Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - July 13, 2023

Roswell survives rain for US birthday bash

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Amid thunderstorms and lightning, thousands of people celebrated the Fourth of July with food trucks and fireworks at Roswell Area Park.

The celebration expanded on previous years, taking up two fields and a parking lot at Roswell Area Park. Roswell City Councilwoman Christine Hall said the additional space helped, providing breathing

room from the “wall-to-wall” crowds in previous years.

With an expanded space, the celebration had a parking lot full of food trucks, as well as some local vendors. The City of Roswell and Roswell Fire Department also set up booths.

To combat traffic and parking issues, the city established overflow parking at four locations near the park. Nearby neighborhoods restricted street parking and

Roswell approves funding for housing rehab work

► PAGE 6

See FIREWORKS, Page 20 Restaurant

serves as geek, gamer haven

► PAGE 8

Milton historic home honors Shaker designs

► PAGE 22

Alpharetta eatery serves free lunch to July 4 workers in Public Safety

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta location of the Honey Baked Ham Company donated boxed lunches July 4 to some 80 city first responders who worked on Independence Day.

City Police Department Public Information Officer Jakai Braithwaite said the lunches were given to patrol, police and detention officers, as well as Fire Department and 911 Center staff.

Braithwaite said the event was conceived by the restaurant's Vice President of Food Safety and Quality Assurance Anna Kitchens, who contacted the city to donate food to Public Safety staff.

“Alpharetta thanks Honey Baked Ham for their generous gesture, and we are honored to serve Honey Baked Ham and the businesses and citizens of this great city,” Braithwaite said.

— Shelby Israel

PHOTOS BY DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

As the rain begins, many attendees pull out umbrellas to wait out the shower before fireworks during the July 4 celebration at Roswell Area Park.

With thunderstorms rolling in, most of the attendees left the Roswell Area Park July 4 celebration before the fireworks began.

ALPHARETTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY/PROVIDED The Alpharetta location of the Honey Baked Ham Company donates boxed lunches to the City Public Safety Department 4 p.m. July 4. Police Capt. Jakai Braithwaite said 80 first responders received the food.

NEWS TIPS

POLICE BLOTTER

770-442-3278

AppenMedia.com

319 N. Main Street

Alpharetta, GA 30009

HANS APPEN

Publisher

RAY APPEN

Publisher Emeritus

CONTACT

Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.

ADVERTISING

For information about advertising in the AlpharettaRoswell Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278

CIRCULATION

To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

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.

Police arrest driver in single-car crash

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police have arrested a 55-year-old Marietta man who allegedly caused a wreck on North Point Parkway and Mansell Road while under the influence of alcohol.Police were called to the accident scene at about 2 a.m. July 1 after witnesses reported a car had struck a curb while speeding and was disabled in the roadway.

At the scene, officers saw that the vehicle’s front right suspension had completely detached from the impact and the driver smelled strongly of alcohol.

While the driver denied he’d consumed any alcohol before taking the wheel, a breathalyzer test registered a blood alcohol content of 0.146 in the man’s system, according to police.

The man was placed under arrest for DUI and was transported to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

Driver for Uber Eats reports sexual assault

ROSWELL, Ga. — An Uber Eats driver told Roswell police she was delivering food to a home on Sheringham Court when a man exposed himself to her July 3.

The woman said she was dropping off an order at the house when a White male, approximately 30 years old, opened the door. She handed him the food and the man pulled down his shorts, exposing himself.

The driver told police she returned to her car and started to leave while the man yelled at her, offering her money to perform sexual acts. The woman said she wants to press charges, but officers could

not contact anyone at the address. Police did find a car in front of the home that was registered to a person who matched the delivery driver’s description. The case remains active.

Multiple car burglaries reported in Alpharetta

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police are investigating a series of vehicle burglaries that occurred in Alpharetta between June 29 and July 2.

Alpharetta police said vehicles were entered at businesses and residential locations on North Point Parkway, Wills Road, Mansell Road and Misty Lane over the four-day spree. Locations targeted included several known burglary hot spots, like the Benihana restaurant on Mansell Road.

Thieves were able to steal electronics, a handgun, wallets, cash, credit cards and other valuables. Police believe thieves attempted to steal one of the vehicles.

Several suspect vehicles were identified through security camera footage, but no suspects have been identified.

Police arrest resident after fireworks incident

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police arrested a man on July 4 for disorderly conduct, using fireworks under the influence and obstruction of law enforcement after a resident reported a neighbor was shooting fireworks into their backyard on Rappahannock Drive.

The reporting resident said her neighbor was throwing fireworks off his porch into the backyard below, where other people live. Police found fireworks remnants and ash marks in the area.

Officers contacted the suspect and determined he was visibly intoxicated. The man refused to identify himself and said he was not drunk. Officers told the man fireworks could not be lit so close to a home, nor can they be thrown at

people, but the man said he was not breaking any law.

The man refused to provide any personal information, and when police placed him in handcuffs, he refused to walk. He told police he needed a walker due to a recent surgery, although a neighbor refuted that claim.

Police called an ambulance to check the man due to his intoxication, and after he was medically cleared, he was transported to the Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

Alpharetta bakery shop burglarized overnight

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police incident reports said the Copacabana Brazilian Bakery on Old Milton Parkway was burglarized sometime overnight June 29.

Owners reported they arrived at the store at about 6:40 a.m. and discovered the front glass door of the business had been shattered by a large rock.

Security camera footage showed the business had been entered by an unidentified man sometime during the night. The suspect stole the business’s cash drawer, which contained less than $200 in cash and immediately fled the scene.

Police have not identified a suspect in the incident.

Discarded firework sets fire to work truck

ROSWELL, Ga. — A Roswell resident’s vehicle caught on fire after someone accidentally threw an active firework in the truck bed at Gran Crique Drive July 4.

Officers found a small fire in the rear of a white truck, which they quickly extinguished. The truck owner then arrived on the scene to identify the vehicle as his work truck.

Police later found an unidentified person was placing used fireworks in the truck bed, but one of the fireworks was not completely extinguished, which started the fire. The case remains active but there were no witnesses on the scene.

Guests

Alpharetta Legion Post 201 celebrates Independence Day

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Some 1,000 guests gathered July 4 to commemorate Independence Day with a concert, food and fireworks at the American Legion Post 201 on Wills Road.

The post hosted performances by the Alpharetta City Band at 6 p.m. Post Commander Tom Billings led the band in the closing performance of “Stars and

Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa. Concessions earned the veterans’ group $1,696, and bar sales totaled $1,690. The parking team raised an additional $3,028 in donations.

The event concluded with an on-site viewing of the city’s fireworks at Wills Park.

— Shelby Israel

The Alpharetta City Band plays at an Independence Day celebration at the American Legion Post 201 on Wills Road July 4. The 6 p.m. concert concluded with “Stars and Stripes Forever” led by Post Commander Tom Billings.

SCOTT HOEHN/PROVIDED

gather to celebrate Independence Day at the American Legion Post 201 on Wills Road July 4. The post estimated 1,000 attendees during the 9:30 p.m. fireworks display.

The Grove Way affordable housing complex will receive more than $400,000 for redevelopment after the Roswell City Council approved two community development grant allocations at its July 10 meeting.

Roswell allocates $434,000 to Grove Way housing redevelopment

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell City Council has dedicated $434,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding to the redevelopment at 199 Grove Way, clearing the way to demolish and expand the structurally unsound housing complex.

