Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - October 5, 2023

Noted vocal ensembles stage Roswell concert

By LUKE GARDNER newsroom@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Atlanta Vocal Project and the FRED quartet took the stage at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center Sept. 30 for their “Hot Time in the City” show.

The groups captivated the audience with their a cappella singing, a love letter to the days of the iconic barbershop quartet.

“The show is family-friendly music that spans genres focusing on barbershop style, from 1920s and earlier to modern Broadway and classic rock, to ’60s and ’70s pop,” said Atlanta Vocal Project President Zack Dunda. “Some of the songs are ballads, beautiful and emotional, while some are upbeat and fun songs people recognize.”

The show began with the Atlanta Vocal Project, a chorus of 35 men who create a four-part a cappella harmony. Founded in 2005, the group has members ranging from high school age to 88 years old.

Stormwater chief: Management plan has saved Roswell residents money

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Stormwater Division announced Sept. 26 it is six months away from completing its five-year goal of inspecting all the estimated 3,200 cross drains beneath public roadways.

A cross drain is a pipe running below roads to help funnel stormwater into waterways.

The intent of the program is to complete inspection of every cross drain over a five-year period. Stormwater Utility Manager Adam Lyon said the project is on pace to be completed

within the five-year target.

“Often, the first time we know a pipe has failed is when something on the surface is caving in,” Lyon said in a statement. “When this happens under roadways, it can be pretty catastrophic.”

Lyon reported 3,065, or 93 percent, of the stormwater pipes and drains had been inspected as of Oct. 2.

“We got all the ones that could be done with one or two people,” Lyon said. “All of the pipes left to inspect are in areas where maybe the

See PLAN, Page 22

The choir performed traditional music styles and some modern songs with a little humor sprinkled throughout. Attendees were also treated to the arrangements of the Perimeter Sound Quartet and Front Page News, both quartets made up of Atlanta Vocal Project members.

“Hearing close a cappella done at such a high level is not something to find easily around the Southeast,” Dunda said. “What we do is unique to our style of music. It has

See QUARTET, Page 22

Alpharetta schedules public forum to discuss short-term rental issue

► PAGE 8

CITY OF ROSWELL/PROVIDED

The cross drain robot used to inspect stormwater pipes and drains across the city sits ready for deployment. Roswell Stormwater Utility Manager Adam Lyon expects roadway inspections to be complete by spring 2024.

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Thief takes new phone from parked vehicle

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A Johns Creek woman reported Sept. 24 someone stole a new smartphone from her vehicle while she was shopping at Costco on Jordan Court.

The victim reported closing her car doors and windows and entering the store around 3 p.m. She said her vehicle usually locks automatically, so she did not manually lock the doors.

The victim said she thinks the automatic locking system did not activate, and the vehicle was left unlocked, the report states. When she returned to her vehicle around 4 p.m., a new Samsung Galaxy she had just purchased was missing from the top of her center console.

Officers reported observing no damage and no signs of forced entry on the vehicle.

No suspects have been identified.

Police respond to caller contemplating self-harm

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police were dispatched to Leita Thompson Park on Woodstock Road after a woman called a crisis line and spoke with an operator.

The woman claimed she was having suicidal thoughts and may have stabbed herself at the park.

The female said she was with her fiancé before disconnecting the call with the crisis line.

The crisis line contacted Roswell Police when the female stopped answering phone calls.

Two officers were in the park on patrol and attempted to search for the female and her fiancé.

The two Roswell officers contacted multiple people in the park, but nobody had seen the woman, her fiancé or anything out of the ordinary.

Police were able to contact the fiancé who said he and the woman had returned home after being at the park earlier in the day.

A police sergeant visited the couple’s home near the park to conduct a welfare check.

The woman said she had already spoken with her mental healthcare provider and made plans to seek treatment.

Officers determined she was no longer in need of assistance.

Police arrest 18-year-old for laying drag, fleeing

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police arrested an 18-year-old Alpharetta woman Sept. 24 who was allegedly doing donuts in the HP parking lot around 1:30 a.m.

Officers on business patrol at Fiserv on Westside Parkway reported hearing screeching tires and revving engines in the area. Officers then relocated to the HP parking lot and observed a white cloud of smoke toward the south end of the lot.

Officers reported observing a white BMW “actively doing donuts” and a person who appeared to be filming the vehicle. When officers activated their emergency lights, the suspect vehicle drove toward Westside Parkway, the report states.

The suspect reportedly tried to exit the parking lot on a roadway leading to Westside Parkway, but she crashed. Officers observed the front right wheel was bent, and it appeared the suspect had lost control, spun around and struck the curb and a light pole, the report states.

The suspect was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving, laying

drag and fleeing or attempting to elude.

She was transported to the North Fulton County Jail following her release from the hospital.

Roswell woman tricked by phony sheriff’s deputy

ROSWELL, Ga. — An officer from the Roswell Police Department responded to a resident’s call about a theft Sept. 28.

The female victim explained that she had received a call earlier from an unknown male claiming to be with the Futon County Sheriff’s Office.

The man, identifying himself as Lt. Jason Little, said the woman had missed her jury summons and owed around $2,000. The victim stated she could only pay $400.

She was then directed to purchase an Apple gift card to pay the fee. The caller said deputies would bring her paperwork.

After speaking with an officer, the victim requested to press charges.

Two suspects sought for theft at retailer

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police are pursuing two women who allegedly stole more than $600 worth of merchandise Sept. 22 at Dillard’s on North Point Circle.

A loss prevention employee at the store reported observing a suspect gathering items while looking around for employees around 5:30 p.m. A second suspect reportedly approached the first and gathered additional merchandise.

A store manager attempted to approach the suspects, who then fled in a silver Chevy Malibu with all the items, the report states.

Loss prevention reported the suspects stole 14 items totaling $681.40.

The suspects have not been identified.

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.

Records show Milton election report reshaped before council presentation

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — As members of Milton’s election advisory committee, two private residents recommended to the City Council last December that the city should run its own election. Their presentation, and the report provided afterward, did not paint the full picture.

Mark Amick, one of a number of people subpoenaed in the 2020 Fulton County election probe, and Lisa Cauley, president of the Fulton County Republican Women group, each made their way to the podium Dec. 5 with a presentation that excluded portions of a comprehensive draft report. The original report was created by Deputy City Manager Stacey Inglis prior to the meeting.

Inglis, one of two city staff members on the Milton Municipal Election Feasibility Committee, wrote a lengthier, more detailed conclusion of the group’s findings. It consistently referenced state code, and it explained matters that had been reconciled by the city attorney.

Also noteworthy, Inglis dedicated several pages to the risks associated with the city undertaking its own municipal election, such as its lack of experience, public scrutiny, potential staffing issues, voter disenfranchisement and errors associated with hand-counting paper ballots.

