Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - September 28, 2023

Roswell leads human trafficking crackdown

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police announced three arrests in an investigation into a human trafficking network operating in massage parlors throughout Metro Atlanta.

More than 70 officers and investigators, across Fulton County, served search and arrest warrants at 10 locations in Roswell, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs and Atlanta Sept. 20.

The City of Roswell bolstered efforts to combat human trafficking in May 2022 when the City Council

City designates homes for historic preservation

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta City Council is bolstering its preservation efforts with the addition of two houses to its list of designated historic buildings.

Councilmembers unanimously approved the historic designations of the Gardner House and the Earl Wood House Sept. 25. Councilman Brian Will was absent from the meeting.

The two new structures will raise Alpharetta’s number of designated historic buildings to seven.

The city offers zoning and development; economic; and construction incentives to owners to preserve historic structures on their properties. The City Council added its historic preservation incentives and guidelines to the

Alpharetta Unified Development Code in 2015.

City staff said the Earl Wood House at 531 S. Main St. was likely built around 1919. It was owned by the Wood family, who were listed as one of Milton County’s first settlers by historian Connie Mashburn in “Alpharetta, Milton County – the Early Years.”

Some members of the Wood family held official roles in the city, including former Alpharetta Police Chief Isham Wood and former City Clerk C.M. Wood.

The City Council approved a townhome development on the property in October 2022 with a proposal for the developer to preserve and restore the Earl Wood House.

The Gardner House at 133 Cumming St. was constructed between 1915 and 1930 by

See HOMES, Page 10

strengthened regulation and enforcement measures for massage parlors and spas. Roswell Police Special Investigations Section then began undercover operations at local spas, uncovering connections between

Running miles for charity

See BUSTS, Page 11

Participants take off at the 2023 Mayor’s Corporate Challenge 5K Sept. 21 outside the Alpharetta Branch Library. City officials said 1,200 people registered for the race, hosted by the Rotary Club of Alpharetta to benefit local charities. See story page 7.

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Bus driver terminated after alleged altercation with parent

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

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ROSWELL, Ga. — A Fulton County Schools bus driver has been dismissed after a parent reported a road rage incident Sept. 18 at Elkins Pointe Middle School.

While picking up her child from school around 4:15 p.m., a woman said she was waved forward to the light exiting the school property by a security guard. She reported to Roswell Police that she began to honk at Fulton County school bus to alert the driver that it was close to striking her car.

After pulling forward to accommodate

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.

Burglary reported at Mexican eatery

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police are pursuing a suspect in a burglary Sept. 16 at a Mexican restaurant on Old Milton Parkway.

The restaurant manager reported around 8 a.m. an employee found the front glass door shattered and a large rock on the floor about an hour earlier. Employees also reported an empty register, an iPad, a Samsung tablet, a tip container and complimentary candies missing.

Police valued the total of the missing items at $1,250.

Officers reported observing a suspect breaking the door around 3 a.m. on security footage. The suspect is then seen leaving through the back door with the register and cash from the tip jar.

The suspect is seen returning around

the school bus, the parent said the bus driver began to honk continuously at her. When the woman pulled her car to the side of the road and exited, she told officers the bus continued in her direction, nearly striking her.

After the incident, she alerted the security present in the parking lot. Before security arrived at the scene, the bus exited the property in an unsafe manner, the woman reported.

The parent said she communicated with Fulton County Schools regarding the incident.

She also notified Roswell Police Sept. 19 after encountering the same school bus again at the intersection of Ga. 9

4:30 a.m. and leaving with the two tablets, the report states

Trespass reported at Union Hill Park

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police are pursuing a suspect who allegedly stole a camera and damaged the electrical cage beside the covered pavilion at Union Hill Park.

An Alpharetta park supervisor reported the damage around 11:30 a.m. Sept. 17. Officers reported observing the fence connected to the corner post of the cage housing the electrical mains, was open.

Officers reported the threaded bolt that keeps the fence closed had been removed so the suspect could turn on the pavilion lights. Officers also observed the camera in the corner of the pavilion, which could have faced the cage during the incident, had been removed.

Wallet reported taken at Alpharetta retailer

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A Cumming woman reported Sept. 15 that someone used her debit card to make a fraudulent purchase after stealing her

and Sun Valley Drive. She told officers that the bus driver revved the engine and stared at her before turning in an unsafe manner similar to the maneuver on school property Sept. 18.

Fulton County Schools reviewed the situation as a part of an internal personnel process and terminated the employee driving the bus, according to Chief Communications Officer Brian Noyes.

The bus driver met with school officials before his termination was announced Sept. 26.

Fulton County Schools Police is currently investigating the bus driver, but no charges have been filed.

wallet at HomeGoods on North Point Parkway.

The victim reported her wallet missing after she could not find it while checking out at the store.

While returning to her car to search for her wallet, she received a text to confirm whether she had attempted a $2,224.14 transaction at a Sam’s Club in Alpharetta.

No suspects have been identified.

Alpharetta woman reports shotgun stolen from home

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An Alpharetta woman reported Sept. 15 a shotgun was stolen from her home on Hawkhorn Court.

The victim reported she had moved from the residence in April after a fire and returned Sept. 13. She said she noticed Sept. 15 one of her three shotguns was missing from a soft case that was between boxes in her bedroom, the report states.

She reported contractors had access to her home while she was away, but no suspects have been identified. Officers reported the value of the shotgun at $1,500.

Roswell adopts property tax levy

Bond payments nudge bills higher

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@apenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell City Council finalized adoption of a property tax rate of 4.949 mills at its Sept. 25 meeting.

The vote was unanimous and represents a 10 percent increase in the city’s property tax levy. Revenue from the rate hike will be applied to payments on $180 million in general obligation bonds voters approved in a 2022 referendum. The bonds will fund major improvements in parks and recreation, public safety and to build a parking facility in downtown.

While the city’s operating budget will increase this year, a rise in property values helped reduce the tax rate to fund those day-to-day operations. Roswell’s 2022 tax rate was its lowest in 35 years.

Roswell property owners pay taxes to fund three governing authorities: the city; Fulton County; and Fulton County Schools.

The school district constitutes a little over half the total levy, while Fulton County government accounts for 31 percent and the City of

Roswell’s millage rate amounts to 15 percent, according to data from 2023. For a home with a market value of $450,000 – or $180,000 assessed value – Roswell residents would pay a total property tax of about $5,605. Of the total amount of property tax for the same home, around $890 in taxes would be paid to the city.

Roswell officials stressed that while the City Council determines the tax revenues required to run day-to-day government operations, its obligation to pay off voter-approved bond debt has little flexibility.

Additionally, Roswell residents will likely pay more in property taxes because of a $807 million increase in residential property values and a $233 million increase in commercial property values.

Councilman Mike Palermo expressed his appreciation to the City Council and Mayor Kurt Wilson for “the discipline” to adopt the rollback tax rate for maintenance and operations two years in a row for the first time since 2000.

Homestead exemptions will result in over $6.7 million in savings for Roswell residents, according to Finance Director Georgette McCray.

There was no public comment after McCray presented the new property

See LEVY, Page 8

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

The Roswell City Council invites the Youth Leadership Council to the dais during their meeting Sept. 25.

Fossils, antiques highlight the Autumn Shindig

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — The Autumn Shindig, an annual celebration of Milton Historical Society’s accomplishments, took place Sept. 17, featuring familiar and new activities.

Like last year, the sold-out event was held on Wildberry Creek Farm, a 48-acre Black Angus cattle farm owned by Byron and Laura Foster.

Guests could peruse a pop-up bookstore with local authors and take in an antique car show, while listening to The Heard, an acoustic bluegrass band set up in the area’s gazebo. Kids could play cornhole or go on a hayride. ’Cue Barbecue provided dinner and dessert, and Six Bridges Brewing, the adult beverages.

About an hour into the Sunday afternoon event, Milton Historical Society President Jeff Dufresne made opening remarks to the crowd.

“The Milton Historical Society has had a great harvest this year,” Dufresne said, recognizing the organization’s members, but also anticipating the next day, when the Milton City Council would accept a donation of the McConnell-Chadwick House for preservation.

Last November, Appen Media reported the historic home’s placement on the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s annual list of 10 ‘Places in Peril,’ and the structure’s biggest threats – its physical condition and location along Arnold Mill Road, one of Milton’s busier highways.

Dufresne also described the significance of national Constitution

Day, the same day when framers signed the Constitution in 1787. Color guards from a local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, dressed in colonial attire, presented the colors to commemorate the federal holiday.

The flag presentation was followed by a performance by Kristen Sweitzer, of the Atlanta Opera, who sang “God Bless America.” Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison also read a proclamation recognizing Constitution Day, with Councilwoman Carol Cookerly beside him.

The Sons set up one of a few new booths on the site. Members of a

local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) also shared information about their organization at the Shindig for the first time.

“Our mission is the promotion of patriotism, the promotion of educating our children, as well as American history preservation,” said Debra Kielly, member of DAR’s Patriots of Liberty Chapter.

The group also works with Wreaths Across America for eight local cemeteries, including Pineview in Alpharetta.

New exhibits were inside the area’s

barn. One featured collections of materials, detailing the family histories of local figures William “Billy” S. Bates and Aubrey Morris.

Genevieve Brown, a laboratory scientist for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, also showcased her personal collection of fossils which included whale vertebrae and ear bone. She shared a recent archaeological discovery out of Peru, the biggest whale ever known – the Perucetus colossus.

“It kind of looks like a really fat manatee,” Brown said with excitement.

