Alpharetta official to depart for post as chief executive at Warner Robins
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga.
— After a 24-year career with the city, Alpharetta Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard is leaving for a new post with the City of Warner Robins.
His last day working for Alpharetta will be Oct. 4, Drinkard said. He will begin serving as Warner Robins’ first full-time city administrator on Oct. 28. Drinkard is a native of Houston County, where the city of about 80,000 is located.
Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said she was excited to bring Drinkard on board.
“His extensive expertise and background in local government will be invaluable as we continue to move Warner Robins forward,” Patrick said. “His leadership will be instrumental in driving our city’s growth and ensuring that we meet the needs of our community with innovation and integrity.”
Drinkard began working for Alpharetta in 2000, serving as economic development coordinator.
See DRINKARD, Page 11
Roswell commemorates 9/11 terrorist victims
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — During Roswell’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11, members of the City Council took turns recollecting a minuteby-minute timeline of events leading up to the terrorist attacks.
“At 7:59 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11, a Boeing 767 carrying 81 passengers and 11 crew members, departs from Logan International Airport in
Boston, bound for Los Angeles International Airport,” City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson read, standing at the podium in front of City Hall Sept. 11. Dozens of visitors listened, some wiping their faces with tissues, as elected officials finished their parts, ending in words from City Councilman Allen Sells, who noted that the iconic World Trade Center Twin Towers lay in ruins in lower Manhattan two-and-a-half
See MEMORIAL, Page 11
Dozens of guests listen to members of the Roswell
Council recall the timeline of events leading up to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
PHOTOS BY: AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson offers remarks during the city’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony in front of City Hall Sept. 11.
City
NEWS TIPS
770-442-3278
AppenMedia.com
319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009
HANS APPEN
Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus CONTACT
Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.
ADVERTISING
For information about advertising in the AlpharettaRoswell Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278
CIRCULATION
To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
Alpharetta detectives arrest man accused in deadly shooting
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta Police detectives arrested a 21-year-old Milton man after he allegedly shot and killed a 44-year-old resident around 11 p.m. Sept. 11.
Detectives arrested the suspect, Jaden Lewis, on charges of murder and aggravated assault Sept. 12 for shooting and killing Alpharetta resident Justin Mourning. Lewis was allegedly on a motorcycle when the shooting occurred.
The arrest happened less than 24 hours after the incident, which occurred near Ga. 9 and Milton Avenue.
A statement from the Alpharetta Public Safety Department statement says on the night of the shooting, police were dispatched to the area after reports of gunshots.
Police then located Mourning and transported him to a local hospital.
Alpharetta Assistant City Manager James Drinkard said Mourning later succumbed to his wounds the morning of Sept. 12.
The report says an investigation determined the shooting began with an argument between Mourning and the person of interest.
The Alpharetta Public Safety Department thanked numerous citizens who provided information leading to the arrest.
This is a developing story. For updates, check www.appenmedia. com/.
POLICE BLOTTER
All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
Man charged with stealing sunglasses from retailer
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 37-year-old Alpharetta man was arrested on a shoplifting charge Aug. 31.
Police were dispatched to a department store at North Point Mall after a shoplifting was reported, according to an Alpharetta police report.
After arriving at the store’s security office, police viewed camera footage of the alleged theft.
In the video, a man placed a pair of sunglasses on his collar and walked toward the door, according to the report. Loss prevention staff stopped the man.
The man allegedly attempted to steal two pairs of B-POP brand sunglasses, which were found by employees. They were valued at a total of $314.
Police charged the man with misdemeanor theft by shoplifting under $500.
Officers arrest suspect after reported shoplifting
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested a 44-year-old Alpharetta man Sept. 8 after a CVS employee texted officers about a shoplifting in progress.
The employe said he saw the man exit the store on Holcomb Bridge Road with three large tote bags full of merchandise.
During the text exchange with officers, the employee said the man returned to the store.
An officer said he contacted the suspect while additional personnel were en route.
The officer said the suspect admitted to stealing the merchandise, stating “I have the stuff and will show you.”
After seeing the merchandise in the suspect’s black Hyundai SUV, officers placed him under arrest.
The CVS scanned all the merchandise in the three bags, totaling $2,494.
Officers said the employee showed security footage of the suspect leaving the store with the bags and then returning.
resident Jaden
charged with murder and aggravated assault for allegedly shooting a man in downtown Alpharetta the Sept. 11. Alpharetta Police detectives arrested Lewis less than 24 hours after the fatal shooting.
Officers said they secured a warrant for felony theft by shoplifting and transported the suspect to the North Fulton County Jail.
Store reports 3 men stole $1,000 in clothing
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A shoplifting by three men was reported at a North Point Parkway store Aug. 22.
An employee told police three men stole items by hiding them in clothes hampers sold at the store, according to an Alpharetta police report.
The men placed the hampers in shopping carts, walked around the store selecting clothing items and left without paying, according to the report.
Two hampers, 18 women’s apparel items, one sweater, three jackets and 13 shirts and pants were reported stolen. The clothing was valued at a total of $1,009.69.
The employee said one of the men worked at a nearby restaurant. She recognized the other two from previous unreported thefts.
No one was arrested or charged, according to the report.
Milton
Lewis, 21, is
ALPHARETTA PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT/ PROVIDED
Turf replacement to begin at Webb Bridge Park field
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta parks officials are set to complete a yearslong drive to replace recreation fields’ grass with artificial turf.
Work at a Webb Bridge Park field that hosts soccer games and practices is scheduled to begin in November and be completed in February or March. It will mark the last stage of an ongoing project to convert numerous rectangle sports fields managed by the city, said Morgan Rodgers, director of Alpharetta’s Recreation, Parks & Culture Department.
Artificial turf is superior to grass because it is safer for players and prevents activities from being rained out, Rodgers said. The field is used by Alpharetta’s Ambush Soccer Club, which hosts camps, practices and games.
“The soccer community is really excited because it’s the largest of the fields, so it’s going to become their hub,” Rodgers said.
The Alpharetta City Council approved a contract in July to pay Sprinturf almost $1.6 million for the work, which includes adding fencing,
drainage and netting. The funds were allocated through a $29.5 million parks and recreation bond referendum passed in 2022.
About two-thirds of Alpharetta’s
rectangle sports fields will be turf when the resurfacing at Webb Bridge Park is completed.
The price is higher for installing artificial turf, but over the duration of the field’s 10-year lifetime, the costs are about the same, Rodgers said. Unlike grass, artificial turf requires no watering, cutting or fertilizing.
“The cost is basically a wash, but the playability is almost priceless,” he said.
Atlanta’s heavy rainfall, particularly in the summer, meant about 70 percent of the fields at Webb Bridge Park were getting rained out. Last year, about 47 inches of rain fell in Atlanta, according to the National Weather Service. In 2020, the city received about 67 inches.
The work at Webb Bridge Park and other Alpharetta artificial turf fields goes well below the surface. A system of channels underneath redirects water away from the field through an
underground network, allowing them to be used after the heaviest of rains.
“You can take a fire truck and turn the hose and on, and it will not flood it,” Rodgers said.
A synthetic material acts as the turf’s artificial dirt redirecting heat during hot summer days and prevents injuries from players who fall.
Unlike natural grass, the turf also provides a perfectly level, divot-free playing surface.
“Today’s artificial turf is not your grandfather’s artificial turf,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers, who grew up with grass fields, said he does not feel nostalgic about the resurfacing trend. Grass certainly has its charm, but when considering the practicality of artificial turf, the benefits ace clear, he said.
“I know at the end of the day it’s providing a more consistent surface for those who need it,” he said.
DEADLINE
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
One recreational field at Webb Bridge Park already offers artificial turf, giving players a smooth surface that is impervious to flooding. The City of Alpharetta will begin replacing a grass field at the park with turf in the fall.
Fulton County commissioner schedules town hall meeting
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Fulton County District 1 Commissioner Bridget Thorne will host a town hall session Oct. 8 to meet with residents and discuss local issues.
District 1 encompasses Johns Creek and parts of Roswell, Alpharetta and Sandy Springs.
The session is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Fulton County Customer Service Center, 11575 Maxwell Road, Alpharetta, according to Fulton County.