The funding, approved at the July 10 council meeting, pulled from the 2023 grant allocations, as well as previously awarded unspent funds. Roswell is one of 1,209 local governments that receives the annual Community Development Block Grant, a federal program that awards funding to address community needs.

To become eligible for the grants, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires each city to approve three strategies — a five-year consolidated plan to align spending goals, an action plan to define specific projects and an analysis of impediments plan to identify barriers to housing in the area. The plans were created through nonprofit research and a month-long community survey that identified a need for affordable housing throughout the city.

The Roswell City Council approved all three unanimously, clearing the way for the 2023 Community Development Block Grant award of $442,000.

The action plan laid out an 80-20 funding split.

Eighty percent of the funds – more than $353,000 – will go to the demolition and clearance of the 199 Grove Way apartments, a complex dedicated to lowincome or disabled seniors. The 40-unit complex in the Pelfrey Pines housing development was declared structurally unsound by the city in March 2022, and residents were forced to relocate.

The Roswell Housing Authority, which owns the units, has since worked to redevelop Grove Way with a $30 million demolition and reconstruction project that will add 62 units, bringing the capacity to 102 units. The city previously committed $2 million in grants to the project.

“We’re setting a precedent of being the first administration to really invest any time, much less any energy, into rescuing an old dog— 199 Grove Way,” Roswell City Councilwoman Lee Hills said.

Hills, who serves as the City Council’s liaison to the Administration and Governance Department, has long focused on the Grove Way redevelopment. She said the residents who left the property in 2022 will have the “first right of refusal” to return to the complex after rehabilitation is complete.

“I really appreciate the support from the mayor and council this year to allocate the money,” Hills said.

In previous years, the city has distributed Community Development

See HOUSING, Page 11

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

ERIKA RAQUEL, Marketing coordinator, Battle and Brew

Battle and Brew creates geek and gamer haven

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The team behind Battle and Brew has spent the past 15 years creating a hub for all things game and geek culture in Sandy Springs, where people can find community and comfort through pop-culture offerings.

Battle and Brew was the first video game restaurant, bar and venue in the United States according to the establishment’s general manager Ryan Blake. The concept came out of the “natural evolution” of gaming and its popularity.

Blake pointed to the popularity of arcades in the past, usually located in shopping malls. People could go to play casually for hours. Some restaurants may have also featured an arcade game in their dining room, but Blake said the Battle and Brew team wanted to modernize the oldfashioned approach.

“As times evolved, gaming systems became more elaborate,” Blake said. “If you want to keep their interest you have to keep up with the times.”

Thus, Battle and Brew opened with a pay-as-you-play hourly game model. The restaurant and bar features various console games, including Xbox, Nintendo and PlayStation models. It also offers desktop computer games, set up next to each other for potential multi-player gaming.

Customers can pay an hourly fee as an individual or group for unlimited play at any of the desktop setups or communal couches. They can also opt for board

See BREW, Page 9

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

Battle and Brew, a video game restaurant and bar, is a hub for all things game and geek culture in Sandy Springs. The food and drinks menus are jam-packed with pop culture references.

Brew:

Continued from Page 8

games and tabletop games, like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons.

The restaurant has had to keep up with an ever-expanding catalog of video games, particularly as gaming continues to grow mainstream popularity. A 2022 report by the Entertainment Software Association found about two-thirds of Americans, more than 215 million people, play games regularly.

But Battle and Brew wants to cater to all types of people and subcultures. Blake said many customers who come in don’t even play games, rather, they participate in events and partake in the food and drinks.

The menu is jam-packed with pop culture references, which the manager said comes with not being a “corporate” establishment. Battle and Brew’s chefs, bar managers and bartenders all get to concoct their own seasonal offerings.

The cocktails vary from drinks like the Princess Peach, a reference to the Super Mario franchise, to Eda the Owl Lady, named after a character in Disney’s animated show the “Owl House.”

Together, the food, drinks and ambiance combine a host of different subcultures — which Blake said is “not defined by one thing.”

To play into different interests the

business hosts various events, like trivia, cosplay nights and miniature figurine painting sessions. Blake is particularly proud of the trivia nights, which switch up themes every week.

“We’ve always believed this is the hardest trivia in Atlanta,” Blake said.

The events are a hit with customers. On an average night, they have about 30 teams attend the competition. For more popular themes like Disney trivia, up to 75 teams turn out.

“The entire restaurant was in full Disney cosplay,” Blake said.

The night turned into a full-throated Disney sing-along party for the 200 people in attendance.

“It’s the fact that they’re comfortable here,” Blake said. “It’s an environment where they come in and express themselves without judgement, without any kind of strange looks.”

The manager said people come to Battle and Brew for the food and drinks, but even more so for the comfort and community bonds. Many customers will arrive on a typical night dressed up in cat ears or full costume. Some employees do

the same.

Blake admits for people less keyed into geek culture, the first trip to Battle and Brew can be a surprise.

“For people who have never been here before, they go ‘What did I just walk into?’” Blake said.

Without fail, after a beer and some time, the manager said many people get back into playing a game and “going back to their childhood.”

The restaurant and bar has many regular adult customers, but it’s also family friendly. Battle and Brew is open to all ages before 11 p.m., although children under 16 must have an adult companion. Marketing coordinator Erika Raquel said the establishment aims to welcome everyone from every background.

“We’re all about inclusivity,” Raquel said.

Blake sees Battle and Brew as a haven for geeks and gamers, and he hopes people can form bonds from “sharing the same passion.” As video games and tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons gain attention in mainstream media, he hopes those bonds will increase.

“It’s always been cool, but people also just now realize ‘Hey, I’m not the only one,’” Blake said.

With strong community bonds at the Sandy Springs location, Battle and Brew plans to expand to The Battery Atlanta shopping mall by October, with a few more hopeful locations down the line.

Tucker

Paras

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

Battle and Brew, a video game restaurant and bar, is a hub for all things game and geek culture in Sandy Springs. Customers can pay for hourly play at any of the various video game consoles and computers.

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

Groups call for community action to help preserve historic water oak

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek Historical Society is mounting a campaign to save a 69-foot water oak that stands in the way of a planned Shake Shack near the Publix on State Bridge Road.

The tree, with a spread of 100 feet and a trunk 48 inches in diameter, has withstood the test of time dating back more than a century, but it now faces the axe as part of the proposed building project.

“In a city with very little remaining that physically ties to its history, the tree is a treasure,” writes Joan Compton, president of the Johns Creek Historical Society.

Compton created a document detailing the water oak, aka the Publix tree. In it, she advocates the denial of site plans for a 3,500-square-foot Shake Shack, which call for its removal. The project would subdivide a .72-acre outparcel from an 8.65-acre property, which Compton says means there are other options.

The Publix tree is one of 17 heritage trees Compton has listed in an Excel spreadsheet, a project started during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the oldest tree in Johns Creek, near the Regal Cinema, dates to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Each tree tells the history of different parts of the city, she said. Macedonia Cemetery, where locally enslaved people and their descendants are buried, sits just up the road from the Publix tree. The land was once part of the Cherokee plantation.

“Over its long lifetime, the tree would have seen the horse-drawn traffic of traders, travelers, and local farmers on their way to and from the Warsaw and Medlock ferries …” Compton writes.

The tree “evaded the axe and plow,” she writes, and for decades it grew, despite rapid development.

“Saved once as a heritage tree when the Publix shopping center was built, it’s in jeopardy again.”

