Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - July 27, 2023

Alpharetta officials approve North Point townhome project

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta City Council pledged support July 24 for a new townhome project, hoping to encourage mixed-use growth in the primarily commercial North Point area.

The council voted 6-1 to approve a rezoning and variances for the 8.6-acre project. The developer, The Providence Group, seeks to construct 85 for-sale townhomes with a density of 9.9 units per acre on the largely undeveloped tract.

City Councilman Jason Binder voted against the plans.

The land was partially graded and cleared for construction of the Davis Drive extension earlier this year. The townhomes will border the Mansell Road exit ramp off southbound Ga. 400.

Planning and Development Services Manager Michael Woodman said there will be a mandatory minimum 60-foot tree buffer separating the development from the ramp.

The land was previously zoned for a 159-unit senior community that was never built. Earlier in July, Woodman said there are roughly 2,000 dedicated senior living units in the city.

According to 2022 U.S. Census Bureau data, 10.3 percent, or roughly 6,928, of Alpharetta’s 67,267 residents are 65 years and older.

See PROJECT, Page 16

Chattahoochee River re-opens after bacteria levels subside

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — National Park Service officials have reopened all 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, following an E. Coli bacteria outbreak which closed major river sections ahead of the July 4th holiday.

BUSINESS

E. Coli bacteria levels, over 300 times greater than safe recreation levels, were detected in the river in late June and tracked to Fulton County’s Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility which treats wastewater for North Fulton

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See RIVER, Page 7

CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED

A location map highlights an 8.6-acre townhome development site on Davis Drive near Ga. 400. The Alpharetta City Council approved the project at its July 24 meeting.

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Police investigate fight at Alpharetta hotel

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police responded to the Avalon Hotel on Avalon Boulevard July 15 at about 2 a.m. after receiving reports a fight occurred between guests.

At the scene, a caller told police he suffered an unprovoked attack by several men in the Avalon Hotel elevator.

Officers were able to locate the other parties involved in the fight and heard a much different story than the alleged victim.

The report said the caller was acting strangely while the group was trying to get on an elevator and allegedly tried to force his way onto the elevator after acting strangely.

During the altercation, punches were allegedly thrown from both sides, the men said.

No one was charged during the incident. But hotel security requested the caller be removed from the hotel based on his behavior.

Dawsonville suspect charged for exploiting disabled man

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 35-year-old Dawsonville man is charged with theft by receiving stolen property and exploitation of a disabled or elderly person for allegedly coercing a victim into selling his $1,500 iPhone for $65.

The 68-year-old victim had his iPhone stolen while at Currahee Brewing in downtown Alpharetta July 9, after a person tried to buy it

for just $65. When the victim refused to sell the phone, the suspect grabbed the phone and fled on foot, the report said.

The victim, who has a mental disability, and his son, reported the incident to police, saying the suspect was still in contact with the victim, who had been texted, “this is a civil issue and I’ll see you in civil court.”

Officers located the suspect in downtown Alpharetta and found he was still in possession of the phone. After taking him into custody, the man said that he had legally bought the phone and showed officers a video of the alleged transaction.

However, officers noted the video clearly showed the suspect coercing the victim into selling the phone at a low price while under the influence of alcohol.

Police arrested the man and transported him to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

Shoplifting suspect sought for Macy’s employee threat

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police are searching for a shoplifting suspect who threatened an employee of the Macy’s store at North Point Mall July 10.

Alpharetta police reports said the suspect threatened an employee with a wire cutter, while trying to make off with more than $1,000 in clothing.

The incident occurred at about 8 p.m. when employees saw a female suspect placing clothing into a bag. When a loss prevention employee confronted the woman, she allegedly pulled out a weapon and stated, “this is the South, you can’t touch me, I’ll cut you.”

The suspect dropped all her merchandise and fled the store and mall, driving a U-HAUL rental truck. Police have not identified a suspect.

Police locate wanted man hiding under hotel couch

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police arrested a 47-year-old Alpharetta man on Fulton County arrest warrants after finding him under a hotel room sofa, reports said.

Alpharetta police responded to the Courtyard by Marriott on Deerfield Parkway at about 10 p.m. July 9, after hotel managers reported a man needed to be removed from the hotel for trespassing.

Officers arrived at the suspect’s room, and a woman told them he wasn’t there, reports said. The woman agreed to leave the hotel and to tell the man not to return, but when officers conducted an inspection of the room, they found the man hiding under the couch. Police arrested the man, who was wanted for multiple warrants, and transported him to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

Restaurants damaged in separate burglaries

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police reports said burglars struck two businesses during separate incidents in early July.

Police said thieves entered the Peace, Love and Pizza restaurant on Old Milton Parkway overnight on July 3 and the Bagel Boys restaurant on Kimball Bridge Road in the early morning hours July 4.

At both restaurants, the front glass doors were broken with heavy objects, like rocks and wood blocks found at the scene.

Nothing was taken from either restaurant, but at Peace Love and Pizza, video footage showed a suspect breaking into the business and fleeing the scene.

No suspect has been identified for either burglary.

Fulton County Schools announces new hires, appointments

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Fulton County School System announced a set of new hires and appointments to key positions ahead of the 202324 school year, which starts Aug. 7.

Officials announced July 11 after 20 years of service to the school system, Atlanta-native Cliff Jones has been named the Fulton County Schools chief of staff.

“During that time, he has progressively increased his responsibility and impact in the district,” officials said. “Mr. Jones started as a high school history teacher, assistant principal and principal at Milton High before being promoted to the district office.”

Since 2018, Jones has served as the system’s chief academic officer, supervising seven zone superintendents, the Learning and Teaching Department and the Student Support Department. Jones’ tenure leaves a legacy of successful programs and initiatives, officials said.

Such impacts include the Every Child Reads campaign; the

expansion of career, technical and agricultural education; and the reduction of district schools on the federal accountability list.

In addition to Jones’ appointment, Brannon Gaskins has been hired as the system’s chief academic officer.

“Gaskins rejoins the Fulton County School System after working with the University of Virginia's Partnership for Leaders in Education,” officials said. “In Mr. Gaskins’ role with UVA-PLE, he provided executive leadership training to district superintendents and their executive staffs through the university’s Darden School of Business.”

Previously, Gaskins served Fulton County Schools as area executive director and oversaw the Banneker High School cluster of schools.

During that period, the Banneker High School cluster increased its graduation rate by 30 percent in three years; three schools were removed from the state’s chronically failing schools list; and 80 percent of schools achieved improvements on the state's College and Career

FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS NEW HIRES AND APPOINTMENTS

Ready Performance Index.

The school system named several other important administrative appointments July 12.

Shannon Kersey will serve as the assistant superintendent of learning and teaching. Shamona Harrell will become director of college, career and student supports, and KerriAnn Williams will become director of K-5 literacy. Amanda Swerdlow will serve as director of program evaluation.

Officials also announced several school-level appointments ahead of the new year.

Susan Gowin was named the new principal of River Eves Elementary School. Vincent G. Golden will

serve as principal of Banneker High School. Thomas Garrett will serve as principal of Ridgeview Charter Middle School, and Felipe Jackson will become principal of Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary School.

SWERDLOW JONES GASKINS WILLIAMS HARRELL KERSEY

The seven living players of the 1964-65 Bailey Johnson High School basketball team receive championship rings from the Alpharetta City Council July 17 at a meeting. The 12-player team won the Georgia Interscholastic Association Class-B State Championship.

Bailey Johnson basketball team honored with rings, reception

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Nearly 60 years later, eight members of the Bailey Johnson High School basketball team were honored with championship rings and a reception July 17 at Alpharetta City Hall.

The 1964-65 team included 12 players, a team mentor and a coach. Together, the Bailey Johnson team won the Georgia Interscholastic Association Class-B State Championship.

The state Interscholastic Association held championship competitions from 1948 to 1970. A year later, association schools joined the Georgia High School Association, or GHSA.

Opened in 1950 as the Alpharetta Colored School, the Bailey Johnson school served Black students in first through 12th grade until the desegregation of North Fulton County schools in 1967. The school enrolled roughly 100 students from North Fulton to Dunwoody.

It was renamed in 1953 after George Bailey, a blacksmith in Alpharetta who donated the land, and Warren Johnson, an advocate of Black education who was formerly enslaved.

In the championship, the basketball team went on to defeat the Bruce Street School team 85-49. The Bruce Street School was another historic Black school in DeKalb County.

At a meeting before the reception, the Alpharetta City Council presented

rings to surviving players James Emerson, Leroy Grogan, Larry Strickland, Jimmy Taylor, Almond Martin, Melvin Peters and David Taylor, as well as team mentor Eugene Snow.

