few months, and both cases had measured depths of 0.7mm. Talk about cutting it close! Just a little more growth and those pilots might have lost their medical certificate. Just as importantly, a little more growth would have pushed them into a higher risk category with a much higher chance that the melanomas could have spread.

In my practice, I have so far always been able to honor the policy that a patient who is worried about a single spot that is changing and could be a melanoma can be added onto my schedule within a day for a “spot check” even if my schedule is fully booked. We might not have time to complete a full body skin exam at an overbooked appointment, but I never want scheduling problems to be the reason that a melanoma diagnosis is delayed. Likewise, I typically work from 7am to 5pm but add on melanoma excisions at 6:30am or 5pm to make sure patients are treated as quickly as possible.

For so many reasons, people are afraid to go to the doctor, but in the case of dermatology, it is in one’s interest to seek care. Getting that suspicious or changing spot checked out should be a priority. Even if your job isn’t on the line, early detection of skin cancer can save your life.

Use That SOB!

Brought to you by- Jay Looft, Senior Source Medicare

No, I don’t mean that kind of SOB. I’m talking about the Medicare Advantage Summary of Benefits (SOB).

The SOB is the guide to your Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits. Each calendar year, the insurance carrier will produce a new Summary of Benefits specific to your Medicare Plan. It’s important to keep around because it will lay out your costs when you use medical services such as doctors’ visits, hospital stays, MRIs, lab tests, and prescription drug costs.

In addition to medical and prescription drug costs, the Medicare Advantage Summary of Benefits outlines much more. Additional Benefits that will be addressed in the Summary of Benefits are:

• Dental, Vision, Hearing Aid Coverage

• Therapy Programs For Physical and Mental Health

• Allowance Cards for Over-TheCounter Items

• Reward Programs for Healthy Living

• Resources for Healthy Living

The above benefits are built into most Medicare Advantage Plans, but many go unused by beneficiaries. Reading through

your Summary of Benefits will allow you to unlock these additional resources.

The aim of these additional programs is to encourage better health, while saving a little money in the process. Every Medicare Advantage Plan will offer a variety of these benefits, so it’s important to tell your Medicare Insurance Agent which are the most important to you.

I have recently met too many Medicare Advantage Plan Beneficiaries that were not previously aware they had Allowances and Reward Programs.

Review your Medicare Advantage Plan’s Summary of Benefits and stay informed!

If you need helping finding your SOB, visit our 2023 Summary of Benefits Webpage at www.SeniorSourceMedicare. com/2023-benefits-summaries. You’ll need your Plan ID Number, which can be found on the bottom right-hand corner of most Medicare Advantage ID Cards.

We work with all three Medicare Options; including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Stand-Alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. If you need further assistance with finding your Medicare Advantage Summary of Benefits or need help finding a new plan, please give me a call today at (770) 913-6464 or online at www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com

Brothers customize repertoire to suit seniors’ tastes

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

CUMMING, Ga. — Close to two dozen residents at the Oaks at Hampton assisted living facility tapped their feet, clapped their hands and nodded their heads side to side listening to Nick Vernola and his brother Mike play familiar tunes.

Gathered around in big, comfy couches and armchairs, residents listened to songs from the “Great American Songbook.” Some dogs were wandering about, probably feeling the music too.

“That’s a fictitious book that exists, but everybody knows what songs are in it. It’s songs that everybody knows — that’s why,” Nick said.

Wearing a red beret and shirt with musical notes, Nick took the lead of the set and introduced songs with history lessons and personal anecdotes. He played the virtual accordion, as part of the moniker Memory Lane.

Nick’s instrument had been programmed with a couple hundred different types of recordings, or samplings. But that day he used all orchestrations, with sounds from the saxophone, clarinet, trumpet and harmonica.

The first of two solos was “Begin the Beguine” by Cole Porter, written in World War I to an African drum beat.

Later introducing a re-recording of a 1930s song by Willie Nelson, Nick said music is timeless.

“It travels through the years,” he said. “It stays with us.”

It also stays with the residents, despite mental handicaps, re-animating them and carrying them back to days long ago.

“I try to calculate when they were 18 to 24 years old because that’s when people remember the most about the music, and sometimes playing music that their parents listened to really works as well,” Mike said.

Other classics in the one-hour set were Tommy Dorsey’s “Tea for Two Cha-Cha,” Glen Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade” and Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” sung in part by Nick who assumed Satchmo’s distinct gravelly voice.

Soon, the Vernolas will also have a projector set up behind them as they play, casting old television programs like “The Ed Sullivan Show,” and maybe some silent clips of The Beatles and Bing Crosby.

Giving back

Around six years ago, Nick met a woman at a homeowners association function, who said an assisted living

center off Tribble Gap Road was looking for entertainment. He and Mike have been touring senior living facilities ever since.