Shake Shack plans, approved by city staff, were expected to go before the Johns Creek Planning Commission July 10. A final vote of approval is scheduled for a later City Council meeting.

According to the city staff report, the zoning applicant initially considered incorporating the tree, but the existing topography presented a challenge. The tree sits on a 5,400-square-foot raised bed, 4 to 5 feet taller than the surrounding parking lot. Traffic flow was

listed as another issue.

To abide by the city’s Tree Preservation Administrative Guidelines, staff placed conditions on the application. For specimen trees — defined by their high value in type, size or age — their removal must be replaced with a greater density in vegetation.

The applicant must also plant a 12-inch caliper hardwood by the proposed restaurant’s patio. Community Development Director Ben Song said the developer’s Land Disturbance Permit would include more detail to ensure the replacement tree’s survival.

While not a requirement, Song said the applicant was also asked to seek an independent arborist to evaluate the tree. The arborist’s report was expected to be filed July 7.

Before the application was accepted, Song asked if the tree could be transplanted, but for a tree that size, the risk could be too great. Lynn Pennington, president of Johns Creek Beautification, assumes the Publix tree would not survive a transplant.

“Based on the root structure, the size of that tree – where could it go? Where could you transport it?” Pennington asked. “It’s wider than a double-lane highway.”

Compton sent her document to Johns Creek officials and others in the area, including Johns Creek Beautification, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the city’s natural beauty.

“Most everything, when it comes to development, is taken down,” Pennington said.

She envisioned an alternative, one that has people gathering for picnics under the tree. Pennington hopes the Publix tree could motivate various groups to inventory all the city’s heritage trees and provide signage.

“Everybody respects trees and loves trees,” she said.

Heather Grafton, DNP, FNP-C

Ceila Lopez-Armstrong, MD

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

In the Publix parking lot on State Bridge Road, a large water oak, estimated to be more than 100 years old, is under threat for the development of a Shake Shack. Site plans, which call for its removal, were expected to be reviewed by the Johns Creek Planning Commission July 10.

Continued from Page 6

Block Grant funds to local nonprofits, like Habitat for Humanity, the North Fulton Child Development Association and Senior Services North Fulton.

This year the bulk of the money will go to the Grove Way redevelopment. The remaining 20 percent of funds will go to administration and planning, with a focus on oversight, advertising and fair housing education.

Councilwoman Hills said the impacts of the Grove Way redevelopment will ultimately benefit the surrounding nonprofits, even if they don’t receive funds in the 2023 grant allocation.

“I don’t even want to apologize for dislocating the money pool for this period of time, because I know we’re serving a group of folks that desperately need that,” Hills said. “It will at the same time improve the area and living conditions that we have.”

Housing: AAPPEN PRESSCLU B

The grant program had $80,362 in unspent funds, which the council considered for both the Recreation and Parks Department and the Roswell Housing Authority. Hills stressed that the redevelopment was prioritized because the unsound complex is becoming a “health and danger issue.”

“This is a great way to put that money back into play immediately,” Hills said.

Roswell City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson said while she had criticized the way previous year’s block grant funds were allocated, this is the “best and highest use for these funds at this point.”

The council approved the reallocation unanimously.

The council also reallocated leftover funds from the 2022 Community Development Block Grant pool to the Grove Way project. Councilwoman Hills said some nonprofits that are awarded grant funding can’t complete necessary steps to receive the money, so the money is sent “back to the pool.”

Pet

Looking ahead: the four to "fore" in life's fairways

Brought to you by - Lanota Fludd, Staff Therapist at Summit Counseling Center

“Fore” is defined as a warning cry in golf to alert others about the flight of the ball. While this term is commonly used in the sport, its essence can be applied to various aspects of our lives. Looking ahead is vital in mental health, physical health, interpersonal effectiveness, and intrapersonal connection.

• Mental health: Psychological and social well-being. It’s essential to recognize warning signs, such as feeling sad, withdrawal from activities or socializing, trouble sleeping, or difficulty coping with stress - the “fore” reminding us to take action and seek support.

• Physical health: Being sound in

body, mind, and spirit. Engaging in regular self-care and exercise can maintain our physical wellbeing. Heed the “fore” in physical health to preserve your overall wellness!

• Interpersonal effectiveness: How we relate to others. To hit a metaphorical “hole in one,” focus on active listening, clear communication, and empathetic understanding.

• Intrapersonal connection: How we connect with ourselves. Is your inner dialogue positive and understanding, or is a “fore” warranted if you tend to speak to yourself negatively? Take steps to shift your inner dialogue and increase self-love.

Just as in golf, the “fore” serves

as a crucial warning in life. By being attentive and proactive in these vital areas, we can navigate life’s challenges with resilience. Let us look ahead

and prioritize our well-being, both on and off the golf course of life. To learn more about our services, visit summitcounseling.org!

The Exercise Coach: Pioneering the future of personal fitness

Brought

to you by – The Exercise Coach®- Alpharetta

Redefining fitness in the 21st century, The Exercise Coach brings a unique, technology-driven perspective to health and wellbeing. We are not your traditional fitness facility; instead, we’re a revolution, intertwining cutting-edge technology with the wisdom of personal coaching.

Our distinctive approach is underscored by our patented Exerbotics equipment. A leap forward in fitness technology, Exerbotics uses data-driven methods to personalize every workout to your specific needs. It dynamically adjusts to your progress, providing optimal resistance and challenge with every move, helping you to grow stronger, fitter, and faster.

Shattering the myth of timeconsuming workouts, The Exercise Coach harnesses the power of Exerbotics to provide impactful training in just 20 minutes, twice a week. The scientific insight and efficiency brought by Exerbotics not only makes workouts

more effective but also more accessible to individuals with busy lifestyles.

Our philosophy goes beyond the equipment, fostering a nurturing atmosphere of inclusion and personal attention. Every client is paired with a dedicated coach who guides, motivates, and inspires, providing a workout experience that is as personal as it is transformative. We operate within private studios, ensuring an intimate setting away from the hustle and bustle of crowded gyms.

The Exercise Coach’s unique integration of advanced technology and personalized coaching marks a departure from the conventional, making fitness more effective, efficient, and accessible. Whether you are a seasoned athlete seeking new challenges or a time-crunched individual looking for smart fitness solutions, The Exercise Coach stands as a beacon of innovation in the fitness industry.

Discover the transformative power of smart, personalized exercise with The Exercise Coach. The future of fitness is here.

Has your oncologist ever talked to you about personalizing your cancer treatment? In other words, has he or she looked at unique aspects of your case, and tailored your treatments accordingly?

Of the various medical specialties, oncology is arguably the least personalized of all. Patients with a certain type of cancer typically receive the same first-line treatment. If that doesn’t work, they will receive

the next best – or second-line –treatment. Following treatment flow charts this way has been referred to by some critics as “cookbook medicine.” Sadly, there is some truth to that criticism.

As an integrative oncologist, I believe that treatment should be as personalized as possible. This means that we must first peel back the various layers of each patient’s diagnosis before making treatment decisions. The type of cancer is certainly important, but that is only part of what makes each patient’s

cancer unique.

For example, we must also consider each patient’s medical history, family history, work history, relationships, emotional health, and stressors as well. These details, coupled with advanced testing on the tumor tissue itself, are all important when crafting the optimal treatment protocol for each patient. This is what personalized cancer treatment is all about!

If you would like more information about my innovative cancer clinic, please visit my website at tcfam.com.

