Consulting firm brought on board as Roswell chief operating officer
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Consulting firm
Seer World is expanding its oversight of Roswell government after the City Council approved hiring one of its employees as the city’s chief operating officer for the next three years.
The contract is set at $340,000 a year, and it falls under the annual $2 million threshold the council passed as part of the master services agreement with the consulting company, founded by Peter Sorckoff and based in Roswell. The employee will not receive city benefits.
At the City Council meeting June 10, when the statement of work was passed, City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson said she was concerned about the size of the paycheck, calling it “fiscally irresponsible,” among other issues. She also cautioned against “scope creep” and overreliance on consultants.
That night, Beeson cast the lone dissenting vote on the item, with an abstention from Councilman David Johnson, who questioned whether the contract was ethical.
Johnson had voted in opposition to an amendment to the master services agreement to include “augmentation of operational staffing” alongside Beeson
Alpharetta passes $164 million budget for 2025
By JAKE DRUKMAN newsroom@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — After holding its third and final public hearing, the Alpharetta City Council unanimously approved a $164 million budget for fiscal year 2025 at its June 24 meeting, marking a $10 million increase in spending and revenues over fiscal year 2024.
The total includes $19 million for one-time, big-ticket capital projects, like street improvements and land acquisition. The city also expects to receive another $6.5 million from state and federal grants to apply to capital projects.
PAGE 3
just before. Johnson said he sent the master services agreement and the COO contract to Joe Cusack, deputy director and general counsel of the State Ethics Commission, for review.
Johnson said Cusack gave the OK, saying the contract’s “oversight provisions provide proper ethical supervision to this position.”
COO role
The COO will report to and at
times advise the city administrator, according to the contract. The COO, under Seer, will also be responsible for implementing the consulting company’s deliverables.
The $340,000 position would top the payroll charts for north Metro Atlanta municipalities. Alpharetta City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom collected $311,000 in 2023, and Sandy
See ADDITION, Page 10
The actual operating budget – the day-to-day cost of running the city, which includes wages – is $103.5 million, up about 2 percent from the current year,
No residents came forward to speak at any of the three public hearings the council held on the budget, nor did anyone from the public speak before the two separate votes to pass the budget ordinance and the millage rate ordinance.
Despite the spending increase, homeowners may actually save a bit on property taxes with the new budget, which takes effect on July 1. Alpharetta’s property tax rate will
See BUDGET, Page 17
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Seer World founder Peter Sorckoff leads Roswell officials in a discussion at the City Council retreat in February. The council has authorized Seer World to hire one of its employees to serve as the city’s COO for the next three years, at an annual salary of $340,000.
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Milton taps GBI to review officer-involved shooting
MILTON, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is reviewing an officer-involved shooting around noon June 14 at the request of the Milton Police Department.
One woman, identified as 31-year-old Atlanta resident Shantidra Harris, died at the hospital after the incident.
An officer fired his weapon at Harris after she carjacked a white Toyota Corolla and accelerated with the officer directly in front of the bumper, a statement from the GBI says.
The incident began with Milton Police receiving a call about three
POLICE BLOTTER
All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
Officers seize guns, drugs in domestic dispute call
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police secured warrants for a 33-yearold man June 9 after finding four firearms, 10 pounds of marijuana and 1.8 pounds of ecstasy at a residence on Chattahoochee Circle.
An officer said he met with a 26-year-old Roswell woman about a domestic dispute with the suspect.
After investigating the dispute, an officer said he sat in his car waiting for the male suspect to return to the residence. While the officer was waiting, the woman said she found a bag of marijuana inside a sealed can, belonging to the suspect.
The officer said he secured the marijuana as evidence while the woman brought out a duffle bag
individuals involved in a shoplifting incident at Kohl’s on Ga. 9.
When officers attempted to stop the suspects’ vehicle, a red Dodge Journey, the car continued into the Walmart parking lot off Winward Parkway.
Officers said the suspects’ vehicle stuck multiple cars before two people eventually fled the vehicle.
Officers took the female driver into custody but were unable to catch the male suspect, who remains at large.
The second female suspect, Harris, attempted to flee the Walmart parking lot in a stolen
containing a scale, plastic bags, small blue tablets, yellow triangular pills and prepackaged bags of multicolored capsules.
The officer said he called his lieutenant and a detective after discovering the narcotics.
With consent from the woman, officers searched the residence and found 10 pounds of marijuana, 1.8 pounds of ecstasy, unidentified drugs, three handguns with ammo and an AK-47.
Tests for fentanyl are pending.
Officers secured warrants for the man on four counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and during the commission of a crime on top of two trafficking charges.
Footage shows woman rifling through purse
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police are investigating a felony theft at the Goodwill on Ga. 9 June 21 after a woman reported her purse contents were stolen.
The victim, a 64-year-old Roswell woman, said she set her purse down
Toyota.
The officer fired his weapon while Harris struck him with the vehicle.
Harris was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.
The officer, who sustained injuries, has been treated and released.
Milton Communications Director Greg Botelho said the GBI is handling all aspects of the independent investigation.
A statement from the GBI says once the investigation is complete, it will be given to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for review.
while shopping around noon. By the time she remembered and came back to retrieve it, the purse was mostly empty.
The unidentified suspect took her wallet, phone, driver’s license, Bank of America debit card and $620 in cash.
The victim said she went to her bank to cancel the card and called 911 after the incident.
An officer said he spoke with the Goodwill manager who showed him footage of the theft.
The officer said an elderly White female with silver blonde hair could be seen removing items from the victim’s purse and placing them in her bag.
The suspect wore a white and black blouse, white pants and carried a black handbag.
The officer said he recorded the footage on his body camera but could not identify the suspect clearly.
The manager said he would send footage to Roswell Police after he receives it from human resources.
The officer said the parking lot has no security cameras.
Roswell adds restaurant district on Crabapple Road
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Mirroring the waiver on Canton Street, patrons at establishments at Crabapple Road and Crossville Road will be able to carry out alcoholic beverages as part of a new restaurant district.
Roswell Deputy City Administrator Jeff Leatherman described a new redevelopment project coming forward in the area at the City Council meeting June 24.
Leatherman said the traditional office park property will be modified into restaurants and retail space, renovating the buildings on-site.
He said the developers plan to create a courtyard out of the site’s parking lot, a gathering place covered in a synthetic turf lawn. The resolution will come into play at the courtyard, Leatherman said, allowing patrons to walk out of restaurants in the designated area with an alcoholic beverage.
According to their application, Dreamcatchers Investment Group and Partners Development Group are collaborating to transform the office
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Roswell Deputy City Administrator Jeff Leatherman presents a proposal for a new Crabapple Road Restaurant District at the City Council meeting June 24.
park into the initial stages of “Uptown Roswell,” envisioned to be Canton Street’s northern most upscale restaurant and retail hub.
The City Council unanimously approved the resolution to establish the Crabapple Road Restaurant District.
“I think over the course of the next 30, 60, 90 days, as we continue to enhance our economic development strategy, you’re going to see more projects moving forward here in the City of Roswell, which we’re excited about,” Leatherman said.
NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The cities of Alpharetta and Roswell have scheduled their Independence Day celebrations for July 4.
Alpharetta will host a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. at Wills Park on Wills Road. Visitors are encouraged to bringyour-own-fun with a blanket, picnic and games for a memorable evening together.
The American Legion Post 201 will also host a Fourth of July celebration, providing a space to watch the fireworks at Wills Park with facilities opening to the public at noon.
The Alpharetta City Band will perform
on the grounds of Post 201 at 6 p.m. Bounce houses and other activities for children will be available, and food will be for sale.
The City of Roswell will host its annual Fourth of July celebration at Roswell Area Park on Woodstock Road starting at 6 p.m. Guests are invited to enjoy fireworks, live music, entertainment and specialty food trucks.
Fireworks are scheduled to start around 9:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to spread out at one of several fireworks viewing areas throughout the park.