Inglis also estimated a higher price for first-year and future costs associated with city-run local elections. In her report, the first-year cost was estimated at $80,196. The report formally presented to the council by Cauley listed a cost of $72,253.

With one-time costs out of the way, Inglis estimated future municipal elections would cost the city $64,064. Cauley’s presentation set a future cost of $56,588.

In a recent interview, City Manager Steve Krokoff said Inglis’ report is characteristic of all city staff presentations.

“We’re used to presenting information to the [City] Council, and we give them all the information for them to make an informed decision,” Krokoff said. “Stacy’s report was done as part of the committee, but also at my direction. I was the one who said from the very beginning: ‘We need to ensure that we have a risk-reward in there.’”

Missing portions

Major parts of Inglis’ report did not make it to Council Chambers for public consumption. It had been reworked for an alternative report, sent to city staff Dec. 15 by Councilman Paul Moore four days before the council’s official vote to run its own municipal election.

The final report did not include risks associated with the city running its own election, considerations that staff had put in earlier drafts of the document. The city has faced major public scrutiny since it decided to run its own election this November. Issues have been raised about rising cost and the influence of partisanship, which has been alleged to have influenced the number of polling locations. The council would later increase the number of polling places to three, one in each City Council District. Risk considerations continued on the following two pages.

was the second city staff member on the election committee.

Moore could not be reached for comment.

While two councilmembers served on the election committee, Moore and Rick Mohrig, the other four councilmembers and the mayor were not aware of the original draft report from Inglis.

According to emails obtained in an open records request, Mayor Peyton Jamison asked the city manager just this past August about Inglis’ report and why it had not been presented to the council or to the public.

In response, Krokoff said some committee members entered the process with “preconceived notions.”

“This endeavor seemed more like a justification exercise than a true feasibility assessment, which introduced challenges for staff members who tried to present factual information but were consistently rebuffed,” Krokoff said. “Their experience on the committee was distressing and demoralizing.”

‘Undermining the process’

He also said some committee members

counter this narrative, given the presence of two city councilmembers and two highly influential community members.”

In a recent interview with Appen Media, Krokoff elaborated on the entire election committee experience. He said he explained the committee’s makeup of two councilmembers, two city staff members and two members from the general public to the City Council in a September 2021 email. But, in hindsight, Krokoff

All eyes on Milton

As Milton pursues running its own municipal election, other North Fulton cities are paying attention. Some have allocated money in their 2024 budgets to follow suit. The City of Atlanta is watching too. In April, Milton City Manager Steve Krokoff wrote to the council that an Atlanta official informed him that they would be watching how Milton handles its municipal election. “As pioneers in this process, we know that all eyes are on us, and failure is not an option,” Krokoff wrote.

Explore the changes

Appen Media has annotated the draft and final versions of Milton’s feasability report. See the differences at appenmedia.com/electionsreport.

Mystery shrouds appointment of election board member

Georgia State House and State Senate Committee hearings this past winter as to the details of my observations.”

respond to requests for comment.

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — The final presentation and report presented by Milton’s election committee last December did not contain the full story.

That prompted Mayor Peyton Jamison to ask the city manager for an explanation.

Appen Media reported a number of differences between the final report provided to the City Council and the draft report created by Deputy City Manager Stacey Inglis, one of two city staff members on the Milton Municipal Election Feasibility Committee. The final report eliminated details like risks, but it also featured lower estimates on the cost of elections in the first year and in future years.

In his response to the mayor’s query, City Manager Steve Krokoff said the true starting point was in July 2021. Since then, he said a “revisionist history” has pervaded the process.

In a recent interview with Appen Media, Krokoff elaborated, saying that while the election panel appeared to have stressed cost as a motive, concerns over election integrity were the initial reason for exploring a self-run local election.

“In 2021, this was about election integrity. That’s what I heard,” Krokoff said. “Now, there were sprinklings of a financial aspect to it, certainly, but I heard speaker after speaker come up and scream about Fulton County and election integrity … Then, we seem to reorient [to] finances.”

Appen Media reported that election integrity had been a major issue circulating from the get-go, amid negotiations between Milton and Fulton County for the 2021 municipal election. Speakers cited cost as an issue, but also the integrity of the 2020 presidential election.

The same sentiment continued in subsequent meetings, Krokoff said. Appen Media also listened to countless comments which flooded the election committee and the council throughout the city’s pursuit of determining whether it could soundly break away from Fulton County, and manage its own election.

Some individuals harkened back to their disastrous time as a poll worker for Fulton County as the basis of their integrity concerns. Others cited a 2021 Fulton County audit report, meant to verify funds allocated to the Registration and Elections Department by the Board of Commissioners.

Cost was more an afterthought, at least for those who took the podium at meetings.

Testimony of fraud

As a poll watcher for the 2020 General Election, Amick provided his testimony to the council two weeks after Milton entered an agreement with Fulton County to run its November 2021 municipal election.

“I was shocked and appalled by what I, and others, saw during the administration of this past election,” Amick said at the Aug. 16, 2021, City Council meeting. “The mismanagement, the errors — even attempts at fraud, which I witnessed, led others to ask me to swear under oath and to testify in both the

Amick was subpoenaed the following June, by a grand jury in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ probe into President Trump’s involvement in the 2020 election. Amick was never indicted.

Amick declined comment after Appen Media approached him at a Milton City Council debate forum Sept. 27, hosted by a group called the “Concerned Citizens of Georgia.” Karen Dubin, the recording secretary of the Fulton County Republican Women and an outspoken Milton resident on elections, coordinated the forum – which drew about 30 people and two candidates, District 1, Post 2 candidate Helen Gordon and Councilman Rick Mohrig of District 3.

Amick sat next to Roswell resident Matt Rowenczak at the forum, another individual who frequented Milton’s election committee meetings, council meetings and most recently, a town hall hosted by Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne about elections. At Thorne’s town hall, Rowenczak shouted “cop out” in response to information from the new Board of Registration and Elections Chair Patrice Perkins-Hooker, a Democrat, and guest speaker.

Amick and Rowenczak, who was chosen to be an assistant poll manager in Milton’s November election, stayed a while to talk with Dubin at the Sept. 27 debate. As an assistant poll manager, Rowenczak will oversee ballot tabulation at the end of Election Day.

Like Fulton County, Milton city staff did not consider partisanship when hiring poll workers for the nonpartisan election.

“We looked at them from the statutory standpoint,” City Manager Krokoff said. “As far as I know, they haven’t been convicted of any crimes or moral turpitude. Whether they run in far-right circles, I don’t know, or far-left circles, for that matter.”