UGA alumni Hayden Sumlin joins Appen Media staff

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Appen Media Group announced Sept. 18 that Hayden Sumlin will join its staff as a reporter. Sumlin will cover local governments and businesses in Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Roswell. He will report to Carl Appen, director of content and development, and he will be based in Alpharetta.

“It’s always great when we can get someone skilled on board who grew up in the area,” Appen said in a statement. “Hayden is bringing the drive and familiarity we need to dig deeper with that local coverage.”

Sumlin graduated from the University of Georgia Franklin College of Arts and Sciences in December

2022 with a major in philosophy. During his time at UGA, Sumlin took courses exploring analytical philosophy, continental philosophy and political science. After graduating, Sumlin held a newsroom internship with the Marietta Daily Journal.

“I am someone who is passionate about revitalizing American journalism,” Sumlin said. “Although I was not a Grady College student, I hope that my experience writing as an undergraduate and as an intern can translate well at Appen Media.”

To contact Sumlin with news tips or story ideas, email hayden@ appenmedia.com.

Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison, alongside Milton City Councilwoman Carol Cookerly, reads a proclamation to honor national Constitution Day Sept. 17.

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Genevieve Brown, a laboratory scientist for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, showcases her personal collection of fossils Sept. 17.

PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Four runners representing Fiserv and Wellstar warm up with a dance before the 2023 Mayor’s Corporate Challenge 5K Sept. 21 at Brooke Street Park. The evening raised more than $110,000 for charities supported by the Rotary Club of Alpharetta.

Alpharetta sets Wire and Wood lineup

This article is an update to the previous lineup Appen Media ran in July.

Friday acts include the Atlanta Songwriters Round with Eliot Bronson, Matthew Kahler and Connelly Crowe; Bee Taylor; Ben Bostick; Brother Mojo; Funk You; and Hughes Taylor.

Lauren Morrow, Marc Broussard, Mike Kinnebrew, Pasadena, Rissi Palmer, Sans Abri, Sasha Hurtado, Sophie Gault, Soulhound and The Madame Vega will also perform Friday.

Saturday performances include Abe Partridge, followed by the Ansley Stewart Trio, Bri Luv, Cat Ridgeway, Cody Marlowe and the Dead Flowers, Cicada Rhythm, Dusty Roads, Gibson Wilbanks, Joelton Mayfield, John Paul White, Liz Kate and Mildly Aggressive Folk.

Performances on Saturday conclude with The Nashville Songwriters Round with Michael Logen, Emily Earle and Jeff Cohen; Nicolas Edward Williams; Rosey; SUSTO; The Future Babes; The Honky Collective; The New Respects and Walden.

The festival will be preceded by a free kick-off concert on The Plaza at Avalon featuring Lilly Winwood and Joslyn and

Runners round the corner of Thompson Street onto Haynes Bridge Road Sept. 21 at the 2023 Mayor’s Corporate Challenge 5K. Alpharetta officials estimated 1,000 people ran in the charity race.

Runners raise $110,000 in Mayor’s Challenge

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Some 1,000 runners flocked to downtown Alpharetta Sept. 21 for the 26th Mayor’s Corporate Challenge 5K, which raised more than $110,000 for local charities.

The race began outside the Alpharetta Branch Library, where Mayor Jim Gilvin led a crowd of participants running for many of the city’s top employers, including Fiserv, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Datascan and Morgan Stanley.

The 6:30 p.m. kickoff was preceded by an expo and music at Brooke Street Park behind City Hall. Children played in bouncy houses while runners and their teams enjoyed food trucks courtesy of Truck and Tap, Eggroll Boyz and Tacos and Tequila Mexican Grill.

Before the race, Gilvin thanked volunteers, city staff and Alpharetta businesses for sponsoring the event and making it possible.

“We're excited to have you to show off our beautiful city,” he said. “We're excited to have you in our city on a daily basis, so thank you. I'm excited about this, and I just pray that you don't run over me when the race starts because they put me in the front, but I'm the slowest person in the race.”

Runners headed east onto Academy Street and Webb Bridge Road from Park Plaza, south on Westside Parkway and west on Thompson Street before returning to the finish line near City Hall.

Alpharetta drivers took temporary detours and faced lane closures as participants finished before the 7:30 p.m. awards ceremony.

The Mayor’s Corporate Challenge 5K is hosted by the Rotary Club of Alpharetta. Participants registered with corporate teams of five or more, and proceeds will benefit area charities including Stand up for Kids, Drake House, Habitat for Humanity and North Fulton Community Charities.

What: Wire and Wood

When: Fri, Oct 13 - Sat, Oct 14 (with kick-off concert on Thurs, Oct 12)

Where: Downtown Alpharetta/The Plaza at Avalon (Thursday kick-off)

Cost: Free

The Sweet Compression from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 12.

During the festival, Music Match will highlight local musicians at participating businesses downtown in partnership with Wire and Wood.

Roaring Social will host a ticketed Listening Room at 3 p.m. Oct. 14 featuring Angie Aparo. The Listening Room has limited capacity, and all proceeds from the $30 tickets will benefit the Music Match program. Tickets for the Listening Room are available at wireandwoodalpharetta. com.

— Shelby Israel

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

If you go

Appen Media seeks input for city candidate questions

METRO ATLANTA — As election season approaches, Appen Media and the Crier and Herald newspapers plan to offer readers a guide for getting to know the candidates.

In order to offer comprehensive and useful information, the news organization is seeking community input.

What topics do you care most about in local government? What would be a deciding factor for you when choosing an elected official? Is there a particular project you’d like them to take on? Perhaps an ongoing initiative you’d like to see the city execute differently? Help us understand your perspective and we

Levy:

Continued from Page 4

taxes for Roswell residents at a second reading required to approve the ordinance.

In other business Sept. 25, the City Council approved three amendments to the unified development code.

The first addressed the storage of landscaping and contracting equipment in the Parkway Village District. The Department of Community Development took the necessary steps to ensure the storage structures will not be publicly visible, used for sales or put on empty parcels.

The other two amendments to the development code related to the administration and permit procedures for stormwater management. The

can all advance toward a more informed community.

The goal is to have these questions answered as the window opens for early voting. That way you can go to the polls feeling more educated about your pick for city representation.

Those with questions or suggestions for the newsroom should send them to newsroom@appenmedia.com or fill out the form at appenmedia.com/vote.

Advanced voting begins October 16. The deadline to register is October 10.

first of the two passed with a 4-2 vote, with councilmembers Hall and Palermo opposing the measure to make stormwater management the sole responsibility of the Department of Environmental/Public Works.

The final amendment to remove variances in permit procedures for stormwater management passed unanimously. Variances in permit procedures for stormwater management are not allowed in many development codes in Fulton County.

Director of Environmental/ Public Works Brian Watson said these amendments address some of the problems in Roswell’s unified development code and align the city with similar municipalities.

“This sounds like it’s benign, it’s not benign,” Mayor Wilson said. “What we have done historically… has created more problems, more bureaucracy.”

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Milton High School student Joey Poppel speaks with Roswell City Councilman Mike Palermo about stormwater management Sept. 25 at City Hall. Poppel attended the City Council meeting as part of an effort to attain his Citizenship in the Community merit badge required to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Email hack inquiry sparks city interest to launch 2nd probe

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Milton city staff has concluded an investigation into an alleged system security breach. But, Mayor Peyton Jamison, with support from at least two other councilmembers, is considering a closer look.

In an interview at City Hall Sept. 21, Jamison and City Manager Steve Krokoff confirmed that at the heart of the second investigation is City Councilman Rick Mohrig’s election activities. They said the probe likely would be led by an attorney. Parameters of the investigation have yet to be clearly defined.

Earlier this month, Milton city leaders received an Outlook calendar invite from Mohrig’s official city email. Mohrig claimed the Sept. 5 email was not from him and subsequently filed a police report Sept. 14, reiterating his claim, saying his account had been hacked.

The calendar event appeared to be related to Mohrig’s campaign in his bid for re-election to the District 3, Post 2 seat this November. The invite was titled “Strategic Planning Session - Save the Date!,” mirroring event headings created by Milton’s city clerk in 2021. But, it was scheduled for Sept. 7 at the home of two Milton poll workers in the Crooked Creek subdivision which falls within Mohrig’s district. One of the poll workers was assigned to the city’s tabulation team, a group expected to hand-count all ballots at the end of Election Day.

Krokoff said the pair had previously contacted city staff to ask if they could work on a campaign. Though it is legal for poll workers to engage in campaign activities outside of their official roles, he said both have since resigned and have been replaced.

But Krokoff also provided an eyewitness account of the meeting, because he went to Crooked Creek himself at the date and time stated in the

invitation to observe the subdivision’s entrance.

“As mentioned previously, my professional training as a police officer is to act on initial concerns as quietly and unobtrusively as possible, as one might not get the chance later,” Krokoff said in a Sept. 22 email to the City Council. “… Please don’t interpret any of this to be an indictment of the two poll workers. While I don’t know them personally, I understand them to be upstanding, civic-minded citizens.”

Investigation #1

A day after the invite was sent out, Mohrig alleged to Krokoff and the city’s Information Technology director that his email had been hacked and requested an investigation into the matter. Mohrig also dropped off his city-issued tablet for inspection, according to emails obtained through an open records request.

Over the course of two to three work days, the city and its thirdparty network security vendor InterDev concluded there had been no unauthorized access.

In order to create a dummy email, Krokoff said the user would have had to possess unauthorized access to the city’s system.

“It was from [Mohrig’s] email address,” Krokoff said. “It was in his ‘Sent’ folder.”

When asked about the level of certainty as to Mohrig’s authorship of the email, Krokoff said the city’s security team did not have the ability to track the signal sent between the user and Microsoft 365 due to Outlook’s cloud-based system, though there may be a method to do so.

