Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - July 6, 2023

Legion Post 201 honors 4 students with scholarships

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta

American Legion Post 201 issued $1,500 scholarships to four recently graduated high school seniors at a meeting June 20.

The post awarded Denmark High School graduate Kayleigh Kilgore of Cumming a scholarship to fund her upcoming education at the University of Georgia. Kayleigh Kilgore hopes to become a physician’s assistant.

Pope High School alumnus Chandler McDade of Marietta will study engineering at the University of Tennessee in the fall. McDade aspires to join the Army ROTC and become an Army Ranger.

See STUDENTS, Page 6

Atlanta Street Art Collective creates utopia at shared studio

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Tucked into a building off Atlanta Street, nine Metro Atlanta artists have created a “utopia” of sorts — the Atlanta Street Art Collective, a studio space

where creatives can work and collaborate. Now the artists are hoping to take their community to the rest of Roswell.

Through July 28, the artists are exhibiting their work in the lobby of the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Called “Our Voices,” the

exhibit brings together each artists’ distinct styles and works. While all of the artists have seen individual success with gallery showings and exhibitions, “Our Voices” is the first exhibit for the entire collective.

See ART, Page 26

Commander Tom Billings grants two scholarships on behalf of American Legion Post 201 to recent graduates Chandler McDade and Kayleigh Kilgore at a meeting June 20.

INSIDE

PAGE 4

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

Above from left, artists Debbie Ezell; April Riley; Lance Carlson and Mary Beth Cornelius share four of the Atlanta Street Art Collective’s nine studio spaces on Atlanta Street in Roswell.

NEWS TIPS

Milton loses suit filed by parents in wrongful death

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City to pay $35 million in roadway fatality case

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — The City of Milton has been ordered to pay $35 million to the parents of Joshua Chang, who died in November 2016 after hitting a concrete planter off Batesville Road.

A senior at Yale University at the time, the 21-year-old Chang was visiting home in Canton during Thanksgiving break. Chang was on his way back to Canton

POLICE BLOTTER

when he swerved on Batesville Road, believed to be dodging a deer or vehicle, and hit a planter on an unpaved shoulder at the entrance to the Little River Farms event venue. The planter, 3 feet high and 8.5 feet in diameter, was made of a tractor tire encased in stone and concrete.

Chang was still alive when EMTs arrived, but he died at the scene. According to the medical examiner’s report, he died of an aortic transection caused by blunt force trauma sustained in the crash.

Chang’s parents, John Chang and Rebecca Zhu, argued that if Milton had

Officers reported Tienda-Camargo said he was moving back to Mexico July 6, and they originally did not intend to steal the merchandise, but they decided to remove the items from the store and place them into their vehicle. He allowed officers to retrieve the merchandise, the report states.

Men charged with theft at North Point Mall

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police arrested two Forsyth County men June 18 on shoplifting charges at the North Point Mall.

Officers reported responding to the Macy’s in the mall around 6 p.m. A loss prevention employee at the store said two men were taking merchandise and placing it into a vehicle

Officers reported observing one of the suspects, Juan Hernandez-Gomez, 26, removing items from hangers and placing them onto his shoulder. Officers located the second suspect Rodolfo Tienda-Camargo, 34, of Cumming and escorted the pair out of the store.

The passenger in the suspects’ vehicle told officers he was unaware of the theft, but the three came to the mall around 4:30 p.m. to get a suitcase for Tienda-Camargo's upcoming trip, the report states.

Surveillance footage showed the alleged theft and Tienda-Camargo handing items to Hernandez-Gomez to be concealed in the bag, the report states. Officers also reported locating needle-nosed pliers in Tienda-Camargo's pocket.

The total value of the stolen merchandise was reported at $1,499.

Both men were charged with felony theft by shoplifting, and Tienda-Camargo faces an additional charge of felony possession of tools for the commission of a crime.

Police search for suspect linked to public indecency

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police responded to a public indecency incident at Roswell Creek Lane on June 28 after a man exposed himself to multiple women at a bus stop.

One Roswell woman told police the suspect pulled down his pants and showed himself to another woman at the bus stop before fondling himself in front of both

removed the planter from the shoulder, as required by its own ordinances, their son would have been able to safely bring his vehicle to a stop and would not have died that night.

According to the State Court of Fulton County records, Chang was driving under the speed limit. He was neither using his cell phone nor intoxicated.

The City of Milton’s defense rested on sovereign immunity, the state’s constitutional doctrine intended to insulate municipalities from lawsuits. But it did not hold up.

The verdict, in favor of Chang’s parents, was delivered June 15.

women. Shortly after, he ran off into the woods.

The Roswell woman said the same man exposed himself to her two weeks ago, but she did not call the police then. Officers canvassed the woods but couldn’t find the man.

Police told the woman to call again if the suspect is seen or located in the area. The case is active.

Roswell woman’s car stolen from driveway

ROSWELL, Ga. — A Roswell woman told police her car was stolen from her home on Magnolia Crescent Drive sometime on June 29.

The woman’s Infiniti QX60 was valued at $30,000. She said she left the car in her driveway unlocked, but she had possession of the key fob. She told police she did not know whether the spare key was inside the car.

A neighbor’s doorbell security camera showed a white sedan pulling up to the woman’s car around 4 a.m. June 29. A suspect exited the white car and checked the cars in the driveway before getting into the Infiniti and driving off.

Police issued the woman a case number, and the case remains active.

All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Three board members re-elected to positions on North Fulton CID

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Electors of the North Fulton Community Improvement District, a self-taxing district that uses additional property taxes to identify, accelerate, and finance infrastructure projects and programs, voted to re-elect three board members during its annual Caucus of Electors June 6.

The re-elected board members include Tim Perry, managing partner for North American Properties Atlanta; Tina Renee McCall, CCIM and managing director at Bridge

Investment Group; and Nick Nicolosi, general manager of North Point Mall at Trademark Property Company.

They will serve four-year terms and join the seven other board members working with property owners and partner organizations to enhance the prosperity of Alpharetta, Milton and Roswell on roadway and intersection improvements, trail enhancements, bus shelter programs, placemaking, beautification and more.

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Roswell city officials and staff cut the ribbon June 30 officially reopening Oxbo Road to traffic. The ceremony took place more than a decade after the plan was conceived.

Finally, and with fanfare, Roswell reopens Oxbo Road intersection

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — More than a decade after it was conceived and millions of dollars over its budget, Roswell reopened the newly realigned Oxbo Road intersection June 30.

The Oxbo Road and Oxbo Drive realignment project to adjust a staggered intersection was conceived in 2009, aimed at solving a host of safety and mobility issues in the area, but the plan was shelved in 2014 without a funding source.

The project was revived in 2016 after voters passed the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, allowing the realignment to move forward with a $9 million price tag and a July 2021 completion date.

The cost kept climbing across the next seven years as the project faced delays. The realigned road, with reduced speed limits, narrow lanes, delineator islands and various street features ultimately cost $18.5 million— more than double the original estimate.

A 2021 city-funded investigation into the project showed the delays and additional costs were the result of 15 years of mismanagement by Roswell city staff, largely centered on acquiring the land and right-of-way necessary for the project.