Amick joined Lisa Cauley as the two residents nominated to the six-member election panel. The panel also included two councilmembers, Paul Moore and Mohrig, and two city staff members, Deputy City Manager Inglis and City Clerk Tammy Lowit.

Krokoff previously told Appen Media that Mohrig had nominated Cauley, but he could not recall who nominated Amick. At that point, Krokoff said Amick’s nomination “must have been a phone call.”

While he was largely responsible for forming the committee, Krokoff still cannot recollect who nominated Amick. But in a recent interview, he assumed the person responsible for Amick’s appointment is no longer a councilmember.

“I don't want to accuse anyone…,” Krokoff said. “But it has to be one of the members who left at this point.”

Who nominated Mark Amick?

Appen Media contacted former Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood as well as former councilmembers Joe Longoria and Laura Bentley about Amick’s nomination. All three said they hadn’t nominated Amick and didn’t know who did.

Lockwood said he assumes it was one of the two councilmembers who had volunteered themselves to be part of the committee. Mohrig and Moore did not

“Both Lisa Cauley and Mark Amick were active participants and stepped up. Rick Mohrig seemed to be the one to jump forward, and then they added Paul Moore to be part of this committee,” Lockwood said. “My assumption is that [Mohrig and Moore] picked [Cauley and Amick] because they were the ones to step up in the spotlight, so to speak.”

Lockwood said he had also heard concerns about partisanship on the committee before it had officially formed and relayed those to Krokoff and the city attorney. Concerns of partisanship would later resurface, midway through the committee’s open study sessions.

“I'm not taking sides one way. I'm a Republican. But even if it was all to the right, my concern was, overall, the city,” Lockwood said.

At the time, Bentley said she also vocally opposed the committee format.

“I expressed to both the city manager and mayor that a committee of this importance warranted appointees from each councilmember,” Bentley said. “The city manager did not consider my suggestion.”

But, Krokoff said he also raised early concerns about the committee’s composition, and in retrospect would have opted for seven members appointed by the mayor and council.

“I only have so much authority,” Krokoff said. “I brought it up to the council while it was still an unofficial committee.”

Appen Media discovered the committee held around half a dozen meetings prior to its formalization in April 2022, and requested the minutes for those meetings. Most of the meeting minutes, from December 2021 to March 2022, are not available on the city’s website.

At the time, Krokoff said he assumed the group would be disbanded just as quickly as it was put together. The city manager has since opined on the “preconceived notions” the committee had going into the study, making the task more of a “justification exercise” for self-run municipal elections rather than a “true feasibility assessment.”

“I also went into it with a preconceived notion, and that was that this was never going to happen,” Krokoff said.

Krokoff informed the City Council about Cauley and Amick’s positions on the committee in a September 2021 email and requested feedback on those selections. There wasn’t any feedback, according to Krokoff, and two months later, the group was announced in a council meeting with no complaints.

Appen Media also tried to connect with current councilmembers who were on the dais through the last half of 2021, when election panel members had been named.

Mayor Peyton Jamison, a councilmember at the time, previously told Appen Media he did not know who nominated Amick, and in a recent interview, Councilwoman Carol Cookerly said the same.

But Cookerly added that she wasn’t aware the council even had nominating responsibility.

Krokoff confirmed the committee’s resident duo was “council-driven,” but characterized the term “nomination” as a strong word for the informality of the process.

“Rick [Mohrig] put one up, and then someone else put up Amick.”

Panelist was subpoenaed in Fulton County probe

AMICK

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Metro Atlanta planning agency backs S. Forsyth development

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Atlanta Regional Commission has signed off on The Gathering at South Forsyth, a $2 billion development on 84 acres along Union Hill Road and Ga. 400.

Plans call for an NHL hockey arena and entertainment district that includes housing.

Final approval for the project now goes before the Forsyth County Commission for formal action.

The Atlanta Regional Commission, or ARC, is a collaborative planning agency representing most Metro Atlanta governments. Forsyth County is the 11th and the newest member county.

The Gathering staff announced Sept. 26 the ARC supported the project’s density and its associated infrastructure projects by the Georgia Department of Transportation in a recent report.

Due to its size and land use type, The Gathering is considered a development of regional impact by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and it must pass a number of hurdles.

If a development of regional impact is within the 13-county Metro Atlanta jurisdiction of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority like Forsyth, state law requires the development to be reviewed to assess its impact on infrastructure and offer recommendations to address potential mobility challenges.

ARC staff collaborated with the regional transportation authority, partner agencies and local governments during its review process.

The ARC report determined The Gathering aligns with area employment

goals and includes a mix of uses on the site, which follows regional multi-modal transportation policies.

The Gathering also supports Metro Atlanta parking policies by proposing to build fewer parking spaces than is allowed; connectivity through an internal sidewalk network and connection to the Big Creek Greenway; and preservation of stream buffers.

“The development team has carefully reviewed the report findings and is taking all recommendations into consideration as plans are refined,” The Gathering Senior Project Executive Frank Ferrara said.

The Gathering at South Forsyth is expected to be a huge economic draw for the county.

At a Board of Commissioners work session in April, project staff estimated The Gathering could produce more than 12,000 long-term employment opportunities, as well as 20,000 construction jobs during its 10-year development.

Forsyth County Commissioner Laura Semanson, whose district encompasses The Gathering, said the project is moving forward positively, and residents can expect to see formal votes from the county by the end of the year.

“It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the county,” she said. “… I think it'll help us from a branding perspective in South Forsyth to try to really show what a world class community this is, and we'll be able to bring entertainment and activities here to the community that we've wanted for a very long time.”

— Shelby Israel

THE GATHERING AT SOUTH FORSYTH/PROVIDED This rendering shows The Gathering at South Forsyth, a proposed mixed-use development at the intersection of Union Hill Road and Ronald Reagan Boulevard. The ARC reviewed and supported the project, which now awaits the Forsyth County Commission for formal action.

Book fans bind with authors at Johns Creek Literary Fair

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Book lovers made their way to Mark Burkhalter

Amphitheater Oct. 1 for the first Johns Creek Literary Fair, which featured some 40 authors across speed dating sessions, speaking segments and a children’s book corner.

Johns Creek Volunteer Coordinator Stacey Gross helped organize the event, conceived as an opportunity while the annual Decatur Book Festival took a pause.

“We knew there was an opportunity to do something, but we didn’t want to do what Decatur does,” Gross said. “We wanted to do it the Johns Creek way.”

Sunday afternoon took a sophisticated approach with intermittent piano playing from students of Musik21, a music conservatory in Johns Creek, as well as wine selections and Italian desserts from Cibo & Vino and other food options from A&S Culinary Concepts.

“We wanted something for everyone else in Johns Creek who won’t come to something that’s got food trucks, face painting and bounce houses,” Gross said.