At the meeting, Thorne will meet with constituents, answer questions and hear suggestions about how to tackle challenges the county is facing.
12TH ANNUAL
All proceeds benefit Murphy-
Residents will receive updates about the Fulton County Jail, local nonprofits, the Fulton County Youth Commission and the veterans support initiative Operation Green Light.
“This will be another opportunity to not only hear from constituents about challenges facing the district but an opportunity to discuss the best resolutions,” Thorne said. “District 1 is committed to updating residents and bringing them valuable information regarding county operations.”
Murphy-Harpst provides hope and healing to severely abused and neglected children and youth through residential treatment, foster care, and creative therapeutic approaches. Over 1/3 of their annual support comes from United Methodist Churches! Please give generously today and be a part of a nearly 100-year legacy of serving Georgia’s most vulnerable children.
www.murphyharpst.org
PROVIDED BY FULTON COUNTY Commissioner Bridget Thorne invites residents to attend a town hall meeting Oct. 8 to ask questions and discuss local issues.
5K RUN & WALK
Benefitting:
SATURDAY
NOV. 2 2024
5K RUN
& WALK 12TH ANNUAL
All proceeds benefit Murphy- Harpst
Local charity revives drive for donations of used cars
Registration
• www.active.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — North Fulton Community Charities is taking steps to remove transportation as a barrier to financial stability for low-income families by relaunching its Car Donation Program.
• Search “Midway Mission Possible 12”
• At the MUMC church office
• In person on race day
The program matches families in need with donated vehicles in good working order.
Location
and repairs for donated vehicles. The business also recommends car donations to their customs as an alternative to cost-prohibitive repairs.
REGISTRATION
In late June, the nonprofit received its first donation, a Honda Odyssey, from an anonymous donor. It was given to a local couple with three young children.
• www.active.com — Search “Midway Mission Possible 8”
Transforming the lives of homeless families.
All proceeds benefit Murphy-Harpst
Saturday Oct. 5 2019
Benefitting:
proceeds benefit Murphy- Harpst
Murphy-Harpst provides hope and healing to severely abused and neglected children and youth through residential treatment, foster care, and creative therapeutic approaches. Over 1/3 of their annual support comes from United Methodist Churches! Please give generously today and be a part of a nearly 100-year legacy of serving Georgia’s most vulnerable children.
www.murphyharpst.org
Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004 www.midwayumc.org 770-475-5230
www.murphyharpst.org
LOCATION
“We are here to serve our community,” said Tom Burgess, Christian Brothers owner and president. “Giving back in a way that has such a profound impact on local families is exciting — we can’t wait to get started.”
Fees Register by Oct. 31 Register on Race Day
• Totally Running (Forsyth), 405 Peachtree Pkwy.
• At the MUMC church office
“We relaunched our Car Donation Program because more and more families coming to NFCC lack transportation which poses a barrier to stability,” said Sandy Holiday, the nonprofit’s executive director. “These families find it difficult, if not impossible, to get to jobs, schools and doctor appointments.”
Registration
• www.active.com
5K Run/Walk $30 per person $35 per person
• In person on race day
Murphy-Harpst provides hope and healing to severely abused and neglected children and youth through residential treatment, foster care, and creative therapeutic approaches. Over 1/3 of their annual support comes from United Methodist Churches! Please give generously today and be a part of a nearly 100-year legacy of serving Georgia’s most vulnerable children.
7:00 am
12
Because every child deserves a home.
SATURDAY
SATURDAY
TO LEARN MORE: www.familypromise.org www.fpforsyth.org
Event Schedule
NOV. 2 2024
NOV. 2 2024
Murphy-Harpst provides hope and healing to severely abused and neglected children and youth through residential treatment, foster care, and creative therapeutic approaches. Over 1/3 of their annual support comes from United Methodist Churches! Please give generously today and bea part of a nearly 100-year legacy of serving Georgia’s most vulnerable children.
Registration and bib pick up 8:30 am
www.murphyharpst.org
EVENT SCHEDULE
5K Run/Walk begins
• At the MUMC church o
5K Teams of 4+ $25 per person $30 per person
North Fulton Community Charities manages the title transfer process, minimizing paperwork for donors and recipients. In addition, IRS rules allow vehicle donations that directly benefit families in need to be deducted at fair market value.
Search “Midway Mission Possible 12”
Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004 www.midwayumc.org 770-475-5230
Kid’s Fun Run $20 per person $25 per person
FEES Register by 10/3 Register on Race Day
(Cash/Check ONLY accepted on race day)
The organization is teaming up with Christian Brothers Automotive, which will provide diagnostic testing
Short-sleeved microfiber race shirt included in race fee; be sure to register by 10/22/24 to guarantee your shirt!
5K Run/Walk $25 per person $30 per person
5K Teams of 4+ $20 per person $25 per person
The nonprofit is now seeking cars in reasonable working order for the program, which had been active for more than 30 years before its pause during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kid’s Fun Run $15 per person $20 per person (Cash/Check ONLY accepted on race day)
Event Schedule
Event Schedule 7:00 am
and
bib pick up 8:30 am 5K Run/Walk begins 9:00 am
Short-sleeved microfiber race shirt included in race fee; be sure to register by 10/22/24 to guarantee your shirt!
7:00 am – Registration and bib pick up 8:30 am
Short-sleeved microfiber race shirt included in race fee — register by 9/25/19 to guarantee your shirt.
If you or someone you know is interested in donating, please contact North Fulton Community Charities at info@nfcchelp.org.
Prunning and Care bloomandfruit.net
a fruit tree specialist today! info@bloomandfruit.com
Statewide organizations join fray in Appen vs. Sandy Springs suit
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Appen Media’s open records lawsuit with Sandy Springs, now in the appeals process, has drawn a new set of players.
Two statewide organizations have submitted amicus briefs in the case, each supporting different sides of the debate over interpretations of the Georgia Open Records Act.
The Georgia First Amendment Foundation has thrown its weight behind Appen Media, arguing that an unfavorable ruling could have statewide implications leaving the public in the dark about crime in their communities.
In an opposing move, the Georgia Municipal Association has filed an amicus brief siding with the City of Sandy Springs. The GMA, which advocates for and provides services for some 536 Georgia cities, argues that local agencies should have authority to interpret ambiguous language, like “initial” in the law requiring release of initial police reports.
Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul has served three terms on the GMA’s Board of Directors and currently serves as its Transportation Chair.
At issue is a December ruling by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Adams that cleared Sandy Springs of violating the Georgia Open Records Act. Adams ruled that the Sandy Springs Police Department is not in violation of the act when it withholds information about the crime, the victim, whether an arrest was made or if a danger exists to the surrounding community.
Instead, the city – for the most part – provides one-sentence narratives and places all vital information in a supplemental report it withholds from the public.
The news organization argues that the responses it receives from Sandy Spring Police after filing open records requests are not the full incident reports required for release under state law. Adams ruled that Appen Media failed to prove that it is unlawful for the Police Department to withhold supplemental information about a crime that police include in a second report, even if that information is added at the same time by the same officer.
Even so, the judge conceded “[Appen] may be correct in its assertion that [the Sandy Springs Police Department’s] practice violates the spirit of the Open Records Act.”
Appen Media alleges that Sandy Springs has repeatedly denied access to initial police officer narratives that are routinely filed during investigations on the same day that the crime incident occurs.
An officer’s full account of a crime incident, which should have been provided in response to every request, has been marked as filed on the same day and at the same time as the skeleton report sent to the newspaper, Appen has argued.
The supplemental full reports exist but are hidden from the public, Appen says.
Initial police incident reports, in most cases, include narratives that allow Appen Media to inform readers with details about crimes. Full incident reports with officers’ detailed narratives are provided by police agencies in Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Forsyth County, Johns Creek, Milton and Roswell.
Things are different in Sandy Springs.
In a May 15 email to Appen Media, Sandy Springs City Attorney Dan Lee claimed some supplemental reports are exempt from release.
“The law clearly allows that initial incident reports are to be disclosed and any supplements to the initial reports,” Lee wrote. “There are no supplements to initial reports that have not been disclosed, [and the ones] you are mentioning in this complaint are the notes and investigative information dealing with open investigations.”