“We just didn’t have any information

at that point leading us to believe that there was anything requiring us to do a further investigation,” Krokoff said.

Appen Media has questioned Mohrig about whether he had organized a campaign meeting involving Milton poll workers.

“I have never attended a meeting specifically for or with poll workers,” Mohrig said in an email. “However, I have participated in campaign meetings.”

He continued: “As confirmed by the city manager and the city attorney, it is essential to note that there are no restrictions on poll workers supporting any candidate. Therefore, any allegations or claims of wrongdoing against me, my campaign team, or my supporters are purely driven by political motives.”

Appen Media reached out to Mohrig again to confirm whether the Sept. 7 meeting in Crooked Creek actually occurred. Citing the police investigation, he declined to comment.

According to emails obtained in an open records request, Mohrig did not respond to the same question from other councilmembers.

While Krokoff observed what appeared to be a meeting while at

the subdivision, he and Jamison said Mohrig still has not confirmed with them if it did take place.

‘The last straw’

Mohrig’s alleged hacking incident has served as the impetus for another, potential, investigation. If enacted, Jamison said it would go beyond the calendar invite and examine the larger election activities associated with Mohrig.

“I believe council has had ongoing concerns with some of the actions, including the hiring of the consultant, and other issues along those lines,” Jamison said. “I believe this was kind of the last straw.”

Appen Media earlier reported that Mohrig sent a number of personal requests to Krokoff to interview the city’s first election consultant, Vernetta Nuriddin, former vice chair of the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections. Nuriddin was fired in August without open council discussion. But, in emails obtained by Appen Media, she admitted to regularly deleting city communications that would have been subject to open records

See PROBE, Page 23

MOHRIG

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Homes:

Continued from Page 1

Sherman Gardner using timber on the property. Gardner’s mother Emiline purchased the land in 1907, and Sherman Gardner served as Alpharetta police chief in the 1940s.

The Gardner family made similar contributions to the city in the early 20th century. W.J. Gardner was the Alpharetta School’s first principal in the early 1900s, and John Gardner worked in the Alpharetta Volunteer Fire Department in the 1950s.

Councilmembers previously approved a single-family home on the property in March with the condition the Gardner House be restored for use as a second home.

Councilman Donald Mitchell expressed his support for the designations and said the city is attempting to restore as much history as it can.

“It’s a real accomplishment for our historic society, and also for us as a city, because our citizens have come to love these homes and love the fact that they prove we have a history here in Alpharetta,” Mitchell said.

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Councilman John Hipes said historic preservation in Alpharetta was “something of an anomaly” five or six years ago, but the city now has an inventory of identified historic buildings reflecting its renewed efforts for preservation.

The inventory lists more than 50 historic structures. Before the Sept. 25 additions, the city designated the R.D. Manning, Lewis Manning and Troy Rucker houses, as well as the Farmhouse Cottage and the Farmhouse Settlement.

Also at the meeting, Mayor Jim Gilvin recognized Clear Springs Missionary Baptist Church ahead of its 165th anniversary on Nov. 19. Gilvin said the church was the first institution to educate African American children in Alpharetta.

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin recognizes the Clear Springs Missionary Baptist Church Sept. 25 at a City Council meeting. The church, which was the first institution to educate African American children in the city, will celebrate its 165th anniversary Nov. 19.

GOOGLE STREET VIEW/PROVIDED

The Earl Wood House at 531 S. Main St., pictured in April, is now one of Alpharetta’s designated historic structures. The City Council approved the designation Sept. 25 at a meeting.

Busts:

Continued from Page 1

several spas engaging in criminal activity.

As the investigation progressed, officers discovered “an extensive human trafficking and prostitution network spanning at least six spa locations thus far,” Roswell Police Chief James Conroy said.

Speaking at a Sept. 22 press conference at Roswell City Hall, Mayor Kurt Wilson thanked Chief Conroy and city staff for more than a year’s work on the investigation.

“This operation was highly coordinated with our sister cities, Fulton County, and was led by the City of Roswell Police Department to bite the head off the snake, hitting 10 places simultaneously,” Mayor Wilson said.

Search warrants were executed at:

• Alpha Massage, 11235 Alpharetta Hwy, Ste. 133, Roswell

• Ease Massage, 1085 Holcomb Bridge Road, Ste. 140, Roswell

• Enjoy Massage, 1580 Holcomb Bridge Road, Ste. 21A, Roswell

• Iris Massage, 880 Holcomb Bridge Road, Ste. B-105, Roswell

• Barefoot Massage, 5920 Roswell Road, Ste. A-113, Sandy Springs

• Rose Massage, 2409 Piedmont Road NE, Ste. B, Atlanta

Chief Conroy said the spas have been temporarily shut down, and Roswell is pursuing the means to keep those in its city permanently closed.

So far, three people have been arrested and charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and labor trafficking: Wei Cheng Hui, 56, of Johns Creek; Yan Lin, 41, of Johns Creek; and Lin Chen, 36, of Rome. All three were called “top targets” of the investigation by Chief Conroy.

“This operation was one of the largest of its kind in the region,” Conroy said. “This marks a significant milestone in our ongoing effort to combat human trafficking at the organizational level.”

The 20 victims of human trafficking associated with the spas “were immediately linked with vital support and resources for their stability and care,” Roswell Police said.

Chief Conroy did not provide any information about the victims except that they were all adult females. Further investigation and prosecution will shed light on how these 20 women were trafficked to Fulton County.

Additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues, Conroy said.

The city’s partnership with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office and “Out of Darkness” –an

OPINION

Roswell police chief, force deserve credit

► PAGE 24

anti-trafficking organization – ensures that victims are properly taken care of, officials said. Alpharetta and Sandy Springs Police departments provided officers to assist in the Sept. 20 busts.

“We cannot do this alone, our officers are great at investigating and arresting people,” Roswell’s Conroy said. “When we have to take care of victims, we have to rely on the District Attorney’s Office and the private organizations to get resources to victims in this case.”

Mayor Wilson attributed the success of the investigation to the hard work of the City Council and the effort to fully fund and staff the city’s police department.

“Not only must we protect the victims of human trafficking, but we must eliminate human trafficking in our community altogether,” Mayor Wilson said.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis echoed Mayor Wilson’s praise of Chief Conroy’s work as “one of the best police chiefs in the state of Georgia.”

“So many cities and so many mayors would like to put their heads in the sand and not acknowledge that this is a problem,” Willis said at the press conference. “It takes courage to do what Mayor Wilson and this City Council has done.”

The presence of officials from Roswell, Fulton County and the Governor’s Office marked a celebration of successful law enforcement partnerships, Willis said.

“We’re at the very beginning of a long road,” she said. “We have to make sure that we are always attacking it [human trafficking] and letting them know that this is not the city, or the place, or the county for this to occur.”

Officials emphasized that human trafficking activities often occur in plain sight, and that the entire community is required to combat it.

“We can longer have willful blindness to this heinous crime,” said Deputy District Attorney Earnelle Winfrey. “They are real people, real women, caught in these massage parlors.”

Winfrey implored residents to say something, if they see something.

“See something, say something is so true,” Mayor Wilson echoed. “Because everyday people go by businesses, and they know something’s not right.”

Hall, DNP, FNP-C Johns Creek

Samantha Lewis, FNP-C Johns

Yianna Manolakis, FNP-C Milton Only Heather Menees, FNP-C Johns Creek Only

Dr. Samantha Benson

Dr. Cheryl McGowan

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson, speaking at a Sept. 22 press conference at City Hall, expresses gratitude to the City Council’s work to strengthen the enforcement and regulation of massage parlors and spas.

Stroll along Blue Stone Road

Roswell Cultural Arts Center takes kids on historic trek

BY ADAM DARBY newsroom@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Cultural Arts Center continued its family series with Diggery Digger’s Rock ‘N Roar Dino Show Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. The interactive children’s show provides young audience members with an educational journey through prehistoric times as they scan fossils, discover dinosaur species, meet colorful dino characters and return a newly hatched baby dinosaur to its mother. Guiding kids along the way is the show’s star and creator, Sean Driscoll playing the bumbling host, Diggery Digger. While Driscoll has been performing the show for years, he is always excited to see how kids interact with his immersive show.

“Dinosaurs are so commonly loved by children…it is an amazing thing that captures our imagination,” Driscoll said. “It’s constant interaction with all [my] shows with video, music, and movement. Along the way, the kids are learning, but they’re problem solving. They’re doing games, puzzles, and movement. That’s the idea behind the show.”

In 2015, Driscoll launched his dino show in schools and libraries before quickly taking it on the road to perform it in larger venues and theater spaces. For most of his life, he has performed for live audiences through various artistic and musical forms. Starting as a classical guitarist in his teens, he quickly found his calling to perform. As he currently performs several different shows centered around kid-friendly

topics like superheroes, outer space and dinosaurs, Driscoll tours around the country to provide children with fun and engaging entertainment that allows them to learn along the way.

“I go all over the country…I do about 150 to 200 shows a year and I’m on the road quite a bit,” Driscoll said. “I’ve always had a passion for science and for fossils, paleontology and archaeology as a kid…This show is what I call an immersive adventure. They start with a problem and the whole audience, and I are on a journey to solve the problem.”

While Driscoll acknowledges that dinosaurs will always draw in children, it’s the impression his shows leave on them that makes it personally satisfying. With humor, puppets, music and animation sprinkled throughout, he hopes his shows inspire children to explore new things and learn more about the world around them.

“There’s a certain part of dinosaurs, as terrifying as they are, that is also endearing. They all have very specific qualities…like humans. So, they probably identify with the differences,” Driscoll said. “It expands and pushes them to find bigger ideas, bigger concepts, and bigger words. Kids want to learn, that’s just a fact. This pushes them to learn more and see things that are bigger in a world that is as magnificent as it is.”