PEXELS

Brought to you by – The Atlanta Center for Dental Health

Can you really have straight teeth without braces? The short answer to this question is,Yes! We all remember when straighter teeth meant braces. You could have straight teeth. You just had to have metal bands, brackets, and wires on your teeth for 18-24 months. We all loved the results; we just didn’t like the process we had to go through.

Technology has come a long way over the last few years. The Atlanta Center for Dental Health offers Invisalign to all their patients. Invisalign is a revolutionary new way to straighten your teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for your teeth and gradually move them into a straighter, better position, and better bite to improve your appearance, comfort with chewing, the longevity of the teeth, and overall health.

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is almost invisible, so you don’t have to worry about your smile being

altered by metal brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are a comfortable way to move the teeth and improve your appearance, bite, and health. Additionally, Invisalign is much more comfortable to wear than metal braces and can be removed when eating and brushing your teeth.

Having straight teeth is more than just a cosmetic consideration, it’s also important for your oral health. When your teeth are misaligned, it can cause overcrowding, which can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Invisalign can help correct your bite and alignment issues, reducing your risk for these oral health problems.

Invisalign can also help improve your appearance. Straighter teeth can make you look and feel more attractive. When teeth are straight and properly aligned, it can make your smile look brighter and healthier. It can also help with speech and chewing problems that can be caused by crooked teeth. Invisalign is more convenient than traditional braces. You don’t have to worry about frequent trips to the dentist for adjustments, and you don’t have to

worry about food getting stuck in your braces.

Invisalign is typically much faster than traditional braces, so you can enjoy your new, straighter smile in a matter of months instead of years. Overall, Invisalign is an excellent way to straighten your teeth and improve your oral health. It’s comfortable, convenient, and nearly invisible, so you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile without the discomfort and hassle of traditional braces. If you’re considering straightening your teeth,

Invisalign is worth considering. Nearly everyone is a candidate for Invisalign. You are invited to call or stop by for more information or a complimentary consultation and smile outcome simulation.

Dr. Bradley Hepler, Dr. Jeffrey Priluck and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health are dedicated to your health and longevity. We provide all the modern advances that contemporary aesthetic dentistry offers. You will realize immediate results with non-invasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile restoring options, please call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health at 770-992-2236. Dr. Bradley Hepler and Dr. Jeffrey Priluck have spent many hours dedicated to perfecting and updating the latest and best techniques in dentistry. It is with this breadth of knowledge that they provide each patient with the perfect solution to their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.

PROVIDED

Start the school year healthy with proper sleep and nutrition

Brought to you by

- Dr. Brandi Lewis, pediatrician at Wellstar Health System

Going back to school can be stressful for both parents and children, but it doesn’t have to be. Optimizing your child’s sleep and nutrition are two things that can help ensure a successful school year.

Setting a sleep routine

If you ask any child what the best things about summer are, they will say being able to stay up late and sleep in. During the summer, this isn’t a problem. However, continuing this routine into the school year can have detrimental effects. Inadequate sleep has been shown to negatively affect development, academics and memory. Here are some things you

can do to help your child get enough sleep:

• Practice good sleep hygiene by setting up a consistent evening and bedtime routine for your child.

• Ensure your child gets regular exercise, which has been shown to improve the quality of sleep.

• Try to establish a consistent bedtime and wake time.

• Adjust your child’s routine if it doesn’t allow them to get enough hours of sleep. The following are the recommended hours of sleep according to age:

• Preschool: 10 to 13 hours (including naps)

• School Age (six to 12 years): Nine to 12 hours

• Teens: Eight to 10 hours

• If possible, avoid screen time one to two hours before bedtime.

• If your child has problems falling asleep, staying asleep or snoring, seek advice from your pediatrician.

Importance

of a healthy diet

As children go back to school, parents start to focus on academic achievement. Nutrition is important not only for overall health, but also for academic success. Healthy diets have been shown to have positive effects on memory, focus and academic accomplishment. Conversely, diets that are high in saturated fats, processed foods and junk foods have been associated with lower scores on standardized tests. Ensuring your child eats a wide variety of foods is the best way to safeguard proper nutrition and help them perform their best in school.

Here are some examples:

• Foods that are high in omega3s have been shown to have positive effects on memory, learning and brain development. Fatty fish such as salmon, flax seeds and chia seeds are a few examples of foods that are high in omega-3s.

• Diets that are rich in

antioxidants not only support good immune health, but also support a healthy brain. Encourage your child to eat a diverse diet with a variety of vegetables and fruits to increase antioxidant intake. Examples of foods high in antioxidants are berries, red grapes, tomatoes and spinach.

• Having iron deficiency early in life can impact mental processing, memory and learning. If you suspect that your child may be low in iron or has been anemic in the past, you should discuss it with your pediatrician.

Adequate sleep and a healthy diet are essential for a thriving school year. To learn more about how sleep and nutrition can benefit your child, talk to your pediatrician.

Schedule a visit with Dr. Brandi Lewis at Wellstar Avalon Health Park by calling (470) 267-0380. Learn more at wellstar.org/schoolkidcare.

LEWIS

Thank You for Voting US Best for 8 Years in a Row!

OralID: Revolutionizing Early Oral Cancer Detection

Brought to you by - Roswell Dental Care, Dr. Destinee Hood

As oral healthcare professionals, one of our primary objectives is to provide our patients with the highest level of care possible. To achieve this, we are constantly keeping up with the latest advancements in technology and treatment options. In recent years, a groundbreaking tool known as OralID has emerged, redefining how we detect and diagnose oral cancer. In this article, we will explore the significance of OralID and its role in the early detection of potentially life-threatening oral diseases.

procedures.

4. Peace of mind: Regular oral cancer screenings using OralID can provide patients with peace of mind, knowing that their oral health is being thoroughly monitored. Early detection allows for timely intervention, reducing anxiety and potential complications down the road.

Why

Early Detection Matters:

Oral cancer affects millions of people worldwide, and unfortunately, the survival rates for late-stage diagnosis are disheartening. However, research has shown that early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery. To combat this issue, the dental community has been actively seeking innovative solutions, and OralID has paved the way for a brighter future in oral cancer detection. What is OralID? OralID is a state-of-the-art oral screening device that utilizes fluorescence technology to identify abnormal cells in the mouth. It involves the use of a handheld device that emits a harmless blue light into the oral cavity. The healthy tissues absorb the light while abnormal tissues or potential lesions appear dark. This quick and painless procedure allows us, as dentists, to detect lesions that may be otherwise undetectable by the naked eye.

The Benefits of OralID:

1. Non-invasive: Unlike traditional screening methods, such as biopsies, OralID is a non-invasive technique that does not require taking any tissue samples. This means minimal discomfort for patients during the screening process.

2. Early detection: By using OralID, we can identify potential abnormalities at their earliest stages, providing patients with a higher chance of successful treatment and positive outcomes. Early intervention can save lives.

3. Time-efficient: OralID allows us to perform screenings quickly and efficiently during routine dental check-ups. This means there’s now a higher likelihood of detecting issues in their earliest stages without requiring additional appointments or invasive

How to Prepare for an OralID Screening:

Preparing for an OralID screening is simple and straightforward. You should avoid consuming any foods or drinks that may stain your teeth, such as coffee or colored beverages, as these can affect the clarity of the screening results. Additionally, it is essential for patients to maintain good oral hygiene practices by brushing their teeth thoroughly before the appointment.