The notes and investigative information, which other police departments provide to Appen Media every week, are also called “initial reports,” and are the crux of the debate.
The pending decision from the three-judge panel of Georgia Court of Appeals could have widespread implications for how records are shared with the public throughout the state.
Guidance from experts
As part of its court case, Appen Media cited guidance from the current “A Law Enforcement
LAWSUIT, Page 7
caught the attention of Appen Media.
Lawsuit: AAPPEN PRESSCLU
Continued from Page 6
Officer’s Guide to Open Records in Georgia,” which states that “initial incident and police arrest reports are subject to the Act’s disclosure requirements, regardless of whether they are part of an active investigation. Additionally, any report, whether entitled a ‘supplemental report,’ ‘narrative report,’ or similar document name that is produced as part of an initial incident report or can be characterized as such, is likewise to be disclosed.”
The guidance booklet was prepared and endorsed by the Georgia Attorney General in conjunction with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia and Georgia Press Association.
Appen’s suit centered on whether the second document, compiled by and kept out of public view by Sandy Springs Police, is typically prepared by the officers using information obtained at the scene and is considered part of the initial incident report.
In December 2022, Georgia Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Colangelo said it is.
Replying to a request from the media company, Colangelo stated: “A common-sense interpretation of ‘initial incident report’ is that anything written at the same time as the first part of the report is part of the initial incident report.”
Among the hundreds of examples of skeleton reports, one in particular
On Dec. 11, 2022, a Sandy Springs police officer provided the following narrative about a crime incident: “I responded to a person shot at 1208 Cimarron Pkwy.”
This is the only account Sandy Springs Police provided about an incident that took place at an apartment complex.
The document is coded “Person Dead” and includes the name of the victim and two suspects. It also includes the names of two others but doesn’t specify whether they were witnesses, victims or suspects.
The report does not identify the officers who responded to the call and provides no details on whether the incident was a homicide or an accident. It makes no mention of any arrests.
State organizations chime in
In its filing, the Georgia Municipal Association acknowledges “a rare situation” in which if finds itself at odds with the Georgia First Amendment Foundation on interpretations of the Georgia Open Meetings or Georgia Open Records acts.
The GMA filing goes on to say that the disagreement is over “the inclusion of the word ‘initial’ in the statutory text” and the choice of the Georgia Legislature to use the term in creating this exception in the world of open records.
The brief states that “GMA completely agrees with the GFAF that the ‘Georgia General Assembly has mandated that initial police incident reports are subject to disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act.’”
The municipal association states
that Appen Media has cited outdated statutory language, but the law remains the same. The argument from the GMA questions whether the court should interpret the law and advocates for a local agency’s interpretation of the word “initial” over the judiciary’s ruling.
The GMA cites two recent cases where the Georgia Court of Appeals deferred to an agency’s interpretation of legal text when the language is ambiguous.
On the other hand, the Georgia First Amendment Foundation argues that the General Assembly “recognized the public’s interest in the disclosure of initial incident reports when it mandated that they be disclosed.”
The foundation, which submitted its amicus brief Aug. 29, says its interest in the case is “because the trial court’s ruling will have serious and negative implications for the public’s ability to access open records in the state of Georgia.”
It argues that this kind of “informational shell game is contrary both to the purpose of
the Open Records Act and to the weight of authority around the country holding that the nature of the requested information — not the title of the report in which that information appears — is what determines whether or not it is public.”
The foundation further argues that law enforcement agencies could disregard this requirement by putting all meaningful initial incident information in another report.
Instead, its filing states that police already have remedies to protect the city’s interests in safeguarding information about its officers and “active investigations,” like redacting a victim’s identity.
The municipal association argues that the word “initial” is ambiguous, and that it is up to local authorities to determine its meaning.
The First Amendment Foundation argues that the Legislature has been explicit in its definition of “initial” police reports, and that its scope includes crime details that law enforcement agencies throughout Metro Atlanta release to the public. Sandy Springs is the exception, the foundation says.
The Georgia Constitution requires the Court of Appeals to issue a ruling by March 14, 2025.
My whole family growing up … everyone had a green thumb.
LLOYD FISHER, founder, Oak Avenue Landscaping
8 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | September 19, 2024
Dunwoody entrepreneur rides landscaping green wave
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Battery technology is creating opportunities for landscapers to opt for more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
Elon Musk’s effort to build a world powered by solar energy, rechargeable batteries and electric vehicles has led to downstream effects in other industries, such as landscaping.
Dunwoody’s own environmentally conscious entrepreneur, Lloyd Fisher, has capitalized on evolving battery technology.
Fisher’s Oak Avenue Landscaping received the 2023 Sustainability Hero Award for local businesses in April. City officials lauded Fisher for making the city more eco-friendly.
Oak Avenue Landscaping is an all-electric commercial landscaping company with two field employees alongside Fisher and one administrator. It uses state-of-the-art equipment to service the 15-mile radius around Dunwoody and the Perimeter.
Fisher said there’s a lot his team does at residences across north Metro Atlanta, including landscape design, installation, drainage, decks, grading and tree service.
There are some misconceptions about the differences between electric and gas-powered landscaping equipment. Namely, technology has advanced to the point where compact batteries can generate the same level of performance. Not all electric tools match their gas rivals’ torque, but some are out there.
Gas mowers and blowers typically cost less and outperform older and cheaper electric equipment.
society and subsequent economic environment could have discouraged Fisher from pursuing his goals, but it got him to the point where he wanted to do something for himself.
On the other hand, Fisher said he saves money and charges his equipment for free using his solar-powered trailer.
Consumer Reports says the benefits of going electric include, environmental and noise concerns, the longterm cost of gasoline, maintenance and storage.
Fisher, along with his journey to the United States, shows that everyone can make a difference in their
community, no matter how far from home.
“I used to work in marketing for a couple of companies,” Fisher said. “Maybe it’s just the nature of the industry since COVID, but I’ve been affected by layoffs multiple times over the last four years.”
The COVID-19 pandemic, shutdown of American
“I was helping another landscaper with her marketing and ended up doing more of an operations role with her,” he said. “I felt like, if I’m going to be doing this and I’ve already seen what it’s like, I’d rather do it the way I wanted to.”
Typical landscaping crews, like city contractors at Brook Run Park, work in large teams with gas-powered equipment.
“Guys are wearing equipment to look after
See LANDSCAPE, Page 9
PHOTOS BY: OAK AVENUE LANDSCAPING/PROVIDED Lloyd Fisher, owner of Oak Avenue Landscaping, enjoys the coast during a family vacation while holding his two-year-old son, Jack, and smiling with his wife, Allison, and 4-year-old daughter, Bets. Fisher said his wife is the backbone of his landscaping business and his kids motivate his eco-friendly practices.
Oak Avenue Landscaping’s solar-powered trailer sits in front of a Dunwoody residence after wrapping up a plant installation. The solar panels on the roof of the trailer allow landscapers to charge their equipment’s batteries between jobs and on the go.
BUSINESSPOSTS
Four-year-old Bets, daughter of Oak Avenue Landscaping owner Lloyd Fisher, sits aboard one of her dad’s electric lawnmowers. Oak Avenue Landscaping is introducing Dunwoody residents to electric yard equipment, the use of native plants and other ways to make yard maintenance more eco-friendly.
Landscape:
Continued from Page 8
themselves, like ear and face protection,” Fisher said. “Because obviously they don’t want to get poisoned, but everyone in the community and the environment is suffering.”
Fisher immigrated to New York City from South Africa after meeting his wife, Allison. They have a 2-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter.
How he and his wife met on a cruise ship is another story. Fisher said his wife is the backbone of his business, and he couldn’t do it without her.
With his children yet to start elementary school, Fisher said there needs to be a change to preserve the natural environment for future generations.
Fisher has a unique perspective on landscaping.
“My whole family growing up … everyone had a green thumb,” he said.
Hailing from South Africa, Fisher said Georgia has a uniquely beautiful natural environment.
Specifically, he cited the trees that visitors notice when they’re flying into Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Fisher said the whole concept of landscaping has always felt off to him: Many times, when property owners are trying to make their slice of the Earth more beautiful, they’re damaging the natural environment and public health in the process.