Over time, they developed a catalog of about 300 songs and practice at Mike’s house. Newer songs are introduced as crowds change with age.

The brothers play all over North Georgia, in Cumming, Roswell, Canton and Gainesville, and book over 100 performances a year with repeat clients, playing at the same facilities every month. They know some residents by name, like a woman named Georgia who was front and center to “Georgia on My Mind” at Oaks at Hampton.

Originally from New York, the Vernolas had a musical upbringing. Their parents always had the phonograph on. They also played in bands albeit in different decades — Nick is 15 years older than Mike, and he had exposure at the 1964 New York World’s Fair as well as a restaurant on Broadway.

“I was destined to be in entertainment

because I was born one block off of Broadway in Times Square,” Nick said.

Mike pulled up an old photo of himself in the ’70s with big hair, holding a guitar.

“I had dreams of being a rock star. You want to conquer the world. You want to build a business. You get past all of that,” Nick said. “Now, I just want to give back.”

Jogging memory

For the first year and a half, Nick and Mike played for free but began charging a nominal fee of $50 once they saw more demand. Before the COVID pandemic, they put on nearly 300 shows a year.

“You know, we watched our father wither away in a nursing home” Mike said, describing a time when an older fellow walked into his father’s facility, setting up and strumming a guitar. “We said to each other — ‘Boy, I’d like to be doing that.”

Earlier that day, the Vernolas played for the same facility’s memory care unit —

coined as the “mile-long walk” by Laurie Owens, assisted living lifestyle director at Oaks at Hampton.

Owens grew up at Oaks at Hampton, taking her mother’s position when she retired. Her twin sister works there, too. Nick and Mike had been playing before Owens began working there, and she wanted to continue their shows for residents — her “adoptive grandparents.”

“[Music] lets them reminisce, and bring back memories,” Owens said.

While the brothers enjoy playing at independent living residences, where there are full-blown dance parties, memory care is their most rewarding show.

During one performance at a memory care facility in Gainesville, one woman mouthed all the words to all the songs. After the performance, Nick and Mike were told by an employee that she never spoke.

“You get a lot of stuff like that,” Mike said.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

From left, brothers Mike and Nick Vernola play for about 20 assisted living residents at Oaks at Hampton. The pair tours senior living facilities around North Georgia, booking more than 100 shows a year.

Milton Senior Center hosts Alzheimer’s talk

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — In an effort to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s, the Milton Senior Center hosted an educational session on the disease June 13.

Richard Nailling, a volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association of Georgia, described 10 warning signs of the progressive disease to a small group, many older in age.

Alongside a video with medical experts and those living with Alzheimer’s, Nailling used anecdotes from his own life. Both his parents suffered from Alzheimer’s, and his oldest sister is beginning to show signs.

“That's why I'm here,” Nailling said. “That's why I do this.”

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly six million people are affected by Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia.

There’s a lot of misconceptions and stigma attached to the disease, Nailling said, which prevent people from seeking help.

“If we can find a cure, or at least some way to put it off, or make it more bearable — that's what we're hoping for

at the Alzheimer's Association,” Nailling said.

Individuals may experience one or multiple warning signs to varying degrees, Nailling said, but they don’t have to experience them all to have a concern. Early detection allows planning for the future, access to treatments for symptoms and participation in clinical studies, he said.

If a loved one is experiencing symptoms, Nailing said the first step is to assess the situation and then have a conversation.

“Basically, it's a long journey,” Nailling said. “It doesn't just happen overnight … but you have to be persistent in trying to get them to do something about it.”

10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life

• Challenges in planning or solving problems

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks Confusion with time or place Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

• New problems with words in speaking or writing

• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

• Decreased or poor judgment

• Withdrawal from work or social activities

Changes in mood or personality

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Richard Nailling, volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, talks about the 10 warning signs of the disease at the Milton Senior Center June 13.

Basically, it’s a long journey. It doesn’t happen overnight...

RICHARD NAILLING

Volunteer, Alzheimer’s Association of Georgia

Parent hosts at-home kindergarten ceremony

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Because Barnwell Elementary School didn’t have an official kindergarten graduation ceremony this year, one parent took it upon herself to host the event at her home.

Khadijah Bronson’s son, a twin, had some anxiety about moving onto first grade. So, she wanted to do something to show his accomplishments.

“He’s doing very well here, and I just wanted to do something for my kids,” Bronson said.

Her family moved down from Washington, D.C., less than a year ago.

While the event was initially going to be more simple, Bronson sent out invites to her children’s two kindergarten classes. For the event, there was a cookout and pool party. Bronson funded everything herself, denying donations.

About 20 students arrived at Bronson’s home June 3. Wearing their caps and gowns, and on a red carpet, they received their diplomas teachers had signed. Takisha Benning, Barnwell’s principal, announced each student over the phone, followed by a speech.