As your dental healthcare providers, Drs. Hood and Remaley remain committed to staying at the forefront of oral health advancements, and OralID is yet another remarkable tool we are proud to utilize. By utilizing this cutting-edge technology, we can save lives, ensure successful treatment outcomes, and ultimately promote a healthier and happier community. For enhanced comfort during treatment, we offer conscious sedation including FREE nitrous oxide for anxious patients. You can rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding on many levels. Remember, prevention and early detection are key. Call to schedule your regular dental check-up today and experience the confidence that comes with being proactive about your oral health. Please call us at 770998-6736 for more information.

(Photos here – cutline) Photo of what is seen under white light and blue light filter.

Flying free of skin cancer – Part 2

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

In last month’s article about aviation and skin cancer, we looked at FAA regulations relating to pilots, melanomas, and the importance of early detection. This month, we’ll look at the question of whether flying in general causes skin cancer. Are you assuming much risk of cancer by flying at 35,000 feet? What if you’re a frequent flier?

We know that pilots develop skin cancer at a higher rate than the general population. A large Nordic study of male pilots found that they developed 130% more melanomas than expected, 110% more squamous cell skin cancers than expected and 150% more basal cell skin cancers than expected. The risk of skin cancer increased with the time since first employment, the number of flight hours, and the estimated radiation dose from being at altitude.

What is not known is whether radiation received during flight is to blame for these skin cancers. Correlation does not always mean causation, and just because pilots had higher rates of skin cancer doesn’t mean that cosmic radiation solely is to blame. The “flight environment” includes a combination of exposures including ultraviolet light, decreased oxygen levels, ozone, disinfectants and other hazards and stressors that are uniquely combined in aviation. These confounding variables make confident blame of any one hazard difficult to prove. Still, cosmic radiation is known to cause DNA damage and is worth examining, especially given how much flying is being done by flight crew and passengers alike.

Both the atmosphere and earth’s magnetic fields provide protection against cosmic radiation. Radiation levels approximately double for every 4500 feet of increased elevation due to thinner atmosphere. Due to magnetic fields shielding less at earth’s magnetic poles, radiation levels are approximately double at the poles compared with the equator. The most radiation occurs during a flight at high altitude over one of the earth’s poles. In the European Union, airlines attempt to keep radiation levels below 6mSv per year. How much is a mSv?

We all receive about 1 mSv just from living at sea level in a year. We average an additional 1 to 2mSv from other sources such as flying, medical and dental x-rays, etc.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommends no more than 20mSv per year for people working in occupations

such as nuclear power or radiology that involve radiation exposure. How did they come up with 20mSv?

A generally accepted figure is that every 1000mSv of excess radiation increases one’s risk of dying from cancer by 5%. The ICRP assumed that 5% excess risk of dying from cancer is a reasonable cutoff and that few people will spend more than 50 years in any given career. 1000mSv divided by 50 years is 20mSv per year.

A pilot flying at 35,000 feet for 1000 hours each year can expect between 3 and 5mSv of excess cosmic radiation per year. This means that a pilot who works 40 years can expect 120 to 200mSv of excess radiation on average which means that a pilot’s chance of dying from cancer might be increased by about 0.6% to 1% on average. Of course, the chance of developing cancer but not dying from it is higher.

Is this risk acceptable?

My assumption is that everyone in the United States drives, and we are all willing (reluctantly) to assume the risk of death that comes from driving. Driving risk is a useful benchmark when contemplating other types of risk. Let’s assume you wouldn’t want to raise your risk of dying from cancer any more than your current risk of an automobile death, which is a lifetime risk of 1% in the United States. Well, about 200mSv of radiation exposure is expected to result in that increase. Assuming 0.004mSv per hour of commercial air travel, you would have to fly 50,000 hours in your lifetime to increase your risk of cancer death from high altitude radiation enough to equal your risk of dying in an automobile accident. Almost no pilot will reach that number, and certainly few if any passengers approach that number.

A more significant risk is probably unnecessary medical radiation. See https://www.health.harvard.edu/ cancer/radiation-risk-from-medicalimaging for a complete breakdown of radiation from common medical tests. Food for thought is that each CT scan of the chest averages 7mSv. A whole-body CT scan averages 20mSV or more, and a PET/CT scan averages about 25mSv. If a patient needs the scan, then the patient needs the scan. But unnecessary scans involving radiation are to be avoided. 25mSv is more than the annual radiation limit of 20mSv recommended by the ICRP, and someone receiving a PET-CT scan receives that radiation all in a single day.

When compared with the risks of driving a car or the risk of radiation from medical imaging, the risks of cosmic radiation while flying appear acceptable. Sit back and enjoy your flight.

Fireworks:

Continued from Page 1

Roswell police patrolled the area to keep the street clear.

The celebration had two stages with live music— School of Rock Nashville, , a music school where children and teenagers take the stage, performed for the first half of the night. Band X, an Atlanta party music group was also scheduled to perform, but the festivities were cut short when thunderstorms rolled in.

The city announced a shelterin-place about 40 minutes before fireworks were supposed to begin. As the rain began, some opened umbrellas and others set up under awnings.

Even more people left the event early, including several city officials.

Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson and his family packed up shortly before 9 p.m.

“I think it’s going to be really fun for the people who remain,” Wilson said.

Others decided to stick it out.

Roswell resident Judson McClure and his wife Andrea arrived as the rain began. The pair decided to “stick it out.”

“I haven’t seen a proper fireworks display since I was a child,” McClure said.

He tried to attend last year’s display, but it also got rained out. He said he was excited to see it finally happen.

Despite the rain, the fireworks continued as planned at 9 p.m., and the crowds that remained watched the 30-minute display that drew the holiday to a close.

Thousands gather at Roswell Area Park on July 4 to celebrate the holiday with food trucks, local vendors, live music and fireworks.

PHOTOS BY DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

Attendees check the city’s Facebook page for updates on the incoming thunderstorm, which threatened to delay the fireworks and festivities at Roswell Area Park July 4.

Many attendees hid out from the rain under awnings and buildings during the July 4 celebration at Roswell Area Park.

Despite inclement weather the city set off a 30-minute firework display at the Roswell Area Park July 4 celebration.

Here’s why roundabouts work

We need more roundabouts in our lives today – both paved and nonpaved.

I love the paved roundabouts because they are so simple, elegant and intuitive. They just work. Today, when it feels like almost everything about our lives feels so busy, so messy, and so at best semi-functional, roundabouts remind me that not everything is broken.

Roundabouts are so successful and make so much sense, one must wonder why they haven’t yet been banned, politicized or bureaucratized – or have they and I just haven’t noticed?

I could literally pull up my lounge chair and plop it down along side of a busy roundabout and watch for hours and never get bored. In fact, I think I may have to add that to my bucket list. And yes, I realize that doesn’t sound like much of a stretch-goal.

Roundabouts remind me of Steve Jobs.

Apple, now one of the most valuable companies on the planet, built its empire on one singular core business model – simplicity, just like what makes roundabouts work so well. Apple didn’t necessarily “invent” as much as they adapted existing technology and then make it simpler, easier to use.

The portable digital music player market is a great example of the value of simplicity. Apple didn’t invent the MP3 file format that was used for most music players. Everyone, including Sony, had access to the technology. Yet by 2006, Apple’s IPod owned the MP3 player market with a 76 percent share. The next closest was ScanDisk which had a 7.6 percent share. Over the years Apple sold over 450 million iPods. Apple’s iPods didn’t necessarily have a better sound or better technology. They weren’t cheaper than the competition – in fact they charged a premium. They were just simpler, more user-friendly than the others, just like roundabouts are compared

to four-way stop intersections. So, while “simplicity” is one of the reasons that roundabouts work so well, it is not the only reason. Lots of things are simple but not necessarily “successful.”