Councilmembers and Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Director Morgan Rodgers also recognized deceased teammates Arthur and Aubrey Manning, Claude McCann, Willie Brown, Larry Wells and Coach Jerry D. Hobbs.

To celebrate the team, the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society hosted a reception in the community room at City Hall after the City Council meeting. Hundreds of guests who attended the ring presentation gathered there to enjoy refreshments and artifacts from the Bailey Johnson school that were on display.

PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Pat Miller, center, of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society, provides a brief history of the Bailey Johnson School at a July 17 Alpharetta City Council meeting. The school enrolled Black students in North Fulton County from 1950 to 1967.

BAILEY JOHNSON RING RECEPTION

PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL

Boy Scout seeks support for Shakerag Park project

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Jackson

Burbrink, a 16-year-old Forsyth County resident, is pursuing his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout with an educational project in Johns Creek. Now, he is looking for community support.

Burbrink, an incoming junior at the Alliance Academy for Innovation, has been active in the Boy Scouts of America since the first grade and joined Troop 143 in the fifth grade. He conceived the talking tree trail at Shakerag Park as his Eagle Scout project, the final step to obtain the organization’s highest rank.

Originally, he said he wanted to complete the project in Forsyth County, but due to the anticipated maintenance required, he relocated his proposal to Shakerag Park.

Burbrink intends to install four vandal-resistant and weatherproof speakers by Digital Audio Technologies, a product that has been used by the National Park Service. Guests would use a hand crank to activate the speaker, which would relay facts about the tree recorded by fellow scouts.

Each speaker post would carry between five and eight messages.

Burbrink’s inspiration for the project came from a family trip to North Carolina, where he and his family enjoyed a similar talking tree trail at Holmes Educational State Forest.

While he hopes the informational posts

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will be of interest to all ages, Burbrink said he chose Shakerag Park as an ideal location for its proximity to River Trail Middle School.

“My project would give [students] the opportunity to have a unique hands-on learning experience in the woodlands near their school,” he said.

While other Eagle Scout projects in his troop typically cost no more than $1,400, Burbrink said the talking tree trail is ambitious, with a fundraising goal of $12,000. He said the project cost is higher than average because he wants to use quality and durable equipment to mitigate maintenance requirements from the city.

Burbrink is determined to execute his vision. So far, he has collected around $5,600, but he has hopes to reach the $6,000 mark by August.

Burbrink wants to give back to the community with his entertaining and educational project, but he said he needs the support of local businesses.

While Burbrink said he appreciates all donations, he implemented three sponsorship tiers with rewards.

Those who contribute between $250 and $499 will be named on the trail welcome sign. Those donating between $500 and $1,499 will be named on the sign and have their business name and logo displayed on one of the speaker posts. The highest contributor of more than $1,500 will be named the trail’s title sponsor, recognized as the presenter on the welcome sign.

Those interested in donating can contact Burbrink at jacksonb.t143@ gmail.com. To donate, businesses can make checks payable to BSA Troop 143 for Jackson Eagle and mail to:

5174 McGinnis Ferry Road Suite 125 Alpharetta, GA 30005

For project updates on Instagram follow @shakerag_talking_trees.

Four stars show the proposed locations of interactive speaker posts at Shakerag Park in Johns Creek. Forsyth County student Jackson Burbrink hopes to install the speakers as his Eagle Scout talking tree trail project.

PHOTOS BY JACKSON BURBRINK/PROVIDED Jackson Burbrink, a 16-year-old Forsyth County student, is seeking donations for his Eagle Scout project, a talking tree trail at Shakerag Park in Johns Creek, where visitors can learn more about trees.

Additional acts announced for Wire and Wood festival

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Wire and Wood organizers have named over 30 performers for the 10th annual songwriters festival in downtown Alpharetta Oct. 13-14.

On the festival’s first day, Soul Hound will perform at 5 p.m. on the Brooke Street Park stage, followed by Brother Mojo at 6:30 p.m. and Funk You at 8:15 p.m. That night on the Canton stage, Eliot Bronson, Matthew Kahler and Connelly Crowe will perform as the Atlanta Songwriters Round at 6 p.m., followed by Mike Kinnebrew at 8:30 p.m.

Sophie Gault is set to perform at 5:45 p.m., Mildly Aggressive Folk at 7:30 p.m. and Bee Taylor at 9:15 p.m. on the Formal Garden stage Oct. 13. Ben Bostick will take the Market Street stage at 5 p.m., followed by Sasha Hurtado at 6:30 p.m. and Eliot Bronson at 8:15 p.m.

Final acts for the opening night include Hughes Taylor at 5:45 p.m., Rissi Palmer at 7:15 p.m. and the Lauren Morrow Band at 9 p.m. on the Town Green stage. The night concludes with performances on the Main on Milton stage beginning at 5 p.m. with Pasadena, Gibson Wilbanks at 7:15 p.m. and ending 9:30 p.m. with headliner Marc Broussard.

Music continues 5 p.m. Oct. 14 with The Future Babes, followed by The Honkey Collective at 6:30 p.m.

River:

Continued from Page 1

communities.

Bacteria levels have since returned to normal levels, officials said.

“The bacterial levels are now below the criteria recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, though conditions remain subject to change,” Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Superintendent Ann Honious said.

During an investigation at the water treatment facility, Fulton County officials found no physical leak in their system but said the sewage spill was caused by an issue in the biological processes used to treat wastewater.

Other representatives with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said some of the 12 sand filters at the Big Creek facility, responsible for filtering nutrients and fine particles from water have

and The Madame Vega 8:15 p.m. on the Brooke Street Park stage. Saturday performers on the Canton stage include Dusty Roads at 5:45 p.m. and Michael Logen, Emily Earles and Jeff Cohen as The Nashville Round at 8:30 p.m.

On Saturday, the Formal Garden stage will feature Bri Love at 5:45 p.m., Rosey at 7:30 p.m. and Sans Abri at 9:15 p.m. Market Street stage performers are listed as Liz Kate at 4:45 p.m., Nicolas Edward Williams at 6:30 p.m. and Abe Partridge at 8:15 p.m.

Performances on the Town Green stage commence 5:30 p.m. with The Murphs, 7:15 p.m. with Cicada Rhythm and 9 p.m. with John Paul White. Wire and Wood’s second night will conclude 5 p.m. with Walden on the Main Stage on Milton, followed by The New Respects at 7:15 p.m. and headliner Susto at 9:30 p.m.

The festival will be preceded by a kick-off on the plaza at Avalon Oct. 12. During the event, Music Match will highlight local musicians at participating businesses downtown in partnership with Wire and Wood.

Admission is free, and the festival will take place rain or shine. Updates and lineup information can be found at wireandwoodalpharetta.com.

— Shelby Israel

failed, causing bacteria and other impurities enter the river. Officials initially closed the river from the Chattahoochee Nature Center to Johnson Ferry and Whitewater Creek. The closure later expanded to include all river sections downstream from the nature center. Since the outbreak was detected, Atlanta nonprofit Chattahoochee Riverkeeper conducted daily water quality sampling and U.S. Public Health Service officials approved reopening of all river sections State and local officials will continue to monitor water quality at Medlock Bridge, Powers Island and Paces Mill through the BacteriALERT partnership.

More Info

For more information about Chattahoochee River conditions, visit www.nps.gov/CHAT.

Power Rangers, Buffy stuntwoman launches eclectic Roswell brasserie

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — It isn’t often that your local barista is called on to fight vampires or fend off Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa with a few well-placed punches and flying kicks.

But at least with Sophia Crawford, owner of the Ground and Pound Coffee in west Roswell, you know it could happen if needed.

Crawford, a longtime Hollywood stuntwoman known for work on the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and many other action-packed roles, opened Ground and Pound on Holcomb Bridge Road in 2019, with a vision of the coffee shop becoming an artistic hub for the community.

Despite a few well-known hiccups caused during the COVID-19 pandemic, the coffee shop, casual eatery and bar has become an eclectic and well-loved staple for local popculture nerds, with regular themed trivia nights, costume contests, open mic nights and more.

“Our mission has always been focused on the community and creating events that engage the community and bring the community together,” Crawford said, during an interview with Appen Media July 18. “I get a lot from that satisfaction from that.”

As straightforward as that mission is today, Crawford, who was born and raised in London, explained that she could not have taken a more winding route to get there.

She got the bug

As a young teen in London, Crawford actually started out working in coffee shops and brasseries, traditional places that served coffee, along with “beautiful wine and French food.”

And as an adventurous people person, Crawford ate it all up.

“I just liked the whole energy of the coffee shop and especially in England, this was in the ’80s. This was before Starbucks and everything, so the coffee was very traditional coffee,” she said. “But the energy was very much a gathering place.”