“One of the kids was like, ‘Can we throw our caps up?’” Bronson said. “At the count of three, everybody threw them up, then we threw the confetti up. They were just so happy.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Two kindergarten classes from Barnwell Elementary School celebrate graduating June 3. Because the school didn’t have an official ceremony, parent Khadijah Bronson held the event at her home.

Kindergarteners line up on steps for a graduation ceremony at parent Khadijah Bronson’s home.

Kindergarteners throw their caps up at the graduation ceremony.

SUMMER PUPPET SERIES: TANGLEWOOD MARIONETTE’S CINDERELLA

What: Set in the 18th century and featuring a dozen lavishly costumed 30-inch marionettes, this production of Cinderella is a Tanglewood Marionettes showpiece. All your favorite characters are here, from gentle Cinderella to the bumptious stepsisters and the charming Prince.

When: Until June 24, times vary

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell

Cost: $7

More info: roswellgov.com

SUNDOWN SOCIAL: FLOWER & GARDEN

What: Happening on select Thursdays, Sundown Social is a relaxed neighborhood gathering with live music and signature cocktails. The event will feature tours of the greenery around City Springs.

Jamie Empert, an accomplished flute player, and her husband Joe will provide the event’s music entertainment. There will also be a mobile flower truck and food trucks.

When: Thursday, June 22, 5:30 p.m.

Where : City Green, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

MEAD TASTING

What: A new event at Dunwoody Nature Center, this mead taste experience will include trying three different types of mead from Georgia’s first meadery, Monks Meadery. One drink ticket will also be included in the cost of entry. The mead tasting is for adults 21 and over. Anyone under the age of 21 is free.

When: Friday, June 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody

Cost: $25 for members, $40 for nonmembers

More info: dunwoodynature.org

MILTON FARMERS MARKET

What: Every Saturday morning until Oct. 28, more than 30 vendors set up shop around Milton City Hall

SCRAPBOOKING FOR ADULTS AND TEENS

What: Join this scrapbooking session to make an 8x8 album for yourself or a loved one. This free program is for adults and teens, ages 14 and up. Please register as space is limited.

When: Thursday, June 29, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Northeast Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov

with fresh produce, fresh meat, sweets, coffee and tea, flowers, soaps, jewelry and more.

When: Saturday, June 24, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where: Milton City Hall plaza, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton More info: facebook.com/ miltongafarmersmarket

BLOOM YOUR SELF: INTUITIVE PAINTING WORKSHOP

What: Join award-winning European artist Diana Toma in exploring the art of intuitive painting. This workshop is about letting go of inhibitions and plunging into your own inner creative volcano while collaborating with other artists. All levels are welcome. Paint supplies are included in the $20 materials fee payable to the instructor at the workshop. Just bring two acrylic brushes and a canvas 36 inches x 48 inches or larger.

When: Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Where: Spruill Center for the Arts, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT!

It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people, whether online, through our newsletters or in the Crier and Herald newspapers.

Cost: $155

More info: spruillarts.org

GUNS AND HOSES GOLF TOURNAMENT

What: Held in memory of Johns Creek Police Sgt. Greg Whitaker, the department will host the 12th annual Guns and Hoses Golf Tournament to benefit two local special needs groups, Special K’s and North Fulton United FC. The event starts at 8:30 a.m. with registration and breakfast, followed by a shotgun start at 10 a.m., a silent auction at 3 p.m. and dinner in the club’s ballroom.

When: Monday, June 26, 8:30 a.m.

Where: Country Club of Roswell, 2500 Club Springs Drive, Roswell

Cost: $200 for general public; $125 for first responders

More info: johnscreekga.gov

3RD STREAM BIG BAND

What: In its premiere, the 3rd Stream Big Band combines the coolest and most highly diverse genres of music with some of the finest musicians.

When: Tuesday, June 27, 8-11 p.m.

Where: Roaring Social, 35 Milton Avenue, Alpharetta

More info: roaring-social.com

PETER FRAMPTON: NEVER SAY NEVER TOUR

What: Peter Kenneth Frampton is an English American guitarist, singer and songwriter who rose to prominence as a member of the rock bands the Herd and Humble Pie. He has released several solo albums and has worked with acts such as Ringo Starr, David Bowie and both Matt Cameron and Mike McCready of Pearl Jam.

When: Tuesday, June 27, 8-11:30 p.m.

Where: Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta

Cost: Tickets start from $35 More info: livenation.com

SCRAPBOOKING FOR ADULTS AND TEENS

What: Join this scrapbooking session to make an 8x8 album for yourself or a loved one. This free program is for adults and teens, ages 14 and up. Please register as space is limited.