“It’s so ironic to me,” Fisher said. “If you’re using a two-stroke gas blower, it releases the same amount of emissions
into the atmosphere that a regular car does when you’re driving from Atlanta to the border of Mexico.”
In other words, operating a single gas-powered blower generates pollutants and carcinogens equivalent to driving a standard vehicle around 1,100 miles.
The statistic is shocking to some, but it’s commonly cited in the world of environmentalism, including on the Ansley Park Civic Association’s webpage about the negative impacts of gas blowers.
Oak Avenue Landscaping and Fisher go a step beyond using electric equipment, they also work with clients to select native species of plants.
He said a lot of his Dunwoody neighbors plant shrubs, flowers and trees in their yards that are non-native and don’t last.
“People are planting a lot of annuals every season and just throwing away healthy plants,” Fisher said. “You could put in some perennials, native to this region, that really support pollinators and make it a thriving ecosystem.”
Fisher said clients usually reach out for a free consultation after getting a referral from past customers or seeing positive testimonials online.
There is information online about the benefits of electric landscaping equipment and how native plants interact with their environment.
Fisher said he and his team at Oak Avenue Landscaping are just a call away to give advice.
If homeowners have a yard project in mind, Oak Avenue Landscape invites them to schedule a free consultation to discuss their needs and determine the best solution.
To learn more visit, www. oakavelandscape.com/.
SEPTEMBER
21 & 22
Whimsical & Fun Artists
Exciting Children’s Activities Loads of Free Parking
@splashfestivalsinc
Art by Jon Schaubhut
OAK AVENUE LANDSCAPING/PROVIDED
Johns Creek Symphony to hold audition concerts for its new music director
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra’s 2024-2025 season will spotlight three world-class conductors as they bring their strengths and passion to the podium in hopes of becoming its next music director.
The season, beginning Oct. 5, comes almost one year since the death of J. Wayne Baughman, the organization’s founder and former maestro, who died last November.
“Three Maestros, One Podium” will feature concerts from conductors Henry Cheng, Howard Hsu and Paul Bhasin.
Throughout the season, they will be joined by renowned instrumental and vocal soloists, including BrittonRené Collins, David Fung, Tom Hooten, Johns Creek Chorale, and Bethany Mamola, to present concerts that emphasize the power of human connection, the vibrancy of different music genres and the impact music has
on communities.
The first concert is Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at Newtown Park, and it will feature Cheng as he leads the orchestra into a classical rendition of chart-topping K-pop hits.
Audience members will be invited to complete surveys after each concert, providing invaluable feedback that will help choose the next artistic leader of the orchestra. At the end of the season, the organization will announce the new music director.
The five-concert season ticket package for “Three Maestros, One Podium” is on sale now, ranging in price from $85 to $215. Single tickets range in price from $22 to $55. To buy individual concert tickets, season tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit johnscreeksymphony.org or call 678748-5802.
East Roswell pumpkin patch to feature menu of family fun
ROSWELL, Ga. — In its 15th year, the annual Bridge to Grace Covenant Church Pumpkin Patch will open Sept. 30.
The East Roswell patch, located at 2385 Holcomb Bridge Road, will feature a number of activities for families and all ages in the North Fulton community. It will be open Monday through Friday from 2-7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from noon-5 p.m.
Many families return to the church each year to choose pumpkins and take photos in front of the colorful fall-themed photo areas. The church’s large green space will be full of games and activities for all ages, like hula hoops, corn hole, tic-tac-toe and Jenga.
“Our patch is not only a
fundraiser for mission outreach, but an annual tradition,” co-organizer Amanda Reed said. “We love this opportunity to meet and engage with so many wonderful people and families in our community. We also appreciate the opportunity to pray for those people who come and share any needs they have. It is a very special month for our church.”
Highlights include a “Blessing of the Animals,” a Girl Scout bake sale, a petting zoo, a family fun day with costume contests as well as a bonfire with s’mores and a sing-along.
On weekends, there will be children’s story time, and every Wednesday through October, community prayer will be held from 7-7:30 p.m.
For more information, visit b2gcc. org.
Noted authors to speak at Literary Fair
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek Literary Fair on Sept. 29 will feature keynote speaker Rick Bragg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author.
The fair will be from noon to 5 p.m. that Sunday at Newtown Park off Old
Alabama Road.
Bragg will be in conversation with Brian Panowich, an award-winning Georgia-based author of four novels. They will be joined by numerous local, regional and nationally known writers, speaking throughout the afternoon.
Memorial:
Continued from Page 1
hours after the first plane left Boston.
“Nearly 3,000 souls lost their lives during that attack,” Sells read. “For many Americans and people watching around the world, September 11, 2001, is a day that will never be forgotten.”
Fire Department Chaplain Dorie Griggs opened the ceremony with her perspectives as someone versed in trauma studies and who had friends die
Drinkard:
Continued from Page 1
He was responsible for overseeing business recruitment and retention, offering economic advice and coordinating the creation of a downtown development plan.
In 2008, he assumed the role of assistant city administrator.
In that role, he advised elected officials, coordinated operations, helped in the development and management of the city’s budget, drafted ordinances and other documents. He also served as director of Human Resources from 2008 to 2019 and chief public information officer, coordinating citizen engagement and public outreach efforts.
“Basically, my job here is to be whatever the city administrator needs me to be,” he said.
Troop 51 Paint Recycling Fundraiser
Saturday September 28th from 9am-1pm
WHERE: American Legion Post 201 201 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA
COST: $5 per gallon of latex/oil paint
ITEMS ACCEPTED: All latex and oil based paints regardless of size including 5-gallon, 1-gallon, quart, pint, and spray cans.
Help support Boy Scout Troop 51 by bringing your leftover cans of latex and oil-based paints to be properly disposed of or re-used. This paint will be filtered and turned into quality, re-usable paint product and then donated back to non-profit groups in our community like Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Armies, and Boys & Girls Clubs
PRICING:
• Spray Can - $2
• Pint - $2
• Quart - $2
• Gallon - $5
in the attacks, ending with a prayer.
A color guard, members of the Roswell Police Department, presented the colors as “Amazing Grace” played through the speakers.
Visitors left with words from Mayor Kurt Wilson.
“The legacy of 9/11 is not just one of sorrow and loss,” he said. “It is also a story of courage, hope and the spirit of the American people. We learn that we are stronger together, and that in our darkest hours, we find the light of our shared humanity and a belief in a supreme and sovereign God.”
Drinkard said he believes passionately in the ideals of public service and representative government.
“I know that may sound cheesy, but (I am) a guy who gets choked up when our national anthem is played and believes that the founders of our nation acted with purpose and intent in writing the words “We the people,” so much larger than the rest of the words in the Constitution,” Drinkard said.
More than any single accomplishment, Drinkard said he is most proud of the collaboration between Alpharetta’s government and its citizens.
“That is what has enabled Alpharetta to be so successful and to sustain that success for so many years,” he said. “It is also the most meaningful to me because that collaboration illustrates what happens when we operate as a government of, for, and by the people.”
• 5 Gallon - $25
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
A color guard, officers with the Roswell Police Department, wait to present the colors at the city’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony at City Hall Sept. 11.
Protect Your Assets, Your Home, And Your Family In 3 Steps
Reserve Your Seat For A FREE Estate Planning Workshop
• Does my Will protect my “stuff”? (It does not.)
• Should I upgrade my Will to a Trust?
• What do I need to know about Revocable Living Trusts?
• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?
• Medicaid. What’s true and what’s not?
• How do I protect my assets for my family and legacy?
• How do I remain in control?
• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?
• How can my family avoid probate? September /October Workshops:
Attend our FREE Educational Workshops. Reserve your Spot and Get a FREE Consultation for attending the Workshop (a $500 Value) CODE: herald2023
1100 Cambridge Square | Suite B | Alpharetta, GA 30009 | 770.209.2346 | esther@gklawgroup.com
The Complexity of Inheritance
Brought to you by - Estates Law Center USA
Inheritance is not just about money or possessions; it’s intertwined with emotions, relationships, and personal values. Traditionally, people often assume that their assets will be passed on to family members, ensuring financial security and stability for future generations. However, circumstances may arise where this is not the desired outcome.