Mayor John Bradberry said the Literary Fair is just the latest example of the city’s community-driven approach to event planning, so the city can offer “more events that are bigger, better and more diverse” for all residents.

Kristin Harmel, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, was the

Literary Fair’s keynote speaker. A moderated panel of four authors also took the stage, sharing their perspectives on Southern storytelling.

Up on the lawn, a row of children’s book authors presented their work. One was D.P. Bates, a Macon resident whose book “Primary Colors and Me” introduces color and design theory through poetry and illustration. The book also offers guided art activities, with accompanying kits for tactical learning.

There were also children’s book readings, in which parents and kids gathered under a tent with cushioned seating.

Through the first hour, 20 local authors made two-minute pitches of their books. Gaby Anderson, a Johns Creek resident who served on the event’s planning committee, recently published “South of Happily” in January. The novel is a work of fiction, but really a thinly veiled autobiography about a woman coming to terms with her family’s history.

Anderson’s Jewish parents fled Hungary for Montreal during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. While she grew up with her grandmother in the Jewish faith, Anderson’s other family members lived separately in a more guarded household.

“Those boys were Catholic,” she said. Anderson’s 91-year-old mother had only just begun sharing details of her difficult past.

“She was in Theresienstadt,” Anderson said. “The stories are just incredible.”

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

D.P. Bates, author of “Primary Colors and Me,” was one of several children’s book authors at the Johns Creek Literary Fair Oct. 1.

Kristin Harmel, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, hands a signed book to a guest at the Johns Creek Literary Fair Oct. 1. Harmel was the event’s keynote speaker.

Milton Witches Ride ready to fly

MILTON, Ga. — The third annual Halloween Tailgate at Crabapple Market Oct. 28 has a new event taking place from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This year, Milton Friends of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are promoting two fundraisers.

When a Milton resident purchases a Boo sign from Milton Friends, they get to experience the fun of “Boo-ing” and help contribute to a great cause.

Milton Friends have raised over $615,000 in funds for patients and summer camps at Children’s over the last five years with their signs.

When Milton residents purchase a sign and enjoy “Boo-ing” a friend or neighbor, a patient at Children’s also receives a sign on their hospital room door.

This year, Milton residents will be able to participate in the inaugural “Milton Witches Ride”.

Milton’s “Witches” will meet on Heritage Walk before tossing candy and treats to Halloween trick-ortreaters at the third annual Halloween Tailgate.

Milton residents who choose to participate on a bike or golf cart must register as a “Milton Witch,” beginning on Oct. 1.

“Milton Witches” must register individually but groups, themes and collaborations are encouraged. Spaces to participate in the event are limited, so registration is encouraged even if participants are unsure of who they will “fly” with Oct. 28 at Crabapple Market.

The “Witches Ride” will occur before the Halloween Tailgate, a free event open to the public featuring a

costume parade, trick-or-treating and a football viewing party.

“Milton Witches” who register before Oct.12 will receive an invitation to “Bewitching Hour” at Ceviche Taqueria, sponsored by The Kloster Group at HOME Real Estate.

Find out more about the Milton Friends Group by following @ friendsofchoa_milton on Instagram and MiltonFriendsofCHOA on Facebook.

Alpharetta schedules forum to weigh short-term rentals

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta will host a public forum at 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at City Hall to hear from the community on the impact of short-term rentals and to determine whether regulations are needed.

Alpharetta staff said the city is considering whether an ordinance is needed to balance short-term vacation rental operation with preserving the character of neighborhoods.

The forum will allow Alpharetta city leaders to hear directly from residents if and how the rentals are impacting their neighborhoods.

“This community conversation is the first real step in the process,” City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom said.

The City Council fielded possible avenues for regulation at a work session in September. However, the proposal was for discussion only, with details subject to change.

At a Sept. 25 meeting, Mayor Jim Gilvin assured residents the subject is still a work in progress, and the community will have ample time to address councilmembers before any decisions on SVRs are made.

Lagerbloom said city staff will use community feedback from the Oct. 18 forum to provide councilmembers with recommendations for further actions if needed.

Shelby Israel

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Pet Care...

Crabapple Fest slated for downtown Milton

MILTON, Ga. — Upwards of 35,000 people are expected to attend Crabapple Fest, Milton’s most popular event, in the city’s downtown which will feature gifts, food options and fun activities.

Crabapple Fest will take place Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Scores of select vendors will line that street, as well as parts of nearby Crabapple Market, offering special items for the home, artistic creations, stylish attire and other amenities.

After debuting last year, the Kid Biz Expo, which features products made and being sold by young entrepreneurs, will return with expanded hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and more participants.

This year’s festival will also feature 24 food vendors operating out of booths and trucks. There are also many restaurants, some newly opened, that people can visit. Some of those are in Crabapple Market, which will set up a big projector screen on the Green’s

stage for people to watch college football.

Families can stay entertained with several kid-friendly rides like a giant swing, big bubbles, balloon art, lawn games, visiting with Nutcracker characters and a games trailer. There will also be live music performed in front of Crabapple Family Dentistry all day long.

The anticipated turnout requires some adjustments to how people get in and around Milton’s downtown. Crabapple Road will close from Heritage Walk to Mayfield/Broadwell Road at 10 a.m. on Oct. 6 to allow for set-up and should reopen around 10 p.m. the following day. Those driving during that time can use the detour along Heritage Walk.

Those driving to the festival can park in lots at Milton Community Church and Crabapple Crossing Elementary School, then take a free shuttle to-and-from the festivities. This event is rain or shine.

Dunwoody UMC hosts mental health advocate

DUNWOODY, Ga. – Dunwoody United Methodist Church will host William Moyers Oct. 12 as a part of the “One Lamb Initiative” to address mental health.

The event, “An Evening with William Moyers,” will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the church’s Sanctuary.

Moyers is the vice president of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, an addiction treatment and advocacy organization. He will speak about his best-selling memoir, “Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption.”

Moyers’ best-selling memoir discusses his personal experience with addiction, the road to recovery and his personal journey of faith. He will share his story with the church community

and how they can support recovery Thursday, Oct. 12.

The “One Lamb Initiative” was born in 2020 after members of Peachtree Road UMC noticed a need for support, connection and education for people struggling with mental health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group encouraged other faith organizations to open their own chapter.

For those interested in Moyers’ memoir, Dunwoody UMC will host a two-part, book study series on Oct. 3 and Oct. 17 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For more information on the “One Lamb Initiative” and “An Evening with William Moyers,” visit https://www. dunwoodyumc.org/onelamb/

Saturday

Treasures, Treasures, Treasures!

Come help support the mission and ministries of the church by shopping at Mission Market. Many gently used and donated items including household goods, toys, and tools. Items too numerous to list!