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North Fulton charity to hold backpack drive
ROSWELL, Ga. — North Fulton Community Charities is asking for donations to help families in need prepare for the fall with its annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive.
Last year, donations from the community provided 1,083 new backpacks filled with school supplies for 412 families in need.
This year’s drive will be held at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church on Academy Street.
The nonprofit announced that sturdy backpacks and supplies can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., July 22-24.
Donors are also invited to make financial contributions to the program.
School supply lists and sign-up forms are available at nfcchelp.org/holidayprograms/.
Founded in 1983, North Fulton Community Charities is a nonprofit dedicated to helping ease hardship and foster financial stability for residents of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park and Roswell.
The nonprofit focuses on case management, emergency financial assistance, food and clothing support, seasonal initiatives and education at its two locations in Roswell.
Sherri Morgan, director of development
at North Fulton Community Charities, said seasonal programs ease the hardship of costly purchases for families whose budgets are stretched.
“Often, these extra purchases can put a strain on families who are barely getting by,” Morgan said. “When our supporters purchase quality backpacks and supplies, they help local children return to school excited for the new school year, and fully equipped for academic success.”
Alpharetta Presbyterian Church Senior Pastor the Rev. Ollie Wagner said equipping children for success in education is what the backpack drive is all about.
“APC is honored to host this year’s event, and we are grateful for every donation of time, money or school supplies that will make it happen,” Wagner said. “What a joy and privilege it is to partner together across the community to serve and support our youngest members as they prepare for the start of a new school year.”
Hallboys Holdings is the presenting sponsor for the Back-to-School initiative, with Datascan, C.L. Burks Construction, Kloeckner Metals, Choate Construction and Toyota Financial Services as supporting sponsors.
Roswell beverage contest scheduled for this summer
ROSWELL, Ga. — Summer Sippin’, Roswell’s annual beverage competition and promotion, is returning for its ninth year from June 18 to Aug. 13.
This year, 51 establishments are participating, and each one is tasked to create a special summer inspired drink that patrons are encouraged to rate on the Summer Sippin’ app or on SummerSippin. com.
At the conclusion of the two-month event, one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic beverage will win the title of ‘Best Sip in Roswell.’
Patrons can expect to see a mix of Roswell breweries, tasting rooms, coffee shops and restaurants on the list of places to try.
#SummerSippin2024 will serve as the official hashtag.
Andy Williams, executive director of Visit Roswell, said the annual competition is a great way for the organization to collaborate with local hospitality businesses and showcase their teams’ creative talents.
Visit Roswell is the city’s tourism program.
“It provides us a fun way to promote our food and beverage partners while helping
to drive sales during the summer months,” Williams said.
Roswell Inc, an economic development arm for the City of Roswell, is also leading the effort.
"We are proud to offer this program for one of our leading industries,” Roswell Inc Executive Director Steve Shroud said. “Roswell restaurants are a key sector of our economy, employing over 4,500 individuals and generating more than $250 million annually."
The full list of participating restaurants, drinks, descriptions and photos can be found at SummerSippin.com and on the Summer Sippin’ App, which is available in both Google Play and Apple App stores. You can also follow Summer Sippin’ on Facebook and Instagram at @ RoswellEatsandSips.
The popular Summer Sippin’ Cocktail Crawl is also back again, scheduled for July 13.
Summer Sippin’ is partnering with Bar Crawl USA to bring the fun crawl to downtown Roswell which will feature around a dozen participating locations. For more details and tickets visit barcrawlusa. com.
BY:
Visitors to the June 20 Fulton Fresh Mobile Market at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center receive a bag of fresh produce. The summer program, led by University of Georgia Extension and funded by Fulton County, shares nutrition education to “food deserts,” or low-income communities at least a mile from a grocery store.
Fulton County, UGA drive for clean eating
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Over a month of weekly sessions, interest has grown in the University of Georgia-led food education program at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center.
Starting with maybe a couple dozen attendees, the turnout June 20 saw around 125 people. They learned a new salad recipe and took home a bag of fresh, in-season produce to make it, stored in the county-funded Fulton Fresh Mobile Market outside the door.
The facility is considered within the bounds of a “food desert,” the target area of the market on wheels. The term is defined as a low-income community at least a mile from a grocery store.
Cecilia Tran, an agent with the Family and Consumer Sciences branch of UGA Extension, emphasized affordability playing a part.
“The perception is there’s not a food desert up here, but in some places, it is,” Tran said. “...I really, really wanted to bring it up here because there are people who get overlooked because the assumption is, ‘No. Roswell, Milton, Alpharetta — they all have money.’”
Less than 2 miles down the road from the center is the Roswell Housing Authority, which oversees affordable housing in the city.
Tran just gave a talk on making plates more colorful with fruits and
For more information about the Fulton Fresh Mobile Market, visit extension.uga.edu.
vegetables. There was also a curriculumbased SNAP-Ed nutrition segment for those who receive government assistance.
Each week, visitors learn a new recipe and get to try it out in-session in a cooking demonstration.
The program at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center, one of six locations across Fulton County, ran from May to June. It will ramp up again at six new locations from July 9 to August 8.
While the program is open to the public, most of the audience that day were older than 50, many with memberships to the center.
This was the second time the Fulton Fresh Mobile Market made its way to the facility, though its staff has worked with UGA Extension for several years to provide educational programs.
Mary Rummell, program coordinator for the Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department, said she hopes to have ongoing nutrition education for those at the center.
“As they get older, they don’t always cook healthier meals because they're by themselves, or they're one or two people,” Rummell said.
Cecilia Tran, an agent with the Family and Consumer Sciences branch of UGA Extension, educates more than 120 attendees on nutrition at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center June 20.
Fulton Fresh Mobile Market parks at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center, one of six locations across Fulton County. The next group of summer nutrition sessions will begin July 9 at new locations.
PHOTOS
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Author engagements promise sizzling talks through early summer
By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com
Whether your preferred reading spot is on a beach or the closest couch, these nearby book events in July will make passing the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer a breeze.
Tuesday, July 2, Lo Patrick, celebrates her new release, “The Night the River Wept.” 7 p.m. Free. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com
Tuesday, July 9, Bookfair for Grownups., Read It Again Bookstore will partner with Stillfire Brewing for a book fair. 4 p.m. Free. 343 US-23, Suwanee. 770-927-8989. Stillfirebrewing.com
Saturday, July 13, Cicely Lewis., The award-winning local media specialist and author will promote her six-book “Hair Magic” series. 10 a.m. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-itagain.com
Saturday, July 13, Jenn Lyons, with the first book in her newest romantasy series, “The Sky on Fire.” Noon. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-itagain.com
Saturday, July 20, Allie Millington, discusses her bestselling novel,
PROVIDED
Lo Patrick will discuss her new release, “The Night the River Wept,” in Johns Creek July 2
“Olivetti.” Noon. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com
Saturday, July 20, Jenny Studenroth, signing and speaking about “Let Me Let You.” 3 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-7975566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com
Tuesday, July 23, Sarah Metts, author of “Between Brothers.” 5 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com
Thursday, July 25, Crabapple Summer Stroll, featuring Nandita Godbole with spices, cookbooks and handmade pottery. 5 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com
To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@ gmail.com by the 15th.
Georgia Press Association recognizes Appen Media
JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. — The Georgia Press Association honored winners of the 2024 Freedom of Information Award and Better Newspaper Contest June 7 for outstanding achievements in journalism.
The association also recognized winners of the Better Newspaper Advertising Contest during its 137th annual convention at Jekyll Island Club.
Competing in Division F, Appen Media received first place in the General Excellence category, coming out ahead of Big Canoe’s Smoke Signals and the Augusta Press.
Appen Media unseated Smoke Signals, which had won the award each of the last nine years.
In total, Appen Media brought home 10 awards for advertising and 17 honors in the Better Newspaper Contest.