But at 19, when she was given the opportunity to become a coffee shop manager, Crawford said she felt pulled in multiple directions, with her home, interests and security on one hand, and a sense of adventure and opportunity on the other.

“I thought to myself, I could do this. This is definitely a lovely opportunity. But it’s not what I want to do,” she said. “And I just felt the urge desperately to sort of just leave and travel the world.”

So instead of settling down, she and her sister got on a bus and began a six-month trip to India, Turkey, war-torn Iran and beyond.

“It was probably one of the most inspiring, most incredible journeys of my life and changed everything for me. I was just like, ‘I can’t go home now … I got the bug,’” she said.

After traveling through 12

PHOTOS BY ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA Ground and Pound Coffee, at 8420 Holcomb Bridge Road in west Roswell, opened in 2019 with the intent of becoming an artistic hub for the community. It has since grown a following of loyal customers.

Former Hollywood stuntwoman Sophia Crawford, owner of Ground and Pound Coffee in Roswell, mixes up an iced marsala chai during a hot day July 18. See COFFEE, Page 9

Our mission has always been focused on the community and creating events that engage the community and bring the community together.

SOPHIA CRAWFORD, owner, Ground & Pound Coffee

Coffee:

Continued from Page 8

countries, Crawford made her way to Bangkok, Thailand and started teaching English to help pay bills.

It was in Thailand where she was first introduced the world of film production, after a modeling gig got her noticed by Central Casting and she began booking roles as an extra for American and Hong Kong films shooting in Bangkok.

Hong Kong

With that taste of movie magic igniting a spark in her, Crawford quickly relocated to Hong Kong where she could live and work as an Englishexpat, and where many of the world’s best action movies were being filmed.

“I just hopped on the plane and went to Hong Kong,” she said. I didn’t know anybody and started tearing pages out of the Yellow Pages, trying to find the film studios.”

As a petite woman, with strong Western features, Crawford said she was welcomed with open arms by the studios in Hong Kong and almost immediately started booking actual movie roles as the “Western villain” and opponent to the film’s female heroines.

But she quickly learned that to be an actor in Hong Kong during the 1980s, she would first need to learn how to fight.

“I had no training. I was not a martial artist,” she said. “I was a young upstart wanting to travel the world and essentially a backpacker looking for a dream.”

By mingling with the stunt crews and coordinators, hanging out where they hung out and living where they lived, Crawford dedicated herself to learning martial arts and breaking into the Hong Kong stunt scene.

“I lived there for five years. And, you know, I was absolutely determined to be the best fighter,” she said.

She has since been credited as one of the first Western women to be accepted into an Asian stunt crew.

After doing 30 films in Asia, Crawford left Hong Kong for Los Angeles in 1993, bringing a honed martial arts skillset and a tight resume of work abroad with her, which launched her success in the U.S.

Ground and Pound

In Los Angeles, she was offered the role of stunt double for Amy Jo Johnson, who played the Pink Ranger in the hit 1994 “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” series and later served as Sarah Michelle Gellar’s stunt

double for the first four seasons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

Her career in Hollywood also features stunt work for Madonna, Fergie, and many other well-known names, and she eventually married stunt coordinator and Georgia native Jeff Pruitt, who she met while working on the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

But like any good thing, Crawford’s days of jump kicks and action sequences had to come to an end at some point.

“At a certain point, you understand that you don’t have the legs that you think you’ve got,” she said.

In 2018, when her family relocated to Georgia and Crawford returned to a love from her teenage years, opening a small coffee shop in Roswell, very much like the ones she worked at in London.

Since then, Crawford and her staff of actors and other artists have tried to instill that community feeling she fell in love with, into every event they host and drink they serve.

It’s definitely not fast food and they will never have a drive through window, but Crawford said that customers feel the energy Ground and Pound gives off and love it.

“I love to get to know my customers and see their kids grow up and hear about their lives,” she said. “We want people to come inside. We encourage them to come inside and engage with each other.”

Ground and Pound Coffee is located at 8420 Holcomb Bridge Road and offers regular weekly events like trivia, open mike nights, musical acts, artist roundtables, costume contests and more.

For more information about their food, drinks and events, visit www. groundandpoundcoffee.com.

SOPHIA CRAWFORD/PROVIDED Former Hollywood stuntwoman Sophia Crawford, who owns and operates Ground and Pound Coffee in west Roswell, completes a jump kick during her time as a martial artist.

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/radiationrisk-from-medical-imaging 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.

Dental coverage in Medicare Advantage getting stronger!

Brought to you by – Jay Looft, Senior Source Medicare

If it’s been a while since you’ve looked at the dental coverage inside a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s time to look again! Many of the Medicare Advantage insurance companies have made massive improvements to their dental coverage. They’ve listened to what people want!

The better Medicare Advantage dental coverages have turned to Allowances, meaning they will give you a “bucket of money” to use for the calendar year. Here’s a few great points about the Medicare Advantage Dental Allowances:

Flexible dentist choice

Use a dentist in OR out of their network. If you’ve had the same dentist for 20 years, and want to stay with them, in most cases you will not have to change dentists with a Dental Allowance structure. If the dentist does not provide the courtesy of “filing” for you, then you will need to pay for the dental services upfront and file for reimbursement. A typical turnaround time for reimbursement is 3-4 weeks from the time you submit for reimbursement.

Can be used for most dental services:

Traditional Dental Insurance will many times limit, or even restrict, costly dental services like root canals, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Allowances, on the other hand, can usually be used on these services. Allowances do have a few restrictions, including cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening, on most plans.

The Dental Benefit is just one of many benefits you want to look at when selecting the right Medicare Advantage plan for you; but if you choose one that offers a Dental Allowance, you are on your way to having a more pleasant experience.

We are approaching the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, when you can make new choices with your Medicare insurance options. This period will be from October 15th, 2023 - December 7th, 2023 for January 1st, 2024 effective dates. If you would like help analyzing your plan options this fall, it is not too early to set up an appointment with us. Call us today to schedule your Fall AEP Appointment. We can be reached by calling (770) 913-6464 or by messaging us on our website at www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com/contact-seniorsource

Connection Café: What’s that?

Brought to you by – Connection Café at the Roswell Senior Center

Caring for a loved one with dementia can trigger significant relationship changes. The new caregiver morphs from a loving family member into a role that is task and service oriented. It’s easy for a caregiver to become burned out, leaving little energy to engage in fun and meaningful time together. This is where Connection Café comes in!

Connection Café is a no-cost social gathering which allows people experiencing memory loss and their loved one to connect with each other through activities and build a new support network. Care partners can witness trained staff and volunteers model effective ways to communicate and interact with their family members, and they learn new activities and techniques that can be used at home. The group meets twice a month at the Roswell Senior Center and provides a break in the day-to-day and an opportunity to meet other families who are walking the same path.

If you are caring for a loved

one with dementia and would like more information on attending an upcoming Connection Café, contact Alyss Amster at 678-332-1711 or alyss@dementiaspotlightfoundation. org

Connection Café at the Roswell Senior Center

1250 Warsaw Road – Roswell, GA

1st and 3rd Friday of the month 1:30PM – 3:30PM

RSVP is required to attend.

PEXELS

Forsyth County agencies gather for annual active shooter drill

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County public safety agencies gathered at Horizon Christian Academy July 18 for an annual active shooter drill.

Sheriff’s Office Capt. Rob

Heagerty said the operation is a joint effort between the Fire Department, the Sheriff’s Office and Central EMS, the county’s ambulance contractor.

Heagerty said the drill is designed to ensure clear communication between the departments, which may use differing language. He said when deputies say a room is clear, it means there is no threat, but to a firefighter, “clear” means there are no victims.

“That way, when we’re talking in unified command — Sheriff’s Office, Fire and EMS … everybody understands each other’s language,” Heagerty said. “When it happens, we run efficient and effective because we work out the kinks here in training.”

He said the agencies first practiced joint drills for large scenarios in 2014. While active

shooter training is annual, the departments practice a large-scale scenario every other year. School resource officers have separate training and protocols for threats.

The training units are dispatched at staggered intervals to simulate

arriving on the scene from different points around the county. Leaders will also introduce challenges, such as chained doors, for the participants to overcome.

Deputies use a combination of blanks and simulated ammunition

during the drills. Heagerty said there are also weighted mannequins strategically placed throughout the scenario.

The drills, from neutralizing the threat to rescuing the mannequins, take about 30 minutes.

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Members of the Forsyth County Fire Department gear up for an active shooter drill July 18 at Horizon Christian Academy in Cumming. The agency teamed with members from the Sheriff’s Office and Central EMS for the annual training session.