The city eventually moved to take ownership of one of the land parcels needed for the realignment, using eminent domain to acquire thousands of square feet of property in October 2022.

Six months ahead of the December 2023 completion estimate, city officials and staff gathered at a ceremony to officially reopen the road to traffic.

Roswell City Councilwoman Lee Hills, who serves as liaison to the Transportation Department, said the project was “baptism by fire” for many councilmembers elected in the past 18 months. The newer officials spent hours in closed meetings, working on the “long dance,” revisiting rumors and addressing details of the project.

“It was a huge commitment,” Hills said.

City Councilman Mike Palermo, the transportation liaison in 2022, said in the

second half of 2021 “literally nothing was happening” with the project.

“Nothing was being worked on, it was just sitting here with zero progress,” Palermo said.

That changed in 2022, he said, when the new mayor and council decided to get things back on track. That meant some “tough conversations” about how far it was from completion, Palermo said.

“The mayor and council came together with staff, all moving full speed ahead, and to see that finally we’re opening it faster than we expected to when we originally got back on track, I’m just so appreciative,” Palermo said.

Roswell Transportation Director Jeffrey Littlefield joined the city in 2022 when construction was well underway. He took over the project from interim Transportation Director Dan Skalsky, who worked extensively on the project.

Littlefield said the safety aspect of the road realignment was the most important thing for the project.

“From 2010 to 2019, there was an average of 26 crashes a year at that intersection,” Littlefield said. “So, we hope this is a big safety improvement.”

He also pointed toward landscaping improvements, with new trees and greenery alongside updated, sidewalks, crosswalks, curbs and gutters and wheelchair ramps.

Councilwoman Hills said the reopening is exciting, but “the foot is not off the accelerator.” Instead, she’s shifting attention to other construction projects, like Grimes Bridge Road, which will see more straight traffic now that Oxbo Road has reopened.

Mostly, Hills encouraged residents to come out and see the result of the longawaited project.

“There are people that are still salty, and I get that,” Hills said. “But we want to encourage people to come and see what we’ve done, see how their tax dollars have been spent.”

The councilwoman hopes to host an official “welcome back to Oxbo” event sometime this summer, although exact plans and dates are undetermined.

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

Antisemitic demonstrations spur calls for state legislation

By ROSS WILLIAMS GEORGIA RECORDER

ATLANTA — About a dozen people gathered outside a Cobb County synagogue June 24 bearing Nazi flags, sparking widespread condemnation from both sides of the political aisle in Georgia and renewing talk of state action to address antisemitism.

“There is absolutely no place for this hate and antisemitism in our state,” said Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in a tweet. “I share in the outrage over this shameful act and stand with Georgians everywhere in condemning it.”

Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, Georgia’s first Jewish senator, said in a statement that Georgians are “united in our rejection of bigotry and hate.”

“Georgia’s Jewish community will never be intimidated by antisemitism,” Ossoff said. “Today, as symbols of genocide were paraded in front of synagogues, we continue to stand strong, proud and unbowed.”

Sandy Springs Democratic Rep. Esther Panitch, the only current Jewish

member of the state Legislature, said she was thankful to see Georgians coming together to oppose anti-Jewish hate.

“Thank God for community members of all faiths coming together to shine a light to disperse the hate,” she wrote in a tweet. “Together Georgians will win over this darkness. Please do not engage with these unhinged maniacs as they are obviously unwell.”

Panitch was a co-sponsor on a bipartisan bill aimed at adopting a definition of

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antisemitism in state code, which would not outlaw Nazi rallies, but enable stricter penalties for those who commit crimes inspired by antisemitism.

The bill failed due to concerns over language regarding the state of Israel, but it could be revived during the state’s next legislative session early next year. Under the bill’s definition of antisemitism, which matches the one adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, certain criticisms of Israel could be used as evidence for discriminatory intent. That would be a bridge too far for some free speech advocates, who say policing political speech around a touchy topic would violate the First Amendment.

“This abhorrent display further emphasizes why Georgia needs an antisemitism definition to address situations when such awful behavior is combined with violence or discrimination,” the bill’s lead sponsor, Marietta Republican Rep. John Carson said in a statement.

Mark Goldfelder, attorney for Hillels of Georgia and a supporter of Carson’s bill, pushed back against the free speech argument, saying the penalties would only take effect if there were an underlying crime.

“HB 30 would not affect an antisemite’s ability to spread their hateful message, because HB30 is not about banning or limiting speech,” he said. “It is only about helping to stop unlawful discriminatory conduct. But incidents like what happened this weekend do absolutely make it clear why this bill is obviously necessary – because there are clearly hateful bigots out

Students:

Continued from Page 1

there who are not shy about their intentions, some of whom are convicted felons with a history of race-based crimes.”

Another Nazi rally was held two days earlier in Macon, where news reports say Jon Minadeo II of West Palm Beach, Florida, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and public disturbance and later released on bond.

Minadeo is the leader of a group of antisemitic provocateurs known as the Goyim Defense League, whose past antics include distributing antisemitic fliers around Georgia and projecting antisemitic messages on TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville during a football contest between the University of Georgia and the University of Florida.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, members of the Goyim Defense League have been arrested in multiple states and charged with serious crimes including battery, assault and making criminal threats.

“HB 30 lets them speak, but it holds them accountable if they should then act on their antisemitic motivations,” Goldfelder said. “That is important because study after study has shown that the kind of inflammatory discriminatory rhetoric that this group and others like them are known for quickly leads to violence against innocent people. We should not wait for that to happen to put them on notice that Georgia cares.”

This story comes to Appen Media through a partnership with Georgia Recorder, a nonprofit newsroom covering statewide issues.

— Shelby Israel

LUKE GARDNER/APPEN MEDIA/FILEA

Georgia State House Rep. Esther Panitch (D-Sandy Springs), the state’s lone Jewish legislator, discusses Georgia House Bill 30, which provides clearer definition of hate speech.

“There is absolutely no place for this hate and antisemitism in our state. I share in the outrage over this shameful act and stand with Georgians everywhere in condemning it.”

BRIAN KEMP Georgia Governor

The post also awarded scholarships to Kayleigh Kilgore’s twin brother Brady and

Blessed Trinity High School graduate Jack Parsons of Alpharetta, who were unable to attend.

Brady Kilgore will attend Georgia Southern University this fall, and Parsons will attend Auburn University.

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

Name: Hawkers Asian Street Food

Founders: Allen Lo, Kaleb Harrell, Wayne Yung and Kin Ho

Description: We serve dishes often found at “hawkers” or Asian street food stalls, like Seoul hot chicken and pork belly bao, wonton soup and curry laksa ramen, spicy Dan Dan noodles, and wings that come with

a choice of four sauces: sweet Thai chili; Hainanese; honey sriracha; or spring onion ginger.