Entries are judged in six divisions based on circulation:
• Division A: daily circulation of more than 8,000
• Division B: daily circulation of less than 8,000
• Division C: weekly circulation of 3,800 to 15,000
• Division D: weekly circulation of 2,000 to 3,799
• Division E: weekly circulation of less than 2,000
• Division F: weekly circulation of more than 15,000 and all associate media members of GPA .
Members of the Texas Press Association judge both contests in February and March.
For the 2,293 entries to the editorial contest, the GPA presented 509 awards in 42 categories to 78 newspapers.
For the 449 entries in the advertising contest, the GPA presented 120 awards in 17 categories to 30 newspapers.
Appen Media won first place in Special Issues/Sections for the October 12 Sandy Springs Crier, an edition dedicated to walking readers through the ongoing public records conflict between the newsroom and the City of Sandy Springs.
Appen also took home the top prize for Best Investigative Reporting. The award honored the newsroom for its enterprise and data-supported work, including coverage from Amber Perry, Delaney Tarr and Carl Appen on Milton elections and Open Records practices in the City of Roswell.
“Staff uncovered irregularities, including omitted provisions, in a feasibility report on a change to city-run elections,” a judge said as part of their remarks. “Open records requests produced the complete version versus the changed one, which the paper published so voters could see what was left out of the public presentation.”
Rounding out the group awards, newsroom staff also secured second and third place in the Page One category.
Appen Media’s pagination team, led by Dionna Williams and Jacob Tomberlin, took home second and third place for layout and design.
Appen Media’s Perry took top honors in the Feature Photograph category, as well as second place in Business Writing and third place in Education Writing.
Former Appen Media reporter Shelby Israel won first place in Education Writing for her work covering elementary redistricting in Forsyth County.
Carl Appen, director of content and development, edged out Pat Fox, managing editor, to win first place in the Serious Column category.
A judge commended Appen for clever yet serious public service writing and said Fox stood out in the crowded category with strong, clear writing.
Appen Media’s Hayden Sumlin won second place in the Breaking News Writing category.
Appen Media’s advertising team, led by senior designer David Brown, swept the Food category of the Better Newspaper Advertising Contest.
The team also won awards in the Real Estate, Home Furnishings, Newspaper Promotion and Service categories.
The True Citizen of Waynesboro won the 2024 Freedom of Information Award for its work getting the City of Keysville to provide information to the public regarding construction and funding of a water well.
The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication judges the annual award.
“Public institutions must know that if they keep secrets, the local newspaper will battle them, in court,” a judge said. “And that they won’t back down.”
Appen Media takes open forum to Alpharetta
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Appen Media Group’s penultimate Listening Tour stop June 20 at July Moon Bakery and Café drew about a dozen attendees equipped with story ideas and questions for newsroom staff.
The series, with monthly stops in each of the company’s seven coverage areas, allows the public to provide tips and suggestions on how to strengthen reporting. So far, staff have made rounds in Dunwoody, Roswell, Johns Creek, Forsyth County and Milton to gain valuable insight from residents.
Publisher Hans Appen kicked off the event with news from the Georgia Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest where staff took home 17 awards, including first place in General Excellence, and 10 more in advertising.
The floor was turned over to visitors who advised staff to explore the impact of the Georgia Department of Transportation’s project along Ga. 9 amid a fraud investigation. Appen Media reported
Bob Meyers, columnist with Appen Media Group, explains his process for writing pieces about history in North Fulton at the Listening Tour stop at July Moon Bakery and Café June 20.
the probe involves a now-former Georgia Department of Transportation official associated with the Ga. 9 widening project. The last stop on the Listening Tour is in Sandy Springs at Pontoon Brewing Company on July 18 at 4 p.m. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP at www. appenmedia.com/join.
JADE GARCIA/APPEN MEDIA
HANS APPEN/APPEN MEDIA
Appen Media staff reporter Amber Perry, center back, fields a question from a visitor at the newsroom’s Listening Tour stop at July Moon Bakery and Café June 20.
Alpharetta Business Association funds new greenhouse at farm
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Old Rucker Farm, the home base for the Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program, is getting a new greenhouse.
The Alpharetta Business Association donated more than $22,600 for the purchase, proceeds from the group’s biannual Brew Moon Fest, to support the program’s mission to cultivate community engagement and education through agriculture.
The new 24-by-36 greenhouse will serve a diverse group of participants, including community garden members, home growers, local schools with garden programs, and the garden at the North Fulton Community Charities food pantry.
It will also enable the production of a variety of organic and heirloom seedlings, ensuring that all
participants have access to healthy, locally grown plants for their gardens.
“The donation of this greenhouse marks a significant enhancement to our growing capabilities,” said Morgan Rodgers, director of Alpharetta Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services. “With this gift, we can expand our support to local schools and community gardens, and increase our contributions to the NFCC food pantry, helping to address food insecurity in our area.”
Tracy Morton, president of the Alpharetta Business Association, said the project aligns with the group’s mission to foster community development and sustainability.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on local agriculture and education,” Morton said.
PAT CHECK/PROVIDED
Board members of the Alpharetta Business Association present a $22,658 check to Alpharetta city staff at City Hall June 3 to purchase a new greenhouse located at Old Rucker Farm.
the candidate’s skill level.
Addition: AAPPEN PRESSCLU
Springs City Manager Eden Freeman is on track to earn at least $320,650 this year, according to records obtained by Appen Media.
The new COO was not named in the contract, though city officials are aware of who it is, and it’s not Sorckoff. In an interview, City Attorney David Davidson said the name was not disclosed in the statement of work because they have not yet left their current job to join Seer World.
The COO hire replaces Navy veteran Richard Rhinehart, who resigned after eight months on the job in January. Prior to Rhinehart, the position did not exist in the city’s organizational chart, and it is still not defined in the city charter.
In a statement to Appen Media, Mayor Kurt Wilson said the role of the COO is “crucial for driving the necessary changes in [the city’s] organizational structure to foster and amplify economic growth within [the] community.”
In a follow-up interview, Wilson said the organizational shift, which entails moving from government to business naming conventions (COO, CFO and CLO, or chief legal officer, under the CEO, or the mayor), tackles finding a revenue source outside of property taxes.
“I think, ultimately, you’re going to see us do services for other cities,” Wilson said.
More turnover
The city’s CFO position, formerly known as the finance director, is still vacant following the resignation of Ryan Luckett last August. Wilson said whether the city will contract out the position or bring it in-house depends on
Within the same week of Luckett’s departure, former Purchasing Manager Greg Anderson also resigned, and he did it the day before a budget amendment for $250,000 in professional services was initially proposed at an Administration, Finance, Recreation and Parks Committee meeting — a payment to Seer World, which drew scrutiny for not going through the city’s bidding process.
In his resignation letter, obtained by Appen Media in an open records request, Anderson wrote, “I believe that we must remain committed to ethical procurement practices, transparency, and adhering to the legal statutes that govern our work. While I recognize the pressures and constraints that shape our decisions, I cannot reconcile my belief system with the present course of action.”
Appen Media got wind of more recent departures in the city’s Finance Department.
When asked to confirm the departures June 24, City Administrator Randy Knighton said turnover is “natural” in an organization with 700plus full-time employees. Standing next to Knighton, Mayor Wilson said he isn’t surprised by the city having some attrition.
“This is an agency that is trying to become highly effective, highly adaptive, highly innovative, and some people welcome that,” Wilson said. “Not everybody welcomes that.”
An open records request for related documents is pending.
Seer’s track record
The five-year parent contract with Seer World, passed in April, is intended to bolster the city’s economic development services already under the purview of the city’s Economic Development director and Roswell Inc,
an organization that has regularly received about $277,000 a year from the city to pursue business growth and retain commercial operations.
City officials said transactions with Seer World will be listed in quarterly public disclosures.
At the June 10 council meeting, Councilman Allen Sells lauded the work Seer World has already done, like procuring negotiations between the city and the United Soccer League, an organization one resident said isn’t doing great during public comment on the item.
The city’s plan is to introduce a stadium-anchored entertainment district.