When: Thursday, June 29, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Northeast Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek

More info: johnscreekga.gov

INDEPENDENCE DAY WALKING PARADE

What: The Walking Parade has become one of Milton’s most beloved traditions. Find your most festive red, white and blue, and dress up you and your kids, your wagons, bikes and even leashed pets to walk or ride along in the parade. Before and after the parade, which starts at 11 a.m., people and pets can earn prizes for their patriotic attire and decorations as well as participate in a host of family-friendly activities, savor some treats and more.

When: Saturday, July 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Broadwell Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Road, Milton More info: miltonga.gov

easy

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PRESERVING THE PAST

Sacred Harp continues Alpharetta tradition

This June marked the 155th anniversary of the June Singing held in Alpharetta, the longest running public event in the city’s history.

unique sound. Singers sing the notes to the hymn first using the shapes (fa, sol, la, mi) before singing the written lyrics.

BOB MEYERS

It dates back to 1868 a decade after Alpharetta became the seat for Milton County. Alpharetta had fewer than 300 residents.

Sacred Harp singing is a special and unique kind of acapella harmony using only four notes. It originated in England, was popular in Ireland and Scotland, then migrated to New England before moving to the rural South where it became firmly established. The “June Singing” in Alpharetta was not only an all-day event for singing hymns, it was also a social happening with families enjoying picnic lunches and meeting with friends and neighbors. At its heyday in the early 1900s, several thousand people would travel to Alpharetta in their buggies and wagons to gather every second Sunday in June.

Local historian Connie Mashburn wrote an article about the June Singing in his book “Alpharetta, Milton County – The Early Years,” in which he quoted George D. Rucker, publisher of the Alpharetta Free Press. In an article written in 1923, Rucker said “The Alpharetta 1923 June Singing has just passed. There were several thousand people present, and it was a well behaved crowd, considering the size of it. The men were sober and in a good humor, and the women were well dressed and happy, bringing their many baskets of good eats. We hope they will continue to come here from year to year, as long as people’s hearts are touched by old-time songs.”

Sometimes called “fa-so-la” singing or “shape-note singing,” the music got its name from “The Sacred Harp” hymnal tune book by B.F. White published in 1844. It uses a system of four printed shapes, instead of standard music notation, to help those who don’t know how to read music. The book and subsequent revisions helped promote shape note singing throughout the South.

In the songbook, each of the four voice parts, base, tenor, alto and treble, is printed on a separate musical staff. Singers sit or stand in a square facing the center with each group corresponding to one of the four singing group harmonies. Each singing group has its own melody which adds to the

A singer will stand in the middle of the group and lead a few songs before turning the floor over to another volunteer who will select a few more songs from the song book. Anyone is welcome to join the singers. There are no rehearsals, and unlike a choir, there are no members who must be present. While interested people are welcome to come to listen, there is no formal audience. Singers are singing for themselves.

The June Singing is an annual event held at the City Hall in Alpharetta. This year’s program, held June 11, was in the rotunda which magnifies the sound of the music manyfold. The 15 singers at this year’s event sounded to me like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The music is loud, bold and clearly heartfelt.

Although the songs are hymns, the June Singing is not affiliated with a specific church. One exception is Boiling Springs Primitive Baptist Church founded in 1837 in today’s City of Milton and some other Primitive Baptist Churches, which included Sacred Harp singing in every Sunday service. Boiling Springs Primitive Baptist Church Elder Randall Cagle, says “Every Sunday when I was growing up, we sang Sacred Harp for an hour as part of the church service.”

As was true with the June Singing, competition from movies, television and other distractions reduced participation over the years. It is no longer part of the Boiling Springs Primitive Baptist Church service and the number of singers has been drastically reduced at the June Singing.

Faye Holbrook, Chairman of the June Singing, says “For the singers it is pure love of the music. The music is deeply felt. Our goal is to keep Sacred Harp alive for generations that come after us.”

People who are interested in knowing more about the June Singing can contact Faye Holbrook at fholbrook218@gmail.com. For general information about Sacred Harp singing in Georgia go to www.atlantasacredharp.org.

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.

Columnist

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Faye Holbrook, chairman of the June Singing held annually in Alpharetta’s City Hall atrium, leads volunteer singers at arranged in a square with each group corresponding to one of four singing group harmonies. Faye led the singers in a few hymns and then turned the floor over to another volunteer singer who led the group in a few more songs. The singing began at 10 a.m. and finished at 3:00pm with a break for lunch provided by the singers.

The Sacred Harp Songbook was originally published in 1844 and has undergone several revisions. It’s oblong shape makes it easier for the song leader to hold the book in one hand while keeping time to the music with the other hand and arm.

GARDEN BUZZ

Enjoying bluebirds and helping them prosper

A bird that I enjoy and would enjoy seeing more often is the Eastern Bluebird. Although they remain in Georgia year-round, I rarely see them during the winter months. On Jan. 29, I was thrilled to see a bluebird for the first time in 2023. These beautiful birds with a blue head and wings and an orange breast, are a standout, and seeing one is always a memorable experience.