Opened: April 2023

Phone: 678-985-5955

Address: 1230 Ashford Crossing 300 b; Atlanta, GA 30346

Website: https://eathawkers.com/

Name: Goldencare Hospice and Palliative Care LLC

Owner: Laura M Bidnan

Description: Goldencare Hospice and Palliative Care provides the care patients and families need when the life expectancy is six months or less through expert medical care, provided by a team of medical professionals to

control and manage pain, symptom management to help improve quality of life.

Opened: Accredited by Medicare March 2023

Phone: 855-655-0500

Address: 1155 Perimeter Center West, Sandy Springs GA 30338

Website: choosegoldencare. com

Name: Aqua-Tots Swim School

Owner: Mike Steele

Description: Aqua-Tots Swim Schools has been the leader in swimming instruction since 1991, offering year-round, indoor swim classes for children 4 months to 12 years old. Our program includes the highly sought after Parent & Tot (4

to 30 months old) swim classes and group swim lessons for independent children.

Opened: June 2023

Phone: 404-446-9463

Address: 5566 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody GA 30338

Website: https://www.aqua-tots.com/dunwoody/

Business pages

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The selection can be from anywhere in the Metro Atlanta area. The decision is up to the reporter and is made entirely independent of the Sales department.

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Cities receive federal aid for road safety initiatives

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

APPENMEDIA.COM/PODCASTS

North Fulton Rheumatology diagnoses and treats patients suffering from various types of arthritis and other autoimmune or connective tissue disorders. We are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care, and we use the highest, most progressive medical standards.

Our board-certified physician, Dr. Ciela Lopez-Armstrong, and certified family nurse practitioner, Heather Grafton, DNP, FNP-C, are qualified to manage all autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Osteoarthritis

• Systematic Lupus

• Scleroderma

• Vasculitis

• Gout

• Sjogrens

• Psoriatic Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Fibromyalgia

• Osteoporosis

• Osteopenia

1300 Upper Hembree Road, Building 100, Suite A, Roswell, GA 30076

Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Closed on Fridays P: 770-619-0004 | F: 770-619-0252 northfultonrheumatology.com

METRO ATLANTA, Ga. — Cities across Metro Atlanta are working toward safer streets and roads with help from a $5 billion federal initiative aimed at zero roadway deaths.

In 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the Safe Streets and Roads for All discretionary program which will appropriate $5 billion in funds to different cities over a five-year span. The program has two grant categories: planning and demonstration grants, which fund the development of a safety action plan, and implementation grants which fund safety projects identified in the action plans.

On June 21, Roswell announced the city received a $200,000 federal Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant to create a comprehensive street safety plan.

Under the planning and demonstration grant, Roswell Department of Transportation staff will conduct a nine-month study and create a “safety action plan” which will allow the city to apply for additional federal funds to complete certain projects.

“The first step is to look at where safety improvements can be made throughout the city,” Roswell Transportation Director Jeff Littlefield said. “Once that is done, we can go after federal funding for other projects.”

In Roswell, the plan will include traffic calming measures, sidewalk improvements and amenities for bicyclists and pedestrians. The city’s grant department is also looking for other grants that are only available to cities with the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant.

The North Fulton Community Improvement District has partnered with the city to provide a local match of $50,000 at no cost to the city.

Other cities have set funds aside to study and create road safety action plans, which will make them eligible to apply for Safe Streets and Roads for All implementation grants that will fund safety improvements from the plan.

In April, the Dunwoody City Council approved a $166,864 contract to develop a road safety action plan for the city designed to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers. The plan analyzes crash data and gathers public input to create new safety strategies for streets in the city.

The contract is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, as part of $1.2 million in funding the council set aside for street safety improvements over the next three years.

The rest of the street safety funds will finance additional safe street construction

FILE PHOTO

Local governments are eligible to tap into $5 billion in federal transportation funds through legislation passed in 2022. The City of Dunwoody recently approved a $166,864 contract to develop a road safety plan.

projects and the city’s new Safe Streets Program Manager Jonathan Digioia, who will work to enact the Road Safety Action Plan.

The Alpharetta City Council also set aside money to implement a local road safety action plan. The council approved a $199,778 contract with Alta Planning and Design in February. The plan is set for completion this summer.

Once the plan is implemented, the city will be eligible for the Safe Streets and Roads for All implementation grant program.

Other Metro Atlanta cities didn’t receive funds from the federal initiative, like Johns Creek and Milton.

The Milton Public Works Department said the city applied for but did not receive Safe Streets and Roads for All funding in 2022. Milton requested a construction grant, which only one government in Georgia received.

Communications Director Greg Botelho said Milton plans to receive grant funds in 2023, though. The Milton City Council approved the city’s 2023 grant request application for supplementary planning and demonstration projects at a June 19 meeting.

“We have since reformulated our grant request for the coming year and hope for a different result,” Botelho said.

A spokesperson from Sandy Springs did not state whether or not the city applied for and received a grant in 2023 but pointed toward the $360,000 the city received in 2022 from Safe Streets and Roads for All to develop a road safety action plan.

Heather Grafton, DNP, FNP-C

Ceila Lopez-Armstrong, MD

Northern Georgia District names June Eagle Scouts

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District (Cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, John’s Creek, Milton) is proud to announce its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Board of Review on June 22, 2023, at Johns Creek Presbyterian Church.

From left:

Saketh Podduturi, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, whose project was the design and construction of the end section for the boardwalk system on the wildflower trail at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center.

Parker McKinney, of Troop 10, sponsored by St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, whose project was the design and construction of a GAGA ball pit for the Congregation Dor Tamid Synagogue.

Samuel Heaven, of Troop 1818, North Metro office of the Marcus Jewish Community Center, whose project was

the design and construction of three raised garden beds, that are wheelchair accessible, for the day camps located at the Marcus Jewish Community Center.

Corbin Shirmeyer, of Troop 226, sponsored by Bridge to Grace Church, whose project was the design and construction of a large outdoor platform for children to play on, an outdoor bench and the repairing of the flashing on a shed that holds children’s toys at St. Brigid Catholic Church Day School.

Alexander Hall, of Troop 226, sponsored by Bridge to Grace Church, whose project was the renovation of an outdoor space at Northview Church by designing and constructing two benches and two planter boxes and decorating with large stones.

Memphis Mize, of Troop 51, sponsored by American Legion Post 201, whose project was the design and construction of five raised garden boxes for the outdoor community garden at Faith Presbyterian Church.

Want

How to choose the right school?!

Brought to you by - Sam DiVito, REALTOR® HOME Real Estate, The Kloster Group

As we begin July, many of us will soon be focused on back to school! We all know that school districts and school ratings largely drive home values. When you pay taxes into a school district, you want to know that you are getting the best education you can provide for your kids. As a mom, I know it can be hard to feel like you’ve done sufficient research, so I want to provide a few ideas and resources that can help

evaluate where to send your kids to school!

First, you can begin by researching the school ratings, test scores, reviews and demographics on a few websites to help narrow down your search. www.greatschools.org and www. schooldigger.com are both excellent sources of information. They can provide a helpful overall view of the school and what it provides for your student!

Another great resource to use are community-based groups through Facebook or Next Door. This is a wonderful

way to ask fellow parents for their experiences, opinions and pointed questions based on your interests and priorities in a school.