“I have heard so much about Seer and Peter Sorckoff, and it has all been just glowing things,” the resident said. “I feel like this is the ‘Wizard of Oz.’ He can do no wrong.”
Seer World also had hands on the “Green Street Activation Plan,” the framework for a new public parking deck downtown.
The plan has seen significant backlash, specifically aimed at the City Council’s decision to exercise eminent domain on a property along Alpharetta Street that currently houses Masonic Lodge No. 165. A pedestrian plaza is planned for the site, to sit adjacent to the parking deck.
The Save Roswell’s History Committee, headed by former longtime Roswell Mayor Jere Wood, has met regularly for the past couple of months to protest demolition of the pre-Civil War structure, which served as the first permanent building for the Methodist Church in Roswell.
Jason Yowell, a former mayoral candidate, questioned the “brilliance” of Sorckoff at the council meeting June 10 and said other sites made more sense for the project.
“It’s easy to look like you’re doing things when you’re spending millions and millions of dollars irresponsibly,” Yowell said.
‘Economic Development Strategy’
In an interview June 24, Mayor Wilson said he met Seer World’s founder in November 2022, around the time he was elected mayor and soon after the Sizemore Group had been selected to create a master plan for the intersection of Holcomb Bridge Road and Ga. 9.
Plans brought forth by the Sizemore Group weren’t really a “game changer,” Wilson said, and that’s when the city received a referral for Sorckoff.
“Somebody on Roswell Inc’s board knew Peter and said, ‘This guy’s different,’” Wilson said, adding that city officials were blown away after meeting with him and hearing of his work history.
Then, the city tried him out at the City Council retreat in Opelika, Alabama, and everyone left impressed and believing Sorckoff to be an outof-the-box thinker. Over the next few months, Wilson said the city will unveil pieces of the “Economic Development Strategy” and that it is going to be different from what others are doing. He said the city is in the process of piecing together a “simpler document.” But, the problem with that, he said, is that people will get “locked in” on something that is dynamic.
“But the reality is, if we do that, we’re going to get hammered,” Wilson said. “Like, ‘Well, the plan doesn’t have this, and the plan doesn’t have that, and we’ll go, ‘I know, but I can’t put all those pieces out there’ … it will sabotage its success.”
Newspaper Delivery Route Openings with
Media Group
We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas.
Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude.
For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant background/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”
4TH OF JULY STOREWIDE SALE!
*** HAPPY EASTER ***
Save NOW on in-stock & custom-ordered quality home furnishings from UltraComfort, King Hickory, Temple, Bradington-Voung, American Leather, Jessica Charles, IMG, Palliser, Surya & more!!
Enjoy STOREWIDE SAVINGS through 4/15 on in-stock & custom-orders from Massoud, Temple, Bradington-Young, American Leather, Jessica Charles, IMG, Palliser, Surya & more!
AMERICAN LEGION POST 201 EVENTS
Thursday, July 4, Open House: 12 noon til 11 p.m.
Alpharetta City Band Concert on the Grounds – 6 p.m.
Parking (donation requested) & Great View of Fireworks
Bounce House for Youngsters; Food for Sale
Budweiser Beer Wagon on Site All Weekend
Friday, July 5 – Gold Standard Band
Motown, Carolina Beach & Classic Soul
Dance Lessons: 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Open Dance: 8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Admission $12 per person Cash or Credit
Saturday, July 6, Open House: 12 noon til 11:30 p.m.
Budweiser & Folds of Honor Clydesdales Downtown
Alpharetta Procession Ends at Post 201, 12 noon – 2 p.m.
Budweiser Beer Wagon Benefiting Folds of Honor
Bounce House for Youngsters; Food for Sale
1101 Alpharetta St (Hwy 9) • Historic Roswell • 770-518-8518
1101 Alpharetta St (Hwy 9) • Historic Roswell • 770-518-8518
Championship Baseball on Veterans Field
Country Music Dance Mix with DJ Wray Sisk
www.legion201.org
Open Tues-Sat 10-5:30
NEW SUMMER HOURS: Tues–Sat 10-5:30, closed Sun & Mon.
Now celebrating our 32nd year–thank you for shopping local!
Comprehensive Internal Medicine
Serving as the Medical Home for Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, & Johns Creek, for over 20 years
Brought to you by – Comprehensive Internal Medicine
What is a medical home?
A medical home is an approach to providing comprehensive and high-quality primary care, in a coordinated fashion with specialists and consultants.
A medical home is patient-centered with many aspects that contribute to improved healthcare outcomes
• Accessibility: Care is easy for the patient to obtain, including geographic access and insurance accommodation.
• Family-centered: The patient and family are recognized and acknowledged, ensuring that all medical decisions are made in true partnership.
• Continuous: The same primary care clinician cares for patient, aiding and
support through young adulthood through elder years.
• Comprehensive: Preventive, primary and specialty care are provided.
• Coordinated: A care plan is created in partnership with the patient and communicated with all health care clinicians.
• Compassionate: Genuine concern for the well-being of the patient is emphasized and addressed.
At Comprehensive Internal Medicine, we involve many team members at various levels to coordinate and provide patient care. Our doctors lead all clinical decision-making in a team approach, collaborating with the patient to tailor care in an individualized manner.
Understanding the intricacies of our patient’s care brings a deeper knowledge
of the long-term care plan. Our team of administrative professionals strives to answer each call quickly, avoiding voice mail or a phone tree.
Our scheduling department quickly accommodates each patient’s scheduling needs.
We save appointment times for same-day appointments and are always welcoming new patients.
Whereas it may be convenient to see Urgent Care, we believe seeing your regular doctor brings your healthcare to a higher level, being seen quickly when needs arise prevents worsening medical symptoms.
Call today to establish with one of our many doctors. We have physicians who focus on young adult care, and others who have special training in the care of geriatric patients.
Alpharetta: (678) 205-9004
3180 North Point Pkwy | Suite 303 | Alpharetta, GA - 30005
Providing Medical Care Including the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Diseases
Comprehensive Internal Medicine has been serving the Alpharetta community for 20 years, celebrating this milestone anniversary in 2023. The medical practice offers a very comfortable environment and serves a medical home where patients are seen for their wellness examinations (checkups) and for the management of multiple medical problems. Same-day appointments are always available. We welcome new patients, take most insurance plans and discounts for self-pay patients.
• High Blood Pressure • Diabetes
• Women’s Health • Thyroid Disease • Obesity/Weight Loss • Arthritis • High Cholesterol
• Seasonal Allergies
Please join us in welcoming Alexis Buelow, MSN, APRN, FNP-C.
• Asthma
• Heart Disease
• Acute Illnesses such as: sore throat, flu, cough, common cold, etc.
• Alexis obtained her nursing degree from Georgia College & State University and worked as a registered nurse at Emory University Hospital for over 4 years, where she specialized in Internal Medicine. She then earned her Master of Science from Kennesaw State University in their Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program. Alexis is a board certified FNP through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Alexis is a vital member of the Comprehensive Internal Medicine care team. She prides herself in forming lasting relationships with her patients, while also providing compassionate and individualized care.
• When she is not treating patients, Alexis enjoys spending time on the lake with her husband, doing Pilates, and trying new restaurants with family and friends.
J OBIORA, M.D. S PERVAIZ, M.D.
R BOZOF, M.D. S NANDI, M.D.
Benzoyl Peroxide danger – fact
or fiction?
and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta
Benzoyl peroxide or “BPO” is a dermatologist’s old standby. It is a triedand-true effective ingredient to treat acne including pimples and clogged pores and is found in both over the counter acne washes as well as prescription acne products. Given its extensive use and presence in so many over-the-counter products, it came as a shock to the world and the medical community when a company named Valisure recently argued that BPO too easily breaks down into benzene, a cancer-causing chemical known to cause leukemia and other types of cancer. Valisure advocated for the recall of over-the-counter acne products containing BPO.
Is Valisure right? What is the truth? The answer is complicated and interesting.