Bluebirds enjoy a diet of insects and fruit and will periodically appear at my suet baskets. I tried to attract them with mealworms last year without success. I have also added three bluebird boxes to the trees that border the divide between the grass-covered portion of my yard and the pine forest behind it because they like an open area in front of them and a forest behind them.

Bluebirds prefer open cavities in trees but will occupy a nesting box if a tree cavity cannot be found. Place the bluebird box near the forest edge and leave it up all year. Bluebirds will use them for shelter in the cold winter months. If you purchase or build a bluebird box, make sure it has a door that can be opened for cleaning. Add a metal guard to surround and protect the circular front opening from predators who often try to chew their way into the nest.

For instructions on building a bluebird nesting box, please consult the following website: gadnr.org/out-my-backdoorwhats-best-bluebird-box-design

Here are interesting facts about Eastern Bluebirds:

• Scientific name: Sialia sialis.

• They are approximately 7 inches in length.

• The female builds the nest and incubates the eggs.

• The female lays 4-5 pale blue eggs without markings.

• The male helps the female feed the young.

• Their main food is insects and fruit.

• Lifespan: 6-10 years.

• They live year-round in Georgia.

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. Learn more at nfmg.net.

Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis)

Learn more

• https://www.thespruce.com/eastern-bluebird-387244

• https://site.extension.uga.edu/newtonextanr/2021/05/bluebird-basics

• https://fcmasternaturalists.com/eastern-bluebird/

• https://gadnr.org/out-my-backdoor-whats-best-bluebird-box-design

• Birds of Georgia, Stan Tekiela, Adventure Publications, 2002.

• Field Guide to the Birds of America, Jon L. Dunn and Jonathan Alderfer, National Geographic. ISBN: 1-4262-0071-4, pages 278-9, 82-3.

• Peterson Field Guide to Eastern and Western Birds, Seventh Edition, Roger Tory Peterson. Mariner Books, 2020, ISBN-10 132877143.

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Carole MacMullan, a Master Gardener since 2012 and a Milton resident. Carole describes herself as a born biologist. Since childhood, she loved to explore the out-of-doors and garden with her mother. When she entered college, she selected biology as her major and made teaching high school biology her career

for 35 years. in 2012, she completed the Master Gardener program and joined the North Fulton Master Gardeners (NFMG) and the Milton Garden Club. Carole uses her teaching skills to create a variety of presentations on gardening topics for the NFMG Lecture Series and Speakers Bureau. Her favorite hobbies are gardening, hiking, biking, traveling and reading.

CAROLE MACMULLAN Guest Columnist

JOHNNY N. DELL/BUGWOOD.ORG

CHRIS EVANS/UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS/BUGWOOD.ORG Eastern bluebird, habitat

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA/BUGWOOD.ORG Eastern bluebird on cell, David J. Moorhead

Avoiding travel nightmares, achieving travel dreams

Avoiding nightmares in travel

The Wall Street Journal, 5/25/23, ran a picture of the world’s largest passenger cruise ship, a massive vessel that can carry 7,084 guests. It boasts 18 decks and 2,867 staterooms. The headline underneath the picture in unflattering prose proclaimed, “Summer Cruise Travelers Get Packed Like Sardines.” The Journal advised, “Expect long lines, sold-out excursions and stressed crews; in some cases wouldbe passengers are bumped due to overbooking.” That seems like the seagoing version of the 1979 hit song, “Highway to Hell,” by the Australian rock band AC/DC. Ship to hell????

The same issue of the Journal also headlined, “Airlines Take Steps to Avoid Summer Chaos.” Who can forget the dysfunction of the not-so-distant past of mass cancellations, seas of lost luggage stranded at airports, and stories of ruined vacations and special

events? How do you avoid travel nightmares and costly surprises? Advance planning well in advance, and with the help of a seasoned travel agent. A good agent can help you to plan a great trip within the parameters of your budget and time constraints.

This writer traveled from Atlanta to South Africa for a safari-oriented tour of South Africa, to Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls, and with forays into Botswana and Namibia. Delta flies nonstop from Atlanta to Johannesburg several times a week. The flight takes about 15 hours and 20 minutes. Expect to be on the plane for about 16 hours. Depending on the departure times of your outbound and return flights, per person expect to pay about $2,179 in the main cabin (coach), $4,362 in Premium Select with more comfort, and $7,827 in the Delta One lay-flat-bed seats in the front of the plane. Obviously, if you have the funds, and/or frequent flyer miles to help cut the cost, go for comfort. But flying coach is fine if you want the destination experience and have limited funds. The key is to “get out there.” That goes for any destination on the planet.