Finally, go on a tour of your top schools! What better way to learn how comfortable your student will be in the school than to actually go visit and meet the teachers and staff that make that school special? You can focus on what curriculum they use, the classroom size, the after-school activities, sports, etc. that would be available to your child! Nothing compares to walking the halls before deciding which school district in which to buy your new home! And re-

member, always trust your gut! You are your child’s best advocate!

If you need help evaluating the schools in your area, I’ll be happy to help. The Kloster Group team members are all parents and were all raised in these same districts!

Investing in your home is one of the hardest and most important decisions you will make for your family. You don’t have to do it alone! Call or email Sam today and we’ll evaluate your needs and get your family into the best schools the area has to offer. Call 404-803-5999 or email sam@homegeorgia.com and get a response within 24 hours.

Five summer staging tips

Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

One of the most popular seasons for home sales, the seller-friendly months of June, July and August bring ample opportunities and fierce competition. Now is not the time to neglect to put in a little extra effort to make a lasting impression— it will help your property stand out and attract the right buyer.

Here are a few ways to garner attention, make your property shine and charm potential buyers who are the perfect fit:

1. Elevate curb appeal.

Summertime is an opportunity to play up a home’s exterior and make it sparkle

with color and personality. Vibrant summer flowers and plants do this effortlessly, even on a budget. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint, upgrade your mailbox and house numbers, swap out a worn welcome mat and pressurewash your siding. Keep the area around your front door clean and free of debris.

2. Highlight your outdoor space. Don’t miss the opportunity to highlight highly sought-after outdoor areas like patios and decks. Since many people enjoy relaxing outside, why not leverage the sunshine and fresh air to your advantage? Show off those areas by staging them with stylish accessories, neutral furniture and colorful accents. Make indoor-outdoor areas a place where buyers love to linger. Make sure gardening tools and toys are safely stowed away, trim trees and shrubs and mulch flower beds.

3. Keep indoor temperatures cool. Summer heat can be discouraging, so regulate your AC to maintain a comfortably cool environment indoors and activate ceiling fans to promote air circulation. Your buyers will thank you!

4. Make the most of natural lighting. Natural light is a selling point, so make the most of it! Begin by thoroughly cleaning all windows and screens. Keep blinds and curtains open to create an inviting and spacious atmosphere. Ensure that trees and plants surrounding your property are trimmed back to prevent any obstruction of natural light. Opt for light-colored and lightweight window treatments.

5. Keep visitors refreshed. Cool beverages artfully arranged offer a memorable touch and make your home stand out as a hospitable place!

By implementing these summer home staging tips, you can significantly increase the appeal of your home to potential buyers and increase your chances of a successful sale. If you need assistance staging your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!

Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad

The role of Executor

share of the assets.

It’s a common misconception that it is an attorney’s job to deliver the inheritance to a Will’s beneficiary. In reality, most Wills name an Executor - often the spouse or a trusted friend - who is then appointed by the probate court to oversee distributing the assets. If the decedent doesn’t have a Will, then the petitioner who opens the case will name an Executor. In this case, the petitioner is usually the Executor, or the county administrator appointed by the probate court.

An Executor must be organized and detail-oriented, as his or her job is to locate and collect the assets, and make sure all the debts and taxes associated with the estate have been paid. Sometimes, Executors may run into issues such as Medicaid or a mortgage company placing a claim on the estate. In this scenario, Medicaid and the mortgage company are “creditors and debtors,” whose claims must be resolved before the beneficiaries can receive their

Executors may also run into difficult or greedy beneficiaries who may try to invalidate the Will. Or the beneficiary may try to hire his or her own lawyer to petition for a larger share of the estate than what was originally given to him or her. In cases like these, the Executor also cannot distribute the estate until the lawsuit or opposing petition is closed. It’s only after there are no more complaints or objections that the Executor can go ahead and perform the rest of his or her duties. The Executor acts as a fiduciary and therefore is liable to all the beneficiaries and creditors if he or she does not perform his or her duties.

The probate process on average can take 1-2 years minimum and the average costs can range from 5% to 15% of the assets that have to be probated.

Of course, if you want to avoid the probate process entirely, it will be worth your time to consider setting up a trust with an estate planning attorney. By doing this, you can ensure that your friends and family will never have to go through the probate process, and that all your assets can be passed safely to the people you name, without contesting, and without conflict.

Estate Planning Workshop

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GEERDES

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties marks 60 Years in Georgia’s Real Estate Industry

Brought to you by - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Georgia Properties (BHHSGA) proudly marks its 60th anniversary as an Atlanta and Georgia real estate community pillar. The real estate firm hosted a celebratory event on June 1st at Mercedes Benz Stadium for real estate forever agents, employees, partners, and sponsors to thank them for their significant contributions to the company's success. The celebration included over a thousand attendees who enjoyed a concert by Departure – a Journey tribute band, along with a Sponsor Village, food, and networking.

The company and former BHHSGA leaders including Founder Ed Erbesfield, Chairman Emeritus, Dan Forsman and Executive Vice President Emeritus, Toni McGown were all honored with special commendations signed by Governor, Brian

Kemp. In addition to their commendations, each was acknowledged for their vision and dedication to the company’s 60-year history.

DeAnn Golden, President and CEO of BHHSGA, shared her thoughts on this significant milestone, "Since our inception in 1963 and for the 60 years following, we have been the trusted residential and commercial real estate brand for Georgians moving in and out of their hometowns, across town, throughout the nation and the world. Our first 60 years were built on a vision to help make the dream of homeownership for everyone a reality, and they have now been inked into the history books. As the Forever Brand, we look to the next decade and beyond with excitement as we continue to deliver exceptional guidance and results to homebuyers, sellers, investors, builders and the communities we serve."

This milestone represents the compa-

ny's enduring presence in the Georgia real estate industry, attributable to the passionate professionals of the BHHSGA team who have helped to bring dreams to life for countless homeowners and seller. This team continues to guide buyers and sellers with sound real estate investments – both residential and commercial.

A critical part of its success has been the ability to adapt and thrive through various real estate cycles. The company's successful New Homes Division and builder clients and robust offering of diversified HomeServices, including relocation, property management, mortgage, title, insurance, and warranty, adds to this resilience.

The company is also celebrating 10 years as a HomeServices of America company, further guided by the Berkshire Hathaway Principles of trust, integrity, stability, and longevity, the 4th most admired company in the world by Fortune Magazine.

As BHHSGA celebrates six decades of service, it’s clear that the company's success story is one of commitment to its clients and customers, and its people by embracing a “we care spirit.” The anniversary serves as both a reflection on past achievements and a launching point for the next chapters of excellence in service that the public can expect from BHHSGA.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Georgia Properties is a full-service real estate brokerage company offering residential, commercial and property management services. With over $4.8 billion in sales in 2022, 29 office locations and more than 1,500 sales associates, the company continues to expand its footprint in the Atlanta Metro market, including North Georgia Mountain and Lakes and the Southern Crescent. To learn more, visit www. BHHSga.com.