Reasons for Not Wanting Someone to Inherit Your Assets
• Estrangement or Conflict: Family dynamics can be complicated. Estrangement or irreparable conflicts may lead someone to reconsider leaving assets to certain family members.
• Financial Responsibility: Concerns about how an inheritance might affect a person’s financial responsibility or stability can also influence decisions.
• Different Values: If there are significant differences in values or lifestyles between you and a potential heir, you may feel that they wouldn’t use the assets in a way that aligns with your intentions.
• Desire for Charitable Giving: Many people prefer to leave their assets to charitable organizations or causes they care deeply about, seeing this as a way to create
a lasting impact beyond their own lifetime.
If you’ve decided against leaving assets to someone, there are alternative options to consider:
• Specific Bequests: You can specify in your will exactly who will receive which assets, ensuring your wishes are clear and legally binding.
• Trusts: Establishing a trust allows you to control how and when assets are distributed, providing flexibility and protection.
• Charitable Giving: Donating assets to charity not only benefits a cause you believe in but can also provide tax advantages.
Deciding who inherits your assets is a deeply personal choice. While societal norms may dictate familial inheritance, your assets ultimately represent your life’s work and values. It’s essential to consult with legal and financial advisors to ensure that your wishes are documented properly and in accordance with the law.
Dedicated to making a positive impact in the business community
to helping businesses succeed and grow
to
by
As a dedicated Business Development Officer specializing in small businesses at Touchmark National Bank, Carlos Rodriguez leverages over 20 years of banking experience to assist business customers in identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities. In addition, as an ambassador for the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce, Carlos is a trusted resource in the community, recognized for his commitment to fostering strong business relationships and promoting trust within the business community.
Touchmark National Bank also offers special competitive deposit rates to help businesses maximize their financial potential. With a focus on banking resources, Carlos is passionate about helping small businesses thrive and achieve their financial goals through building lasting relationships based on trust and mutual success.
At Touchmark National Bank, we provide a comprehensive range of products, tools and resources tailored to streamline processes and support the unique needs of each business we serve. We are dedicated to making a positive impact in the business community and are committed to helping businesses succeed and grow through meaningful relationships built on trust and collaboration.
To learn more, contact Carlos Rodriguez at 770-407-6700 touchmarknb.com
Community bonds over canines at Johns Creek Pup-A-Palooza
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Dozens of visitors came out for Johns Creek’s “Pup-APalooza” Sept. 14 to peruse vendors and get a peek at dogs dressed to the nines and others with a knack for performing tricks.
Some visitors participated in contests at the Mark Amphitheater at Newtown Park, like Roswell resident Jewel Ausberry, whose pumpkin costume matched her shih tzu named Cherub, or Che Che for short. With separate green sleeves, Che Che was swallowed up in pumpkin, and a small woman, dressed in a black suit, hung off.
They won first place in the event’s “Best Dressed” contest.
One of the three contest judges, Ethan Phillips, said her level of commitment to match her dog was the deciding factor.
“It’s not hard to tell who’s really trying to get the best costume for their dog, like the most extravagant,” Phillips said, adding that two-piece costumes are particularly impressive. “If you get a dog to stay in a two-piece costume, that’s some major points right there.”
Ausberry shared her excitement after having lost last year. Che Che’s tuxedo couldn’t beat the tough competition.
“At the last minute, I was like, you need a little something extra to put us over the top,” she said of this year’s success. “I need to coordinate with you.”
Not only is Che Che chic, but he’s preparing to take on a service role for
Ausberry, who has retinitis pigmentosa. The condition limits the amount she can see in her periphery.
“He’ll be training for at least the next year, because Che Che is obstinate,” Ausberry said.
She said Georgia is a dog-loving community, pointing out the dog park not far from where she stood, and mentioning the uptick in adoptions at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Now, you’ve got this whole big community that extends beyond family to the dog who is now a part of the family,” Ausberry said. “I think it’s important to have events like this, to bring the community [together] because we’re such a divided nation right now.”
Sandra Cabrera, owner of the Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming in Johns Creek, also spoke about dogs becoming more a part of the family. It was her motivation for joining the franchise with her sister Jenny Varon, who owns the location in Milton.
“Nowadays, dogs are very special for everybody,” Cabrera said.
She called attention to many retail stores now allowing dogs of all kinds, not just service dogs.
“They have changed with the times,” Cabrera said. “So, we saw it as a good opportunity for being able to open this franchise and being able to groom dogs.”
The store also offers baked goods, made at the business’ headquarters in Florida, and other supplies like toys. For more information on Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, visit https:// woofgangbakery.com.
PHOTOS BY: AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Dozens of visitors watch on as dogs and their owners grace the stage at Newtown Park’s Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater Sept. 14, judged by Ethan Phillips, Fay Habib and Emberley Robinson
Jenny Varon and her sister Sandra Cabrera, owners of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming locations in Johns Creek and in Milton, speak with a visitor at Johns Creek’s “Pup-A-Palooza” at Newtown Park Sept. 14.
Jewel Ausberry and her shih tzu named Che Che walk across the stage donning pumpkin costumes for the Johns Creek Pup-A-Palooza “Best Dressed” costume contest Sept. 14. They won first place.
Support Local News Join Appen Press Club CHARTER MEMBER
DC Aiken
Big Sky Franchise Team
David & Michelle Bertany
Amour & Duane Carthy
Adam Corder
Barbara Anderson
Kerry Arias
Scott Baynton
Joseph Bell
James Bennett
Carl Abernathy
Salpi Adrouny
Alpharetta Lions Club
Omar Altalib
Dave Altman
Ron Altman
Joel Alvis
American Legion Post 201
Alice & Dr. Richard Appen
Gaye Armstrong
Mary Asbury
Bangkok Boxing LLC
Shannon Banna
Beth Barnes
Janet Bass
Barbara Bauschka
Kathy Beck
Leslie Berry
Tom Billings
Tochie Blan
Ron Boddicker
Jodi Bogen
Sherri Bolles-Rogers
Helen Borland
Debra Bowen
Joe Bowen
Ryan Brainard
Mark Brandus
Mel Brannen
Dorothy Brouhard
Erendira Brumley
Bernhard Burgener
Alvin Burrell
Mike & Theresa Buscher
Mary Busman
Clea Calloway
Kirk Canaday
James Carr
Bridgette Carter
William Cartwright
Frank Catroppa
Pat Check
Virginia Christman
Christopher Cleary
Ann Coaloa
Kim Coggins
Evelyn Collazo
Michael Mackenzie
Robert Flint
Robin Fricton
Allison January
Michael Kenig
Roderick Liptrot
Bob Meyers
Claude Nardy
Ross & Lori Ramsey
Mark Rundle
Kim Truett
MEMBER+
Rita Brown
Mark Casas
David Conti
Theodore Davis III
Maureen Drumm
Charlcie Forehand
Deborah Jackson
Ali Mahbod
Vickie McElroy
Anne Peer
MEMBER
Communications
Coons Rhonda Cude
Christopher Cupit
David Davis
Duane DeBruler
Marilyn DeCusati
Rebecca Donlan
Tom Driscoll
Michael Dudgeon
Jeanette Dummer
DutchCrafters Amish Furniture
Mim Eisenberg
Danny Elkins
Su Ellis
Martha Fasse
Nell & Doug Fernandez
Lee Fleck
Cathy Flynn
Mary Ford
Nanci Foster
Amy Frederick
Kelly Frommer
Carol Fry
Tracey Ganesh
Daniel Gay
John Gibbs
John Gilberto
Leslie Gilliam
Bailey & Ryan Gladysz
Michelle Glotzbach
Harvey Goldberg
Christopher Goodrich
Phyllis Goodrich
Ralph Griffin
Marilee Hamilton
Susan Hanna
Roxanne Hazen
Joe Hirsch
Penn Hodge
Dianne & Steffan Holmquist
Joan Hostetter
Austin Hughes
Lynn Johnson
Tyler Jones
Arthur Kebanli
Laura Keck
Mark Kelly
Randall Kent
Allison Kloster
Dyna Kohler
Larry Krueger
Jess & Chris Kysar
Malinda Lackey
Ken Leffingwell
Carol Lehan
Bonnie Lind
Francia Lindon
Harlan Little
Ross Long
Brenda Lundy
Rita Loventhal
Karen Magill
Kyile Marshall
Julie Martin
Valerie Matthews
William Maxwell
Rachel McCord
Austin McCully
Diane McDonald
Lynn McIntyre
Mike McLoughlin
Jennifer Mendoza
Al Merrill
Chris Miller
Christine Miller
Fred Moeller
Sarah Moen
Carol Morgan
Kathy Morgan
Stu Moring
Leslie Mullis
Donna Murphy
Jack Murphy
Tricia Novarro
Bob O’Brien
Anne Pappas
Lynn Pennington
Jonathan Peters
Kurt & Leslie Phillips
Debra Powell
Joyce Provissiero
Chuck Pugh
Robert Radloff
Raj Rajagopalan
To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
Roger Wise Jr. Colt Whittall
Robert Popp
Kate Seng
Carol Williams
Marilyn Colarossi-Woods
Ashwin Ramaswami
Cheryl Rand
Jean Rearick
Righteous PR
Neil Robertson
Kimberly Robinson
Matt Rohs
Kelly Sarmiento
Stephanie Schniederjan
Robert Scholz
Stephanie Schuette
Susan Searles Tina Shelton Lisa Shippel Joanne Simmons
Simon Cindy Simpson
Singleton Faye Sklar
Judith Slaughter Andy Smith
Gena Spears
Gloria Stathos
Wesley Stewart
Cathryn Stovall
Celeste Strohl
Andy Sumlin
Mike Tasos
Candice Teichert
The Small Business Advisor
Lisa Tilt
Michael Townes
Matthew Tyser
Ollie Wagner
Lewis Walker
Jonathan Washburn
Michael Watson
Herbert Wells
Sally White
Thom White
Michael Weiss
Umpika White
Susan Wilson
Jamie Wimberly
Nancy & Dave Wistrand
Carla
AMERICAN LEGION POST 201
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Local theater company brings spark to new season
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — When Shuler Hensley was growing up in Marietta and attending Westminster Schools in the early 1980s, there were few opportunities for young aspiring actors in Metro Atlanta.