For more information about the Roswell Cultural Arts Center’s upcoming shows, visit www.roswellcac. showare.com. To learn more about Sean Driscoll’s children’s shows or book one of your own, visit his website at www. thestoryship.com.

ADAM DARBY/APPEN MEDIA Sean Driscoll (aka. Diggery Digger) takes children on a journey through the Jurassic period with an interactive dinosaur adventure full of fossils, colorful characters and dancing. Pictured above, Diggery invites a young volunteer on stage to help him scan fossils and discover different dino species.

Brew Moon Festival turns Downtown Alpharetta into dance party

By LUKE GARDNER newsroom@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Hundreds of people partied on Milton Avenue in downtown Alpharetta Sept. 23, as the Brew Moon Festival returned for its 10th year. While dining and dancing under Saturday night’s shimmering half-moon, participants enjoyed various beers, wines and cocktails. Attendees could buy individual tickets or entire tables, which were set up in the street in front of a large stage.

The bi-annual festival is hosted by The Alpharetta Business Association and features musical guests, food vendors and a wide variety of brews. Local Jekyll Brewing Company provided several of its signature brews, including Moon People, Southern Juice, Big Creek, Seven Bridges, Jack Town and Hop Dang Diggity.

Restaurants along Milton Avenue set up pop-up tents outside to sell wines and cocktails, offering anything from Sauvignon Blanc to margaritas.

“It’s a beer night for me,” said Matthew Hawley. “This is my second Brew Moon; my first was about three months ago. It’s fun! I would describe [the music tonight] as good classic dance music”

This year’s musical guest was The Rupert’s Orchestra, a 12-member band originally formed in 1987 to open Atlanta’s Rupert’s Nightclub. Today the band travels to various events across the Southeast performing musical numbers from classic rock and Motown to current hits.

The orchestra began around 7:30 p.m., starting out with classic hits by Earth, Wind, and Fire and Natalie Cole before venturing into more modern bops in the later hours, playing songs by Katie Perry, Daft Punk and Beyoncé.

Besides the local restaurants lining the street, food vendors set up tents and trucks to provide dining options to hungry patrons. Nothing Bundt

Cakes provided their signature mini bundt cakes, while The Latin Stove offered various empanadas, and Auntie Vee’s Kitchen offered mac and cheese, sandwiches and rice bowls.

Others brought snacks from home.

“This is my third or fourth Brew Moon,” said festivalgoer Alex Supinski. “My neighbor is a member of the Alpharetta Business Association. We got a table. It’s awesome; we brought a cooler with a nice charcuterie spread and some desserts.”

A lot of work went into preparing the event, which drew around 2,000 people in June and slightly less on Saturday evening. The Alpharetta Business Association has roughly 30 members volunteer to work the event by manning the beer trailer and ticket tents, helping people purchase entry tickets at either end of the street and ushering people to the right seats.

“People like to support their local community,” said Joe Mraz, chair of the

Brew Moon Volunteer Committee. “It’s a fun event in general with drinks and good music. Downtown Alpharetta has really grown over the last few years. It’s a fun but relaxing environment.”

Alpharetta’s first brewery, Jekyll

Brewing, opened its doors in 2013 and has grown into a brand recognizable by beer connoisseurs across the state.

To learn more about the Brew Moon Festival visit Facebook.com/ BrewMoonFestAlpharetta/.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30, 8 p.m. – Laughter at the Legion

“Married with Laughter” featuring Jeff Norris & Renee DeLorenzo

Tickets available online or at the Clubroom/Bar

Visit www.legion201.org/events for details

FRIDAY, OCT. 6, 8:30 p.m. – The Simply Awesome Band

A Night of Smooth Jazz! Blues! R&B! Oldies and More!

Visit www.legion201.org/events for details

DANCES & DANCE INSTRUCTION

Dances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday Evenings

Line Dance Instruction:

Monday & Friday Mornings; Wednesday Evening

Free Dance Lessons: Thursday Evening

(Donations Accepted for Troops & Veterans Services)

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

Brew Moon Festival takes place in the middle of Milton Avenue.

PHOTOS BY LUKE GARDNER/APPEN MEDIA Attendees enjoy the music of The Rupert’s Orchestra.

Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.

He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.

Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 18 years experience as a Dermatology PA. We are excited to welcome her, as she brings with her experience in general dermatology and cosmetic dermatology.

Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.

Merkel Cell A farewell to Jimmy Buffett

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

Tragically, Jimmy Buffett, the famous singer-songwriter, recently passed away of a skin cancer. It has been reported that he died of Merkel cell carcinoma, a very rare skin cancer, and many patients have been asking me about this cancer since his passing.

The good news is that Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is rare. Only about 3,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, which is in contrast to about 100,000 cases of melanoma diagnosed each year.

Merkel cell carcinoma is named after the “Merkel cell” – a type of cell at the end of nerve endings in our skin and involved in our sense of touch.

Merkel cell carcinoma is likely so rare because Merkel cells themselves are rare, and it’s an odds or numbers game that drives skin cancer in most cases. Most of your skin is made up of keratinocytes – a cell type that stacks on itself, overlaps like bricks and makes up most of your skin. When keratinocytes become cancer, they make basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. In contrast, Merkel cells are scattered near nerve endings in our skin and make up a very small proportion of the cells in the epidermis.

Kathryn

Imagine that sunshine in the form of ultraviolet rays is hitting your skin. Each ray has a chance of causing a mutation in the wrong gene in the cell that the ray of light happens to strike. You have a LOT more keratinocytes than you do Merkel cells, so the chance of a ray of UV light causing cancer in a keratinocyte is much higher than of a ray of light causing a bad mutation in a Merkel cell.

Some people are afraid of Merkel cell carcinoma because the tumor of a Merkel cell carcinoma is often a pink bump on the skin, and people have been trained to notice the brown or black growth of a melanoma but ignore a new pink bump. However, some melanomas are pink instead of brown or black. These pink melanomas are called “amelanotic melanomas”. In the past year, I have seen four cases of amelanotic melanoma

and one Merkel cell carcinoma. We shouldn’t ignore any new or changing bumps regardless of whether they are brown, black, pink, red, or any other color under the Sun. If you’re not sure what the new growth on your body is, have it evaluated by a medical professional. When in doubt, check it out.

From a scientific perspective, perhaps the most interesting feature of Merkel cell carcinoma is the role that a virus plays in its development. Up to 80% of cases are caused at least in part by infection with the Polyomavirus. This virus infects at least fifty percent of children by age ten and almost everyone by age twenty and usually appears to be a benign infection. At the moment, it appears unavoidable to become infected with this virus, and infection usually appears to have no negative consequences. We don’t get “sick” from it, and there’s no reason the average person would ever be tested for it. However, ultraviolet light, a failing immune system and infection with the polyomavirus account for the majority of Merkel cell carcinoma cases. The primary medicines used to treat Merkel cell carcinoma work by stimulating the immune system and making one’s own white blood cells better able to fight both infections and cancers. These “immunotherapy” medicines are a smart strategy given that Merkel cell carcinoma is usually both an infection and a cancer.

Like most cancers, Merkel cell carcinoma often has an excellent prognosis when caught early. The cure rate for Merkel cell carcinoma is higher than 75% when caught at its earliest stage. For the average person, Jimmy Buffett’s passing from Merkel cell carcinoma serves to reinforce the importance of already common behavior: If you have a history of sun exposure and risk factors, receive a regular skin exam; perform self-checks, and have a professional evaluate new or changing growths regardless of what color they are. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If we are conscientious and treat our problems early, we can all enjoy a few more cheeseburgers in this paradise before moving on to the next one.

Dr. Brent Taylor

Filipek, PA-C

PROVIDED

Do I need to re-enroll into my current Medicare Plan for 2024?

which is unlikely).

Here are a few reasons to look at new Medicare insurance plans:

We are on the cusp of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, beginning October 15th and lasting through December 7th, 2023, for 2024 Medicare insurance plans. You soon will receive, if not already, your Annual Notice of Change booklet from your current Medicare insurance carrier informing you of the plan changes for 2024. In addition, you will see many commercials informing you to take action.

With all these sources coming at you, you might be saying to yourself, “Do I need to re-enroll into my current Medicare Plan for 2024?”

Even though the commercials are telling you to take action, the answer to this question is most often, No.

The only times you have to change is if your Medicare Advantage Plan or Stand-Alone Drug Plan is ending. If this were to happen, you would receive notification in the mail from the insurance carrier. The good thing is that there are very few plans ending this year in Atlanta and the surrounding areas.

So, if you like your plan, you can keep it, and it will auto-renew into the new year (unless permanently ending,

• I have started taking new prescription drugs this year.

• I need more dental coverage next year.

• I have new medical conditions that need to be addressed.

• I am interested in the additional benefits that Medicare Advantage plans offer like dental coverage, vision coverage, and over-the-counter drug allowances.

• I just want to know what new Medicare Plan options are coming into the market.

Whatever reason you have for looking into the 2024 Medicare Insurance plan options, we are here to help! We are insurance brokers and represent most of the Medicare insurance companies. Give us a call today to schedule your October or November, no-cost appointment to review your 2024 Medicare insurance coverage.

Remember, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15th, 2023 - December 7th, 2023, so don’t delay in calling and scheduling your appointment with us at (770) 913-6464.

Brought to you by – Jay Looft, Senior Source Medicare

Embracing Hope

Understanding empty nesters’ mental health during Suicide Awareness Month

by - Summit Counseling Center

As Suicide Awareness Month ends, it’s crucial to recognize the hidden struggles faced by empty nesters. This phase, marked by children leaving home, can bring profound emotional challenges. Research shows that empty nesters face higher rates of depression, with studies indicating that up to 20% experience significant symptoms.