From left to right: Todd Tucker, Executive VP BHHSGA; Kathy Connelly, COO BHHSGA; Gino Blefari, CEO HomeServices of America; Lori Lane, President of New Homes BHHSGA; DeAnn Golden, President & CEO BHHSGA.

PRESERVING THE PAST

A mysterious house comes back to life in Alpharetta

The house on Canton Street in Alpharetta sat empty and appeared mysterious to many people who passed it every day. Dark and foreboding especially at dusk, the historic Upshaw House, built in 1925, was once the home of Teasley Upshaw (1895-1974), the mayor of Alpharetta for many years. His wife Ruth Summerour Upshaw (18931966) taught sixth grade at Milton School, later called Milton High School. They had no children. The last occupant passed away in 2013, and the house remained largely vacant until 2021.

Mayor Upshaw was re-elected several times in the 1940s and 1950s and was considered to be a good, fiscally responsible mayor. Local children were not always so fond of him according to Elsie Knight who grew up on Canton Street and recalls “a sign the mayor put up that girls could not wear shorts in town and boys had to wear shirts. On Halloween we would string firecrackers and make a chain around his house.”

Mr. Upshaw raised potatoes and was known as Tater Teas. He had three large storehouses in back of his house where he cured potatoes which he sold to individuals and stores. Some farmers would take their potatoes to Teasley who would keep them in his storehouses for a fee. He also had a business delivering coal, and he drove a pink Cadillac.

Shack Lewis lived next door to the Upshaws for 20 years beginning when Shack was 8 years old. He and his parents, Nat and Claudia, remember Teasley as a very proper gentleman and good neighbor. He helped Shack and his brother get down from a tree when they were stuck and was tolerant when Lewis’s dogs would dig in his yard. They recall that Teasley always wore a suit and tie. They attended the Methodist Church together. Nat recalls that neither he nor Teasley could carry a tune.

Women in small towns often tended gardens, but in the Upshaw household it was Teasley who had a green thumb. He planted a wide variety of trees including red oak, white oak, dogwood, walnut, pecan and ginkgo which are still thriving. He planted many flowers, some of which are still blooming.

The Upshaw house was built in the fall of 1925 by Eli Broadwell (1880-1943) a local builder and first cousin once removed of John B. Broadwell (1855-1953), a leading pioneer farmer and businessman in the early days of Crabapple. A portable sawmill was set up in the front yard to cut lumber from the hardwood trees on the large prop-

FAMILY/PROVIDED

The historic Teasley and Ruth Upshaw house on Canton Street in Alpharetta was built in 1925 in the Craftsman style popular from about 1900 through the 1920s. One characteristic of the style was a large covered front porch supported by tapered columns set on stone piers. The house was painted in the dark colors commonly used with Craftsman homes. Teasley Upshaw was mayor of Alpharetta in the 1940s and 1950s. Ruth was a teacher. Teasley also raised potatoes and had a business delivering coal. He was an avid gardener.

erty. The house was designed in the Craftsman style popular in the early 1900s to the 1920s, characterized by functional rather than elaborate designs. The style had a covered front porch supported by tapered columns set on stone piers, fireplaces, and extensive use of woodwork throughout the house. When the house was being renovated in 2022, Eli Broadwell’s signature was found on a board under the exterior siding.

The house was used extensively as a set in the film “Fate” which appeared in theaters in 2003. The thriller starred Lee Majors.

Since they had no children, the Upshaws donated their house to the Alpharetta Methodist Church upon Teasley’s death in 1974. In 1977 the house was sold to Garland “Bulldog” Williams (1921-1989) and his wife Kathryn (1927-2013). Williams was a celebrated UGA football player who played tackle in the 1942 Orange Bowl, the 1943 Rose Bowl and the 1947 Sugar Bowl. UGA won all of them. After Kathryn’s death, their sons inherited the house but did not occupy it and it remained largely vacant for about nine years.

When Kristen Colby was house hunting in 2021, she wanted a small home on a large lot and her sister Jennifer Hughes, a Realtor, urged her to look at the Upshaw house.

“As soon as we opened the back door I gasped and knew that I had to have that

house,” says Kristen.” It was love at first sight. You could see original heart pine floors with boards that run the length of the rooms, original six-panel doors, singlepane windows and majestic coal-burning fireplaces with iron fronts that you just don’t see any more.”

The house reminded her of her grandfather’s 1930s-era house in Cumming where her family lived for a while and where cousins, aunts and uncles gathered for special occasions.

Kristen engaged two outstanding professionals to help her restore and convert her new house into a home. Mark Buelow of Distinctive Remodeling Solutions has been responsible for the extensive renovation and additions including a pantry, powder room, two closets and a two-car garage.

He found people able to do lath and plaster, repair old chimneys and professionals with other necessary skills “to keep everything old,” in Kristen’s words.

Lisa Gabrielson, owner of Lisa Gabrielson Interior Design applied her artistic vision to convert a century-old house into a blend of authentic period design elements with modern touches. The result is a beautiful residence that will be a comfortable and inspiring home for Kristen and her two daughters.

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.

BOB MEYERS

Columnist

BOB MEYERS

The historic Teasley and Ruth Upshaw home has been undergoing extensive renovation preserving original elements as much as possible, while bringing the century-old structure up to date. The exterior has been painted white.

Why is my plant dying? Improving drainage in gardens and lawns

“Why is my plant dying?” is a question we often get in the Fulton County Extension office. The next phrase we typically hear is, “But I water it every day and it’s turning yellow!”

While intentions may be good, overwatering can be as bad as not watering enough. Much of the time, a dying plant is suffering from root rot, caused by the soil-borne microorganisms Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia. These microorganisms thrive in environments with excess soil water, either from overwatering or poor drainage. If your plant is wilting and yellowing, it may be that the roots cannot absorb the nutrients and water it needs.

Here are the results from a recent diagnostic sample taken from a boxwood at the University of Georgia plant pathology lab:

“The root and crown rot pathogen, Phytophthora sp., was identified from the roots of the submitted boxwood sample. Remove dead plants. Root disease development within landscapes is associated with wet soils, overwatering, over-fertilization, planting plants too deeply and planting in poorly draining soils.

“Correct site conditions to improve water drainage through the soil. Fungicide drenches are often of little benefit after infection occurs and plants are symptomatic. Fungicides also will not penetrate heavy soils to protect plant roots. When replanting, plant new plants at the correct height and a fungicide drench can help protect the new roots during establishment. . . Also, avoid overwatering and poorly draining soils to reduce Phytophthora infection.”

In other words: A plant with wet feet can develop root rot, which kills the plant.

Recommendations

• Prep soil with plenty of organic matter, like compost and mulch, to get good tilth and drainage. Clay soil holds water and doesn’t drain well.

• Apply mulch and compost periodically to amend the soil.

• Provide correct irrigation for the type of plant.

• Check to see if excess water is coming from gutters, driveways or other sources. Install rain gardens, dry creek beds, terraces, French drains, and other landscape features to help water infiltrate correctly.

• Check the soil periodically to see

Learn more

• UGA Cooperative Extension Bulletins “Native Plants for Georgia Part I: Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines,” Native Plants for Georgia Part II: Ferns and Native Plants for Georgia Part III: Wildflowers and Native Plants for Georgia Part IV: Grasses and Sedges.