My wife and I made many long-

haul trips in coach, and one option is to buy seats that are aisles across if you don’t want to climb over someone, even a loved one, in the middle of the night to get to the restroom. Check the website seatguru.com for cabin layouts for all major airlines, and/ or your specific flight. The site will pinpoint good and less-than-good seats, for example, seats with no window, too close to the lavatory or galleys, partial blockages under the seat in front of you, seats with no or limited recline, etc.

Say, you’re flying to Europe and want to splurge. Going over on a night flight, you may opt for lay flat beds in the front of the plane. Coming back on a daylight flight where sleeping is less important, you may opt for the carrier’s version of premium economy for significant savings. Carriers with the premium economy cabin between coach and first or business class up front, offer a more spacious seat with greater recline, and upgraded food and beverage packages. That’s a good option if up-front is too pricy on any trip.

Cruise ships come in all sizes with “personalities” to match. Again, a seasoned travel agent can match your personality, travel dream, and budget to the right ship. If family is involved with little children or teenagers, certain ships may fit your needs. Older travelers may not crave waterslides and cartoon characters running around the decks, preferring a different experience on a smaller more intimate vessel known for outstanding cuisine and refined service. Right now, luxury travel on smaller more elegant ships in the small to mid-sized category are hot. Suites and higher style more roomy cabins sell out quickly.

Several cruise lines such as Ponant, Silversea, Seabourne, Viking, National Geographic and others offer luxurious small ship cruising in exotic locales. Expedition cruises to places like the Arctic, Antarctica, the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, the

wild Kimberley Coast in South Africa, featuring Zodiacs, naturalists, and guest lecturers along with comfortable cabins and great cuisine are increasingly popular.

Other outfitters may organize treks to see mountain gorillas, climb mountains, ride bikes in unique and scenic locales, hike renowned trails such as the Milford Track on the spectacular south island of New Zealand, photography trips, dive trips...if you can dream it, there’s probably an outfitter or guide out there somewhere.

If cruise ship excursions are sold out, you can always hire your own guide. See viator.com and toursbylocals.com to find experienced and vetted local guides. If you are not on a ship-arranged tour, you are responsible for getting yourself and your party back to the ship on time. If you’re going to book ship tours, do so early. Don’t wait until you’re aboard the ship. Many tours in popular locales in Europe for this summer are already sold out. If you want to see a popular attraction, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Antoni Gaudi’s stunning Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, or renowned museums, buy a skip-the-line tour from Viator or some other operator, or you are not likely to get in, given summer crowds.

Everyone has travel dreams. Don’t say “someday,” because that means you really haven’t decided to do it. If you don’t have the money, establish a travel savings bucket and work toward your goal. “Someday” may never come due to illness or other happenstance. Get out there!

Lewis Walker, CFP®, is a life centered financial planning strategist with Capital Insight Group (CIG); 770441-3553; lewis@capitalinsightgrp. com. Securities & advisory services offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA), which is otherwise unaffiliated with CIG. Lewis a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).

LEWIS J. WALKER, CFP

Columnist

The Investment Coach

A tax increase, like a diamond, is forever

At my tenure on this big round ball, it’s easy to think that things are moving way too fast. Finding myself in a semistate of confusion while glancing at a newspaper is enough to induce a panic that might make me do something really stupid.

Like try to make sense of it all. Here are some “for instances:”

Does anyone understand exactly what a “debt ceiling” is? It beats the dickens out of me, yet Washington folks who are running things seem to be in a whale of a scrap. Everyone is in a rage about this concept and the ruination it will cause.

As one who has long ago given up trying to comprehend the pure folly of politicians, this is a term that I know must have devastating ramifications for us “regular folks.”

GET OUTSIDE GEORGIA

Why? Because it is a point of common ground for both Democrats and Republicans.

While the government brain trusts huddle and portray their collective concern and empathy, I have about given up on ever trying to understand much about government bigwigs, except that: a) any money they have was made while they were in office; b) they all shiver and break into a cold sweat at the mention of “term limits”; and c) the Flat Tax concept makes far too much sense to ever be adopted.

If they want to make my list of essential human beings, let them figure out how to get the Braves some decent starting pitching.

Here in Forsyth County, property tax bills were mailed out and, as happens every year, citizens are grousing that the increases are way too steep.

No kidding!

That’s another concept that I have come to embrace: Once anyone votes for a “temporary tax increase,” you might as well say “Sayonara” to that yen you’ll

never see again. It’s rather telling that withholding tax was only supposed to be something temporary – way back during World War II.

Perhaps it’s the realization that this is it for me writing a column as a 67-yearold. I’m steaming headlong into being 68. And that makes me officially old, no matter how many pairs of thick glasses you use.

There are some definite perks to reaching this milestone. But I’ve kind of eased my way into it.

I guess I should make more of an effort to get that geezer discount offered at Publix, or better yet, at a favorite restaurant. It just feels rather cheesy to ask for 10 percent off a bowl of queso.