Another part of that magic sauce that is roundabouts has something to do with how “order” is established and maintained.

“Order” on roundabouts is created by not having rules. Everything basically is first come, first served. Roundabouts are democratic and respect-driven.

Southwest Airlines is another good example of the roundabout concept. People voluntarily line up in proper sequence then everyone boards and – first come, first served – has their choice of any open seat. We like choice and we don’t like rules. Simple, orderly, respectdriven with as few rules as possible. Southwest, like Apple, dumbed down an existing process and made it simpler, freer, faster, more userfriendly.

So why else are roundabouts so much better, so much faster, so more efficient than stop-sign

intersections? Circles.

There is something magical about circles that is hardwired into us that makes us comfortable. Most of us love roundabouts and hate four way stops. Artificial parameters are not our default; circles and selfdirected “order” is.

Lots of symbols are circles. The yin and yang is a circle that first comes to my mind. I googled “circle allegory” and found the following as the second result: “A symbol of revolution. The circle will represent being inclusive, whole and united. It symbolizes focus and cycles. The circle nurtures and begins things and is perfect. It can represent the womb. Besides, it symbolized being complete.”

True that.

Somewhere in all the noise today, in all the chaos, in all the stress and disenfranchisement, there is a circle – a cycle – that can start to bring us home again, to a better place. We just must see it, slow down, reconnect to the stuff that is real and works like roundabouts work – and stop building four-way stops, fences and walls.

RAY APPEN

Publisher Emeritus

PRESERVING THE PAST

Milton historic home incorporates Shaker designs

It is rare that a house that is only 20 years old could be deemed historic, but a stunning home built in Milton by someone with an understanding and commitment to historic Shaker design principles, resulted in a unique residence that reveals authentic Shaker craftsmanship and beauty. Interestingly, as Shaker design and secular colonial design were evolving together over time, the home includes some features of each.

The Shakers were a communal religious sect founded in England in 1747. The group reached its peak of about 4,000-6,000 members in the United States in the mid 1800s, particularly in New England, New York, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky where they established 19 communes. Their population dwindled over time due in large part to their belief in celibacy. Maintaining their numbers depended on recruitment and adoption, which failed to stem the decline. By 1900 there were fewer than 1,000 Shakers, and today there are only a handful.

Georgia was the scene of their last effort to spread their ideas beyond the Northeast.

The organization’s full name is the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing.

The Shakers were an offshoot of the Quaker movement founded in England in the mid-1600s. The Quakers believed that individuals could know Christ directly without a church, Bible or priest. They were sensitive to injustice to anyone because they believed that God exists in all people. This conviction was the basis for their pacifism.

The Quaker name was derived from their worship practice involving violent trembling and shaking. They modified the practices in the 1740s; however, a group of English members maintained the original worship style and became known as the “Shaking Quakers” or “Shakers.” In 1774 the first small group of Shakers came to the United States and settled in western New York State.

Shakers believed in four basic tenets: communal living based on equality of sex and race, celibacy, regular public confession of sins, and separation from the outside world. They believed their labor and craftsmanship should strive for perfection to honor God. They sought perfection in all they did and became known for their

commitment to making the highest quality furniture, coveted throughout the world. They invented some basic household items such as clothespins, the flat-bottomed broom, the circular saw, wrinkle resistant fabric and an improved plow among other firsts.

Music and dance were important in their worship. Aaron Copeland used the Shaker song “Simple Gifts” as the theme for his ballet “Appalachian Spring.”

Their Millennial Laws first published in 1821 provided rules to live by in all aspects of everyday life including architectural and furniture design which prohibited “beadings, mouldings and cornices which are merely for

fancy.” In spite of the mandate for unadorned simplicity, the Shakers produced beautiful and functional furniture.

Georgia Shakers

In 1898 a group of Ohio Shakers purchased land in Brunswick in Glynn County and in addition, according to the Atlanta Constitution August 6, 1898, acquired the entire community of White Oak in Camden County including the hotel, all the store buildings, residences, a big artesian well and every piece of real estate owned by the inhabitants of White Oak.

“They are preparing to bring wealth and prosperity to this portion of the

wiregrass country,” said the newspaper. They bought 68,000 acres in total in a nine-month period. Newspapers sang their praises.

In their March 1, 1900 edition, The Atlanta Constitution said “The Shakers are planting fruit trees and grapes and in Glynn are developing enormous acreages of rice fields long ago abandoned.”

The Savannah Morning News December 31, 1900 said, “They are making garden spots in Camden and Glynn” and predicted that they would “shortly move their headquarters to Georgia.”

Although they succeeded in farming, the Shakers could not attract converts, and in short announcements in December 1901 the Atlanta Constitution and Savannah Morning News reported that the Georgia Shakers had returned to Ohio, leaving their lands, buildings and possessions behind to be dealt with by their local agent.

The Home in Milton

When Gary Jacobs built his 11,000-square-foot home in Milton in 2001 he indulged his love of Shaker architecture. He believes “objects well made by expert hands that people actually use can have a special beauty.” Gary researched a comprehensive library on Shaker design before applying their features to his home. He sought leading craftsmen who could make accurate Shaker reproductions with the quality of the originals.

The home features Shaker deep set tall and wide windows with wide moldings. The Shaker practice of window placement to maximize light rather than for symmetry was part of the design. Doors were framed using wide molding terminating in Shaker plinth blocks.

Shaker 12-inch x 1-inch baseboards were installed throughout. Shaker door handles, locks, hinges on heart pine doors were handmade by a North Carolina blacksmith. Ohio and North Carolina craftsmen made precise Shaker reproduction furniture.

The foyer stairwell and landing are precisely scaled and reproduced with custom turned newels and posts. Heart pine flooring is used for two floors.

This home is a rare and beautiful tribute to the clean lines and basic forms that set the Shaker style apart and made it an important part of American history.

The home is currently on the market. For information contact Lara Dolan at lara@ansleyre.com or 404 514-6533 or https://www.14805ebluff.com/

BOB MEYERS

Columnist

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

The dining room in Gary Jacobs home in Milton reflects the influence of Shaker design. Long windows almost to the floor, Shaker table, chairs, blanket chest and sparsely decorated walls.

NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM

Twelve Shaker family members are shown in front of the Shaker Meeting House in Albany, New York, Circa 1860.