Downtown Atlanta had the Fox Theatre and some private schools with theater programs, but there was nothing like the City Springs Theatre Conservatory’s PrePro Company.
Created after City Springs Theatre Company’s first two performances of its 2018 inaugural season, the Conservancy’s youth training programs prepare aspiring thespians for their first vocal, acting and dance auditions.
Hensley said the area’s young talent always impresses him when he returns from his work on Broadway. Today, there is a musical theater ecosystem in north Metro Atlanta, which simply didn’t exist a generation ago.
“Back in those days, if you had someone who could be a triple threat, which is great dancer, singer and actor all rolled into one person, that was considered extremely rare,” Hensley said. “Now, all these kids are triple threats … the Pre-Pro program is so good at the practical things.”
Like so much in Metro Atlanta, the musical theater industry has grown exponentially since the Tony Awardwinning actor was a kid.
Hensley serves as artistic director of the City Springs Theatre Company. Its seventh season of productions in the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center’s Byers Theatre begins with “The Music Man,” running Sept. 6-22.
Hensley, who directs the musical, tapped Atlanta’s own Billy Harrington to star as Harold Hill and Broadway
colleague Sara Edwards to choreograph.
The 2024-25 season for City Springs Theatre Company also features “Frozen: The Musical” Dec. 13-19; “Ragtime: The Musical” March 14-30; and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” May 2-18.
Hensley’s parents were born in southern Cobb County, and his life has taken cues from each of them.
His father is a former Georgia Tech football star and state senator. His mother, Iris Hensley, is a former ballerina and founder of the Georgia Ballet Professional Company.
“Being in the arts and giving back to the community was really important to her, and I feel like that’s where I found the spark to be that kind of artist,” Hensley said. “Some of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as a performer are working with local kids and talent here in Atlanta.”
With more than 25 years of experience acting on Broadway, Hensley said he is
focused on giving back through his role as artistic director of the local nonprofit — City Springs Theatre Company.
After ditching his baseball scholarship at the University of Georgia, Hensley enrolled at the Manhattan School of Music and began his stage career in the early 1990s.
The move paid off for the 20-year-old Hensley, who now sports a Tony Award, numerous recognitions from national magazines and dozens of acclaimed performances.
His role as Jud Fry in “Oklahoma!” earned him the industry’s triple crown, the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards.
In 2022, Hensley played Marcellus Washburn and starred alongside Hugh Jackman in a Broadway production of “The Music Man.”
“It’s funny, when the Broadway revival was supposed to happen, I had a contract signed in 2019, and we were going to start the next fall,” Hensley said, referencing the two-year shutdown during the pandemic.
“It’s one of those shows our patrons always talk about, there’s a big love of the classics.”
City Springs Theatre Company
Executive Director Natalie DeLancey said that in a survey of audience members, “The Music Man” ranks in the top three of requested productions.
Now, it’s Metro Atlanta’s turn to see Meredith Willson’s Broadway hit and winner of five Tony Awards in 1957, featuring some homegrown talent like Hensley and a few of his Broadway colleagues.
“Our choreographer is a woman who I worked with on the Broadway revival of ‘The Music Man,’’ Hensley said. “If you’re in this business long enough, you come full circle with a lot of people.”
Hensley said he thinks the story is a timeless classic, and his experiences working on the 2022 Broadway production fueled his desire to bring it to local audiences.
Like productions of “Fiddler on the Roof,” Hensley said he thinks “The Music Man” is an industry standard and offers something every audience member can relate to.
“The reason these standards have been around for 70 years is because of the way they were constructed,” he said. “They have a great book, great music and a great story to tell, which is sort of universal.”
Another reason for the musical’s appeal is that everyone who grew up in the theater probably played a role in it growing up, Hensley said.
“I had never really seen a proper production of ‘The Music Man’ prior to the one we did on Broadway,” he said. “That one had been reworked and rewritten to provide more opportunity for our herald, Hugh Jackman, to be on stage.”
Helsey said the script is different from the one on Broadway, but he thinks the change makes the show fresh for audiences.
“To allow your artists to think and create for themselves is what I’m interested in doing,” Hensley said. “What really helps is if you can find things within the story that people are familiar with in their own lives.”
PHOTOS BY: CITY SPRINGS THEATRE COMPANY/PROVIDED
From left, City Springs Theatre Company Artistic Director Shuler Hensley and Executive Director Natalie DeLancey are gearing up for the seventh season of productions at the Byers Theatre.
To submit your announcement visit appenmedia.com/submit
Now Hiring
Conglomerated Host, Ltd is looking for an Accountant to join its team.
Job Description: Corporate office located in Milton, GA has an opening in the Accounting Department. Entry level position with opportunity to advance. Starting pay is $20.00 per hour/approximately 30 hours per week. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel is a plus. How To Apply: Email response to conglomeratedhost@gmail.com or fax to 770-521-0809.
Georgia’s love/hate relationship with deer
As we approach the October to December breeding season for whitetailed deer, it is useful to study the history and current status of this magnificent animal. The peak rut in Fulton County is the second week in November. That is when the behavior of male deer is overtaken by the urge to mate. It is a time when drivers should be particularly aware because deer will cross roads with no regard to their surroundings when bucks are chasing them.
During the breeding season male deer will fight one another to gain the attention of female deer. After mating, females will give birth to one to three fawns next spring.
White-tailed deer are the only deer found in Georgia. Their undersides and tails are white. The tails are held erect when the deer feel threatened.
In addition to being a popular game animal, white-tailed deer help the balance of nature by spreading seeds and controlling certain weeds. They can also be a pain to gardeners even though deer are selective about what they eat because they can reach vegetation up to five feet above ground level. They prefer gardens and landscaping that are fertilized and irrigated because the plants provide more nutrition.
Today there are an estimated 1.1 million white-tailed deer in Georgia. In the late 1800s and early 1900s the once plentiful animal almost disappeared due to land-clearing by farmers and commercial hunting for the deerskin trade.
Deer made a comeback thanks in large part to Arthur Woody a forest ranger with the U. S. Forest Service from 1912 to 1945. Woody is credited with helping to build the Appalachian Trail through Georgia, for introducing rainbow and brown trout and for restoring brook trout in Georgia’s streams and for restoring threatened turkey and black bear populations. Perhaps his most noted accomplishment was saving deer from extinction and reintroducing them through his purchase and release of white-tailed deer from the mountains of North Carolina.