Understanding the signs of suicide in older adults is essential:

• Verbal clues: Expressing thoughts of burden and the desire to end life or stating clear intentions of suicide.

• Behavioral clues: Prior suicide attempts or preparations, mood changes indicative of depression, giving away posses-

sions or making final arrangements, and shifts in coping mechanisms like religious interests or substance use. Some actions may indicate a sense of preparation.

• Situational clues: Major life changes, loss of significant relationships, serious illness, fear of becoming a burden, and financial insecurity are risk factors for suicide.

These signs should never be ignored. Early intervention and support are crucial to addressing these challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or reach out to Summit Counseling Center at www.summitcounseling. org for a confidential session. Remember, you’re not alone, and help is just a call away. Together, we can find hope and strength.

Brought

Heart and Vascular Care welcomes Cardiologist Dr. Jigishu Dhabuwala to the practice

Brought

to You byHeart and Vascular Care

With over 10 years of experience treating patients in Cumming, Alpharetta, Buford and beyond, Dr. Jigishu Dhabuwala has joined the physician team at Heart and Vascular Care.

With a passion to provide comprehensive, compassionate, high quality cardiovascular care in metro Atlanta and the surrounding North Georgia communities, Heart and Vascular Care has been a proud leader in the Cardiovascular community for the last 15 years.

Dr. Dhabuwala’s background being board-certified in interventional cardiology and as a member of the American College of Cardiology and The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, allows him to be up to date on state-ofthe-art treatments and cutting-edge technology.

While the practice continues to grow in both size and service lines, Heart and Vascular Care is committed

to maintaining timely communication as well as being sure to nurture sincere patient-to-physician relationships.

“Dr. Dhabuwala had been practicing in the community for the past ten years. He is well-respected by his peers and colleagues, the hospital staff, and his patients and we are excited to have

him onboard,” says Dr. Scott Beach, Medical Director at Heart and Vascular Care.

All Heart and Vascular Care physicians, along with a full team of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals, pride

themselves on providing the best care experience possible for each and every patient we see.

Call us at 678-513-2273 or book an appointment online at www. hvcmd.com to take control of your cardiovascular health today.

DHABUWALA

A few well-placed accessories can bring a wow to your living room

Brought to you by –

Tuscany Fine Furnishings

The living room is the area of the home where we welcome guests or relax after a long day. These rooms vary in size and usually accommodate larger pieces of furniture that often define the layout of the space. The proper selection of sofas, chairs, coffee tables, end tables and consoles are critical to a good design. When you are looking to add those extra finishing touches to your room, remember that accessories and accents will make the difference.

Seasonal accessories are small and can easily be exchanged throughout the year, allowing you to bring a change to your living room without a great expenditure or going through a big renovation.

Coffee tables are usually in the center of the living room, often setting the mood and defining the ambiance, so you

want to embellish them with objects that are eye-catching. A tray with accompanying accessories is a great element to add dimension to your table scape. Large candles make great coffee table centerpieces that will never go out of style. A live orchid is always a nice touch.

Throw pillows are available in so many colors, patterns and textures. Selecting various sizes and shapes in the pillows will create a pleasing visual effect. This is another easy way to update the look of your sofa or chair and bring a splash of life into your space.

If you want an element that really ties a room together then never underestimate the impact of a rug. You can use bold colors and patterns or choose muted tones and textures. The perfect rug will bring warmth to the room and tie all the furniture together.

Decorative shelves are a nice way to showcase your collectables along with

small pieces of artwork. Books can be used to fill in voids rather than dust collecting hanging ivy. The real key to shelf design is not to clutter them, keep things visually placed so you can enjoy all your beautiful treasures.

Lighting is very important for ambience and functionality. Side tables next to your sofas are the perfect places for lamps that will make a dramatic statement in your living room. A floor lamp next to a chair is always welcomed and makes a nice accent. Be creative in your selection of lamps, think of them as objects of art. Don't forget about the overhead lighting, chandeliers that hang over your space are sure to bring style to what may be a vast visual void in the room.

Decorative vases or sculptures are perfect accent pieces to place near a fireplace or on top of a console. The options for accessorizing are limitless. Hunt for them, love what you find and enjoy the

impact they have on your space.

Just a few simple additions can bring big changes to your décor creating a living room that shouts wow!

Riccardo Apreda, Store Manager and an accomplished, award winning interior designer, with Tuscany Fine Furnishings, providing …Lifestyle Driven Design...Furnishings for Every Room in Your Home, 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 315, in Roswell, 770993-0640 ext. 2, Showroom Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 p.m. Sun. 1-5 p.m… See why…26,000 Families Follow and Shop Tuscany on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, WHATSAPP BUSINESS, GOOGLE BUSINESS AND YOUTUBE... Everyday!

Roswell Reads to feature best-selling author Krueger

ROSWELL, Ga. – Roswell Reads, in partnership with Roswell Cultural Arts and Bookmiser, has chosen as its 2023 author selection William Kent Krueger. The New York Times bestselling author of “This Tender Land” and two dozen other works will be in Roswell for a pair of events Sept. 29 and 30.

Krueger who has penned five standalone novels and 19 Cork O’Connor mysteries, will discuss his just-released title, “The River We Remember,” at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. Tickets are $20 and are available online at roswellcac.showare.com/ WilliamKentKrueger, by calling 770594-6232 or at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Additionally, the first 100 ticket holders who order the novel from Bookmiser, 770-509-5611, will receive reserved priority seating.

Krueger’s second local appearance will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, when he will present a master writing class in conversation with George Weinstein, executive director of the Atlanta Writers Club, at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road. Tickets are $13.50 and are available at roswellcac.showare.com/WritingWorkshopwithWilliamKentKrueger, by calling 770-594-6232 or at the

Roswell Cultural Arts Center.

“The River We Remember,” released Sept. 5, is a complex, spellbinding mystery and a masterful portrait of midcentury American life. An unflinching look at the wounds left by the wars we fight abroad and at home. It is a moving exploration of the ways in which we seek to heal and a testament to the enduring power of the stories we tell about home.

Since 2005, Roswell Reads has been promoting the value of reading, literacy and lifelong learning through the shared community-wide experience of reading and discussing a common book. Roswell Reads is a program of Friends of the Roswell Library. For more information, go to RoswellReads.com.

Roswell pumpkin patch to feature new activities

ROSWELL, Ga. — An East Roswell pumpkin patch will open Oct. 2 to feature a variety of new activities for North Fulton families to enjoy this fall.

Fireside s’mores and story times for children will be among weekend offerings at the patch, located at Bridge to Grace Covenant Church on Holcomb Bridge Road. A Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 14 will include face-painting, music, treats and more. A second event on Oct. 29 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. will feature Cricket’s Mobile Petting Zoo.

“This is Bridge to Grace Covenant Church’s 14th annual pumpkin patch,” said co-organizer Amanda Reed. “It’s not only a fundraiser but an annual tradition. We love this opportunity to meet and engage with so many wonderful people and families in our community.”

Many come back to the patch year after year to choose their pumpkins and take family photos in front of the colorful fall-themed photo stations. This year’s offerings have expanded to include:

• A movie night with popcorn Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m., featuring “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “Veggie Tales Does Halloween”

• S’mores by the fire Oct. 6 and Oct. 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• A FIT4MOM stroller exercise class for mothers of young children on Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. RSVP at b2gcc.org.

• A blessing of the animals on Oct. 22 from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• A pet-adoption event on Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the Paw Project of Georgia

• Story times on Sundays at 2 p.m.

KRUEGER

PROVIDED

Northern District announces August Eagle Scouts

The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District (Cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, John’s Creek, Milton) is proud to announce its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Board of Review on August 31,2023, at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.

Rohan Srivatsa, of Troop 27, sponsored by the Johns Creek Christian Church, whose project was the design and construction of three picnic tables at Bell Road Park.

Nikhil Perera, of Troop 1717, sponsored by Cross of Life Lutheran Church, whose project was the design and construction of 15 custom food dollies, installing the dollies in a first-in first-out system to help better organize the pantry and then holding a food drive for the North Fulton County Charites and a food drive collecting 1,185 items.

Om Patel, of Troop 629, sponsored by Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of two custom-built electric wheelchairs for two children in

Activities:

Continued from Page 20

and 4 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

There will also be a chance to see a fire truck up close. A representative of the Roswell Fire Department will be on hand to greet children on Oct. 21 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

“We also appreciate the opportunity to pray for those people who come and share any needs they have,” said Reed. “It is a very special month for our church.”

The patch will be open from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

For a sneak peek and early sales,

need.

Jack Janco, of Troop 431, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of four garden table planters on casters to allow for wheelchair or limited mobility participation in the Giving Garden at Roswell United Methodist Church.

Lakshan C Kumar, of Troop 27, sponsored by the Johns Creek Christian Church, whose project was the design and construction of two benches and the restoration of five existing benches and tables for the North American Shirdi Sai Temple of Atlanta.

Nikolia S. Hagen, of Troop 432, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church, whose project was the renovation of pathways by removal the old, crushed gravel material and installing a paver stone flush to the ground. Efforts also included installation of a drainage pipe with a square water intake for the Saints Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church.

visitors are welcome to come by after 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 1, the day the pumpkins arrive at the church. For more information, visit B2gcc.org.

CARLY ANNE PHOTOGRAPHY/PROVIDED Buzz Lightyear invites local families to join in the fall fun at the Bridge to Grace Covenant Church’s annual pumpkin patch. This year, the patch will open Oct. 2.