Eatery transports guests on journey to Middle East

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — When Fares

Kargar opened Delbar on Old Milton Parkway, he envisioned a resort that would transport diners from the fares of Metro Atlanta to a world of Middle Eastern flavors.

Hailing from Iran, Kargar said he grew up loving food and began cooking out of necessity for his family. Now a Sandy Springs resident, Kargar relocated to the United States around 2007, but he never imagined himself in the restaurant business until his time as a student at Georgia State University.

“It was always a hobby, something I enjoyed doing a lot, but I never looked at it as a career until I came to the U.S.,” he said. “… my plan was always to go to architecture school and become a architect and build homes and businesses and that kind of thing. That’s kind of what my family did, and my dad did.”

His first foray into the industry was a job as a busboy at Luciano’s on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. There, he worked his way up to assistant general manager, which inspired him to open his own restaurant.

The perfect location

In May 2020, Kargar opened his first Delbar location in Inman Park. The restaurant was successful, cementing a loyal clientele who would

drive south to Atlanta from Alpharetta to dine there.

Recognizing the large demographic of Middle Easterners in Alpharetta, Kargar began pursuing his second location. He had seen the building on Old Milton Parkway while driving, a former Indian fusion restaurant, and identified it as the perfect location for Delbar.

“It is a huge building, standalone, very modern look, you know, the fountains up front,” he said. “There is a lot going on with the building, kind of gives me that kind of a resort vibe and resort feeling, rather than just a typical restaurant … and I wanted Delbar to have more of identity.”

Delbar celebrated its Alpharetta launch in May, and it now serves its North Fulton fans closer to home. Guests are welcomed to the restaurant by a complimentary valet service. Its outdoor entryway is adorned with arches of flowers, followed inside by an airy open floor plan, plentiful windows and subtle décor.

“The goal is for them to be transported,” Kargar said. “My goal is always at Delbar would be to transport people, to make them feel that they’re not in the city. They’re on a leisure vacation, away from Atlanta.”

A taste of nostalgia

Kargar said he wanted Delbar to be unique among Persian restaurants.

See JOURNEY, Page 11

My goal is always at Delbar would be to transport people, to make them feel that they’re not in the city. They’re on a leisure vacation, away from Atlanta.

FARES KARGAR, owner, Delbar

PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Owner Fares Kargar greets guests behind the bar Sept. 22 at Delbar at 4120 Old Milton Parkway. The restaurant offers a cocktail menu inspired by Persian flavors, incorporating saffron, cardamom, sumac and barberries.

Delbar at 4120 Old Milton Parkway welcomes guests with a complimentary valet service and an archway of flowers Sept. 22. Owner Fares Kargar hoped to make guests feel like they are on vacation at a resort when he opened the Alpharetta location in May.

Journey:

Continued from Page 10

The menu is inspired by his native northern Iran, but also southeastern parts of the country, where he spent summers in his grandmother’s village.

“Each region of Iran has different foods,” he said. “And there was so much food that gets neglected because everyone just is used to same idea of kabob and rice kind of scenario.”

Delbar has dinner, weekend lunch and brunch, dessert and weekday lunch menus. Its weekday lunch offerings include mazze, or small bites, and a list of spreads served with fresh taftoun bread.

Guests can also choose from greens and grains, which include a variety of polo, a rice dish, salads, fries and beet carpaccio, or meats served a la carte.

The lunch menu also boasts a list of sandwiches, each served on homemade turmeric barbari bread.

“So, one of our staples is, the chinjeh is one that we can never take off the menu,” Kargar said. “That always stays on the menu.”

Each menu is crafted based on the demographics of the Delbar location. Guests at the Inman Park

location preferred a Turkish-inspired breakfast, but he found Alpharetta clientele prefer staples such as kabobs and rice.

Kargar said sourcing quality ingredients is also a priority. Some of its cocktails are related to the season, and others are aimed at incorporating elements of Persian cuisine, such as barberries, sumac, cardamom and saffron.

“When it comes to food, it’s more of a story of my life, right,” he said. “The dishes you see on the menu are my

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

favorite items that I’ve eaten, either back home, or when I lived in Turkey, or kind of moved across the U.S.”

Many of the dishes are those Kargar had cooked with his grandmother or meals his mother used to make.

But no matter the inspiration, the food at Delbar is crafted to create a feeling of nostalgia, aimed at giving a sense of feeling in each bite.

If you go…

Delbar is open seven days a week at 4120 Old Milton Parkway, with varying hours for brunch, lunch and dinner. For menus and reservations, visit delbaratl.com/ home-old-milton.

Alpharetta Chamber to host inaugural business summit

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce will host the first Alpharetta Business Summit from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Alpharetta Conference Center at Avalon.

Name: Sweet & Sassy Alpharetta

Founders: Lisa & Zach Clark

Description: Want to give your child a day they’ll never forget? At Sweet & Sassy of Alpharetta, we deliver more than just awesome pedicures, haircuts, and birthday parties. We create experiences that make kids feel like the royalty they are. We offer a wide variety of services that will be truly unforgettable for your kid.

Opened: March 2023

Address: 12315 Crabapple Rd Suite 102, Alpharetta, Ga 30004

Phone: 678-404-7333

Web Address: sweetandsassy.com/ alpharetta/

Name: CulVita Consulting LLC

Founder: Kavita Patel, MD

Description: CulVita Consulting is a virtual service helping individuals and families prevent and/or manage dietrelated diseases and ultimately reduce their risk of heart disease. The service empowers people to utilize food as medicine and make healthful eating simple, affordable and accessible.

Opened: June 2023

Address: Atlanta

Web Address: culvitaconsulting.com

Chamber of Commerce staff said the summit will include two panels on marketing, sales and finance. It will also feature Jackson Healthcare President Shane Jackson, Innovative Outsourcing founder and CEO Cindi Filer and All for One founder Jeff Levitan as keynote speakers.

Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin said the summit reflects the city’s dedication to supporting its business community.

“By bringing together industry leaders like Jackson Healthcare and tailoring discussions to address the unique needs of small businesses, we are fostering an environment of growth, innovation and shared success,” Gilvin said.

The summit will begin with “Coffee and Commerce at the Summit” at 7:30 a.m. where light breakfast will be provided over networking. Sponsors and guest exhibitors will also provide business

resources and information.

The event, which will be presented by Aprio, is a joint effort between the city, the Chamber of Commerce and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Those interested can register at AlpharettaChamber.com. Breakfast and lunch are included in the ticket price.

— Shelby Israel

Delbar offers an adana bite, an adana kabob with zhoug and spicy tahina served on fresh taftoun bread, on its weekday lunch menu Sept. 22 at 4120 Old Milton Parkway. The adana bite is on Delbar’s mazze, or small bites, menu.

PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Delbar’s baklava ice cream includes a sticky, layered phyllo pastry with walnuts, pistachio and rose petals, served with soft Persian vanilla ice cream Sept. 22 at 4120 Old Milton Parkway. It is one of eight dishes on the restaurant’s dessert menu.

All about the Kid Biz Expo

Brought to you by - The Kloster Group

In today’s fast-paced and everevolving world, preparing our children for success goes beyond traditional academic subjects. As an organization, Kid Biz Expo’s main focus is to equip kids with practical skills that empower them to navigate an uncertain future with confidence. The avenue Kid Biz Expo uses to teach these invaluable life skills is through the journey of entrepreneurship. Teaching kids entrepreneurial skills from a young age is not just beneficial; it’s imperative for their personal growth and the betterment of society. Afterall, kids are the future!

Kid Biz Expo provides resources and outlets for children who are, or who want to be entrepreneurs. We do this by offering vendor market events, classes, and mentoring.

The journey of entrepreneurship offers children a unique and multifaceted learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom education. Some key life skills they learn are:

• Critical Thinking: They develop problem-solving skills by analyzing challenges and finding creative solutions.

• Financial Literacy: Kids gain an understanding of money management, budgeting, and financial decisionmaking.

• Creativity and Innovation: They learn to think creatively and invent new products or services.

• Resilience and Adaptability: Facing failure teaches them resilience and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

• Communication and Collaboration: Successful entrepreneurship involves effective communication and collaboration with others.

Knowing how important these skills are, Kid Biz Expo created monthly Workshops. These classes are taught by a business leader from the community, and each month they focus on a different skill set. This program is ideal for kids who have their own business or are thinking of starting their own business. This program supports them through these topics/skills to help them grow in between the Kid Biz Expo events.

Our Expo is a vendor market unlike any other. The Kid Biz Expo is a market created for kids to compete among their peers instead of with adults.

This is where the skills learned in the workshops are implemented. The Kid Biz Expo creates a space where the kids can use their platform to showcase their business, hone their sales pitch and earn a profit. We set up a market, invite the community, and the kids get a chance to shine!

In conclusion, teaching kids entrepreneurial skills is not just about business; it’s about preparing them for life. These skills foster critical thinking, financial literacy, creativity, resilience, and adaptability. They empower children to take charge of their futures and become confident, capable, and innovative individuals ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way. So, let’s invest in our children’s future by giving them the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization relies on the generous support and financial contributions of the community. To donate please visit our website www.kidbizexpo.com. Or scan the code below!!!

The Kloster Group supports several charity organizations that they are sincerely passionate about - one of those being Kid Biz Expo. Allison Kloster sits on its Board of Directors and The Kloster Group is the presenting sponsor for the huge Kid Biz Expo taking place October 7 in Crabapple. They are delighted to be a part of the Crabapple Festival and invite you to support this amazing community of children as they pursue their business adventures. Come visit The Kloster Group booth located near the Green!

KIMBERLY ADCOCK/PROVIDED

Avery Adcock, 10, accepts payment from a customer at the Kid Biz Expo Oct. 1, 2022 in Milton. Avery sold bracelets from her business, AdorAble You.

Alpharetta & Roswell’s #1 Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeler

Remodeling Re-imagined

There’s no stopping Bath & Kitchen Galleria

We’ve changed this and now we perform over 300 projects each year.”

After nearly a decade in Roswell, Bath and Kitchen Galleria has moved to a larger 10,000 SF showroom in Alpharetta. Owners, Bobbie Kohm and John Hogan, have expanded their business by tripling the size of the showroom to keep up with the amazing growth of the company. “North Atlanta has thousands of homes built in the 90’s and 2000’s and homeowners need a way to remodel their homes. They need a company that offers design assistance, has a large showroom, provides installation services, and does it all cost effectively, too”, says co-owner Bobbie Kohm, “… and that’s what we do.”

Bath & Kitchen Galleria, (formerly Remodeling Expo) has grown by more than 400% since 2018 and the company attributes this to one simple best practice, “listening to the customer”. Customers want cost effectiveness, projects completed on-time, and they demand quality design assistance. “So, we responded with exactly that”, says co-owner John Hogan, “in short, we’ve brought service excellence to an industry that is known for low service standards.

Bath & Kitchen Galleria recently moved from Roswell to Alpharetta where they found a huge new showroom to show their amazing versatility: cost effective to fully custom bathrooms and kitchens, from $10,000 to $250,000, styles from farmhouse to traditional to transitional, project scopes from partial room update to fully rebuilt rooms. They have cabinetry, tiles, plumbing fixtures, countertops, shower glass, knobs and pulls, lighted mirrors, accessories and most importantly, remodeling consultants to help you. “We take the anxiety and pressure out of the process and make it fun” says Bobbie, “and that’s how it should be.”

John and Bobbie have built a great business that provides personal attention to every customer; because every home is different, and every homeowner is different. “I wish we could say that we have some secret widget; but our competitive advantage is pure “service excellence”. Bath and Kitchen Galleria (BathAndKitchenGalleria.com) is located at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta. 770-765- 6000. Open Weekdays and Saturday.

What about disabled beneficiaries

It’s only natural to want to make sure your children are taken care of after your death - or in the event of the unexpected. But if you have a disabled child, then you’ll know there’s more that the child needs - sundries, medicines, medical procedures, and so forth. In some cases, parents may think it would be best to leave everything they own to their disabled child, but this is unwise since it could result in the deduction of the child’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

It’s crucial to ensure you can still leave money to your disabled child without depriving them of their government benefits - since eligibility for SSI determines one’s eligibility for Medicaid. That means if the disabled child inherits a large sum of money, they could lose both their SSI and their Medicaid benefits. So, what’s the best way to make sure that your disabled child can still be taken care of in the event you are unable to?

Supplemental needs trusts cover for a disabled beneficiary’s needs by ensuring any payments made from the trust are made directly to care providers and institutions, which allows the child to keep their SSI and Medicaid benefits. Most supplemental needs trusts also prevent payments for benefits over what the government provides through SSI, which also prevents the loss of SSI.

Supplemental needs trust can be created separately from or within your own revocable trust that will spring into action at your death to provide for your disabled child in the manner mentioned above. Which method should you set up for your disabled child requires expert legal advice.

When you have a disabled child, it’s of utmost importance that funds be available for emergency situations. It’s also important that estate planning is done to ensure both the parents’ potential nursing home expenses and other children are taken care of. If you have a disabled child, we strongly recommend that you reach out to a local estate planning attorney to review your options. It’s always better to start now than later.