Best Date Night Hotspot

Best Day Spa / Massage

Best Farmers Market

Best Golf Course

Best Group/Corporate Activity

Best Gym / Fitness Facility

Best Music Lessons

Best Performing Arts / Theatre

Best Place for Kids to Have Fun

Best Sports Program

Best Summer Camp

Best Wedding Venue

RETAIL:

Best Antiques Store

Best Apparel Boutique (LOCAL)

Best Art Gallery / Retailer

Best Beverage / Wine Store (LOCAL)

Best Boutique Shop (LOCAL)

Best Bridal Shop

Best CBD Retailer

Best Consignment Store

Best Florist

Best Furniture / Home Décor

Best Community Event

Best Dance Lessons/Studio

GARDEN BUZZ

Master Gardeners beautify Summerour House garden

Georgia Master Gardener Extension volunteers work throughout the state on many diverse demonstration gardens, in addition to providing educational information on good gardening practices through our speakers bureau, online classes, and Ask A Master Gardener booths at Farmers’ Markets. One such demonstration garden is located at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, off Old Alabama Road in Johns Creek. Autrey Mill sits on 46 acres of ravine forest and has over 3 miles of walking trails that meander past a creek, rocky shoals and wildflowers, and provides a chance to view native Georgia plants and animal life. The park features a visitor center with live animal exhibits, a heritage village with historic buildings, wildlife and animal displays, nature and heritage play areas, a farm museum, picnic pavilions and restrooms. There is also a beautiful butterfly garden filled with flowers, walking paths, a little pond and gnome homes! Recently a new wildlife rehabilitation clinic has been added to aid injured and displaced wildlife, administered by Jess Legato, licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Originally inhabited by the Creek, and then the Cherokee Indians, the land was given to Georgia residents in the 1832 land lottery. Autrey Mill sits on several of the “gold lots,” and on the property are the remains of an old gold mine. However, not much gold was ever found, and the land was more profitable for farming cotton, corn and wheat. Several families have owned the property, and it passed to the Autrey family in 1877, who owned it until 1907. The Summerour family owned the land where the Heritage Village is today. The village consists of the Summerour farmhouse, a tenant farmer’s house, the Green General Store and the old Warsaw Church. All of these buildings were moved to the property

for preservation. The village and the collections of artifacts help showcase the life of rural farmers from the mid1800s to the mid-1900s.

In 1988, community activists saved the property from development. The Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Association is now a nonprofit overseen by the City of Johns Creek. The Autrey family did operate a mill on the property in the late 19th century. It was located on property west of the center along Sal’s Creek. It was five stories high and built for grinding wheat flour. Only a little of the foundation remains beside the creek, but there is a photograph which documents its existence.

The Master Gardeners maintain the garden in front of the Summerour House, an 1860s farmhouse which was moved to the property to preserve it from encroaching development. Some plants selected for the garden would be appropriate for that time period, but there is always the desire for a colorful display to delight garden visitors and keep the house inviting for all the activities held there, so attention is paid to both aspects of garden design. Old garden standbys coming into bloom now include bee balm, spiderwort, clematis, Stokes aster, salvia, lamb’s ear, roses and Crinum lilies. Featured for color you will find begonias, geraniums, daisies, balloon flower, and coleus. In addition to the fenced garden in front, the side, or Bride’s Garden, has recently been expanded and is still undergoing renovation. The Master Gardeners who work at the Summerour Garden meet at least twice a month to do the necessary weeding, watering, fertilizing and “deer discouraging.”

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.

About the author

This week’s guest Master Gardener “Garden Buzz” columnist is Roswell resident Dianne Short. Dianne has been a Master Gardener for 20 years, taking her initial training in Virginia. In 2013, she moved to Roswell to be near grandchildren and affiliated with the North Fulton Master Gardeners. Dianne is a retired school social work specialist. Her interests are organic gardening; native plants; and attracting birds, bees, and butterflies to her garden.

For more info

Autrey Mill is open to the public at no charge, but memberships are available for special programming. There are summer camps and home school curriculum available. The visitor’s center has a learning lab for preschoolers. Rentals are provided for weddings, receptions, celebrations, etc. And children love to come and see the chickens, ducks, rabbits and goats. There are many volunteer opportunities available for both youth and adults. You can find out more about Autrey Mill at https://autreymill.org/.

DIANNE SHORT

Guest Columnist

DIANNE SHORT/PROVIDED Summerour House garden at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve.

A summer of bombs and bucket lists

I imagine these are tough times for an owner of a fireworks stand. They’re probably as lonely as a vegetarian at a KFC.

The “Big Bang” of summer has come and gone. But I don’t feel sorry for anyone associated with legally blowing things up. From the sounds of all the booming salvos, legal fireworks ruled the holiday period that seemingly stretched from Saturday to Tuesday the 4th.

Rebel yells ruled the night, coupled with the smell of gunpowder. Not everybody was thrilled. Millie, who visits regularly when her owner Davis Smith is here playing poker or building our nifty new deck, beelined down the hill that separates our houses.

She showed up at the door, not in search of ham and cheese treats from Vicki. Instead, Millie was looking for a bed to crawl under and take refuge from all the explosions. Millie was terrified. Ditto for me and when she hit our deck it was as frightening as

if there was a full-scale military battle right outside the door.

Our beloved retriever Chester was as cool as the other side of the bed when he romped at our hacienda except when the bombs burst in the air. Then he was a veritable basket case. I sure miss being called upon to comfort him.

Neighbors Jeremy and Molly Poisson gave the City of Cumming a run for its money when they entertained the neighborhood with a first-class extravaganza that, I swear, rivaled any professional display I’ve ever seen. Jeremy had a crew of buddies working unceasingly for what was an hour-long fest of a cornucopia of fireworks.

Somewhere, the Poisson’s were responsible for increasing the profitability of an overseas fireworks enterprise.

I find it ridiculously repulsive (maybe that’s a little strong) but aren’t we overdoing it a bit by sending kids back to school in the first week of August? The kids will be settling into their desks on August 3, nary a leaf to be raked or a football game in sight.

Message to those folks running the schools: “It’s summer. It’s hot. And I

haven’t had a chance to complete all my bucket list items.”

You have forced me to take action and compress all those groovy things I want to accomplish before summer is over.

Oh yeah, I don’t go to school. So what do I care? Here’s what I’ll cross off my summer fun tally.

I already saw the new Indiana Jones movie, and that was a disappointment, but it looks like “Oppenheimer,” will be worth foregoing a tank of gas to pay for tickets. It looks outstanding, as does the new “Mission Impossible,” especially since Greg showed me a video of Tom Cruise defying gravity and sanity by doing a stunt on a motorcycle. Count me in.

There are a few more Braves games left, and I’ve decided not to renew that partial season ticket package. The Braves are outstanding and have a fantastic facility in Truist Park. It’s just that I enjoy the games in front of the 85-inch Sony and don’t have to put up with nimrods incessantly talking about real estate deals and other drivel. Besides, StubHub and SeatGeek always have tickets when I want to go.

I got to see “Wicked” at the Fox with oldest son Chris. He’s angling to overtake the Atlanta Broadway Series tickets and I think that’s a pretty good idea.

Daniel Silva, James Lee Burke and Brad Thor have books due to hit my Kindle during July. I’ll be doing my reading and will have simpatico with the poor tikes driving their teachers bonkers before Labor Day.

Finally, there’s a mid-July “Guy’s Trip” to Ironhorse Motorcycle Resort somewhere up yonder in the mountains. Can’t remember my last trip of this ilk, and I can’t wait.

As I roll up the miles on my Trike, I have deepened my appreciation for the magnificence that peeks out at me around every corner.

Who knows, perhaps there just might be tales for a column?

I’ll leave a “Gone Riding” message on my computer. But I promise I’ll write.

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.

MIKE TASOS

Columnist

Two books that highlight strong women

I gravitate toward books about strong women. Who am I kidding? I rarely pick up a novel about a woman who can’t take care of herself.

KATHY MANOS PENN

Columnist

Sure, my favorite female characters suffer setbacks and endure trials and tribulations. For me, their appeal lies in how they handle what life throws at them.

“Lessons in Chemistry”

by Bonnie Garmus

This book is everything you could want in a novel — fast paced, witty,

touching in spots, and laugh aloud funny in others. Its portrayal of how women were seen in the 1950s and 1960s is more than believable, while other elements are intentionally fantastical. A character who makes coffee with a Bunsen burner and refers to salt as sodium chloride isn’t something you encounter every day.