And as I’ve advanced, I can’t help but notice youngsters in their 40s holding a door for me and insisting I go first. It’s a nice gesture, but there are times, for the life of me, that I can’t remember why I’ve gone to the store in the first place.

It was probably either a prescription or something to help with grooming.

I don’t know why God plays this cruel joke on us old guys. What is the purpose of having all this hair growing in my ears?

And these eyebrows! They are both as unruly as an 8-year-old on a sugar high. They grow every which way.

Forget a trimmer! I need a hedge clipper and a competent gardener to stop this infestation that has taken residence in my lower forehead.

My job is keeping me challenged and I am truly enjoying the lack of travel. Unless it involves jumping on The Black Beauty, my newly named Harley Trike.

Then I’m ready to put on my helmet and head for the mountains.

That’s where I feel young again and love seeing the forest, providing no betraying mirror unveils my ears and eyebrows.

Mike Tasos has lived in Forsyth County for more than 30 years. He’s an American by birth and considers himself a Southerner by the grace of God. He can be reached at miketasos55@gmail.com.

News from the wonderful world of bugs

I was sitting on the patio the other day, savoring a refreshing beverage that could have had an umbrella in it, when I heard that dreaded sound: a faint, high-pitched whine that seemed to come from thin air, an acoustic harbinger of what was about to come.

Sound the alarm! The bugs of summer have arrived!

The source of that sound, a small mosquito, dropped into its landing pattern before coming to rest on my left forearm. It just stood there for a moment, apparently sizing me up. Maybe it wanted to be friends? No, it wanted a free meal, and I was the buffet.

Sorry, mosquito.

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” I thought, an instant before I reduced it to two dimensions with a single swat from my right hand. Victory is sweet, isn’t it? Mosquitoes? Yuck. But other bugs can be cool.

You probably know that I love to flyfish, and flyfishing by its very nature requires that bugs be part of things. But those are good bugs. Consider mayflies, for example, beautiful little aquatic insects with gossamer wings and gracefully curving tails. Mayflies feed the trout even

as flyfishing feeds my soul. There are others, too. Caddisflies, another favorite of trout, are thick on the Chattahoochee and account for much trouty happiness. They’re not nearly as glamorous as mayflies (a caddisfly looks like nothing so much as a drab little moth). But there are a lot of them, and trout must think they taste like filet mignon, medium rare. Trout like them, so I like them too.

Sometimes, when I’m hiking to the water and about to enjoy a little fishing, I’ll pause to see what sort of bugs are active in the neighborhood. I tell myself that I do this to become better informed, to understand what sort of bugs are out and about. Armed with that knowledge, I figure, I will be a better fly fisher. I will be able to “match the hatch” and tie exactly the right fly to the end of my line. But the fact is that it’s just plain fun to look at bugs, even when you’re all grown up and aren’t supposed to spend your time doing frivolous things.

So I go into the Great Outdoors, armed with my finely honed wilderness skills and my engineered fabric outdoor attire and of course my matte finish fly rod, made with the very latest in high-tech fiber technology, and I survey the world through the lenses of my graphite-framed polarized sunglasses –

And then I sit down on a log and look at bugs.

I remember one trip where bugs maybe saved my life. No kidding. I was fishing up

near Helen, and I’d hiked a couple of miles back into the woods to see this one certain waterfall and to check out the stream below it. The waterfall was neat, and the stream did hold the hoped-for Salvelinus fontinalises, which is a fancy way of saying “brook trout.” In fact, it held so many of them and I was having so much fun that I just kind of forgot about the facts that it was getting late and that I had 2 miles of hiking to get back to the car.

So, I fished and fished, using a fly that imitated an Ephemeroptera (more fancy wordage, this time for mayflies), and life was good.

Meanwhile, it was getting dark – so dark, in fact, that the trail was starting to disappear.

Let me tell you: It is an odd thing to be hiking where you cannot see the trail. At first, as the light faded, it was merely indistinct. Then it was elusive. And then it was invisible, as in “I am walking blind.”

What does one do when one is a couple of miles from the car and trying to follow a trail that isn’t there?

I stopped to consider that question and realized that, yes, I should have brought the flashlight. But I hadn’t. I hadn’t expected to be in the woods at dark…after dark…but the fishing had been so, so good…

And then I noticed something unexpected: tiny green spots moving along the ground near my feet. What’s that? I looked closely, intently, and – sure

enough, and lo and behold! – there were little creatures of some sort along the edges of the trail, gently lighting up their corner of the world with a soft blue-green glow.

Glow worms. Their light wasn’t a lot, but it was enough to outline things. Yes, the bugs had come to my rescue.

So. It took a while. But with the help of some buggy luminescence, I eventually found my way back to the car.