October author events celebrate local writers

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

Following a flurry of appearances by nationally acclaimed authors, October’s book events in North Fulton and Forsyth counties focus mostly on local writers.

And few Atlanta-area groups have more of a hyperfocus on hometown talent than A Novel Idea. Since 2015, ANI has supported experienced or emerging local writers by providing professional settings, promotions and book sales for author events.

ANI’s October function – a six-person presentation in Alpharetta – showcases the group’s newest undertaking: A launch initiative in collaboration with the Atlanta Writers Club. AWC members with new or recent releases are welcome to pitch them at one of ANI’s supper club-styled celebrations, where Bookmiser has copies to purchase. Currently held at Alpharetta’s Brimstone Restaurant and Tavern, the evenings start early with attendees dining and end with authors signing.

Thanks to ANI, readers need never stray far from home to hear about new releases from nearby authors.

Details about ANI’s Oct. 24 event and other upcoming book activities include:

Saturday, Oct. 7, Chika Unigwe. The multi-award winner will discuss her April release, "The Middle Daughter.” Noon. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770232.9331. www.read-it-again.com

Saturday, Oct. 7, Carlie Walker. Mix and mingle book launch with the author of “The Takedown.” 2 p.m. Free. Bookmiser, 3822 Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-509-5611. bookmiser. net/book-events.html

Saturday, Oct. 7, Sarah Holley. The professional speaker will weigh in on her new release, "Jesus, the Ultimate Ladies’ Man." 2 p.m. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232.9331. www.read-itagain.com

Thursday, Oct. 12, Fr. Charles L. Blanchard. A conversation with the author of “The Seeds of Self-Destruction or Success.” 5 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com

Saturday, Oct. 14, Rosalind and Maggie Bunn. Book launch for the

mother-daughter duo behind the “All Aboard” series, including “All Aboard, Tennessee!” State trivia and munchies. 11 a.m. Free. Bookmiser, 3822 Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/bookevents.html

Saturday, Oct. 14, Piper Huguley. A meet and greet with the author of “By Her Own Design,” the story of Ann Lowe, a Black woman and granddaughter of slaves who designed and created Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress. Noon. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-7975566. Poeandcompanybookstore. com

Saturday, Oct. 14, MJ Pankey. Pankey will speak about her new title, "Epic of Helinthia.” 2 p.m. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232.9331. www.read-itagain.com

Saturday, Oct. 14, Acworth Book Festival. Presented by Acworth Cultural Arts, the 40-author event will feature many North Fulton and Forsyth writers. 10 a.m. Rosenwald School, 4410 Cherokee St., Acworth. acworthculturalarts.org

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2024 Book Club Preview. An event highlighting Penguin Publishing’s upcom -

ing must-reads, hosted by Atlanta Authors Series and presented by Bookmiser. 2 p.m. Free. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-509-5611. forl.net/ atlanta-authors Saturday, Oct. 21, Laura Elizabeth. The author will sign “All is Now Lost: A Cozy Mystery Rooted in the South Carolina Lowcountry.” 2 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com

Tuesday, Oct. 24, Six Authors’ Book Launch. Presented by A Novel Idea, Dr. Martha Boone, Mark Beaver, Anne Echols, Aishah Hight, Brynn Barineau and Aysha Treadwell will launch new titles during a fun night of dining and discussion. Bookmiser will have copies of their books available to purchase. 7 p.m. Free. Brimstone Restaurant & Tavern, 10595 Old Alabama Road, Alpharetta. 770509-5611. anovelidea.us

Wednesday, Oct. 25, Delilah Dawson. Days before Halloween, Dawson will discuss her new young adult novel, “Midnight at the Houdini,” about a magical hotel. 7 p.m. Free. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Pkwy Suite B500, Johns Creek. 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com

Thursday, Oct. 26, Ken Holden. Bring your dog in costume for photos with the author of the “Maia’s Whimsical Adventures” books. 5 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com.

Sunday, Oct. 29, How to Talk Like Shakespeare Workshop. Amanda Rountree, improv teacher, storyteller, writer and puppeteer, will lead a fun workshop with Shakespearethemed games and exercises to teach adults the difference between “thees” and “thous.” 5:30 p.m. $40. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232.9331. www.read-itagain.com

Coming up:

Tuesday, Nov. 7, “Operation Tailwind: A Marine’s Experience in the Vietnam War.” Celebrating Veterans Day, local author and former Marine Barry Pencek will recall serving as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Free. 6:30 p.m. Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming. 770-781-9840. forsythpl. org/event/8834281

To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@ gmail.com by the 15th.

Local authors George Weinstein and Kim Conrey launch books during a recent A Novel Idea event.

Johns Creek breaks ground on trail connection for park

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek officials broke ground on a trail connection Sept. 22 as part of Phase I of Creekside Park, the 21-acre centerpiece for the city’s anticipated Town Center.

The pedestrian-friendly project, to be completed in December, will connect the path around the pond behind Johns Creek City Hall to Medlock Bridge Road and include a sculpture using steel from the old Rogers Bridge.

The night before, the City Council voted to fund the final costs for Creekside Park, a $35 million project, and will break ground next summer with an expected completion date of late 2025 to mid-2026. The

Probe:

Continued from Page 9

requests. Records also showed that city staff called attention to Nuriddin’s misinterpretation of state election code on multiple occasions.

Krokoff described the subject of the potential investigation as “the totality,” to exceed Mohrig’s claim of being hacked. But he doesn’t know the full scope.

“I don’t know that it begins and ends with Rick,” he said.

Milton’s city charter grants the mayor authority to launch an investigation into the conduct of city affairs, but Jamison opted to solicit

trail connection is largely funded by the Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau.

At the groundbreaking, Mayor John Bradberry expressed his excitement about everything coming together for the 192-acre Johns Creek Town Center.

“We’ve been waiting a long time for us to have a town center,” Bradberry said. “So, it’s on its way. It’s real, and it’s going to be outstanding.”

The Town Center has three legs: Creekside Park, to include a constructed wetland area, terraced seating, an amphitheater and a small playground; Medley, a 43-acre mixed-used development headed by Avalon’s Mark Toro; and Boston Scientific, a medical research and logistics facility.

council support.

According to a Sept. 13 email, Councilwoman Carol Cookerly initiated the request that Krokoff investigate “this situation” following Mohrig’s persistent claim of being hacked, despite the city having concluded the contrary. Cookerly added concerns about city staff resources being “consumed to assist in what seems like a coverup – for whatever reason.”

In a responsive email later that afternoon, Councilwoman Juliette Johnson voiced her “full support” for the investigation.

“This issue was brought to us by Rick, himself,” Johnson wrote. “I would hate to see it fade away without repercussions like has happened with previous problems he has created.”

Taxpayer money

Jamison emphasized the uncertainty of conducting such an investigation because Milton Police are pursuing their own inquiry into Mohrig’s report that his city email account had been hacked.

Jamison said he wanted to wait to see what the police have to say, but also cautioned against wasting city resources.

“As of right now, taxpayer money is a big, big deal,” Jamison said. “City resources are a big, big deal, and I think that is something we need to be very cognizant of if [the council wants] to move forward with [the investigation.]”

Krokoff already expects that legal expenses for this election will more than exhaust the 10 percent contingency allocated within the city’s election budget, reported to be around $102,000.

But that’s not all.

In just the past two weeks, he said the city has had to hire several more poll workers after an internal mock tabulation showed the need for more tabulators. An open mock election is expected to take place before Oct. 16 when early voting begins.

While Krokoff is typically more hands-on with Milton Police matters, he said he’s sitting out this time around because of recent accusations against him, “mostly by people outside of City Hall.”

“The only reason I’m interested in the outcome is so we can close this chapter and move on,” Krokoff said. “If the council wants to do something at that point, they can, but I am keeping very, very far from it.”

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry speaks to a crowd of about two dozen people at the groundbreaking for a Creekside Park trail connection Sept. 22.

Credit where credit is due

I believe in giving credit where its due.

A new reporter joined Appen last week. As part of his training I walked Hayden Sumlin through our local police dashboards.

“This is where you go to find out what is going on.” I pointed out how all cities use the same software, but only Roswell makes the report available on demand.

Every other city makes you jump through hoops to find out what happened next door. Some cities, like Sandy Springs, will even try to hide it all together.

Roswell makes it all available to the public, 24/7, without having to file any requests. You just type in the address and it will tell you what happened. I reiterate – this is the same software used by Sandy Springs, Johns Creek and Alpharetta. Roswell, and likely Chief Conroy, are just the only ones who turned on the “make it easy for the public” button. They are aware that when it comes to physical safety, most folks don’t want to wait a week (or longer) for an answer.

There are times when a situation is particularly sensitive, though, and you have to ask the agency for more information. Enter Tim Lupo.

When I introduced Hayden to Officer Tim Lupo, I said he was a fantastic Police Information Officer and Hayden could go to him for anything related to public safety. I stand by it so much I think it’s worth publishing in this column.

Today Appen and Roswell Police have the relationship all cities should have with their local newsrooms.

Officer Lupo and his team are always fast to respond with information

we need to go cover a story.

They also bring our reporters in, enabling us to tell the real stories behind the badge.

In 2021 when a longtime murderer was brought to justice, Reporter Chamian Cruz dove deeper, interviewing the detectives who made it happen. She told the full story, one I argue is important for the public to know. Not just the arrest and mugshot, but the faces of the police personnel who had pursued the case for decades.

The relationship goes both ways. Last year when Roswell police were looking for a fugitive, they asked us

to spread the word with our media partners up the East Coast. You better believe I sent it along to my whole contact list.