• Georgia Green Landscape Stewards Program - https://site.extension.uga. edu/georgiagreen/

• North Fulton Master Gardeners - http://nfmg.net/communityclasses.htm

how well it is draining and whether plants are getting enough or too much moisture. The ground may appear dry, but the soil beneath may be wet.

• Buy a rain gauge. Typically, one inch of water per week, including rainfall, is enough for most established landscape plants. It’s better to water deeply to a depth of 6 inches and less frequently.

Always remember the Golden Plant Rule: Right plant, right place. Some plants want sun, some want shade. Plants may also have different water and soil requirements. Make sure to put

About the author

PROVIDED

This week’s guest Master Gardener “Garden Buzz” columnist is Pam Rentz. Pam has been a North Fulton Master Gardener since 2010. Along with a background in marketing communications for tech companies, she has a longtime passion for plants and our planet.

plants where they can receive the conditions they thrive in.

Resources

Your local Fulton County Extension office does soil testing and plant disease diagnostics. Follow instructions for taking soil and plant samples and bring them to your local Fulton County Extension office.

Pricing

• Routine soil test – pH, lime, P, K, Ca, Mg, Z, Ma ($12 per sample)

• Expanded soil test – S1 + Na, Fe, Cu, Cr, Mo, Ni, Cd, Pb, CEC, % base saturation ($14 per sample).

• Homeowner plant disease sample ($10 per sample)

• Remember that native Georgia plants tend to perform better in our climate and require less maintenance.

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.

Guest Columnist

Azaleas, a staple among many Southern gardeners, require acidic, well-drained soil.

WWII 8th Army Air Force engineer Max Kirby

A few weeks ago, I shared memories of Sue Kirby Jameson, whose family came to Dunwoody by train in 1914. In her “As I Recall” memoir, she includes the WW II experiences of her brother Max Edward Kirby, written by Max himself.

Max Kirby was working for Southern Railway in Atlanta prior to being inducted into the Army in February 1943. He then transferred to the Army Air Force, training at Camp Wolters, Texas. In July 1943, he was waiting for his assignment to an aviation preflight school. (Atlanta Constitution, July 7, 1943, “Max Kirby returns to Texas”)

Kirby became part of the 8th Army Air Force Bomber Command, deployed to England. The Bomber Command flew over and sought to destroy sites which enabled Germany to cause destruction across Europe. The goal was to gain command of the European skies to make way for an Allied land invasion. The men of the 8th AAF faced death daily. (nationalww2museum. org)

In “A Day in the life of a Bomber Crew member in World War II,” Kirby begins by describing the crew members aboard the plane. The 19-year-old pilot and captain loved to fly in closer formation than the other pilots, which according to Kirby “… usually had the rest of us scared half to death.” The co-pilot was the oldest member of the crew at 23. Also on board were the bombardier, navigator, radio operator, ball turret operator, waist armament gunner, and top turret gunner. Kirby was the engineer.

“On mission day we were aroused from sleep at 2 a.m. We had one hour to shower and shave. Showering you could skip, but shaving was a must to make the oxygen mask fit snugly against your face. Lack of oxygen at high altitude meant certain death.”

The men would eat a big, hearty breakfast 3 a.m., knowing their next meal wouldn’t be until that night. A briefing was held at 4 a.m. They were told where they were going and what their position would be in the formation.

“The enlisted personnel then went to the equipment shack to pick up our parachutes and harness, heavy flying clothes, oxygen mask, helmet, life preserver, and

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flack suit.” The flack suit weighed about 50 pounds, according to Kirby.

“We went next to the armament building to pick up our guns to take to the plane and install into their various positions. Our plane carried thirteen 50 caliber machine guns.”

“I had to climb up on each wing and check all the fuel tanks, making sure they were full and then closing all caps and sealing each one with safety wire. If a fuel tank cap should come loose in flight, the suction on top of the wing would pull all the fuel from the tank.”

After 30 minutes of sleep under the wing, the men began putting on their gear. “On my head I wore a leather, fleece-lined helmet with built-in earphones, on top of that went a steel helmet, which I didn’t put on until just before enemy territory because of the weight.”

“Take-off was around 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Formation take-off was quite a thrill. We lined up on the perimeter in our exact position for take-off. There were 48 to 60 planes taking off, one being air-born every 30 seconds, so everything had to go like clockwork.”

Dr. Richard Kaufman Dr. Shamir Bhikha

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

FAMILY PHOTO PROVIDED Max Kirby in uniform around 1944, surrounded by his family in Dunwoody. See BIGGERSTAFF, Page 28

A day shy of 68, confusion still reigned supreme

MIKE TASOS

I bought dinner. I acknowledged the laughter and smiled at the “now you really are an old fart” comments. I turned 68 on June 22nd because there wasn’t much else to do that day.

Even though I’d have loved to get knee-deep in chocolate cake and ice cream, I indulged with some Ziggi’s yogurt and berries. My rest-of-mylifetime pal, T2D, is totally unforgiving and is in cahoots with The Grim Reaper. They’re both waiting for a chance to plant me.

And I’m not quite ready to say “Adios” to y’all. That’s why I passed on having all those candles on a cake. Five years after I smoked my last cigar, I’m pretty sure I can breathe better. And I don’t believe my breath is like Superman. We could’ve both stopped a locomotive with an exhale.

Like the headline up above says, I continue to wear down my fingernails scratching my head. I’m not looking to offend. I’m not looking to get run

off by the Appen Media bosses, but I’m getting a monster crick in my neck from shaking my head at all this nonsense these days.

So “Geronimo!” Here we go. If I were a teacher, I would wonder: Why is it OK for school kids to identify as a cat? Some parents are up in arms because someone with good sense has had enough. “No more using that cat box. You’ll go do your business with the other boys and girls. I don’t care if your mom and dad (Moonbeam and Zeppelin) let you eat cat food at home. We’re going to strive to be normal in my classroom. You want to be an animal, then I challenge you to be a GOAT (Greatest of All Time.)”

When I was in school, girls watched boys play sports. I think it’s wonderful that females are now able to compete in athletics. I remember watching gorgeous Chris play tennis against Martina. So how is it after the cry for a seat at the sports table, we’re allowing men to compete as women and snatch that seat away?

Sorry Target, Bud Light, you’re making it difficult for this old curmudgeon to be civil. If I was a dad

to girls, I would be livid. All those lessons and support are wasted when someone physically stronger and has a seat at the “guy” table, says his name is “Sally” and he’ll play softball instead of baseball.

Maybe we need to have male, female and other. Would that appease those who are fanning the lunacy? It appears the only ones really in favor of these gender-bending lines getting a strong foothold are in a minute minority.

And what is wrong with Major League Baseball? Condoning a troupe of cross-dressing nuns and allowing them to perform on the team’s Pride night was offensive in so many ways, especially because I’m a Catholic and a fan. The stands were practically empty, and I don’t believe things like this will fly. Figures that this was in California.