Bonnie Garmus is a debut author who has combined all these elements to come up with a book that entices you to finish it in one sitting. Elizabeth Zott, the main character, is a brilliant scientist in a research facility in the early ’60s. As far as her male colleagues know, she is fit only for making coffee, maybe typing research notes and running errands, but not much more. She is, after all, a

In Memoriam

Michael R. Blissard

Michael R. Blissard, Age 63 of Johns Creek, GA passed away on June 28, 2023. Born in New Rochelle, New York on March 5th, 1960. Michael was raised in Mahopac, New York until 1979, when he joined the US Air Force to serve his country for 16 years. Michael has made his residence in Johns

Creek since 1994. Michael was an avid animal lover and sports fan. Michael volunteered at multiple animal donation events for 25 years. His memory will be cherished by his friends, his brother Richard, sister-in law Julie, and their family of cats..

woman. Why would anyone think she had a brain?

Elizabeth, in fact, has a brain that far surpasses those of her co-workers. Seeing her run circles around them, get knocked down, and get back up time after time is one of the most satisfying elements of the book. What she endures from them in misogynistic insults will make your blood boil. When she falls in love with an equally brilliant scientist who appreciates her for her brain and is equally smitten, you’ll cheer.

I predict that this book is one people will talk about for years to come. And, in case you’re wondering, I didn’t read it in one sitting, but I stayed up way too late for too many nights to finish it.

“The White Lady”

by Jacqueline Winspear

Another tour de force by this author. As a long-time fan of her Maisie Dobbs series, I knew this standalone would be a winner, and it did not disappoint. It’s main character, Elinor, was a pre-teen in Belgium during WWI and is living in post-World War II Britain when the story opens in 1947. The tale moves between the two World Wars and details Elinor’s role in both.

She seeks a quiet life in rural England, or so she tells herself. When she intervenes to protect the child of a neighboring farmworker, the reader wonders. Is she truly prepared to leave behind her life as a trained killer? Can

she escape her past and put her demons to rest?

What follows is a story that shifts between introspection and action as Elinor follows her instincts. A bonus for me was learning about La Dame Blanche, an underground network in German-occupied Belgium. According to Wikipedia, “The network was known for its high proportion of female members; women may have made up as much as 30 percent of its total personnel.”

Much as I did when I read the Maisie Dobbs series that spans pre-World War I through World War II in Britain, I learned a great deal about wartime life in Belgium. If you’re a history buff, this book will fit the bill as not only engaging but also informative.

Now, I’m off to cleanse my palate with a bit of lighter reading. You know what I mean, don’t you? Mysteries with witty dialogue and a bit of humor, despite the murders that are central to the plots.

Note: Are you in a book club? Would you like to have a local author speak to your group? Contact me to arrange a date! inkpenn119@gmail.com

Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her cozy mysteries locally at The Enchanted Forest in Dunwoody and Bookmiser in East Cobb or on Amazon. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www. facebook.com/KathyManosPennAuthor/.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 201 EVENTS

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JULY 21 & 22, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Military veterans are invited to Post 201 to learn more about the Legion. Qualified staff will also be available to help veterans with VA claims, other veteran-related benefit questions, and job search support.

BASEBALL at the POST – Open to the Public Visit www.legion201.org/baseball.html for Game Schedule

Solution on next page

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

SCOTCH & CIGAR NIGHT – Open to the Public Visit www.legion201.org/events.html for Details

To Purchase Tickets Email: americanlegionalpharetta@gmail.com

DANCES & DANCE INSTRUCTION – Open to the Public

Dances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday Evenings

Line Dance Instruction: Monday & Friday Mornings; Wednesday Evening

Free Dance Lessons: Thursday Evening (Donations Accepted for Troops & Veterans Services)

For Complete Details Visit: www.club201dance.com/calendar

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.

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.

Senior Technical Product Owner - John Bean Technologies Corporation (Alpharetta, GA): Part of team respnsbl for dsgn, develpmnt, & implmntn of digtl machn monitr & srvce pltfrm. Req: Bach (or frgn equvt) in Electrcl Engr or rltd fld & 5 yrs exp in each of: deply full-stck SW technqs & procss to faclte develpmnt of usr stries; work w/ MS Azure, Visio, Agile & Scrum; gathr techncl reqrmnts for usr stries relt to OT featrs; & provd guidnc to automte & scale of onbrd of new machns. Remte work allwd up to 40% of time. Able & will to travl domstc & int’l up to 25%. Apply at: https://careers.jbtc.com, Req ID: 11091

Is Your Company Hiring?

Submit your opening at appenmedia.com/hire

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.

Infor (US), LLC has an opening for a Senior Software Engineer in Alpharetta, GA. Develop and test code for a low code framework application; serve as primary engineer for support of the developers within the development environment. 100% Telecommuting. How to apply: How to apply: E-mail resume, referencing IN1002, including job history, to careers@infor.com. EOE.

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.

TECHNOLOGY

HP Inc. is accepting resumes for the position of Software Application Engineer in Alpharetta, GA (Ref. #6990477). Develops audio machine learning technologies for conference room products; Audio machine learning workflows: 1) Model Training and 2) Model Deployment. Telecommuting permitted. Annual Salary: $136,136.13/year to $166,136.13/year. Mail resume to HP Inc., c/o Yesenia Tejada, 3390 E Harmony Road, Fort Collins, CO 80528. Resume must include Ref. #, full name, email address & mailing address. No phone calls. Must be legally authorized to work in U.S. without sponsorship. EOE.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce LLC in Roswell, GA is seek’g a Solutions Architect to lead a team that supprts apps dvlpmnt & deplymnt of tech solt’ns. No trvl; no telecomm. Send resumes to: careers@mccalla.com

Part-time

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

Haulers

Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc.

Many local referencesCall Ralph Rucker

678-898-7237

Tree Services

24 hour emergency service. Licensed, insured. Workers Comp, insurance claims. 25+ years experience. Family business. Free estimates. We Love Challenges!

Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts 770-512-8733 • www.yellowribbontree.com

COMPLETE TREE SERVICES

Appen-Rated 98

Text or Call us for a FREE quote appointment.

Tree removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Free mulch. Fully insured. Emergency 24/7 770-450-8188

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

Concrete/ Asphalt

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

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

Landscaping

Full Service LANDSCAPING Company

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

Ralph Rucker

678-898-7237

Deadline to place a Classified ad is Thursday at 4 pm

Retaining Walls

Brick or Wood

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

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

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

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

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

1-888-489-3936

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

1-833-758-3892

Inflation is at 40 year highs.

Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans.

Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief to find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: 1-877-592-3616

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare!

Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

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 1-844-7740206 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

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

My Caring Plan has helped thousands of families find senior living. Our trusted, local advisors help find solutions to your unique needs at no cost to you. Call 866-511-1799

Home Improvement

DECKS BUILT & REPAIRED-DRYBELOW SYSTEMS INSTALLED – Affordable hardwood flooring-engineered flooring. Heritage Home Maintenance, 678-906-7100

HOMEREPAIRGA@GMAIL.COM, (HERITAGECONSTRUCTIONGA.COM)

Gutters

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

Pinestraw

PINESTRAW, MULCH

Delivery/installation available. Firewood available. Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth

Pinestraw and Mulch.

770-831-3612