Boardmember resigns after endorsing candidate

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Charlie Roberts, former chair of Milton’s Design Review Board, resigned the post after endorsing a city council candidate from the dais at a July 11 meeting.

“I will bring politics into the room before we adjourn,” Roberts said, “and say that our good friend Doug is running for City Council … It’s been great working with you for a year and a half, so I’m endorsing you.”

Doug Hene, Design Review Board (DRB) member, announced his intent to run for the District 2, Post 2 seat in June.

Roberts looped DRB member Reid Casey into his comments, who affirmed his own endorsement of Hene.

Roberts then invited the public to attend a “party” to “clap, and jump up and down for Doug.”

In a July 12 letter to Roberts, Milton City Manager Steve Krokoff deemed Roberts’ actions “improper” under the Milton Ethics Code and cited Sec. 2-855, “Political recrimination and activity.” The code states “no city official ... shall make use of government time or equipment to

aid a political candidate…”

“For the Chair of a Milton-appointed board, like the DRB, to publicly endorse a candidate for Council in the course of a meeting carries with it the specter that the Milton government, or at minimum an influential Board in the service of the City of Milton, is formally endorsing a candidate for public office,” Krokoff said.

Krokoff also said he would work with the city attorney on DRB training to

“ensure all are familiar with the rules.”

Milton City Attorney Ken Jarrard said the instruction would cover limitations on the use of city resources for political purposes.

Jarrard’s office provides some training to city committees over relative subject matter, which may involve some aspect of ethics. But Jarrard said a training session exclusively focused on ethics and transparency will be new.

Krokoff told Appen Media that neither Hene or received a letter from the city in reference to the July 11 DRB meeting. Hene said he does not plan to step down from the Board during his campaign.

In his letter to Roberts, Krokoff said the unethical conduct “must cease,” but did not request his resignation.

Roberts responded with his resignation that same day, apologizing for his “inadvertent and unintentional oversight.”

“I firmly believe that any City Official or Employee that serves the public should be held to a higher standard and that any person who violates the Ethics Rules, inadvertent or not, should resign their position immediately, because they have broken the public’s trust,” Roberts said.

Appointed by Councilwoman Andrea Verhoff, Robert served as DRB chair for the past two years. The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving design aesthetics of site and building developments.

“I resign with the comfort of knowing that I leave the City in a better place than I found it and that I made a difference with my service.”

State court closes book on councilman’s ethics saga

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton official’s months-long court battle has finally come to a close, after the Georgia Court of Appeals denied an appeal to reverse his ethics charges July 13.

Last August, Milton City Councilman Paul Moore was found guilty of three ethics violations after he voted to defer an item related to traffic calming devices installed by his own homeowners association in the White Columns neighborhood.

Moore’s petition to the Fulton County Superior Court stated the three-member Milton Ethics Panel ruled in error. The panel and the Milton City Council were named in the case.

He also sought reimbursement from Tony Palazzo, the defendant in the appeal, for attorney fees spent during the panel investigation. Palazzo, the White Columns Community Association president, filed the ethics complaint.

While Palazzo has spent $30,000 throughout the litigation process, Moore says he has spent $100,000. That figure could increase with Palazzo’s recent appeal to seek reimbursement from Moore for fees incurred throughout the litigation, which began in November.

Doug Chalmers, Moore’s attorney, filed an opposition to Palazzo’s appeal July 14.

“The ethics charges that were against me were because I supposedly made a decision about an instance that would affect the value of my home,” Moore said in an interview with Appen Media July 20. “Everything we decide, as an elected official, has an impact on the value of all the homes in our community. We're serving the best interests of the community, right?”

In May, the Fulton County Superior

Court denied Moore’s appeal based on what he calls a “technicality.”

The court ruled Moore did not file legal action within the state’s required time period, based on their finding that the Milton City Council’s final determination was not a “quasi-judicial” process.

The Georgia Court of Appeals was the next step for Moore, and he’s come to see it as his last. Moore could bring it before the Supreme Court of Georgia, but he said it wouldn’t be viable.

“I have no path to get to the merits

of the case,” Moore said. “And it's really sad … Now, because it's not been litigated, every elected official should be nervous about frivolous lawsuits against them on ethics violations.”

At the May 2, 2022, meeting, where Moore’s vote was cast, Appen Media reported there were a dozen White Columns residents advocating against the installation of the traffic calming devices.

“[The] best thing we could do was hear all the facts that they wanted us to consider, which we did,” Moore said. “And then determining the fact that that night, we didn't have enough facts to make a good decision — we asked for more. It's just ridiculous that it turned into an ethics violation.”

Moore said he’s been a civil servant to Milton for the past 25 years, since before it was incorporated and that he’s never been “hamstrung” in his ability to represent the community until this case.

“I will take this as a lesson,” Moore said. “This is going to be a growth opportunity for me to make sure that I'm careful. But the last thing I will ever do is stand down representing the voice of the community. If you're trying to stifle me with an ethics charge, it’s not going to work because the voice of the community is too important.”

FILE PHOTO Charlie Roberts speaks at a Milton City Council meeting in June. Roberts has resigned from the Milton Design Review Board after endorsing a candidate from the dais at a July 11 meeting.

FILE PHOTO

Milton City Councilman Paul Moore speaks with attorneys from the law firm Patterson Moore Butler at an initial ethics panel meeting in June 2022.

See solution Page 31

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR Ray Appen column was a joy to read Mr. Appen!

I’ve enjoyed Appen Media, especially your columns, over the years, but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your recent column, "A day in the life outside the shell we call home." This piece was a perfect example of your exceptional writing. I found it beautifully warm and engaging, and highly relatable. You really do have a way with words and I’m a huge fan!

And keep up the good work you’re doing with your in-depth coverage of Roswell’s mayor and City Council. Your paper is doing a fine job staying on top of things, and the writing has

been fair, accurate, and timely. Thank you for that.

I appreciate all that you and your team are doing to serve our community. We need your voice!

Joanne Simmons Roswell

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Send letters, story tips and feedback to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

Alpharetta

Project:

Continued from Page 1

But, Woodman said ultimately, townhomes would place less strain on the Public Safety Department than a senior living facility.

The McGinnis family cemetery, a small plot with graves dating back to the 19th century, is located on the northeast corner of the lot. Project developer Warren Jolly said July 13 the future homeowners association would be responsible for the upkeep of the graves.

To ensure proper care for the historic graves, councilmembers amended a condition that obliges developers to work with the Alpharetta Historical Society to determine improvements for the cemetery.

Required improvements will include new fencing, signage and landscaping, with headstone repairs also possible.

Councilmembers were mostly optimistic the development would be a great addition to the North Point area, which Mayor Pro Tem Dan Merkel said has become predominantly commercial and industrial despite the city’s wish for mixed-use development.

However, Councilman John Hipes said he was concerned the residential project would encourage the Georgia Department of Transportation to build a noise barrier on the exit ramp.

City Public Works Director Pete Sewczwicz said he thinks GDOT intends to construct the barriers along the entirety of the Ga. 400 corridor, but the plans are subject to change.

Hipes and Mayor Jim Gilvin were also disappointed with the cost of the townhomes. Developers said the smaller 1,700-square-foot floor plan will likely start between $550,000 and $580,000, while the larger 2,200-square-foot homes will be priced around $650,000.

“I don’t know that that really addresses a need that we’ve got in Alpharetta,” Gilvin said. “I hope we’ll start exploring opportunities to use more efficient construction techniques in certain locations because $550,000 is not a starter home for most people in North Fulton.”

Also at the meeting, the City Council recognized July as Muslim American Heritage Month. Gilvin presented the proclamation to Voices of Muslims, an Atlanta-based grassroots nonprofit aimed at encouraging democratic participation to promote equality and end Islamophobic narratives.

Lewis, FNP-C

Dr.

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Mayor Jim Gilvin presents a proclamation recognizing July as Muslim American Heritage Month to Voices of Muslims at the July 24 City Council meeting. The grassroots nonprofit encourages equality and seeks to end Islamophobic narrative through democratic participation.

Johns Creek pulls out the stops for Cauley Creek Park opening

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — After years of planning and construction, Johns Creek hosted a party for Cauley Creek Park’s grand opening July 22.

Largely funded by the city’s 2016 parks bond, Cauley Creek Park has doubled the city’s park space with its 203 acres. A soft opening was held in June, an early welcome to residents to use some of the park’s amenities.

Located on Bell Road in the eastern half of the city, Cauley Creek Park features lighted sports courts, lighted grass and synthetic fields, a pedestrian bridge and river overlooks. It also has a rubberized 5K trail, which the city says is the first in the state of Georgia and one of the first in the country.