Along the way, I had time to ponder things…among them the question of why had I not brought the flashlight.

And there was another discovery, too. As I stumbled along in the dark, I realized something. I realized that if I tried hard to focus on the trail, to focus on seeing the path ahead through my own efforts and my own strength of will, I lost my way and wandered off the trail and failed.

But if I lifted my eyes upward, up and away from the trail, something happened with peripheral vision or something, and the light of those glow worms gently but clearly outlined the way home.

Neat, huh?

The next day, after I finally got back home and had time to commiserate with myself about the adventure of the night before, it occurred to me that bugs can surprise you if you let them. That was a nice little epiphany and, I suspect, somehow makes me a better person.

But I’m still gonna swat those mosquitoes.

MIKE TASOS Columnist

STEVE HUDSON Columnist

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Human Resources Manager

Handles all employee-related processes and procedures. This role will be responsible for Recruitment and Onboarding, Job Design, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Training and Development, Employment Compliance, Total Rewards and Talent Management. This position reports to the Director of Finance and Administration and will interact with the entire management team by providing guidance on all Human Resources related topics at NFCC. Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field and 3-5 years of Human Resources experience, preferably in multiple HR disciplines required. Please visit https://nfcchelp.org/ work-at-nfcc/ to see the full job description. To apply, submit a resume to sholiday@nfcchelp.org and to mburton@nfcchelp.org.

Workforce Development Coordinator is responsible for developing programs and services for NFCC clients and students seeking employment, post-secondary education, or other career options. The workforce development coordinator collaborates with local employers to help match job seekers to open positions. They work directly with clients on the job application, resumes, and interview preparations and provide tips for successfully securing and improving employment to foster financial stability.  Bachelor’s degree in a human services, human resources, or other related field required and 2 years of professional experience in human services, human resources or career counseling preferred.

To view the entire listing visit https://nfcchelp.org/ work-at-nfcc/. To apply, please submit resume to Carol Swan at cswan@nfcchelp.org.

Part-time

NEWSPAPER DELIVERY ROUTE

Director of Childrens Ministry

Seeking Director of Children’s Ministry for Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. Part-time position with benefits.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Also have classroom or work experience in education and/or children’s ministry.

Work with children’s ministry leaders to provide meaningful and engaging Sunday School and additional programs for children. Collaborate with committee, recommend curriculum to Session for approval and provide the curriculum for children’s Sunday School classes and Vacation Bible School.

Recruit, train and supervise all Children’s Ministry teachers and volunteers (this includes providing “child safety training” and assuring compliance with that policy).

• A person of mature Christian faith who will work collegially with others in support of the overall mission of the church.

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!

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.

HIRING ACCOUNTANTS!

Entry level to Senior level.

Direct Hire and temp to hire.

Resume to lauren@discoverstaffing.com or call or text 678-393-9313 for more details.

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.

• A person of outstanding character and strong relational skills who is approachable, compassionate, energetic, honest, dependable, creative, joyful, fun, motivated and humble.

• A dynamic and grace-filled leader who is a role model for children and their families.

• Someone who is committed to setting an inspiring example, serving others, making disciples, and equipping the saints for ministry.

Qualified candidates please send resumes to alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.

HANDY HELPER NEEDED

20-30 hours/week. Call Stan 678-357-5371

Home Improvement

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)

Call 770-442-3278 and ask for Heidi or Email Heidi@AppenMedia.com

Concrete/ Asphalt

Retaining Walls

Brick or Wood

Contact Ralph Rucker. Many local references. Honest, punctual, professional and reasonable prices!

678-898-7237

Pinestraw

PINESTRAW, MULCH

Delivery/installation available. Firewood available. Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch. 770-831-3612

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

Landscaping Full Service LANDSCAPING Company

Retaining walls (brick or wood), grading, sod, tree services, hauling, topsoil & more.

Ralph Rucker 678-898-7237

Gutters

AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS Installed. Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aaronsgutters.com. Senior citizen discount! 678-508-2432

local referencesCall Ralph Rucker 678-898-7237

Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursday by 4 pm

Bargains –Antiques

ANTIQUE DESK Circa 1810-1820 Rhode Island/New Hampshire; mahogany, remodeled; great condition. $5500. 770-881-6442.

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.

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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

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 1-844-774-0206 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/ads

call now 888-203-0881

Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 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.

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

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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.

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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 !!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-433-8277

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0082999 0083445

Estate Sale

PEACHTREE CORNERS

Home

Moving overseas. Brookwood; 6225 Brookwood Road 30092. Friday 6/23, 9AM5PM, Saturday, 6/24, 9AM-3PM. Bring cash, & help for moving large items. Everything goes INCLUDING PLANT SALE! 8340 Post Oak Lane – Forsyth/Gainesville call/text 404-403-5080 Grandplacere.com

CREEK-30022