BPO’s potential to cause cancer was suggested in the 1980s when animal studies suggested that it might make skin tumors grow. BPO is a very reactive molecule and works at least in part by reacting with proteins of skin bacteria and killing the bacteria that cause acne. BPO has long been known to be destructive. The question is whether it is only destructive to bacteria or also to humans.
In 1991 new concerning animal data caused the FDA to formally declare that additional studies were necessary on BPO safety, but the data was weak, and sales of BPO products continued to be permitted. During the ensuing years, a concerted effort was made through multiple studies to verify BPO’s safety. In 2010, the FDA reviewed available data and voted to label BPO as GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective). Recent data had been reassuring.
Fast forward to the present day and we have a curveball. A company named Valisure studied the potential of BPO to form benzene at elevated temperatures. Valisure tested benzene levels after exposing BPO products to 98.6, 122, and 158-degrees Fahrenheit for two weeks or more. As the temperature went up, so did the level of benzene. These are temperatures that BPO may be exposed to in real life situations such as being left in a hot car or during shipment from manufacturing sites.
Valisure appears to have proven that BPO has the potential to form benzene, particularly if exposed to high temperatures. How often this happens and how frequently this has caused
cancer remains unknown. Even if someone could guarantee that their BPO had never been exposed to heat, BPO left on someone’s shelf for long periods might eventually form significant levels of benzene over time.
Is Valisure a white knight rescuing the public from a serious threat?
One concerning conflict of interest is that Valisure’s president, David Light, filed a patent in 2023 for a method to prevent BPO from breaking down into benzene.
Timelines matter. Did Valisure know of BPO’s potential risks but wait to disclose them and request a recall until after they had filed for a patent for the fix? Valisure’s homepage states that they are a company focused on “transparency,” but Valisure’s mention of its patent application was buried on page 26 of a 34 page “Citizen Petition.” Acknowledgment of this patent application as a conflict of interest was nowhere to be found in that Citizen Petition. Valisure states that their goal is to provide “independent certification” of product safety, but when they stand to profit from finding dangers, then they are not as independent as they should be.
No recall has been issued. At least one manufacturer, Clearasil™, has responded by claiming that its products are safe when stored correctly and stated “The findings presented by an independent lab reflect unrealistic scenarios rather than real-world conditions” according to an article in Chemistry World.
And of course, class action lawsuits have already arisen.
One can argue about whether Valisure’s citizen petition for a recall was premature or whether it is motivated by its patent and a desire to force companies to use Valisure’s BPO stabilizer in BPO products to Valisure’s financial gain. The only thing that is certain is that with the filing of a patent, Valisure ceased to be the independent company that we wish it were.
What are doctors and patients to do? At the least, throw away expired BPO. Throw away BPO that has been exposed to high temperatures. Talk with your doctor about alternatives to BPO. We are in the fortunate position of having many alternatives to BPO available while the true safety of BPO and potential for benzene formation gets sorted out. Two over the counter alternatives to consider are adapalene or salicylic acid. For more stubborn acne including acne that is causing scarring, see a specialist in dermatology. And stay tuned for future updates on BPO.
Insist
Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.
He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.
Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 18 years experience as a Dermatology PA. We are excited to welcome her, as she brings with her experience in general dermatology and cosmetic dermatology.
Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology
Discover affordable luxury and community living at Perch Houses
Brought to you by – Perch Houses
We are thrilled to announce the launch of Perch Houses in Atlanta, offering a unique co-living experience designed specifically for women age 55+. Our mission is to provide affordable luxury and foster vibrant community where residents can thrive. With homes now available in desirable neighborhoods such as Roswell, Vinings, Covington and more on the way, Perch Houses is transforming the way single women age 55+ live.
Here’s how Jane–one of our current residents–puts it: “I have enjoyed meeting new friends and living in a beautiful home with other women. We learn a lot from each other and have a great time. We also have our private space when we need it. I work from home and have a perfect set up. Perch
Houses helped me set everything up and get acclimated easily. Anything we need, Perch is there to help. I love living here!”
Affordable luxury living
Perch Houses offers beautiful, private suites equipped with modern amenities to ensure comfort and style. Each suite includes a private bedroom, private bathroom and often a 3rd private space. Our all-inclusive rents start at just $1500 per month and include utilities, high-speed WiFi, and a smart security system. Residents have the privacy of their suites and then share the common areas of the house with 1-2 vetted and compatibility-matched housemates for true community-oriented living.
A thriving community Living at Perch Houses means
being part of a supportive, dynamic community. Our residents forge meaningful connections, share experiences, and support one another in a vibrant environment. Ann, another one of our enthusiastic residents, perfectly captures the spirit of Perch Houses: “A Perch Houses’ woman can do anything!” This sense of empowerment and camaraderie is at the heart of our community.
Join us and enjoy special offers
To celebrate our Atlanta-area launch, we are excited to offer a limited-time special offer. Prospective residents who tour our homes and sign a 12-month lease before July 12th will receive one month of rent free. This limited-time offer makes it the best time to join our growing community and experience the benefits of co-living at Perch Houses.
Next steps
If you are a woman age 55+ looking to embrace a life of affordable luxury and vibrant community living, we invite you to discover Perch Houses. Visit our website at perchhouses.com to learn more about our available suites, neighborhoods, and the unique benefits of co-living. For personalized assistance and to schedule a tour, contact our Atlanta General Manager, Latoiya Perry, at latoiya@perchhouses.com or call (470) 264-8542. Experience the joy of living at Perch Houses, where every day is an opportunity to connect, grow, and thrive.
At Perch Houses, we believe that a rich, fulfilling life is possible at any age. Join us and see how our community can help you live your best life— because a Perch Houses’ woman truly can do anything!
New home, new Medicare plan
Brought to you by
– Jay Looft, Senior Source Medicare
If you are moving across the street, chances are you won’t need to change your Medicare plan; however, if you are moving to a different county, across town, or to another state you’ll need to get in touch with your Medicare insurance agent to make a change.
When you move outside of your Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan’s service area, you’ll have new plan options and possibly different insurance carriers offered in your new county of residence. It is important to update your Medicare insurance plan to receive full plan benefits, have access to doctors and to avoid being disenrolled from your plan.
Even if it’s not within the Annual Enrollment Period, Medicare will grant you a Special Enrollment Period to make a change when moving outside of the plan’s service area. The Special Enrollment Period begins the month you notify the insurance company of your move and remains available for two months.
Are you moving into this area to be closer to your children and grandchildren, or maybe you’re moving
to the North Georgia mountains or the Florida coast for retirement? Whether it’s Atlanta, North Georgia, or another state we can help! SeniorSource Medicare Solutions is currently licensed in more than a dozen states and can help with your Medicare plan transition, whether you are new to Georgia or relocating to another state.
If you have questions about moving and how it may affect your Medicare insurance coverage, give us a call today! Call us at (770) 913-6464 or visit our website at www.SeniorSourceMedicare. com.
Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs
6 perks of becoming empty nesters
Brought to you by – Summit Counseling Center
1. Date nights. No more kidfriendly environment needed. You and your spouse can go to any restaurant, venue, concert or event and not have to worry about whether it’s appropriate for the kids, will they like the food, or will they have fun. Take the time to catch up with your spouse and hear about their day.
2. Travel. You no longer have to plan your vacations around summer, spring break, and winter holidays. Now you and your spouse can take the vacation you have been waiting for without working around the kid’s school schedule. Travel abroad, go see an old friend.
3. Volunteer. No reason to not give back. “Now, what am I going to do with all my spare time?” Giving back is rewarding for both you, your spouse, and the community you are helping.
4. Reconnect with spouse. No more excuses. Take this time to focus on your spouse and rekindle your relationship. Start flirting again, making time for one another
and planning things together. Go on a spontaneous walk through your neighborhood. Go out to dinner or see a movie. Relearn how to interact together.
5. Establish new hobbies. No more having to drive the kids around, attend sport events, and revolve your schedule around theirs. It is all about you and your spouse again. Take this time to focus on yourself and what you enjoy. Take a cooking class or a yoga class together. Establish what things you both like to do together and on your own.