The park is adjacent to the Rogers Bridge connection over the Chattahoochee River to Duluth. The pathway’s ribbon-cutting, in partnership with the City of Duluth, was held July 10.

At the Saturday event, around 4,000 visitors had their fun with carnival rides and games, train tours, food trucks, live music and one very tall cowboy on stilts. It was the last day in “Cauley Creek Week,” a days-long celebration that brought visitors to the park for court and field demonstrations.

To take on the big addition, the city recently created a stand-alone Recreation and Parks Department. The department’s new director and former Johns Creek city engineer Erica

Madsen welcomed the crowd under a shelter, which blocked out the hot sun, and introduced the mayor.

“This is a, I think, a watershed moment,” Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry said. “I was talking to someone earlier — they said they will always remember this day because it’s such a big milestone for our community.”

Standing next to the athletic fields, he asked everyone to take a 360-degree view.

“Just know you’re only looking at half of it,” Bradberry said. “... The thing that is so remarkable about this is that this is a generational investment.”

Several notable guests were listening in, including current and former Johns Creek councilmembers, former Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker, former Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann, State Sen. Josh McLaurin, U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath and others.

McBath, who represents Georgia’s 7th Congressional District, stepped to the podium to voice her excitement for the city. Her district includes Johns Creek and most of Gwinnett County to the east.

“Our district is amazing,” McBath said. “It is one of the most diverse districts in the state of Georgia, one of the most diverse districts in this nation. There’s a lot of good, wonderful things that are happening here … Together, let’s celebrate the newest reason why our community is one of the best places in Georgia to live, to work and to play, and definitely, to raise a family.”

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry cuts the ribbon to Cauley Creek Park at its grand opening July 22.

Families enjoy a carnival ride at the grand opening of Cauley Creek Park July 22. Around 4,000 visitors also enjoyed carnival games, train tours, food trucks and live music.

Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry welcomes visitors to Cauley Creek Park at its grand opening July 22. Several notable guests were listening in, including current and former Johns Creek councilmembers, former Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker, former Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann, State Sen. Josh McLaurin, U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath and others.

Big Creek Greenway Wayfinding Project Highlights Partnership Between the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau and the City of Alpharetta

ALPHARETTA, GA – (July 19, 2023) – The Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) is thrilled to announce the completion of an exciting Big Creek Greenway Wayfinding Project, spearheaded by the City of Alpharetta. The ACVB not only serves as the Official Destination Marketing Organization for the City of Alpharetta, but throughout the year partners with the City of Alpharetta on impactful community projects that benefit locals and visitors alike. In 2023, the ACVB has worked alongside the City of Alpharetta’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services to create wayfinding signs throughout Big Creek Greenway, guiding guests to their desired destinations on and off the trail, making an already popular Alpharetta attraction even more exceptional.

The Big Creek Greenway wayfinding signs project was put into motion to enhance the experience of traveling through Alpharetta via the Greenway. The signs are more than directional markers—they each contain a QR code that leads the user to an interactive map on the www.awesomealpharetta. com website. Detecting the location of the scan, the map will highlight exactly where the individual is on the Greenway, giving users a more interactive way to locate nearby public facilities, visualize how many stops until their destination and where they can hop off the greenway to find Alpharetta’s shopping and dining districts

“The City of Alpharetta and Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau are committed to providing an exceptional visitor experience, which led us to invest in this state-of-the-art wayfinding signage system,” said Jim Gilvin, Mayor of Alpharetta. "Strategically placed at key locations throughout the Greenway, the signs focus on simplicity, readability, and visual clarity. We understand that navigating such a large trail can be fun yet challenging, and we want to ensure that every individual, whether they are firsttime guests or frequent visitors, can easily find their way around Alpharetta’s most popular trail."

Alpharetta’s connectivity is a beloved attribute of our city for locals and visitors, making it easy

to explore each district within the city by way of walking, biking or driving. The ACVB markets and promotes the exceptionally walkable and bikefriendly community the City of Alpharetta has curated through creative promotions such as the “Be A Two Wheel Tourist” campaign. These campaigns have received a tremendous response from the community and visitors, encouraging the ACVB and the city to focus on even greater accessibility, with the hope of inspiring more individuals to take the scenic route when visiting Alpharetta.

“Alpharetta never misses an opportunity to go the extra mile when it comes to constructing a fabulous community that people want to experience,” says Janet Rodgers, President & CEO of the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Working together in partnership with the City of Alpharetta shows our continued passion for connecting people to visit and experience our AWESOME city anytime. We have something for everyone in Alpharetta.”

Lace up your favorite sneakers and prepare to explore the Big Creek Greenway with ease. Walk, jog, skate or bike through all 9-miles of Alpharetta’s portion of the Greenway. Visitors and locals who would like to ride in style can head to Pedego Alpharetta to rent an e-bike and experience all the shopping, dining and entertainment Alpharetta has to offer along the way. Curate a perfect day of exploration by visiting www.awesomealpharetta.com.

ALPHARETTA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

The Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau serves as the Official Destination Marketing Organization for the city of Alpharetta, Georgia. Book a hotel stay at one of the Alpharetta’s 30 modern and upscale hotels directly at www. awesomealpharetta.com. Alpharetta was recently named in the top 10 of “The South’s Best Cities 2023” by Southern Living Magazine and “One of the Best Places to Visit in Georgia” by Vacationidea.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

ALPHARETTA MAYOR JIM GILVIN PICTURED WITH JANET RODGERS, PRESIDENT & CEO OF ACVB

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

ALPHARETTA FOOD TRUCK ALLEY

What: Scheduled every fourth Thursday through October, this event brings a variety of mobile cuisine options to downtown Alpharetta. It features live music and community partners, with limited seating available on the street. It is recommended that attendees bring a blanket or chair and leave pets at home for these events.

When: Thursday, July 27, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Old Roswell Street, 37 Old Roswell, Alpharetta

More info: facebook.com/ foodtruckalley

CITY GREEN LIVE: A1A

What: In 1992, A1A won a Jimmy Buffett sound-alike contest for Margaritaville Records and became an integral part of the Parrothead community with its colorful, familyfriendly show. They have a great relationship with the official band and draw record crowds to their performances. The opening act is Run Katie Run.

When: Friday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.

Where: City Green, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

Cost: Lawn seating is free

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

SANDY SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

What: Open every Saturday until Nov. 18, the market features fresh produce and artisan foods.

When: Saturday, July 29, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

More info: citysprings.com

LIVELOUD CONCERT ON THE GREEN: VELVET CITY SOUND

What: Crabapple Market presents the LiveLOUD concert series honoring the life of Brad Zettler, the beloved Milton Touchdown Club president, community leader, coach and business owner. This free event will feature a local band, Velvet City Sound, and it will be a whiteout and glow party. So, wear white, and get ready to dance and sing the night away. Food and beverages will be

SANDY SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

What: Open every Saturday until Nov. 18, the market features fresh produce and artisan foods.

When: Saturday, July 29, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

More info: citysprings.com

available for purchase. No outside alcohol allowed. Bring your own chair.

When: Saturday, July 29, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: The Green at Crabapple Market, 12650 Crabapple Road, Milton More info: crabapplemarketga.com

B98.5’S

B AT THE MOVIES

What: Bring the family, your blanket or beach chair, and relax under the stars as “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” features on the giant screen. Mayfield Ice Cream will provide free ice cream for attendees, available while supplies last.

When: Saturday, July 29, 7 p.m.

Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody More info: dunwoodyga.gov

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: FLANNEL NATION

What: Flannel Nation is set to perform during Johns Creek’s free summer concert series. Food trucks will be onsite. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Concerts are rain or shine. Gates open at 6 p.m. to allow for setup, and music begins at 7 p.m. Dogs are not allowed, except for service animals.

When: Saturday, Aug. 5, 6 p.m.

Where: Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT!

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

at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek

More info: johnscreekga.gov

ROSWELL HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S TRIVIA NIGHT

What: Come out and share your knowledge of Roswell’s rich history from its founding in 1854 to the present day. Teams are encouraged, with a max team size of four members.

When: Aug. 10, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: The Vick, 1182 Canton Street, Roswell

Cost: $25 ticket includes one drink More info: roswellhistoricalsociety.org/ events/trivia-night

ROSWELL YOUTH THEATRE AUDITIONS FOR ‘ELF THE MUSICAL JR.’

What: Roswell Youth Theatre invites student performers to audition for “Elf the Musical Jr.,” open to middle and high school ages. Participants only need to attend one night but must stay the entire time.