At the turn of the last century there were an estimated 5,000 deer in Georgia. Slowly the deer population recovered.
Charlie Killmaster, State Deer Biologist with the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources says, “The federal
This juvenile button buck fawn shows his “buttons” or pedicles where antlers will erupt. Since just a few spots remain on his body, he is probably about five to six months old. The photo was taken in early November.
Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 played an important role by establishing a program of matching federal grants to the states for wildlife restoration projects.” He notes that the state reopened the hunting season in 1941.
Killmaster said he thinks restoration of white-tailed deer in the Southeast is one of the greatest successes in wildlife management in history.
Deer play an important economic role in Georgia. Deer hunters spend an estimated $1.5 billion every year in the state for travel, hotels, restaurants, hunting license fees and hunting equipment including firearms, ammunition and bows and arrows.
A group of hunters or a hunting club may lease hunting rights from private landowners or timber companies. Nearly 300,000 deer were harvested in Georgia in the 2023-24 season.
There are more than 200,000 deer hunters in Georgia who play an important role helping control the deer population in the state. Without a plan to control the number of deer the population would grow exponentially. Hunters are the dominant predator of deer today unlike in the distant past when Native Americans, mountain lions and red wolves helped keep the population in check.
This female white-tailed deer is tame enough to allow a photograph to be taken fairly close to her. Whitetails are the only deer found in Georgia.
You may find deer in your backyard. The reason is that deer like to congregate in open areas because they are not well suited for a forest environment. They are called an “edge species” because they tend to hang out along the edges of the woods. The most nutritious plants for deer grow in direct sunlight.
Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@ bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
BOB MEYERS
Columnist
PHOTOS BY: BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA
Check out free, in-person gardening classes in Milton
In collaboration with the City of Milton and its Plant!
Milton Initiative, the North Fulton Master Gardeners are offering a series of gardening classes for all gardeners, to be held on Tuesday evenings.
The first meeting, Oct. 1, will be at the Milton Council Chambers at 2006 Heritage Walk in Milton. The Oct. 8 and 15 meetings will be at the Milton City Park and Preserve at 1785 Dinsmore Road.
These classes are free and open to the public. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. We entertain questions and garden topics until 7 p.m., when the classes start. Each session consists of two topics and concludes around 8:30 p.m. Questions and comments from the audience are encouraged. We hope you join us!
OCTOBER 1
“Fabulous Fall Fairy Garden”
The mythical world of fairies is found throughout folklore. A fairy garden is itself a story-telling scene that can include small plants, tiny structures, miniature furniture, rocks, fairies and gnomes. It can be in a container or in a small, cultivated space in your yard. Use your imagination and creativity to create your own fairy garden.
Presenter Marty Thomas has been a Master Gardener since 2018 and a former elementary school teacher who has also taught children’s art classes including fairy garden camps. Marty is a board member of the Johns Creek Beautification Committee
“Pruning Here and Now”
Pruning Guru, Rick Smith, will discuss the critical factors in pruning and fertilizing your shrubs. Rick will also address the benefits and necessity of selecting the proper time of year to prune your plants, shrubs, and trees.
Rick was featured on PBS “Growing a Greener World.” He was also a contributor to WSB 95.5 Ashley Frasca – “Green and Growing.”
OCTOBER 8
“Keeping the Tree in the Ground”
City of Milton Arborist Sandra Dewitt will talk about species choice, placement of trees in your yard and general tree maintenance. If you want trees in your garden and are unsure of what to plant, this is the talk for you. She will also be available to discuss any problem issues you may have with trees in your garden.
“Wild about Wildflowers “
Judy Peacock, a Master Gardener, will
join another Master Gardener and Milton resident Carole MacMullan to talk about wildflowers.
March is one of the best months to enjoy spring wildflowers by taking a hike in the Georgia woods. As soon as the air temperatures increase and soil temperatures warm up, the spring wildflowers emerge from the ground and burst into color. The spring wildflowers take advantage of the available sunlight before the trees leaf out to complete their life cycle, flower and create seeds to ensure their survival for the next year. This presentation will focus the amazing array of spring wildflowers that bloom every March through April on the Shirley Miller Wildflower Walk near Lafayette, Georgia.
OCTOBER 15
“What I Wish I Knew”
Kelly Mogelgaard, Master Gardener, will speak on her 30 years’ experience in gardening and operating a landscaping company. Some of her topics are what to do first, how to select plants and how to enjoy the work and the results of the work. Some of her specific interests include cut flowers and landscape design.
“Gardens of Charm”
North Fulton Master Gardener Sandra Shave will provide glimpses of spectacular local gardens. Sandy will showcase unique landscaping from Master Gardeners’ gardens, with the goal of providing gardeners with ideas and inspiration that they can bring to their own home garden. The class provides an overview of what might be possible and elements of garden design. The class will demonstrate that gardening is as varied as your individual creativity and the fun is in the discovery, the failures and the success.
Sandy graduated from the Master Gardener program in early 2019, having completed the coursework in the spring of 2018. She is a recent transplant to Roswell, moving from Wisconsin in 2014 after retirement to be nearer to her children and most importantly her grandchildren!
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. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columists/garden buzz/.
About the author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Michael Snow, a Milton resident and Master Gardener since 2021. Michael had always been active in “yard work” and growing plants and shrubs. Upon retiring from a career in real property finance, he sought to benefit from an organized source of garden information and became a Master Gardener. He plays golf as often as possible
MICHAEL SNOW Guest Columnist
MARTY THOMAS/PROVIDED
One of many fairy gardens along a trail at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve’s Butterfly Garden.
Fed is ‘Under Pressure’ to make its move
D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist
This week’s “pop” hit is the October 1981 “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie. This could not be truer for our friends with the Federal Reserve as more and more data keep coming in showing that we are moving quickly into recession and that their pipe dream of a soft landing will most likely not happen.
Prices at the pump are now at their lowest levels since February, which is
helping drive inflation down along with unemployment rising and householdnamed companies closing their doors due to slower sales.
They are once again late to the dance and now have placed themselves in a position where they may need to make a .50% cut to the interest rate later this month as opposed to their widely expected .25%. While I believe that a .50% move is certainly warranted, odds are they won’t do it in order to not appear that they are panicking and stay with their “soft landing” approach, which will most likely include two more moves this year totaling .75% by the end of the year (my prediction earlier this year).
They truly need to embrace one of the lines from this week’s “pop” hit… “These are the days it never rains, but it pours…” The “storm” is upon us… They need to move .50% now, which should send rates lower from a mortgage perspective as well as pretty much all borrowing costs in the U.S. The market has already “baked” in a .25% move. So, unless we do get a surprise .50% cut in a few weeks. Don’t count on mortgage rates moving notably lower in the near term. I am still holding to my overall .75% cuts by the end of the year but just maybe we could see a full point cut if inflation continues to fall and unemployment continues to rise. I know we hear that they don’t want to
appear to be “political” in an election year and how it’s “taboo” to make significant cuts prior to the election. But not sure how pulling the economy out of the “ditch” is a bad thing for either side of the aisle.
Remember: You and I are only sometimes right; the market is always right. Have a great day!
D.C. Aiken is vice president, producing production manager for BankSouth Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com.
The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of BankSouth Mortgage or its affiliates.
Friends of Dunwoody Library to host book sale
What better time for a library book sale than when the days are turning cooler? Take this opportunity to stock up on books to get you through the fall and on into the winter. Can you picture yourself snuggled up by the fire with a soft blanket, reading to your heart’s content? Then this sale is for you.
The FODL library sales are a fact of life here in Dunwoody, but unless you are one of the organization’s volunteers or a regular attendee, I predict you’ll find some of these fun facts surprising.
• The most popular genres at the adult sale are fiction—including mysteries, thrillers, romance—history, and cookbooks; and these are also the genres with the largest number of books in the sale.
• Nonfiction genres at the sale include art, religion, history, drama, poetry, science and math, music and show business, travel, health, sports, gardening, and more.
• Also available are reference sets,
puzzles, and DVDs.