6. Regain independence. No more excuses about not having time for yourself or your spouse. Start taking care of yourself, doing things for yourself and focusing on what you want in life. There is no excuse to not do what you want to do.
If you and/or your spouse need someone to talk to during this transition, The Summit Counseling Center has couples’ therapists at all locations. To schedule an appointment or for more information call 678-893-5300 or visit us at www. summitcounseling.org.
PROVIDED
The Alpharetta City Council approved its fiscal year 2025 budget June 24 after three public hearings with no participation.
Budget:
Continued from Page 1
remain at 5.75 mills, but some of that tax income — 0.059 mills — will move from the city’s debt levy to its operating levy. The move is expected to save homeowners an estimated $90,000 in property taxes, because taxes applied toward the operating levy are subject to the city’s homestead exemption. Taxes levied for debt are not.
The city’s Public Safety Department will receive a notable increase in funding for the coming year. The approved budget includes nearly $55 million, compared to 2024’s departmental allocation of just under $48 million – a $7 million increase.
The budget also allocates about $914,000 for wage adjustments to existing city employees and about $600,000 for six new employees to be added to the payroll, including a fire training lieutenant in the Department of Public Safety, an administrative assistant in the Municipal Court and a senior urban forestry assistant in the Public Works Department. The most costly new position will be an economic development director within the city’s Administration Department, with a price tag of $245,000 for the year.
The initial budget proposal called for seven new city employees, including an administrative assistant, which would
have cost $79,000. City Finance Director Tom Harris said the proposal was removed between the first and second public hearings on the budget, and the allocated money was moved to the city’s reserve fund.
The full approved budget for fiscal year 2025 is available on the city’s website. The spending plan runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
Mixed-use complex approved
Also at the June 24 meeting, the City Council approved a rezoning to allow a small mixed-use building to be constructed at 152 Marietta Street, adjacent to the intersection with Orchid Lane.
The two-story building will consist of one for-sale condominium unit, 2,500 square feet of retail space and 1,500 square feet of medical office space on about half an acre. Due to approval conditions recommended by city staff, the retail space will be limited to services, such as a salon or another health clinic, rather than a store that primarily sells items to consumers.
Applicant Jean Chapman, who owns the property and has operated a medical practice in Alpharetta for 21 years, noted in her application that she intends to move her medical practice into the development’s office space. The application also states that she and her family may move into the building’s condominium unit.
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CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED
A rendering of the approved two-story mixed use building to be constructed at 152 Marietta Street.
Notes on progress in the age of getting nothing done
RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
When my phone died and I restored my data to my new phone, a lot of the data did not restore. I am not sure why. It’s gone, never to be found again. And I am semi-OK with that. I won’t miss much of the data – never revisited 99 percent of it anyway, but there were a few files that I do wish were still within my reach, especially my “column ideas” file which had perhaps several hundred ideas, thoughts, quotes and sometimes even images that I had squirreled away over the years for a rainy day.
A lot of those ideas also used to be posted on my Facebook page, especially the quotes. So, for a very long time, that was my backup reservoir. Same deal later when I opened an Instagram account. However, I deliberately deleted my Facebook account a couple years ago because I didn’t seem to have the discipline to not allow Facebook to chew up way too many hours of my time. And when my phone died, I deliberately did not restore the Instagram account, although it is still there in cyber space; I just don’t go
THE INK PENN
there anymore, again, for the same reason – time.
Yes, I regret losing contact with many old friends who I had reconnected with through social media. I miss being able to at least occasionally see updates about their lives. I still miss that, but my reward has been more time, surely one of life’s most precious and limited commodities. And, yes, I consciously periodically ask myself if I am making “good use” of that extra time.
I am envious of those people who seem to be able to crank out articles, columns, blog-material as easy as breathing. Jon Katz comes to mind with his Bedlam Farm blog. Google it! He seems to post non-stop, every day, sometimes three or four and more blog posts that are usually engaging, fun, and generally, worth my time.
Jon reads a lot, which I think helps him write a lot. I suspect that he may read almost a book a day on his farm in upstate New York. I guess we all should have that luxury of time to be able to do that but, it’s not like that is all Jon does. He does a lot. He has a small but active farm that he tends. He is a talented photographer and is out shooting images almost daily, a fact that becomes obvious when one sees all those flower, dog and farm animal photos in his blog posts.
He often writes about helping his neighbors on their farms – his Amish neighbors. He writes a lot about the Amish. I think he deeply respects their values; I must say that I tend to admire them as well. I bet Jon does not have social media accounts; surely not. He just gets too much stuff done to be spending time there.
I don’t know how our world is going to evolve, where we collectively are going to end up. I don’t like the trends – the longterm trends I think I see. We have less connectivity. We are less engaged. We help each other less. We take more and give less. We have more; we share less. Self-interest seems to have displaced collective/universal needs and welfare.
“I got mine; you get yours.” This seems to be the marching orders now, a mandate that is toxic and ultimately fatal. Prosperity, peace, and health most likely will be the victims of these trends – trends that are a clear and present danger – if we just open our eyes and ears to the world around us.
In a recent interview Richard Powers, who wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning book “The Overstory,” describes our current situation far more succinctly than I ever could. He said the following: “We are now engaged in a massive, communal, consensual sleepwalk, a trance that we can’t
even see, under the spell of individualist humanism and commodity culture that we call inevitable progress. The fact that the blessings of contemporary life have been won at the expense of a disastrous depletion of natural capital remains almost invisible to most of us. “
What are we thinking? Or is that the point - that we are not thinking at all?
Of note, for those of you who enjoy reading about history, especially as it is a window to the future, you will probably enjoy the book, “The Accidental Super Power – 10 Years On,” by Peter Zeihan. It is well worth a read and if only 10 percent of what he projects comes true, we are in for a very bumpy next 3-20 years-ish. But the good news is that the USA, according to Zeihan, will fare far better than the rest of the world.
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From Australia to New York City, murder is in the air
I picked up four books from the library last week, and this is the first time in a long while that I only finished two. The other two I started but couldn’t get into. As is my practice, my lips are sealed about the books I didn’t care for. Both were written by best-selling authors liked by plenty of readers, and I’m sure others will enjoy them. Of the two I finished quickly, the first, set in Australia, was my favorite, and I plan to pick up its prequel soon. It’s very cleverly written. What leaps out about the second book is its clever casting. If there’s a third book in what promises to be a series, I’ll read it too.
“Everyone on This Train is a Suspect” by Benjamin Stevenson
I don’t know how I missed this author’s first book with Ernest Cunningham as the main character, but I did. Now, I feel compelled to find “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone.”
I was especially intrigued with the plot because it’s written in first person, and Ernest or Ern or Ernie is a writer. He is living
the murder mystery.
The Ghan, a train through the Australian desert, is hosting the Australian Mystery Writers’ Society, and Ern is invited as a guest speaker. After all, he wrote the wildly popular “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone.” That I hadn’t read that book didn’t get in the way of my enjoying this one.
Naturally, a murder on a train smacks of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” and for my money, it’s every bit as complex and twisty as that GoldEN Age mystery. The difference is that it’s also quite funny.
He continually refers to the rules of the Detection Club, a Golden Age group that included Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers and other well-known mystery writers of the era. They considered these as rules of fair play. There must be clues and red herrings, but no trickery, no ghosts, etc.
One rule is that the killer must be introduced in the beginning of the story before the murder occurs. No springing a new character late in the game and having them turn out to be the villain. He doesn’t hit all 20 rules, but the references are hilarious — at least to an author like me.
Which rule does the book break? “There must be but one detective — that is, but one protagonist of deduction — one deus ex
machina. To bring the minds of three or four, or sometimes a gang of detectives to bear on a problem, is not only to disperse the interest and break the direct thread of logic but to take an unfair advantage of the readers.”
The Detection Club was very strict about the rules of fair play, but what’s a writer to do when the train is filled with mystery writers who all want a say?