When: Aug. 14 and 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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

Cost: $25

More info: roswellgov.com

‘IN LIGHT’ WITH IN KYOUNG CHUN & STEVEN L. ANDERSON

What: On view until Sept. 2, “In Light” brings works by In Kyoung Chun and Steven L. Anderson to Spruill Gallery. The paintings by Chun and Anderson present the color and beauty of the natural world interpreted by contemporary artists.

When: Tuesday through Friday, until Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Spruill Gallery, 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody More info: spruillarts.org/gallery

MARIUPOL: THE CITY THAT DOESN’T EXIST

What: This exhibit is a collection of original photographs by Ukrainian artist Anna Rumiantseva, who has recorded what Mariupol used to be before the war in her home county. The exhibit can be viewed at the Alpharetta City Hall Community Room Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

When: Until Sept. 11

Where: Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta

More info: alpharetta.ga.us

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PRESERVING THE PAST

A road by any other name is still called Francis

It is well known that many roads in North Fulton are named after pioneer families that settled on them, often in the 19th century or earlier. Descendants of the settlers sometimes still live on or near the roads. Such is the case of Francis Road in Milton which has a normal history of hardworking rural family life but also had its share of drama and celebrity.

In the mid-1980s Fulton County proposed construction of a 476-acre solid waste facility bound by Francis Road, Highway 9 and the Forsyth County Line. Local residents were strongly opposed which led to several years of hearings and bitter disputes. In 1990 after five years of fighting, the County Commission voted to sell the property. The result was the construction of the Crooked Creek development of 640 homes and golf course.

Francis Road is also the home of Canine Assistants, a wonderful non-profit organization that trains and places service dogs with people who have serious mobility problems. Founded in 1991, the organization has placed more than 1500 service dogs.

Francis Road was the home of Aubrey Morris (1922-2010) a beloved journalist with the Atlanta JournalConstitution from 1945 through 1957 followed by a 30 year career with WSB radio.

Francis Road is not particularly long, only about two miles from Highway 9 to the roundabout on Hopewell Road. It is not known with certainty when the first Francis settled on what was probably a dirt pathway or wagon trail. Only one of the early homes is still standing. It was built prior to 1885 at the corner of Francis and Thompson roads by John Francis (1865-1939)-for a dentist named John Doss. According to Charles Francis who grew up in the house, Doss cut a hole in the floor next to the dentist chair so patients could expectorate conveniently during a procedure.

Charles’ grandfather C.A. (Charlie) Francis (1887-1964) purchased the house from the dentist in 1926 when he married Minnie L. Francis (18771932). C.A. and his two brothers owned most of Francis Road at one point, together with 40 acres on the east side of Thompson Road and 6 acres on the west side. After Minnie died C.A. remarried and built a

house on Thompson Road and gave the original home to his son William Durrell Francis (1904-1964) who was married to Idelle Cobb Francis (1911-1997). Durrell built a beautiful and sturdy barn that still stands at the corner of Francis and Thompson Roads. Durrell worked the farm in the 1930s and 1940s.

Charles was raised in the original house together with his sister Margaret (deceased) and his brother James. Charles’ childhood bedroom has a soft spot on the floor where the dentist’s hole had been.

Cotton was the only cash crop for Durrell. He relied on a two-mule team to turn the earth and a single mule rig for plowing, all done by hand. In the fall the family picked the cotton by hand and took it by wagon to the cotton gin where the seeds were separated from the cotton and returned to Durrell for the next year’s crop.

Ten acres were devoted to corn, mainly for family consumption as cornbread and for animal feed.

During World War 2 Durrell ran one of 12 sawmills owned by the Campbell Coal Company. “He could look at a truck full of lumber and tell what it weighed,” Charles recalls.

Following World War 2 Durrell built three chicken houses behind his house and went into the poultry business. He raised thousands of Rhode Island Red chicks for a local hatchery and returned them to the hatchery after 16 weeks before they started laying eggs. As a teenager Charles worked in the chicken houses together with his future wife Faye Eubanks. They had known each other since the fourth grade at Hopewell Elementary School. Both have painful memories of the chickens pecking at their legs.

In 1952 Durrell sold 30 acres on Thompson Rd for $1500 because Durrell wanted to buy a new two-tone blue Chevrolet. Charles paid his dad $50 for one acre on Thompson Road where he and Faye now live.

Seven generations lived in the original house until it was sold in November 2022 to Ryan and Lindsey Sather. The Francis family did not want to sell the house to anyone who would tear it down. Fortunately, Ryan is a builder with a keen sense of history. He and Lindsey are excited to own the property and have already started renovation and enlargement that preserves the look and beauty of the original structure. Ryan is adding bedrooms for their two boys, a dining room and porch. He is restoring the original pine siding on the exterior.

This historic home is undergoing extensive renovation and restoration. The vinyl siding is being removed exposing the original Southern Pine siding dating back prior to 1885. The well seasoned wood is in excellent condition and is strong and dense making it an ideal wood for siding.

He says “driving a nail into that old Southern Pine was almost impossible.” When he dug the foundation Ryan found an old plow, barber shop scissors and some broken china. Ryan confesses that “owning and renovating a historic home has been a dream ever since I got into construction.”

Charles’ sister Margaret Francis (1931-2018) and her husband Pete Austin (1926-2016) built a house on Francis Road next door to the original house circa 1954. Their daughter

Phyllis Francis Austin and her sisters Sheila and Janis were raised in the house. Phyllis and Janis remained in the home after their parents died. Sheila lives on Thompson Road.

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/APPEN MEDIA

FRANCIS FAMILY/PROVIDED A Francis family reunion circa 1944.

BOB MEYERS

Columnist

1994: An update on Dunwoody native, Ryan Seacrest

Usually, the articles that interest me in the Dunwoody Crier newspaper archives are about local history and interviews with people that I never had a chance to meet. But a 1994 article about Ryan Seacrest, the 19-year-old from Dunwoody who was trying to make it in show business is also fascinating.

The September 22, 1994, Dunwoody Crier features the headline, “Former DHS football captain makes a move in show business.” Seacrest was just beginning his career and his future success could not be predicted. I think we can safely say Seacrest, a personality known across the country and around the world, made it in show business.

At the age of 16, Seacrest had already begun a path towards the career he has today. According to the Crier article, “He became enamored with broadcasting while making the PA announcements at Dunwoody High

School and managed to work his way into local radio station STAR 94 FM. He originally had to talk his way into an internship position at the station but within months he was running the program board and before long, he was on the air. Meanwhile, he was still in high school, serving as captain of the football team and going to the state semi-finals.”

In 1994, Seacrest could be seen on two television shows. On Gladiators 2000 from Samuel Goldwyn Television, he was the host of the education and physical fitness competition program. On Reality Check, a NewWorld Television show, Seacrest played “eccentric, computer whiz-kid Jack Craft who mysteriously disappears during a top-secret government project.” These were both Saturday morning shows.

According to IMDB (Internet Movie Database), Seacrest hosted the children’s game show Wild Animal Games in 1995 and teen-ager quiz show Click in 1997. Clips from these early Seacrest shows can be seen on Youtube.

Next, he became the host of Ryan Seacrest for the Ride Home on Los

Angeles radio station 98.7 FM. In 2002 he became the co-host of American Idol and became the solo host the following year.

Seacrest took over the annual “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” which became Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” He also spent a few years co-hosting a morning talk show with Kelly Ripa, from 2017 until earlier in 2023.

In 2010, Ryan Seacrest started Seacrest Studios, opening broadcast studios in pediatric hospitals across the country. The media studios allow patients to “explore the creative realms of radio, television and new media.” They help children and their families by providing a positive activity and distraction for children undergoing treatment. Today there are fourteen Seacrest Studios. (ryanseacrestfoundation.org)

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.

RESULTS FROM HERALD ADVERTISING ARE AMAZING

Advertising in the Herald newspapers has given our law firm great exposure in the community regarding our legal and professional services. There is no other paper or advertisement that compares with the rate of return on our investment in the Herald. I recommend any business or professional services to use the Herald to not only learn about the community but to also advertise your services and products. The Herald is the primary paper or advertisement that the community relies upon and reads every day for up to date information about the community and reliable source for services and products in the community.

Regards,

Holly Geerdes, Esq. Estate Law Center

For more information on advertising contact Mike Dorman at mike@appenmedia.com or call 770.442.3278.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

‘Freedom’ will make you hug your kids

Before you castigate me and my ability, or lack thereof, as a movie reviewer, load your Winchester and let me have it.

I’m no Siskel (he was the skinny one, right?) or Ebert (the one who looked like he ate buttered popcorn by the bucket). Shucks, I’m no Joe Bob Briggs either. No clue as to whatever became of him and his goofy drivein movie reviews.