I swear if the Braves do any inappropriate things like this, they’ll lose me and many others as well.

I’ll now leave home minus a credit card I was pitched not to leave home without in all those ads, having been a customer since 1996. Woke policies are rampant. I get it. But that doesn’t

mean I have to support companies that have policies that are blatantly offensive.

If one group can boycott because they are offended, let others in on this.

I realize some of my opinions aren’t universal, but they make sense to me. I’m not for offending anyone and there’s a whole lot more I don’t understand. I’ll be tolerant of others, but there are certain behaviors I simply cannot condone.

I deplore all the division. I’m with Rodney King, who would have been justified in his anger, but his “can’t we all just get along?” was poignant from an individual who gained notoriety as a human punching bag.

With more sunsets than sunrises in my windshield, I pray there aren’t a glut of Sylvesters and Garfields sitting in the desks when school starts in early-August.

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.

Columnist

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Art:

Continued from Page 1

The Atlanta Street Art Collective was founded four years ago, after artists Mary Beth Cornelius and April Riley got tired of painting out of a basement studio. They called up their friend and fellow artist Debbie Ezell, who was also looking for a studio space.

The group quickly found a building on Atlanta Street with copious windows and no other interested renters, it was an easy decision to rent the space. More artists quickly joined in, splitting the building into nine small studios.

“We sort of created this utopia for our niche,” Ezell said.

Each artist has an alcove packed with original pieces. The creatives come from different backgrounds— Mary Beth Cornelius used to be an engineer, and Lance Carlson was an architect. Each brings their own style and influence to the table. Cornelius enjoys kinetic shapes, while April Riley is experimenting with water. Debbie Ezell finds herself drawn to the color blue, and Carlson has an affinity for the collage.

The artists all differ in their creations, but the community between the collective unites them. It also keeps them coming back to the airy studio space.

“I needed to get out of my basement,” Riley said. “It became important for me to have people around.”

For artists like Riley, sometimes having the space itself can be vital. She said sometimes, she’ll go into the studio not even planning to paint. She ends up returning to the canvas anyway, every time.

Together the collective calls themselves a “family.” Most do abstract painting, but each creator has a distinct style and background. They try to “play” with each other and provide tips for new techniques, though.

The pieces come together at the “Our Voices” exhibit. Each artist brought in multiple paintings they were proud of, then worked together to curate the display at the Cultural Arts Center.

“It’s a really nice opportunity for us to show how different abstractions can be,” Ezell said.

The exhibit also served as a signal boost for the artist collective. The artists said it can be challenging to engage the public with art, especially when it’s not as interactive or easily accessible as other public art projects.

Originally, collective member and artist Lance Carlson reached out to the Roswell Cultural Arts Center to see if staff would be interested in promoting the local artists.

“I thought, here’s an opportunity to kind of help our brand, because people don’t even know we’re up here,” Carlson said.

Cultural Arts Supervisor Corinne Sutherland jumped at the opportunity. She was looking for something to fill the rotating exhibit space in the lobby of the center when Carlson came forward to propose some ideas for the walls.

“It’s a way to kind of come in and create something around the space we have,” Sutherland said.

The supervisor said the lobby wall exhibits help utilize the space during shows and performances at the center, while also spotlighting local art and collectives.

“I love working with collectives, it brings something a little more creative into the conversation,”

Sutherland said. “They’re bringing their creative minds together in the same space where our creative minds are working.”

With the Atlanta Street Art Collective, Sutherland said putting together the exhibit was a “fun day.”

The exhibit is only one component of what Sutherland hopes to achieve with the city’s art scene. Many artists from the collective said Roswell still has an “emerging” art scene, which the supervisor is trying to foster.

Sutherland is part of the city’s arts and culture division, run by a team of three employees. Together they create all programing for the city, from artist talks to puppet shows.

“We’re making sure we’re reaching out to the community and seeing what their interests are as well,” Sutherland said.

With local artists like the Atlanta Street Art Collective, the exhibit is only one step towards getting Roswell residents to engage with the city’s creative side.

Sutherland hopes to launch more artist talks and receptions so the public can put a face to each piece, for a “different form of enrichment.”

“This is a new shift to put our collective minds together,” Sutherland said.

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

Artist Lance Carlson, a former architect, works in abstract painting and collage art. He’s been painting for over twenty years, a skill that feels like “breathing” for the artist with multiple pieces on display at the “Our Voices” exhibit at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center through July 28.

Through July 28, paintings from each member of the Atlanta Street Art Collective are on display in the lobby of the Roswell Cultural Arts Center on Forrest Street as part of the “Our Voices” exhibit.

April Riley, an 80-year-old artist, incorporates watersoluble paint into her abstract pieces. She started art a decade ago, and has since seen gallery success for her flower-like paintings.

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Biggerstaff:

Continued from Page 22

“The next hour was spent getting into formation. Our group of 48 to 60 planes would join three other groups to make a wing, then four other wings joined to make a division-800 to 1,000 planes.”

Once over the English Channel, they test-fired their guns to make sure they were working properly. Then they headed toward the target.

“After dropping the bombs, we'd turn away, drop the plane's nose, set the engine on emergency power and dive to get out of there as soon as possible. Our plane was red-lined not to exceed 325 miles per hour, but at times I’ve seen the airspeed indicator bounce up to the redline.”

They arrived back at the base after 10 to 12 hours flying time. “The best sound in the world is to hear the tires squeal

when they hit the runway.”

After a debriefing session, the men headed back to the mess hall around 7 or 8 p.m. “After chow we were free to go to our barracks. Most everyone fell into the sack until 2 a.m. the next morning.”

This routine could go up to seven days in a row if the weather was good. Then, the men would get one or two days off. When the weather was bad, they would fly practice or weather missions.

In August 1945, the Atlanta Constitution reported that Sergeant Max Kirby of the 8th Air Force was returning to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, after a 30-day furlough and visit with his mother Laura Kirby in Dunwoody.

Kirby survived the war and lived until 2010. He is buried at New Hope Cemetery

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com

Georgia’s bald eagles mount steady rebound from avian flu outbreak

By ROSS WILLIAMS GEORGIA RECORDER

ATLANTA — Georgia’s bald eagles are welcoming a healthy batch of squawking little eaglets into the world, encouraging news for wildlife lovers after an outbreak of avian influenza hammered the iconic birds along the state’s coast last spring.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources survey leader Bob Sargent said he breathed a sigh of relief when it became clear that the eagles’ nesting rates were back to within the normal range.

“Last year’s exceptionally poor nesting results on the coast, as well as the lower than usual success rate in Southwest Georgia, was worrisome because those areas combine for about 85% of our known eagle nests,” he said.

“The comeback of the bald eagle in Georgia is a great conservation success story, but the species is listed as threatened in the state, and if high nest failures continued they could chip away at population gains,” he added. “I’m pleased to see the nest success rates rebound this year.”

North Fulton’s Only On-Site

The following item will be considered by the City Council on Monday, July 17, 2023 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. MP-23-03 Fulton Science Academy

Consideration of a master plan amendment to allow for the construction of athletic fields (tennis and soccer) in conjunction with the Fulton Science Academy athletic program. A master plan amendment is requested to reduce building setbacks along Fanfare Way for tennis courts and retaining walls. The property is located at 3035 Fanfare Way and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 688, 689, and 700, 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.