GEERDES

EMERSON

9690 ALMAVIVA DRIVE JOHNS CREEK, GA 30022 | $3,350,000 Tommy Nguyen | 678.640.7568

6207 GRAND MARINA CIRCLE GAINESVIILE, GA 30506 | $1,299,999 Suzanne Anderson | 678.773.6411

150 SHERWOOD LANE CANTON, GA 30115 | $1,800,000 Todd Kroupa | 770.910.4860

611 NOTTAWAY LANE ALPHARETTA, GA 30009 | $990,000 Karen Neibert | 770.653.6601

1017 SUMMIT VIEW LANE MILTON, GA 30004 | $2,399,000 Susan Feddersen | 773.710.4709

526 TENSAS TRACE MILTON, GA 30004 | $1,150,000 Allison Katula | 262.442.0474

0 HUNTER RIDGE - 66 ACRES CLAYON, GA 30525 | $1,313,800 Dan Woodley | 404.456.8313 MARY WARGULA Senior Vice President & Brokerage Offices Regional Manager 770.475.0505

3263 BALLEY FORREST DRIVE MILTON, GA 30004 | $4,290,000 Susan Feddersen | 773.710.4709

Resort-style amenities are right outside your door

Brought to you by- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

In the ever-expanding landscape of Atlanta’s real estate market, one name stands out as a beacon of excellence and stability: Patrick Malloy Communities (PMC). With a legacy of crafting exceptional homes, the PMC name has become synonymous with quality and innovation. From the streets of North Atlanta to West Cobb and Gwinnett, and even the historic allure of Savannah, PMC’s footprint in the state of Georgia is a testament to their dedication to providing exceptional living experiences.

For those 55 plus and seeking a fun filled lifestyle, PMC offers Soleil at Belmont Park in Canton. This extraordinary new neighborhood was expertly designed with active adults in mind and features a model home park showcasing five stunning designer model homes. Located in Snellville, Soleil Summit Chase is the newest community for PMC. Both 55 plus neighborhoods offer an exciting array of resort-style amenities. These amenities include a community clubhouse with a coffee and

cocktail bar, health and fitness center, catering kitchen, arts and crafts studio, club/card room, and even a community post office. Homeowners can take advantage of a country club-style pool with cabanas, pickleball courts, event lawn, a community garden, dog park, and nature walking trails.

Hillandale, a charming Charlestoninspired neighborhood just minutes from Historic Roswell, offers elegant interior finishes and unique designs. It features sophisticated four- and fivebedroom homes with an abundance of entertaining spaces both indoors and out. Luxury features at Hillandale may include a unique moving wall of glass doors leading to outdoor living areas, primary suites, hardwoods on the main level, high-end stainless-steel appliances and front and rear lawn maintenance which are included in the HOA. There are several homes currently under construction at Hillandale, and homeowners will enjoy a convenient and central location within the highly acclaimed Roswell school system.

PMC extends its portfolio to West Cobb with the award-winning

Community of the Year, Kyle Farm, with several homes currently under construction. Priced from the $700s to $1 million, Kyle Farm offers the ultimate resort destination with its outdoor entertainment pavilion and event lawn, clubhouse, jr. Olympic swimming pool, children’s splash pad, tennis courts, fitness center, playground, bocce ball, sand volleyball court, fire pit gathering area, and walking access to Lost Mtn Park. The neighborhood is located in the acclaimed Hillgrove HS district and offers a variety of home designs and design options.

Horizon at Laurel Canyon, located in Canton, offers striking views of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains foothills. This popular new home community is more than just a neighborhood; it’s a lifestyle. Horizon features a range of amenities and stunning home designs that blend seamlessly with the breathtaking natural surroundings. Several stunning mountain view homesites are available for those who dream of building their mountain home near Atlanta. Currently there are also several

new homes available for immediate move-in, priced from the $700s to $1 million. Homeowners at Horizon enjoy a clubhouse, swimming pool, gazebos, tennis courts, and a playground. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby Laurel Canyon Golf and Country Club, just a short golf cart ride away.

Patrick Malloy Communities, founded in 1994 by Patrick Malloy, boasts a remarkable track record. Over the past 27 years, the company has developed over 11,000 homesites and built more than 7,000 homes in Metro Atlanta, generating a total of $4 billion in sales. PMC has consistently earned a place on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 20 Homebuilder list and has won numerous professionalism awards, including several Community of the Year honors.

For more information on these exciting new home communities by Patrick Malloy Communities, visit www.bhhsganewhomes.com. These communities are represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division. An Equal Housing Opportunity.

Five ways to improve fall curb appeal

Brought to you

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

As autumn paints the world in warm hues and crisp breezes beckon us outdoors, your curb appeal shines when it reflects the enchantment of the season. Not sure how or where to start? Not to worry—the following creative and practical strategies will help to infuse your home’s exterior with the irresistible charm of fall!

1. Engage a professional arborist.

Bare branches and piles of wet, fallen leaves don’t make the best first impression, and sick or overgrown trees pose a bigger challenge than smaller bushes and shrubs. Experts with comprehensive knowledge and equipment can not only ensure the health and safety of your trees but also help create a visually appealing environment, manage seasonal cleanup, and contribute to increased property value.

2. Embrace a subtle approach to Halloween decorations.

Understand that not everyone shares the same enthusiasm for Halloween. By limiting decorations, you avoid overwhelming potential buyers, preventing your home from feeling claustrophobic or excessively kitschy. Remember, when it comes to seasonal décor, less is often more, ensuring your property remains appealing to a wider range of prospective purchasers.

3. Transition to cold-resistant plant varieties.

Hardy varieties offer unique textures, colors and shapes, adding visual interest even during colder months. Their resilience ensures the long-term health of your landscaping and demands less maintenance, making it easier to keep and attractive yard. Consider plants like ornamental cabbages or kale and use showy fall mums as quick fillers for pops of color among the leafy plants.

4. Winterize outdoor furniture. A thoughtfully designed and furnished outdoor area reflects attention to detail and care for your

property, leaving a lasting positive impression on visitors and potential buyers. By incorporating cozy accessories, investing in outdoor heaters and choosing cold-resistant materials, you create an inviting outdoor space that enjoys extended usability, thus increasing the perceived living space of your home.

5. Power wash your exterior. Removing dirt, grime, mold and stains from exterior surfaces restores their appearance, instantly improving the overall look of your property. It also prevents the accumulation of dirt and pollutants that can cause long-term damage and helps preserve property value.

Autumn offers amazing inspiration for upgrading your curb appeal. If you need assistance renovating your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!

Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad

Forsyth County appoints Hawk as Director of Fleet Services

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County announced its new Fleet Services Director Marcus Hawk Sept. 26, replacing Avery Gravitt, who recently retired after 17 years in the role.

U.S. Army. He attended Lumpkin County High School and Gainesville State College.