MIKE TASOS

I’m on unfamiliar ground here, sort of like asking kids how they enjoyed their summer vacation and getting a pithy “Buy a calendar you idiot! It’s not even August and school starts in two weeks” reply.

After reading a bit about “Sound of Freedom” and how the movie was a scam, a sham and not worth the tank-of-gas price of admission, I played hooky from work and traipsed all by my lonesome to the local AMC movie house.

With all the publicity billing

the movie as unpalatable as a bug sandwich, I had to see it for myself. After all, I’ve been going to movies for long enough that I can amuse anyone who will listen that a ticket to the Tejon Theater in Bakersfield was 35 cents. Joey Lemucchi’s dad owned the moviehouse and we started the tradition of having a schoolboy fight.

There was nothing like a brawl in the lobby, a double feature and a handshake after the fisticuffs were brought to the conclusion by Mr. Lemucchi with a stern look, a lecture and carte blanche for soda pop, candy and popcorn slathered with butter so real I’d wager that the plaque it formed is still stuck to arteries some nearly 60 years later.

Before the lights dimmed, I wished I could have settled my nerves with a little trading of blows with Joey. I would have happily bought the popcorn, although any real butter used to enhance the tasteless offering would have to be like contraband and smuggled in. I swear, AMC lets you use as much butter as you want in the self-serve

dispensers but there’s no way it’s real melted butter. It’s not even close to Parkay. About the only thing that type of gruel is good for is staining your clothes. I usually pass on applying it. My cardiologist is grateful, I’m sure.

Can you believe it, more than 400 words and not a word about the movie. I warned you I was no movie reviewer, especially when what I’m watching doesn’t involve belly laughs or lots of things getting blown to smithereens.

There was no way to muster even a little chuckle while watching “Sound of Freedom.” Before the movie started, I was uneasy and queasy. It was like going to the dentist. Nothing enjoyable, maybe a tear or two, but you know the experience will do you lots of good.

For those of you not familiar with the film’s subject matter, it’s child trafficking and an up close, behind-the-curtain look at a world so repulsive, I found myself muttering “no” to no one, just an affirmation to myself that evil monsters in a world inhabited by vermin with

behavior so reprehensible, exists and defies belief.

Jim Caviezel plays Tim Ballard, a former US government agent whose tenacity is refreshing.

The reality is that there are those with mountains of cash who can live out fantasies so perverse I can’t imagine that mindset. And while Caviezel’s Ballard is the hero, when you see this movie, see if we agree that the dad whose children were abducted is the most inspiring and pitiful character you’ve ever seen.

Pay no attention to the bad publicity. Go see this movie. After you arrive home, shaking and processing, try to forget the line: “God’s children are not for sale.”

To me, “Sound of Freedom” affirmed what I believe. Evil exists.

I also believe, deep in the recesses of my soul, that the folks in the white hats will win.

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.

A pair of unputdownable books in one week

Do you exchange books with friends?

Years ago, my mother and I traded books by our favorite authors, and we also haunted used bookstores.

These days, most of my books come either from the library or from a friend who’s also an avid reader, plus the occasional selection from Amazon. There’s nothing better than getting a stack of books, no matter where it comes from.

For me, the sign of a good book is my inability to turn out the bedside light at night. “Just one more chapter,” I say to myself.

That was the case with this week’s books—one from my friend and one from the library.

“Homer’s Odyssey” by Gwen Cooper

When my friend lent me the latest batch of books, I gravitated to this one first, perhaps because of the cover

photo of a tiny black cat. After a closer look, I recognized Gwen Cooper as the author of one of my favorite reads,

“Love Saves the Day.”

Though this book is nonfiction, I was once again mesmerized, just as I’d been with Cooper’s novel. I’m convinced her life with Homer, an indefatigable blind kitten, prepared her to give voice to Prudence the cat in “Love Saves the Day.”

Homer is a tiny two-pound kitten when she adopts him from the veterinarian who removed the poor thing’s infected eyes after a couple found him on the street. Learning to find his litter box and his food, and to navigate around Cooper’s apartment without help seemed like prodigious feats. His amazing agility was nothing short of a miracle and provided endless hours of entertainment for Gwen and her friends.

This is a story of love and patience and perseverance in the face of adversity. As People magazine said, “This memoir about adopting a specialneeds kitten teaches that sometimes in life, you have to take a blind leap.”

Homer and Gwen were a match made in heaven. It’s been days since I finished the book, but I can’t stop thinking about it. Give it a try. I predict you’ll have the same experience.

“The Echo of Old Books” by Barbara Davis

This is going to be one of those books that stays with me. The truth is that I still have a book “hangover,” so much so that it’s difficult to describe the experience of reading this story about a pair of mysterious books.

Ashlyn Greer, rare book dealer and owner of An Unlikely Story, a bookshop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, stumbles on a mysterious pair of beautifully bound books. Neither has an author’s name or

publisher or copyright page, but each has a handwritten inscription inside. And that’s the mystery. Who wrote the books? Who are the people they’re inscribed to? Did these people really exist?

She can’t let it go, and soon finds the person who donated the books to a nearby vintage boutique. It would spoil the story to reveal the changes wrought in Ashlyn’s life as she searches for the origin of the books and their story. I predict the tale will grab you, and you’ll stay up late night after night to find out where the literary mystery will lead.

One book about a cat and another about books—what more could a gal ask for? More books, of course.

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/.

Columnist

Help count ‘polli-neighbors’ this August

flowers.

3. Tally your observations by pollinator type: carpenter bees, bumble bees, honey bees, small bees, wasps, flies, butterflies/moths, and others.

4. Upload your counts to the website: https://GSePC.org.

are all great places to participate in the census.

It’s un-bee-lievable how much we can learn about our local pollinators just by slowing down and observing for 15 minutes. Grab your pencils, head outside, and get to know your pollineighbors.

The main job of pollinators is to move pollen between flowers, helping plants set seed and reproduce. Without pollinators in our vegetable gardens, we would never harvest any tomatoes, squash, peppers, strawberries, or watermelon. The same is the case with other crops that rely on animal pollination, like almonds, chocolate, coffee, figs, and apples. Without pollinators in our Georgia habitats, our native plants could not survive and thrive.

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census (GSePC) is the perfect chance to get outside and get to know our local polli-neighbors. Every 3rd weekend in August, Georgians (and now South and North Carolinians), record the pollinators they see. UGA faculty use these data to compare changes in pollinator populations from year to year and county to county. This helps us make better informed decisions about how to manage and protect pollinators.

The census wouldn’t be possible without you. The majority of the data is collected by non-scientists, which expands the scope of this experiment far beyond what UGA researchers could accomplish on their own. All ages can participate (and have a ton of fun).

Here’s what you do:

1.Choose your favorite flowering plant.

2. Set your timer for 15 minutes. Observe the flowers on your plant and record all pollinators that visit those

Watch the ‘How to Participate in the Great Georgia Pollinator Census’ YouTube video for a step-by-step tutorial!

It’s helpful to review the different pollinator categories ahead of time. Download the Insect Counting and Identification Guide from the GSePC website. Each pollinator category has descriptions, tips for identification, and photos. You’ll also want to download and print your Counting Sheet to use on census day. The counting sheet has handy descriptions of each pollinator category for easy reference. We also have Spanish language versions of GSePC materials.

Educators—the GSePC makes for great STEM/STEAM activities inside and outside the classroom. The GSePC website has pre-made lesson plans, activities, worksheets and more, all free and available to you. Just grab and go.

This year the Great Southeast Pollinator Census will happen on Friday, August 18th and Saturday, August 19th. Check your local county Extension office’s website and social media to see if they will be hosting any census events. Here in Fulton County, UGA Extension will be hosting an informational webinar on Tuesday, August 1st at 7pm. Tune in to find out where we’re hosting census events this year and how easy it is for you to participate. Register here: https://bit.ly/GSePC. You can also host your own event, or just get out by yourself or with a few friends. All materials on the GSePC website are free for anyone to use. Community gardens, local parks, and even your back porch

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.

Learn more

•Great Southeast Pollinator Census website - https://gsepc.org/

•‘How to Participate in the Great Georgia Pollinator Census’ YouTube videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJkR8eVXgY0

•UGA Extension – Protecting Pollinators - https://extension.uga.edu/topicareas/timely-topics/pollinators.html

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Gabrielle LaTora, agriculture agent in Fulton County’s Extension office. An entomologist by training, Gabrielle is interested in insects on farms and in gardens and is passionate about closing the gap between people and their food. In addition to helping coordinate Fulton’s Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, Gabrielle oversees the North Fulton Community Garden, answers clients’ questions about gardening and natural resources, works with urban farmers, and delivers educational programs for Fulton County residents. Gabrielle presented “Insect Allies: Predators and Parasitoids in the Garden” in the Spring 2023 Gardening Lecture Series presented by the North Fulton Master Gardenershttps://youtu.be/NZ3um6QXXKc.