The number of successful nests on the coast dropped about 30 percent last year, and fewer than half of the nests surveyed produced even one eagle. Bald eagles typically lay up to three eggs each year, according to the American Eagle Foundation.

Newly hatched eaglets are completely reliant on their parents, but they grow quickly, usually taking their first flight at 10 to 14 weeks old.

This year’s survey found 232 newly fledged eagles across the state, averaging 1.6 young per nest, slightly more than the state’s long-term average.

Nests along the coast this year produced an average at 1.5 young per nest, amounting to 89 eaglets fledged from 59 nests, compared with 50 eaglets fledged from only 34 successful nests last year.

In Southwest Georgia, the birds went from producing an average of 1.5 fledglings from 62 nests to an average 1.6 from 69

Bald

have begun to recover from an outbreak of avian influenza, putting nesting rates back within the normal range.

nests.

Sargent said no influenza cases have been reported in bald eagles in Georgia for more than a year, and there have been no cases in other species for about four months.

The DNR calls the recovery of the bald eagle in Georgia an environmental success story. According to the department, the state went from no known successful nests during most of the 1970s to one in 1981, 48 by the turn of the century and more than 200 today.

The department cites a U.S. ban on the pesticide DDT in 1972, the enactment of the federal Clean Water and Clean Air acts, protection through the Endangered Species Act, increased public awareness, restoration of local populations through release programs and forest regrowth as factors in that recovery.

This story comes to Appen Media through a partnership with Georgia Recorder, a nonprofit newsroom covering statewide issues.

FRANK CONE/PEXELS

eagle populations around Georgia

DEATH NOTICES

Lucille Booker, 98, of Alpharetta, passed away on June 27, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Florence Burek, 100, of Alpharetta, passed away on June 14, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Deana Gelman, 64, of Alpharetta, passed away on June 25, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Harmon Greenway, 76, of Roswell, passed away on June 27, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

James Hackney, 78, of Alpharetta, passed away on June 17, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Robert Irwin, 82, of Roswell, passed away on June 24, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF, AND INCREASE THE COMPENSATION OF THE ELECTED OFFICIALS OF, THE CITY OF MOUNTAIN PARK, GEORGIA

Notice is hereby given that the governing authority of the City of Mountain Park, Georgia proposes to amend the City’s charter and raise the compensation of the elected officials of the City by amending Section 2.13 of the charter, which, if approved, will read as follows:

Sec. 2.13. - Compensation and expenses.

(a) For service in public office, the mayor shall be paid a salary of $500.00 per month for regular or special session of council attended by said mayor, at which a quorum of members of council are present.

(b) For service in public office, the mayor pro tempore shall be paid a salary of $200.00 per month for regular or special session of council attended by said mayor pro tempore, at which a quorum of members of council are present.

(c) For service in public office, each member of council shall be paid a salary of $185.00 per month for regular or special session of council attended by said member, at which a quorum of members of council are present.

The governing authority expects to vote on this amendment at its regular council meeting at 7:00 p.m. on July 24, 2023, which will be held at the City Community Building, 100 Lakeshore Drive, Mountain Park, Georgia. A copy of the proposed amendment is on file in the office of the city clerk and in the office of the clerk of the superior court of Fulton County for the purpose of examination and inspection by the public. If adopted, this amendment will be effective upon the next slate of mayor and council members taking office in January 2024. The public is invited to attend.

AAPPEN PRESSCLU B

Sandra Lemmons, 84, of Marietta, passed away on June 21, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Hildegarde Schramm, 78, of Milton, passed away on June 20, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Thomas Stone, 88, of Alpharetta, passed away on June 24, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Fannie Tolbert, 78, of Milton, passed away on June 27, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Sharon Wooden, 83, of Alpharetta, passed away on June 24, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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.

Director of Enterprise Applications

Part-time

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.

LEANSWIFT SOLUTIONS, INC. seeks a BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE CONSULTANT in Alpharetta, GA to design business intel sys. in Infor M3. Min. Req.: Masters in Analytics, Bus. Intel., Engr. or rel. & 18 mos. exp. as bus. analyst, consultant or rel. Travel Req’d. Telecommuting, work from home (anywhere in the USA) opt. avail. Resumes to Anise Madh, 172 Marietta Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

Develop strategic, tactical, business and technology priorities; manage a team of solution architects, software engineers and web developers. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science; 5 yrs. exp. req’d in developing strategic road mapping for portfolio, resource, capacity management, strategic and finance planning. Employer: Scientific Games, LLC Job location: Alpharetta, GA. Qualified applicants should email resume to: HumanResources. Recruiting@scientificgames.com and reference job # 88264.00005.

STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Sawnee EMC is seeking a Staff Accountant – Financial Services to provide financial and accounting services in compliance with RUS accounting requirements and standards, coordinate budgeting and financial planning functions, compile and analyze financial information, prepare financial statements, statistical analyses, balance sheet and financial position statements, make recommendations on reserves, collect appropriate data to prepare tax returns, and prepare related reports to management. Requires: Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in accounting with a minimum of two years progressively responsible work experience; high level of competency in MS Office, Accounting, Spreadsheet and Database Software; knowledge of RUS System of Accounts preferred.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, July 7, 2023. Apply online: www.sawnee. com/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace

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.

NEWSPAPER DELIVERY ROUTE

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!

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

Part-time

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.

• 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.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Pinestraw

PINESTRAW, MULCH

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

Gutters

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

Roofing

ROOF LEAKING?

Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 OFF Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing

Landscaping

Full Service LANDSCAPING Company

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

Ralph Rucker 678-898-7237

Haulers

Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc.

Many local referencesCall Ralph Rucker 678-898-7237

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 protec-tion. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

HughesNet - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo!

Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 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.

1-866-479-1516

Concrete/ Asphalt

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Fi-nancing available.

1-855-417-1306

Switch & save up to $250/yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based service. Call

1-855-903-3048

MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure!

1-888-489-3936

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-758-3892

Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief to find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: 1-877-592-3616

Call

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS

1-866-859-0405

Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on vet bills? Physicians Mutual In-surance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-844-774-0206 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow. com/ads

Diagnosed with lung cancer & 65+? You may qualify for a substantial cash award. No obliga-tion! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help! Call 24/7 1-877-707-5707

1-855-417-1306

With purchase of a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Not applicable with any previous walk-in tub purchase. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase. CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445

Tree Services

Deadline to place a Classified ad is Thursday at 4 pm

Home Improvement

DECKS BUILT & REPAIRED-DRYBELOW SYSTEMS INSTALLED – Affordable hardwood flooring-engineered flooring. Heritage Home Maintenance, 678-906-7100 HOMEREPAIRGA@GMAIL.COM, (HERITAGECONSTRUCTIONGA.COM)

Retaining Walls

Brick or Wood

Contact Ralph Rucker. Many local references. Honest, punctual, professional and reasonable prices! 678-898-7237

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