Last year, reporter Delaney Tarr noticed a string of suspicious arrests going on at area spas and asked Roswell police officials about it. We’re working on a big investigation, they said. Why don’t you come in, hear all about it and then we’ll keep you updated with our progress. It’s something most agencies say, but Roswell actually meant it. Fast forward to last week and Hayden brought it home, reporting a massive labor and sex trafficking bust spearheaded by Roswell police.

I don’t know Chief Conroy well. But I work with his staff and I see how the department operates.

So last week when Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said that Chief Conroy was one of the best police leaders in the state, I thought to myself, you know what, she might be right.

I am not writing this column because the Roswell Police Department just took down, in the chief’s words, “an extensive human trafficking and prostitution network,” executing 10 raids with 70 law enforcement personnel to cap a year-long investigation. But I want to give credit where credit is due.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Roswell Police Chief James Conroy discusses the details of an investigation into human trafficking at local spas during a press conference Sept. 20 at City Hall.

Community

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PRESERVING THE PAST

The Lebanon community, a wee bit of lost history

and Houze Road. The first log cabin church and cemetery were built the following year on Houze Road. Circa 1840, the church built a clapboard sanctuary at the Ga. 9/Holcomb Bridge junction. In 1994, the city paid $1.8 million for the church property when the congregation was making plans to move to a new location on Crabapple Road.

BOB MEYERS

Trying to research the history of the Lebanon community in North Fulton is a little like trying to research Glocca Morra, the mystical Irish village hidden from view in the Finian’s Rainbow 1947 Broadway play and 1968 movie. We know that the Lebanon we are discussing today was real, but it left few traces of its existence. It is known that it was an important commercial community in the early 1800s centered around Vickery Creek (today’s Big Creek) on today’s Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell and that early settlers depended on Lebanon for goods and services. We also know that Lebanon was at some point absorbed into Roswell most likely circa 1932 when Milton County and Roswell merged into Fulton County.

First, a little history. In 1828, gold was discovered in Dahlonega which attracted settlers, prospectors and merchants to the area. In the gold lottery which began in October 1832 and ended in May 1833, the State of Georgia distributed lands to eligible white residents. In December 1832, the huge Cherokee County was divided into 10 smaller counties. One of them was Cobb County which included Roswell, Lebanon and the surrounding area. These developments interested pioneers such as businessman Roswell King. In May 1838, he bought land to establish a textile mill that was incorporated in 1839 as the Roswell Manufacturing Company. The company was very successful. He offered home sites and investment opportunities to his friends and associates from coastal Georgia. King and his friends constructed impressive homes for themselves, cottages and apartments for mill workers, and a school for children.

The city of Roswell’s growth has been well documented over the years, but not nearly as much is known about Lebanon, even though it was a thriving crossroads community that predated Roswell and was quite large. It extended roughly from where Big Creek goes under Holcomb Bridge Road near Ga. 400 to Ga. 9 and then north for more than a mile.

The centerpiece of the community was a general store operated by brothers Clark Howell (1811-1882) and Archibald Howell (1814-1903). The store provided credit to some 300 families in the Roswell area including Roswell King. Lebanon was selected for

a U.S. Post Office in 1833, a few months after Alpharetta’s post office was opened and before Roswell obtained its post office.

In 1858 the Lebanon postal designation was changed to Alpharetta after the area became Milton County the previous year, perhaps a sign that Alpharetta and Roswell would become the dominant communities.

Near the Lebanon post office was a cotton gin owned by Robert Thompson, great-great grandfather of Aubrey Morris, celebrated reporter for many years with the Atlanta Journal and WSB radio who was born in Lebanon.

Lebanon also boasted a grist mill, sawmill, tannery and blacksmith shop. A bridge at Big Creek burned down in 1909, according to Linda Mansell Martin whose book, “The Great Generation of Mansell’s of North Georgia,” chronicles the history of the family.

There was also a great deal of activity at the other end of the Lebanon community where today’s Ga. 9 and Holcomb Bridge Road intersect. At the corner, perched on a hill was the Lebanon Baptist Church. The church was organized in 1836 by Amariah Hembree who lived near Hembree Road

In 1998, a controversy arose about the church property’s future, which by then was in the center of a thriving commercial district. A citizens group wanted to refurbish the church to create “an oasis of beauty” in the midst of commercial development. Aubrey Morris was quoted in the Atlanta Constitution as saying “It’s absolutely essential to save this church and establish it as an historic park…It is the bedrock of Roswell history. It would be sad if dollars carry more weight than history.”

The city maintained that the land was too valuable and sold the property, illustrating the age-old struggle between historic preservation and economic development. In 1996, the church purchased 28 acres on Crabapple Road which is its current home.

Ga. 9 north of Holcomb Bridge Road developed into significant farms and related businesses largely thanks to Robert Henry Mansell (1873-1950) who owned a 700-acre farm between the Holcomb Bridge/Ga. 9 intersection and Houze Road. Around 1948, Robert and his wife Maude Dorris Mansell (1883-1977) divided the land among their children who operated farms and various businesses along Ga. 9, including Sun Valley Beach Park founded by Joe Mansell (1906-1997). The Mansell Brothers Feeds store was operated by brothers Walton (19121990)-and CB (1916-2004) Mansell at Ga. 9 and Houze Road. They also owned Egg Acres across the street. Linda M. Martin notes that Robert H. Mansell, his son-in-law Jason Henry Matthews (1894-1983) and brother James Howell Mansell (1877-1970) owned the Lebanon Cotton Gin and Lumber Company at the “Lebanon Curve” where Houze Road joins H-9.

Online references to these businesses and farms frequently identified them as being in Lebanon even in the 1950s and 1960s.

Like the fabled Glocca Morra, Lebanon does not exist anymore, or does it?

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.

Columnist

PHOTOS BY MANSELL FAMILY/PROVIDED

The Mansell brothers, from left, Joe, Earl, Walton and CB at the funeral of their father Robert Henry Mansell in May 1950. Joe, Walon, and CB operated businesses along Ga. 9 in the Lebanon community, now Roswell. Earl preferred to be a farmer.

The Mansell Brothers Feeds store and mill on Ga. 9 and Houze Road in the Lebanon community was operated by Walton and CB Mansell who also owned Eggs Acres across the street which operated for many years. This picture was taken in the 1950s when the area was still called Lebanon even though it was in the city of Roswell.

Thinking about fall planting? Consider gardenias.

When you think of fall planting, you might ask, “What is my favorite shrub?” Without hesitation, I would answer: gardenias, with hydrangeas as a close second. I love any plant that flowers, but why gardenias?

Gardenias have five traits many gardeners are looking for:

• They are evergreens, meaning they do not lose their leaves in the winter. This is a plus when the shrub can be seen from the road.

• They produce white, fragrant flowers.

• They come in three sizes.

• They are deer-resistant and suffer from few, if any diseases.

• Most varieties will grow in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. Caution: make sure you read the plant tag and purchase only plants that are cold hardy for zone 7.

When I was a child growing up in Pennsylvania, my dad would give my sister and me a corsage every Easter to wear with our new Easter outfit. My favorite corsage flower was always the gardenia because of its enticing smell. As a child, I assumed they came from some exotic foreign location since they did not grow in any Pennsylvania gardens. What a pleasant surprise when I moved to Georgia and found that I could plant them in my garden! Most gardenias thrive in planting zones 7-10b, but some species, are not as cold hardy, and are suggested for zones 8-11. Most of North Fulton County is in zone 7b, and the rest of Fulton County in zones 7b and 8a. A word of caution: Recently some horticulturalists based on global warming concerns and increasing seasonal temperatures, have identified North Fulton County as zone 8a. The reason I add caution to this change in the planting zone of our area to zone 8 is our unpredictable winters.

Last winter and spring are a good example. The winter was exceptionally mild, but do you remember December 23 and December 24, 2022? On December 23, the temperatures in North Fulton County reached a low of 8 degrees, and the following night a record low of 6 degrees! The combination of these two nights of extreme, cold weather took its toll on many of our favorite landscape shrubs, especially shrubs designated for planting zone 8!

Now fast forward to March 2023 — more bad weather news for Georgia

gardeners and farmers. The beginning of March was glorious and many of the spring flowering, fruit and ornamental trees as well as bushes bloomed earlier than expected. Then the unexpected happened! Two nights of devasting, below-freezing weather. On March 20, 2023, the temperature dropped to 24 degrees! It is estimated that 95% of the Georgia peach crop was lost. In response, the federal government recognized the financial loss to Georgia farmers and declared a natural disaster in 18 Georgia counties!

Home gardeners soon determined a large number of azaleas, lorepetalum, hydrangeas, camellias and gardenias suffered the consequences of the combination of the December record lows and the March freeze. With the increased temperatures in March 2023, the dormant perennials and shrubs were enticed out of their winter sleep and they began to form new leaves. All of the fragile, new leaves died as well as many of the older leaves. All of my hydrangeas that had just begun to form their leaves suffered the consequences of the two nights of freezing March temperatures. Thankfully, my hostas were still in dormancy and new leaves had not yet formed. Many of my friends and fellow Master Gardeners lost some of their landscaping plants. My daughter planted two shrubs in her yard in October of 2022, and both died. Personally, I am glad I followed the “wait and see “policy because I am happy to report most of the plants I declared dead in March miraculously recovered and started again to form new leaves and new growth by May.

Back to my favorite plants, gardenias. If you need to plant a new shrub and have a partially sunny location, gardenias might be the right choice. Begin by determining where you need to add or replace a shrub. Because gardenias come in three sizes, they can be used in a variety of locations.

The smallest variety, called Gardenia radicans, will grow no taller or wider than 3 to 4 feet. Radicans have a 2-inch, double, white flower that blooms throughout May and again in August and will fill your yard with a lovely fragrance.