This was a thoroughly entertaining read, and I highly recommend it.
“Holmes, Marple & Poe” by James Patterson and Brian Sitts
Of course, the title grabbed me. Three modern-day private detectives named after Arthur Conan Doyle’s and Agatha Christie’s detectives and a third named for Edgar Allan Poe. It never actually says that’s how they got their names, but what else are we supposed to think? Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple and August Poe open a detective agency in New York City. Mayhem ensues.
The three get along splendidly despite having three very different personalities and different areas of expertise. All are smart. Who are they and where did they come from? Their back story is only hinted at, which tells me a sequel is in the works.
I haven’t read any of Patterson’s books since the days of the Women’s Murder Club
mysteries. Back then, I was drawn to the women’s strengths and their deep friendship. These characters are intentionally a mystery, so while I was intrigued by them, I wasn’t invested in them. Perhaps that will change when or if there are more books.
The story is fast paced with several interwoven investigations. It’s a 300-page book with 118 short chapters, a structure that hurtles you through the story. While each investigation is resolved and the culprits taken away, it left me a tad unsatisfied. Not so much that I won’t read the next book. But I’ll do that more to find out where the heck these three came from than I will for the writing.
I don’t often stray from reading books set in England, but these two set in very different locales were well worth the change.
Happy reading.
Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a two-time Georgia Author of the Year nominee and a Sandy Springs resident. Find her cozy mysteries on Amazon or locally at The Enchanted Forest, Bookmiser, and Johns Creek Books. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ KathyManosPennAuthor/.
KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist
OPINION
PRESERVING THE PAST
Remarkable stories of the Ann Jackson Gallery, Part 2
BOB MEYERS Columnist
“The Ann Jackson Gallery was a mainstay of downtown Roswell for more than 50 years. In a previous column I discussed the early history of the famous art gallery by highlighing the life story of Ann Marie Moir Jackson (1932-2012), the exploits of her husband Basil (1923-2013) as a World War ll bomber pilot and the transfer of ownership of the gallery to their daughter Valerie in 1986.
This week’s column will complete the story.
The Farm, a sad tale
In 1971 Ann and Basil purchased a 12-acre parcel on Freemanville Road that contained a small milking barn that Ann used to house several horses while she built a larger barn. The couple built a beautiful house on the top of a hill that resembled a southern plantation. They affectionally called the property The Farm and kept it for about 15 years before selling it to pursue their dream of buying a boat where they would live for fi ve years before returning to Georgia.
The buyer gave Ann and Basil enough money to buy their 42-foot sailboat but never paid the rest of the agreed price for the property despite legal action by the Jacksons. The sad result was that the couple never got their money and had to live on their boat for 12 years, their dream of paradise crushed.
Life in the Caribbean was not always idyllic. The couple was lost at sea twice.
Life had its good aspects as well. When the boat docked in Caribbean ports, Ann painted local scenes and sold her paintings in galleries in Nassau, Marsh Harbor, a town in the Bahamas and in other ports. The purchaser eventually abandoned the Freemanville Road property, and the beautiful house deteriorated until a new owner restored it.
Today the property is owned by the City of Milton which has plans to convert it into a nature preserve. The house has been torn down. The city recognizes the historic nature of the small barn and intends to preserve it. According to Milton Communications Director Greg Botelho, residents in the coming months will have input into plans for the preserve as part of the Greenprint intitive to develop a vision for Milton’s greenspaces.
The Jackson story has a happy ending after all. In 1998 Ann and Basil bought a house on Tybee Island where they lived for the rest of their lives. Ann painted almost every day, and Basil retired from his job as an engineer at Lockheed
Once when asked by an Atlanta Constitution reporter when she started to paint, Ann replied “My fi rst recollection of art is I would always ask Santa Claus for paint.”
Dr. Seuss postscript
Valerie Jackson has assembled a large collections of reproductions of Dr Seuss drawings and paintings for the gallery. After the death of the author/cartoonist (1904–1991), his wife Audrey Stone Dimond (1921–2018) chose a company to promote his work. Valerie had worked with
FAMILY PROVIDED
Ann Jackson Gallery owner Valerie Jackson stands in front of a painting done by her mother Ann Jackson in 1995 while she was in France. Valerie, the oldest of their eight children, eventually took over the gallery from her mother. Today she operates the gallery at her home on Bowen Road in Roswell. Call her at 770 6865613 to make an appointment to visit the gallery.
the promotion company in the past, and the company provided her with some reproductions of Dr Seuss art encompassing 70 years of his work. The collection has grown from 10 pieces to approximately 150 today. Valerie treasures her collection and sells some occasionally out of her home which now houses the Jackson gallery. Clients can contact Valerie at 770 993-4783. Be sure to call for an appointment to see her beautiful collection.
Dr. Seuss, whose real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, is best known for his more than 40 children’s books, but he was much more than Cat in the Hat, the Lorax or the Grinch. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1925 from Dartmouth College and published his fi rst book, “And to Think That I saw it on Mulberry Steet” in 1937. He used his mother’s middle name Seuss as his pen name. Some of his books sold more than 200 million copies. Many have been adapted for television and fi lms.
During the early days of World War ll Geisel joined the New York magazine PM as a political
ATLANTA CONSTITUTION/PROVIDED
The Ann Jackson Gallery was largely responsible for the growth of the Roswell Art District. In 2006 they hosted an exhibit titled “The Secret Art of Dr Seuss” consisting of reproductions of sculptures and serigraphs (silk-screens) on canvas, most of which were never published in his children’s books.
Here his
the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and Thing 2
the dedication of the Dr Seuss star.
cartoonist. He drew more than 400 political cartoons for the publication between 1940 and 1942. In 1943 he joined the Army and was deployed to Fox Studios in Hollywood where he worked with top fi lmmakers, screenwriters and journalists as part of Frank Capra’s Signal Corps unit. He produced hundreds of political cartoons and cartoon shorts, such as a series featuring Private Snafu about the misadventures of an inept soldier. Geisel told his wife that after his death she would have to guard his legacy by taking charge of all the creatures he had created. That became her mission in life. In 1993 she founded Dr. Seuss Enterprises and became active in many charities. She gave $20 million and thousands of her husband’s drawings and manuscripts to the University of California, San Diego, for example.”
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.
REED SAXON, ASSOCIATED PRESS/PROVIDED Dr Seuss received a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 2004.
widow Audrey Geisel is shown with
at
CITY OF ALPHARETTA
PUBLIC NOTICE
PH-24-AB-12
Please note that this meeting will be a virtual meeting, conducted online using Zoom meetings.
PLACE
To Attend the Virtual Meeting:
Using Your Computer, Tablet or Smartphone
Go to: https://zoom.us Meeting ID: 885 6131 2378
Dial In: +1 646 558 8656 US
July 8, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.
PURPOSE
Change in Business Ownership
Hotel Specialty Gift Shop
Consumption on Premises Beer, Wine & Sunday Sales
APPLICANT
Merritt Hospitality, LLC
d/b/a Home2 Suites Alpharetta 12075 Morris Road Alpharetta, GA 30005
Owner: Merritt Hospitality, LLC
Registered Agent: Michael Sard
CITY OF ALPHARETTA
PUBLIC NOTICE
PH-24-AB-13
Please note that this meeting will be a virtual meeting, conducted online using Zoom meetings.
PLACE
To Attend the Virtual Meeting: Using Your Computer, Tablet or Smartphone Go to: https://zoom.us Meeting ID: 885 6131 2378
Dial In: +1 646 558 8656 US July 8, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.
d/b/a Chow Won Korean Steakhouse 950 North Point Drive Alpharetta, GA 30022
Owner: Chow One North Point, LLC
Registered Agent: Xiu Qing Chen
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the City of Mountain Park proposes to exchange Lot 34 of Block 32 as shown on O.I. Freeman plat of the City of Mountain Park dated March of 1925 for Lot 39 of Block 32 as shown on the same plat. Said swap is being made pursuant to the provision of O.C.G.A. § 36-37-6(c), it having been determined by competent appraiser that the lots are of equal value.