• Book donations arrive daily at the library, and the FODL finds their four plastic bins full each morning. Weekends see even more books come in the door.
• Library visitors can purchase books, puzzles, and magazines in the lobby during library hours—on the honor system. These purchases are cash only and require correct change.
• On average, 100 items are sold weekly from the lobby.
• Volunteer hours per week=30.
• Setting up and hosting the adult sale takes 570 volunteer hours—eight days for setup, four days for the sale, and one day to clear the Williams room.
Volunteer: Susan Edmondson
I’ve been frequenting these sales since I moved here in 1999, and in those early years, I had the pleasure of meeting Susan Edmondson. She started volunteering in 1984 and is the FODL’s longest serving volunteer. It’s hard to believe that book sales were
held at the Shops of Dunwoody when she started her volunteer career.
She has long been responsible for the literature, literary fiction, and philosophy genres, and you can most often find her at the library on Tuesdays sorting and organizing the latest donations. One of her favorite FODL memories is from1989 when she took part in the symbolic Book Brigade—a 300-person human chain that moved a sample of books from the Nandina Lane library location to the current building at 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road.
Susan tells me she mainly reads “fiction and more mysteries than anything else… lots of cozies, especially in recent years.” If you’re in search of an author to try, you can’t go wrong with this list of those she particularly enjoys: Linda Castillo, Nevada Barr, Diane Mott Davidson, Rita Mae Brown, J. A. Jance, Margaret Maron, Louise Penny, Kathy Reichs and Karin Slaughter.
I always look forward to seeing Susan’s smiling face at the FODL sales, and I hope to see her this time. If you catch a glimpse of her on your visit, take a moment to stop by and say hello. I know you’ll be greeted with a smile.
• Monday, Sept. 23 - 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Bag Day, fill a grocery bag for $7. Payment: Cash, credit/debit cards accepted
Prices: Hardbacks $2, paperbacks $1; Some books and materials specially priced by value
Happy book hunting and reading! Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her cozy mysteries on Amazon or locally at The Enchanted Forest, Bookmiser, Tall Tales, and Johns Creek Books. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ KathyManosPennAuthor/.
KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist
EDMONDSON THE INK PENN
Sign up for our FREE new resident email series that is designed to help individuals and families who are in the process of relocating or new to Roswell. The newsletter series comprises of seven informative and engaging emails that will be delivered over time to provide new residents valuable insights into the city’s happenings.
Locally Owned and Operated
• Pre-planning
• Funeral Services
• Grief Support
• Veteran Services
• Cremation Services
770-645-1414
info@northsidechapel.com www.northsidechapel.com
During these turbulent times, we would like to highlight the continued courage and commitment of everyone who works in the health care, law enforcement, childcare, food service and utility sectors. We are extremely grateful.
12050 Crabapple Road • Roswell, GA 30075
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, October 3, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, October 28, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
a. CU-24-13 The Tox/210 South Main Street
Consideration of a conditional use to allow ‘Massage Therapy’ for The Tox in an existing building in the Downtown. The Tox provides lymphatic drainage massage services. The property is located at 210 South Main Street, Suite D and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 694, 695 & 696, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
b. Z-24-14/V-24-22 Pinnacle Pg LLC/Karen Drive
Consideration of a rezoning and variances to allow for the construction of 14 ‘ForSale’ single-family detached homes on 2.68 acres in the Downtown. A rezoning is requested from O-I (Office-Institutional) and C-2 (General Commercial) to DTMU (Downtown Mixed-Use). Variances are requested from Unified Development Code (UDC) Appendix A: Alpharetta Downtown Code Subsection 2.3.3(G) to modify local street residential streetscape standards, UDC Appendix A: Alpharetta Downtown Code Subsection 2.4.6(C) to allow a street-facing garage without the required 20’ setback from the front façade of the home, and UDC Subsection 3.2.8(D) to reduce the landscape strip requirement along a new local street. The property is located at 0, 297 & 315 Karen Drive and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 693 & 696, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
c. PH-24-18 Unified Development Code (UDC) Text Amendments – Signs
Consideration of text amendments to Section 2.6 of the Unified Development Code (UDC) to amend regulations pertaining to Signs.
d. PH-24-17 Unified Development Code (UDC) Text Amendments – Short Term Rentals
Consideration of text amendments to Section 1.4 Definitions and Section 2.3 Supplementary Regulations of the Unified Development Code (UDC) to add a definition and regulations pertaining to Short Term Rentals.
Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
CITY OF ROSWELL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLACE: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 215
DATE & TIME: 10 A.M. Thursday, October 3, 2024
PURPOSE: Application for Wholesale, Liquor, Beer & Wine License
APPLICANT: Francisco Arellano / Corella Spirits, LLC
BUSINESS NAME: Corella Spirits
BUSINESS ADDRESS: 11080 Old Roswell Road, Suite 203B, Alpharetta, GA 30009
CITY OF ROSWELL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLACE: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 215
BUSINESS ADDRESS: 2300 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30076
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF ROSWELL GEORGIA
East Roswell Park ITB 24-266-T Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
The City of Roswell, Georgia, (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project:
East Roswell Park <<City of Roswell Project Number 67101>>
Bids for the construction of the Project will be received at the location, date, and time provided for on the City's official bid management and receipt platform, accessed using the City's Designated Website: https://roswellgov.bonfirehub.com/opportunities . The bid opening will be provided via simultaneous Zoom virtual meeting. Zoom information will be provided on the Designated Website.
Randy Knighton City of Roswell
Kurt Wilson City Administrator Notice of Public Hearing Mayor
The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 6:00 PM at Roswell City Hall, Council Chambers, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, Georgia 30075.
1. HPC20243077– 1096 Alpharetta Street
The applicant, Khaim Kalantarov, is requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness for bollards (metal poles) /fence; Land Lot 412.
2. HPC20244060 – 120 Bulloch Avenue
The applicant, Allyson McCarthy/Turco McCarthy Architecture & Design, is requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior renovations; Land Lot 384.
The complete file is available for public view at the Roswell Planning & Zoning Office, 38 Hill Street, Suite G-30, Roswell, Georgia, (770) 817- 6720 or planningandzoning@roswellgov.com. Refer to www.roswellgov.com.
SERVICE DIRECTORY
A/C Repair
A/C, plumbing, service repairs: Toilets, ceiling fans, hot water heaters/faucets, garbage disposal; light fixtures. 678-910-1094
AC/Heating
ATLANTA HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING, INC. 678 605-91592 TON $5500 INSTALLED 3 TON $6000 INSTALLED COMPLETE SYSTEM INCLUDES CONDENSER 410A, FURNACE 80% AFUE, HIGH EFFICIENCY EVAPORATOR, WIFI THERMOSTAT, PAD, OVERFLOW PAN, FILTER RACK. CALL 678 605-9159
Garage Sales
Legacy Estate Sale – Everything goes! Antique furniture, tools, designer women’s clothing, kitchenware, much more. 215 Stepping Stone Drive, Alpharetta, 8-6 September 27 & 8-4 on September 28. Cash, Venmo, PayPal only.
SAVE $12,000! Greenlawn, Roswell. Regularly $7995 each. Selling for $12,000, seller will negotiate. Side-by-side Fountain B. 26-c. 1.2,3.
Arxada, LLC seeks Site Materials/ Supply Chain Manager in Alpharetta, GA (full-time telework permitted) responsible for management and leadership in the effective operation of our Conley order fulfillment as well as management of local/global supply chain initiatives. Salary within the range of $90,709 - $148,000/year. Send resume to junida.smith@arxada.com and reference SMSCM-KAA.
24 ON Physicians PC seeks multiple FT Physician (Alpharetta, GA). Provide medical care to patients in timely manner. Must have MD, DO or foreign equiv degree. Must be board certified or board eligible in Internal Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine. Must possess Illinois Medical License or able to obtain. Subject to periodic transfers to various unanticipated locations in US. Must have legal authority to work in US. EEOE. Resume to: C. Fann, 24 ON Physicians PC, 13000 Deerfield Pkwy, Ste 100, Alpharetta, GA 30004 or cfann@incompasshealth.com. Ref:HospitalistNB26
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protec-tion.
Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936
Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189
Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to re-ceive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971
DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405
Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time