Getting to know our neighbors is important—they give us a chance to connect with our community, encourage us to get outside and offer help when we need it. Our “polli-neighbors” do the same things.

GABRIELLE LATORA Guest Columnist

PIXABAY/PROVIDED

An Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly visits a flower and likely pollinates it in the process.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA

NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION AND QUALIFICATION FEES

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 7th day of November 2023, a nonpartisan general election will be held in the City of Alpharetta, Georgia to elect the Mayor of the City of Alpharetta and three (3) Members of the City Council (Posts 1, 2, and 3).

Pursuant to Georgia Code § 21-2-131(a)(1)(A), the qualifying fees are as follows:

Mayor $900

City Council Member $450

Election qualifying will be held in the City Clerk’s Office at Alpharetta City Hall, which is located at 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. The qualification dates and times are as follows:

Monday, August 21, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 22, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Lauren Shapiro

City Clerk for the City of Alpharetta, Georgia

CITY OF ROSWELL

NOTICE OF OPENING AND CLOSING DATES FOR CANDIDATES TO QUALIFY FOR MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD

NOVEMBER 7, 2023

Any qualified elector desiring to run for City of Roswell City Council posts One, Two or Three or Chief Judge of Municipal Court of the City of Roswell in the general election to be held on November 7, 2023, must file for candidacy for the desired position at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., August 21 until August 25, 2023. Qualifying fee for candidacy is as follows:

Councilmember - $540.00

Judge - $829.50

Randy D. Knighton City Administrator

ADVERTISEMENT FOR INVITATION TO BID CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA FOR

Kurt M. Wilson Mayor

FY 2024 MILLING & RESURFACING & PAVEMENT PRESERVATION

ITB #24-001

The City of Alpharetta is inviting bidders to bid for FY 2024 MILLING & RESURFACING & PAVEMENT PRESERVATION. The work to be done includes, but is not limited to, maintaining traffic control measures, milling existing pavement, installing tack coat, installing asphaltic concrete surface course, applying high density mineral bond, installing soil cement, seal coating, crack sealing, performing cleanup, and related work. The location of the work is at various locations within the City of Alpharetta, Georgia. A bid bond in the amount of 5% of the bid pricing is required with each bid submitted.

All construction shall conform to the State of Georgia Standard Specifications for the Construction of Transportation Systems, latest Edition. Only contractors that have been pre-qualified with the Georgia Department of Transportation to perform this class of work shall be allowed to submit bids. Please submit your Georgia Department of Transportation qualification specification letter with the package.

The ITB will be available online Thursday, July 27, 2023, at our bid posting website, http://cityofalpharetta.bonfirehub.com/. Interested parties are required to log in to review the ITB documents. All bids must be received before closing at http://cityofalpharetta.bonfirehub.com/, webpage for this project. Responses submitted by hard copy, mail, facsimile, or e-mail will not be accepted. Responses received after the closing time will not be considered.

This procurement is issued under the authority of the City of Alpharetta Procurement Policy and applicable law. The city has the authority to reject all proposals or any proposal that is non-responsive or not responsible, and to waive technicalities and informalities to award a contract that is in the best interest of the City.

The bid opening will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 10:00 AM online using Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/7394313662?pwd=K1FzaFVXMjYwW i85YldhZlAwL2Ewdz09.

For information, please contact Beth Rucker at the City of Alpharetta Finance Department via email at purchasing@alpharetta.ga.us or at 678-297-6052.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA

PUBLIC NOTICE

PH-23-AB-14

Please note that this meeting will be a virtual meeting, conducted online using Zoom meetings.

PLACE

To Attend the Virtual Meeting: Using Your Computer, Tablet or Smartphone

Go to: https://zoom.us

Meeting ID: 832 4513 4284

Dial In: +1 646 558 8656 US

August 1, 2023 at 2:00 P.M.

PURPOSE

Eating Establishment

Consumption on Premises

Distilled Spirits, Beer, Wine & Sunday Sales

APPLICANT

SJ Market Holdings, LLC

d/b/a Jack’s Feed Store

241 South Main Street

Alpharetta, GA 30009

Owner

SJ Market Holdings, LLC

Registered Agent

David Filipowicz

CITY OF ALPHARETTA

PUBLIC NOTICE

PH-23-AB-15

Please note that this meeting will be a virtual meeting, conducted online using Zoom meetings.

PLACE

To Attend the Virtual Meeting: Using Your Computer, Tablet or Smartphone

Go to: https://zoom.us

Meeting ID: 832 4513 4284

Dial In: +1 646 558 8656 US

August 1, 2023 at 2:00 P.M.

PURPOSE

Change in Business Ownership

Eating Establishment

Consumption on Premises

Distilled Spirits, Beer, Wine & Sunday Sales

APPLICANT

Ikigai Nikkei, LLC

d/b/a Little Tokyo Sushi & Grill

5815 Windward Parkway #209 Alpharetta, GA 30005

Owner Ikigai Nikkei, LLC

Registered

Plietty

NOTICE CITY OF ROSWELL PUBLIC HEARING

PLACE

ROSWELL CITY HALL 38 HILL STREET, SUITE 215

DATE & TIME Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 10:00 A.M.

PURPOSE

Application for a Full Pouring/Liquor/ Beer & Wine/Sunday Sales

APPLICANT

Donald Trent Bramblett

BUSINESS NAME

Ceviche Pick-up N’ Go / Bramblett Bros., LLC

BUSINESS ADDRESS

640 W, Crossville Road Suite 700 Roswell, GA 30075

In his long-awaited return to the airwaves, Caddy partners with his new co-host – and wife! - Donna, to bring his loyal listeners everything they’ve come to expect and love from Cadillac Jack.

NOTICE

CITY OF ROSWELL PUBLIC HEARING

PLACE

ROSWELL CITY HALL 38 HILL STREET, SUITE 215

DATE & TIME

Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 10:00 A.M.

PURPOSE

Application for a Limited Pouring / Beer / Wine / Sunday Sales

APPLICANT Misun Han / Hangyul Inc.

BUSINESS NAME Sushi Hut

BUSINESS ADDRESS 915 Woodstock Road Suite 130 Roswell, GA 30075

HAVE

Run it in the newspaper!

WEDDINGS

ENGAGEMENTS

ANNIVERSARIES

BIRTHS DEATHS

To submit your announcement visit appenmedia.com/submit

CITY OF ALPHARETTA

PUBLIC NOTICE

PH-23-AB-17

Please note that this meeting will be a virtual meeting, conducted online using Zoom meetings.

PLACE

To Attend the Virtual Meeting: Using Your Computer, Tablet or Smartphone Go to: https://zoom.us Meeting ID: 835 0532 3053 Dial In: +1 646 558 8656 US August 7, 2023 at 2:00 P.M.

PURPOSE

Change in Business Ownership Hotel

Consumption on Premises Distilled Spirits, Beer, Wine & Sunday Sales

APPLICANT

JK North Point Management, LLC

d/b/a Hyatt Place Atlanta/Alpharetta/ North Point Mall 7500 North Point Parkway

Alpharetta, GA 30022

Owner JK North Point Management, LLC

Registered Agent Prem Patel

Full-time

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.

NCC Group (Americas) Inc., Alpharetta, GA 30009 – Manage delivery of divisional specific recruitment needs across mult global regions & manage & train a team across the UK, North America, Europe, and APAC. Req 3 yrs exp. View full job description @ https://www.nccgroupplc.com/careers/, Click “Search Roles”, Search Job ID: R7364. Email resume & cover letter to NCC Group (Americas) Inc. @ us-recruitment@nccgroup.com

Optum Services, Inc. Software Development

Test Engineer, Alpharetta, GA. Responsible for complex technical analysis to design and implement test software for software applications, systems architectures, frameworks and software test tools that achieve desired functionality for several products, systems, and software applications. Can work remotely. Mail resume to GMI Recruitment at 9900 Bren Road East MN008-208, Minnetonka, MN 55343 and indicate applying for #23-GA-5884.

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.

Part-time

SERVICE DIRECTORY Driveway

Haulers

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.

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

Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc.

Many local referencesCall Ralph Rucker 678-898-7237

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs.  A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $4,500.

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

Is Your Company Hiring?

Submit

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

Bargains/Antiques

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Deadline to place a Classified ad is Thursday at 4 pm

Roofing

ROOF LEAKING?

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Concrete/ Asphalt

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Landscaping

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Ralph Rucker 678-898-7237

Retaining Walls

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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.

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