Randy Knighton City of Roswell Kurt Wilson City Administrator Notice of Public Hearing Mayor
The following item will be considered by the Planning Commission at a public hearing on July 16, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Roswell City Hall Council Chambers, 38 Hill St. Roswell, Georgia.
a. CU 20240837/CV 20240836 - 870 Woodstock Road
The applicant, Jordan Corbitt, P.E./Kimley-Horn, is requesting a Conditional Use for Outdoor Storage, General, and a Concurrent Variance for a reduction of Type D buffer; land lot 248.
b. UDC Text Amendment
An ordinance to amend the Unified Development Code by modifying Article 13, Administration, Section 13.4.3, Who Can Submit an Application, Letter E. Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250), within two (2) years, file a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law is available in the office of the City Attorney.
The complete file is available for public view at the Roswell Planning & Zoning office, 38 Hill Street, Suite G-30, Roswell, Georgia (770) 817-6720, or planningandzoning@roswellgov.com. Refer to www.roswellgov.com.
ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE
Event Time: Thursday, July 4, 8:00-11:00 pm
Road Closure Times: Thursday, July 4 at 5:30 PM
Affected Roads:
→ Old Milton Pkwy from Wills Rd to Hwy 9
→ Wills Rd from Hwy 9 to Old Milton Pkwy
Recommended Patron Parking: Wills Park (11925 Wills Rd), Alpharetta Community Center (175 Roswell St.), Milton Ave parking deck (92 Milton Ave), Roswell Street lot (45 Roswell St.), or Old Roswell Street lot (27 Old Roswell St.)
CITY OF ROSWELL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLACE: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 215
DATE & TIME: 10 A.M. Thursday, July 11, 2024
PURPOSE: Application for Package/ Liquor/Beer/Wine/w Sunday Sales
APPLICANT: Sherryl Joshi
BUSINESS NAME: Cherry’s Liquor
BUSINESS ADDRESS: 880 Marietta Hwy, Suite 650, Roswell, GA 30075
CITY OF ROSWELL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLACE: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill St, Suite 215
DATE & TIME: 10:00 A.M., Thursday, July 11, 2024
PURPOSE: Application for Full Pouring/Liquor/Beer/Wine/Sunday Sales
APPLICANT: Young C. Chon
BUSINESS NAME: Amico Trading Inc dba Cafe Amico
BUSINESS ADDRESS: 1540
Alabama Road, Ste 450, Roswell, GA 30076
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CITY OF ROSWELL PUBLIC NOTICE
PLACE: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill St Suite 215
DATE & TIME: Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 10:00 am.
PURPOSE: Package Beer & Wine with Sunday sales
APPLICANT: Carolyn Robinson
BUSINESS NAME: The Savory Gourmet LLC
BUSINESS ADDRESS: 1002 Canton Street Roswell GA 30075
CITY OF ROSWELL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLACE: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 215
DATE & TIME: 10:00AM Thursday, July 11, 2024
PURPOSE: Application for Full Pouring License/Liquor/Beer/Wine/ Sunday Sales
APPLICANT: John Bradford Hancock
BUSINESS NAME: Rock 'N' Taco / Rock 'N' Taco Holdings
BUSINESS ADDRESS: 928 Canton Street Roswell, GA 30075
CITY OF ROSWELL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLACE: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 215
DATE & TIME: 10AM, Thursday, July 11, 2024
PURPOSE: Application for Package/ Beer/Wine/No Sunday Sales
APPLICANT: Jeany J. Elie
BUSINESS NAME: Heart & Seoul Cafe
BUSINESS ADDRESS: 161 Norcross St., Roswell, GA 30075
CITY OF ROSWELL
PUBLIC HEARING
Place: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 215
Date/Time: Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 10:00am
Purpose: Full Pouring/Liquor/Beer/ Wine/Sunday Sales
Applicant: CMA Restaurant Group LLC
Business Name: BEY Mediterranean
Business Address: 1035 Alpharetta Highway, Suite 1100, Roswell, GA 30075
CITY OF ROSWELL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Place: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 215
Date & Time: 10:00a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2024
Purpose: Application for Package/ Beer/Wine/Sunday Sales
Applicant: Saleem Vadsariya
Business Name: Best Convenience Store /1275 Alpharetta inc
Business Address: 1275 Alpharetta Street, Roswell, GA 30075
CITY OF ROSWELL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLACE: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 215
DATE & TIME: 10:00 am, Thursday, July 11, 2024
PURPOSE: Application For Full Pouring/Liquor/Beer/Wine/Sunday Sales
APPLICANT: Isabel Mora Castro
BUSINESS NAME: Arepa Grill, Kitchen & Wine/CP Gourmet LLC
BUSINESS ADDRESS: 45 Oak Street, Roswell, GA 30075
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, July 11, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, July 29, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
a. MP-24-05/CU-24-08 Sixers Cricket Academy/Windward MP Pod 14
Consideration of a master plan amendment and conditional use to allow Sixers Cricket Academy to occupy approximately 10,000 square feet in an existing building. A master plan amendment is requested to the Windward Master Plan Pod 14 to add ‘Recreation Facilities, Indoor’ as a conditional use and a conditional use is requested to allow ‘Recreation Facilities, Indoor’ for Sixers Cricket Academy. The property is located at 2855 Marconi Drive and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 1114 & 1175, 2nd District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
b. CLUP-24-04/MP-24-07/Z-24-12 Epic Design & Build Upper Hembree Townhomes
Consideration of a comprehensive land use plan amendment, master plan amendment, and rezoning to allow 8 ‘For-Sale’ townhome units on 1.127 acres. A master plan amendment is requested to the George Oswald Jr. Master Plan to add ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’, Attached’ as a permitted use. A comprehensive land use plan amendment is requested from ‘Professional Business Office’ to ‘High Density Residential’ and a rezoning is requested from O-I (Office-Institutional) to R-8A/D (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’, Attached/Detached, Residential). The property is located at 0 Upper Hembree Road and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 550, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
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Full-time
Software Engineer Senior (Alpharetta, GA):
Dvlp cmplx code using both front and/or backend prgmng langs within mltpl pltfrms as needed in collaboration w/ biz & tech teams for internal & external client s/w solutions. Prfrm & advise on tstng, valdtn reqs, & corrective measures for cmplx code deficiencies & provide systemic proposals. Resumes to: Total Systems Services LLC, Brian Simons, Assoc Director, HR Risk & Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus, GA, 31901. #VT747012
IT Professionals:
Ent. Lvl to Sen. Lvl (mltpl pos’s) of Sftwr Dvlprs & Sftwr Engnrs, are needed for our Cumming, GA Office. Must be willing to trvl to set up sys to var clients at unanticipated locations across the nation. Pls send resume, Cvr Ltr., & Sal. Req. to Kyros Software Solutions LLC at 600 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 114, Cumming, GA 30041
Software Engineer Consultant (Alpharetta, GA): Demonstrates subject matter expertise (SME) to dvlp cmplx code using both front and/or backend prgmng langs within mltpl pltfrms as needed in collaboration w/ biz & tech teams for internal & external client s/w solutions. Applies a full & comprehensive understanding & in-depth knowl of procdrs, methodology & app standards to incl Payment Card Ind (PCI) security compliance. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Associate Director, HR Risk & Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus, GA, 31901. #SD472292
Business System Consultant (Alpharetta, GA):
Form & dsgn automated sys scope & objctvs based on user needs & understanding of applicable biz sys & ind reqs. Plan & execute biz dsgn, assist in integration & acceptance tstng; & create specs for sys to meet biz reqs. Incl anlss of biz & user needs, documentation of reqs, & translation into proper sys requirement specs. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Assoc Director, HR Risk & Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus GA 31901. #BD933985
Midway Preschool is hiring lead and assistant teachers for the 2024-2025 school year. Please call Beth @ 770-752-0440 or email beth@midwayumc.org