Another variety that I highly suggest is Gardenia jasminoides “Frostproof.” This variety is the most cold-tolerant of the gardenias and will survive in planting zone 7, whereas some varieties of gardenias are less cold hardy and are suggested for zone 8-10. “Frostproof” gardenias grow

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Carole MacMullan, a master gardener and a Milton resident. She taught biology for 35 years in the Pittsburgh area. In 2012 after moving to Milton, Carole completed the Master Gardener training program and joined the North Fulton Master Gardeners and the Milton Garden Club. Carole uses her teaching skills to create a variety of presentations on gardening topics for the NFMG Lecture Series and Speakers Bureau. She also volunteers weekly at the Assistance League of Atlanta (ALA) thrift store and acts as chair of their Links to Education scholarship program. Her favorite hobbies are gardening, hiking, biking, and reading.

Top left: Three different sizes of gardeniaradicans, ‘Frostproof’, and ‘August Beauty’

Top right: Gardenia jasminoides ‘August Moon’ with 3-inch, double-petaled flower

Bottom left: Double flower-Gardenia jasminoides radicans-2-inch, double flower

Bottom right: Photo 2-Gardenia flower-single petaled flower

up to 4-5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide and are considered medium-sized gardenias. In addition, they have an eye appealing, 2–3-inch, double flower that blooms in May and early June with sporadic, recurring blooms throughout the summer and early Fall.

If you have a location for one of the tallest varieties of gardenia, I suggest Gardenia jasminoides “August Beauty.” At maturity, they will grow 4 to 6 feet tall and will draw your attention with their explosion of 3-inch, white, double-petalled flowers that bloom in May or early June.

Here is another suggestion that I discovered on a recent visit to a garden center, Gardenia hybrid “Leefiv”’ with the common name Diamond Spire. This newly introduced medium-height hybrid has a narrow upright form which is desirable in many locations. It will grow at maturity to 3 to 4 feet tall and a compact 3 feet wide, grows in zone 7-10 and is a rebloomer. Its single, white flowers bloom in May, take a break and bloom again in August and early September.

Although the plant tags indicate that gardenias will grow in sun in Georgia, they prefer partial sun. Avoid full sun because they will suffer in the long, hot summer months and their leaves will show signs of stress and lose their lustrous, green color. Shady locations are also to be avoided since they will not flower and possibly

Learn more

• https://www.gardenia.net/plant/ gardenia

• http://www.southernliving.com/ garden/southern-gardening-gardenia

• Emily Jones, “Amid peach crisis, Georgia citrus farms pass winter test”, Atlanta Journal Constitution, August 26, 2023. Page A10.

• Walter Reeves, “Hardiness Zones - Which one are we in?” https:// www.walterreeves.com/landscaping/ hardiness-zones-which-one-are-wein/#:~:text=Georgia%20was

die. For maximum growth, make sure you test the pH of the soil before you plant a gardenia. Gardenias as well as azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias prefer acidic soil, with a pH between 5 and 6. I would also suggest fertilizing gardenias with an acidic fertilizer in the spring after the blossoms die and the spring blooming season is complete.

Happy Fall planting!

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/columnists/garden_buzz/.

CAROLE MACMULLAN

Guest Columnist

PHOTOS BY CAROLE MACMULLAN/PROVIDED

NOTICE

CITY OF ROSWELL PUBLIC HEARING

PLACE

ROSWELL CITY HALL

38 HILL STREET, SUITE 215

DATE & TIME

Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 10:00 A.M.

PURPOSE

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

APPLICANT

Justin Frederick Karam

BUSINESS NAME

Capital Kabob of Roswell LLC

BUSINESS ADDRESS

964 Alpharetta St. Roswell, GA 30075

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following items will be considered by the City Council on Monday, October 16, 2023 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. PH-23-16 City of Alpharetta Capital Improvement Element (CIE) Consideration of a resolution adopting the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Improvement Element and Annual Report.

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.

DEATH NOTICES

George Brink, 70, of Roswell, passed away on September 10, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Michelle Campbell, 51, of Alpharetta, passed away on September 17, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Albert Cunningham, 68, of Roswell, passed away on September 13, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

James Dwiggins, 88, of Roswell, passed away on September 16, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA

PUBLIC NOTICE

PH-23-AB-22

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: 847 3822 4372

Dial In: +1 646 558 8656 US

October 2, 2023 at 2:00 P.M.

PURPOSE

Eating Establishment

Consumption on Premises

Distilled Spirits, Beer, Wine & Sunday Sales

APPLICANT

Connor Diner, Inc.

d/b/a Connors Steak and Seafood 5045 Windward Parkway

Alpharetta, GA 30004

Owner Connor Diner, Inc.

Registered Agent

Michael Sard

Burton Hammond, 94, of Alpharetta, passed away on September 8, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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CITY OF ROSWELL NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION

The General Election and the Special Election to be held in conjunction with the General Election of the City of Roswell as set forth in O.C.G.A. § 21-2-9 will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 for the election for City Council positions namely: Posts One, Two, Three, the unexpired term of post Four (Special Election) and Chief Judge of Municipal Court.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on November 7, 2023. Electors will vote in the same polling place as they do for the county, state and federal elections. Your polling place is shown on the voter’s registration card furnished by Fulton County.

Advanced voting locations in Roswell are: Roswell Library, 115 Norcross Street and East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road and dates and times for advanced voting are:

Monday, October 16, 2023 through Friday, November 3, 2023 from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Saturday, October 21, 2023 and October 28, 2023 from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Sunday, October 22, 2023 and October 29, 2023 from 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

The final registration date for a citizen of Roswell to vote in this election is Monday, October 10, 2023.

Randy G. Knighton City Administrator

See solution Page 31

Kurt M.Wilson Mayor

The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday, October 19, 2023 commencing at 3:00 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. PH-23-17 Earl Wood House – Certificate of Appropriateness

Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness to allow for restoration, building addition, and residential accessory structures for the Earl Wood House. The property is located at 531 State Highway 9 and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 645, 1 st District, 2 nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

b. PH-23-19 Gardner House – Certificate of Appropriateness

Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness to allow for restoration, building addition, and residential accessory structures for the Gardner House. The property is located at 133 Cumming Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 1253 & 1254, 2 nd District, 2 nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta,

Full-time

DISPATCH CONTROL CENTER MANAGER

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Tree Services

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.

VETERINARY TECHNICIANS & ASSISTANTS:

Dunwoody Animal Medical Center is hiring! Send resume to office@dunwoodyamc.com

Financial Analyst (Alpharetta, GA)

Collect, process, & analyze underlying portfolio data generated externally or by various internal divisions of the company. Reqs: BSc. deg. in Finance, Business Admin., or closely rel. field. Must have undergrad. level coursework in: Alternative Investments; Derivative Securities & Risk Management; Financial Modeling. Mail resume: Tracy Ryan, Balbec Capital, LP, 10000 Avalon Blvd., Ste. 550, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

IT Manager (Alpharetta, GA)

Manage daily functions of assigned areas, identify enhancement opportunities for all areas of resp., & analyze resource reqs. of the dept. & dev. recommendations for staffing levels w/ supp. justification docs. Reqs: MSc. deg. in Computer Sci., Info. Sys. Security, Computer Engr. or closely rel. field & 2 yrs. of exp. in the job offered, Desktop Supp. Specialist or closely rel. pos. Concurrent exp. must incl. 2 yrs. of exp. w/ Office 365, VMware, IT Vendor Mgmt., ZScaler & Cyber Security. Mail resume: Tracy Ryan, Balbec Capital, LP, 10000 Avalon Blvd., Ste. 550, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

Sawnee EMC is seeking a Dispatch Control Center Manager to manage dispatch staff, utility construction, and service personnel activities. Required: High school graduate or equivalent. Minimum of ten years of experience in electric utility work, including seven years’ experience in utility distribution system line operations. Preferred experience with dispatching and scheduling, strong computer skills, map reading knowledge of line feed direction, communication, and management skills. Position requires frequent contact with the public and deadline pressures. Requires flexibility for overtime, irregular work hours, including evenings and weekends shifts for a 24/7 department.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, October 6, 2023. Apply online: www.sawnee.com/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.

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

Part-time

MATH TUTORS

Give Back! Perfect for retirees! Mathnasium of Johns Creek. 404-388-8701

GENERAL STORE DUTIES & FRAMING PRODUCTION for Custom Frame Shop. Experience s preferred but not required. Flexible Part-time hours, can lead to Full-time. Call Maria 770-667-2112

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

Home Improvement

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

AAPPEN PRESSCLU B

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

Roofing

ROOF LEAKING?

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

Driveway

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

Flooring

PHILLIPS FLOORING

Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen back-splashes. Regrouting is also available.

Call 678-887-1868 for free estimate.

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.

Cemetery

GREENLAWN ROSWELL:

2 plots on picturesque lakeview hillside. Market price, $9000 each. Bargain priced at $6000 each! 770-475-7307

Deadline to place a Classified ad is Thursday at 4 pm

LOST CAT, missing since Aug. 6. Rory, 4 y/o solid

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

Health & Fitness

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00.

100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos

Español

Dental Insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real in-surance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www. dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Attention oxygen therapy users!

Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877929-9587

Miscellaneous

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever!

LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

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

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

1-800-245-0398

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

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

Become a published author.

We want to read your book!

Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide

1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24.

1-866-479-1516

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

1-855-417-1306

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

1-888-489-3936

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

1-833-758-3892

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

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

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405

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

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

Leading smart home provider Vivint Smart Home has an offer just for you. Call 833-427-0530 to get a professionally installed home security system with $0 activation.