He previously served as branch manager and regional director of maintenance for Aim Transportation Services in Gainesville. He also worked as transportation supervisor for Accent Controls Inc.

“Marcus is bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Fleet Services team that plays such

a crucial role in our county’s operations,” Assistant County Manager Barry Lucas said.

Hawk formally started his role with the county Sept. 25.

The Fleet Services Department manages the maintenance and repair of county vehicles and equipment. It also maintains the county’s 10 fueling sites and records official repair, fuel, equipment and vehicle costs.

— Shelby Israel

Cumming Optimist Club honors

sheriff’s deputies

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club recognized three Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies for their service at its 2023 Respect for Law program in September.

The club presented Deputy First Class Joshua Thomas, Deputy Taylor Swofford and Deputy Michael Jones with plaques, “For distinguished and dedicated service advancing the respect for law objective of Optimist International.”

Club President Carolynn Martin said honoring law enforcement is one of the Optimist Club’s tenants, and its goal is to inspire respect and educate young people on the importance of law enforcement officers.

“I’m so proud of the men and women of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Ron Freeman said. “Being recognized as Deputies of the Year by the Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club is a great honor, and these three deputies serve this community with distinction and honor.”

Club Vice President and Respect for Law Committee Chairperson Robyn Ulatowski said the awards are a small token of the gratitude the club has for Thomas, Swofford and Jones’ sacrifice and motivation to make Forsyth County a great community.

FNP-C

Dr.

— Shelby Israel

HAWK

FALL FLOOR SAMPLE SALE

On in-stock furniture from major quality brands like Bradington-Young, Massoud, American Leather, IMG, Trowbridge, Temple, Palliser & more through 10/21/23

On in-stock furniture from major quality brands like Bradington-Young, Massoud, American Leather, IMG, Trowbridge, Temple, Palliser & more through 9/30/23

1101 Alpharetta St (Hwy 9) • Historic Roswell • 770-518-8518

Open Tues-Sat 10-5:30, closed Sun & Mon. Nowcelebratingour31st year—thankyouforshoppinglocal!

See

solution Page 31

AMERICAN LEGION POST 201 EVENTS

FRIDAY, OCT. 6, 8:30 p.m. – The Simply Awesome Band A Night of Smooth Jazz! Blues! R&B! Oldies and More!

7:30 p.m. – Free Hustle Dance Lesson with Paid Admission of $12 Per Person. Doors Open at 7 p.m. 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

Quartet:

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to be heard to understand what sets it apart. Once you hear the chords and harmony, it’s like the angels are singing. This show is special because it’s the first time FRED has been seen on stage for years, so the audience can laugh their butts off while enjoying pretty music.”

The FRED Quartet headlined the show, stepping back into the spotlight to celebrate its 25th anniversary of winning 1st place at an international barbershop competition in 1999. The quartet includes Jared “Pookie” Carlson, Rick LaRosa, Joe Clay and Clay Hine, who also serves as musical director for the Atlanta Vocal Project. The group has no members named Fred, and the name has no specific meaning, something they often joke about.

“FRED quartet was mostly competing at international contests in the ’90s,” Dunda said. “They were worldfamous, on national TV shows, and won the Barbershop Harmony Society Competition in 1999. Primarily they are a comedy quartet, which is rare because it adds an extra level of difficulty to performance. After winning in ’99, they did shows worldwide for another 1015 years. This is their first major show

Plan:

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manhole access is in a travel lane…or on a steep side-slope.”

Lyon went on to explain that many of the remaining cross drains will require traffic control to safely conduct the inspection.

Inspections are performed using a camera attached to a wheeled robot, known as a cross drain robot, which is lowered into the pipe from above.

The robot weighs about 50 pounds, Lyon said.

Because of the difficulty accessing some cross drains, more people will be needed to complete the remaining inspections.

Lyons says the money spent on acquiring the camera and robot for inspections has been well worth it.

While he was not the stormwater utility manager for Roswell when the camera was purchased, Lyons said he purchased a similar one for $80,000 in the city he used to work for.

“Roswell was spending twice that every year paying a service to come out and camera pipe with their robot,” Lyons said. “It is a cost-effective way to proactively find issues before they become problems.”

The Stormwater Division plans to

since they retired about 10 years ago.”

FRED combines its traditional sound with humor by using silly lyrics, physical comedy, props and visual gags to send the audience into fits of laughter.

Both Atlanta Vocal Project and FRED use their voices to create a barbershopstyle harmony, which is a rare style of performance, at least in this century.

“Barbershop harmony comes from the tradition of the barbershop quartet, which started in the late 1800s and saw a resurgence in the ’30s and ’40s,” Dunda said. “It features a four-part a cappella harmony, comprised of the bass, baritone, lead and tenor. [The

sound is] homophonic, meaning most parts sing the same words at the same time, maximizing the ringing of the chorus.”

The Georgia Tech Glee Club performed a set of four songs, sticking to more modern music like a rendition of Katy Perry’s “Firework” and ending with the “Georgia Tech Medley.”

Dunda, who has been singing bass in the Atlanta Vocal Project for 11 years, actually discovered the group by being a member of the Georgia Tech Glee Club. The two organizations have been partnering together for around 15 years.

For the final number, the two choirs and FRED took the stage for a rendition

of “What a Wonderful World.”

“This is the best thing I’ve seen so far this year,” said attendee Ian Gilbert. “The voices are incredible; I love barbershop quartets!”

The Atlanta Vocal Project will perform twice a year at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center for the next several years, thanks to a new partnership between the two, essentially solidifying Roswell as the group’s home base. Their next show is “Ringin’ in the Holidays” on Saturday, Dec. 16.

Next year the group will head to Normandy, France, to perform at the ceremony officially commencing the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Leatherman asked Lyons to inspect the pipes using the cross drain robot.

Lyons discovered that thousands of feet of pipe needed to be repaired at East Roswell Park.

The 50-year-old, disintegrating pipes are repaired using a method of feeding a new polyethylene liner through the old pipes.

“They slide it through the pipe, fill it with hot water, which forces it to conform to the shape of the pipe,” Lyons said. “The hot water makes the polyethylene, which isn’t stabilized yet, harden.”

The new pipes will last about 50 years, Lyons said.

The Stormwater Division has one more pipe to replace in the park.

City Councilman William Morthland, who serves as the liaison for the Stormwater Division, said that these two examples show Mayor Kurt Wilson’s push to have “all levels, across the board be more proactive, instead of reactionary.”

inspect all the city’s cross drains off roadways after the five-year program is completed. Lyon said these areas include the right-of-way and other city-owned pipes.

Also, the city combined several projects under a single work order at East Roswell Park.

A long list of updates for East Roswell Park was approved at a Feb. 27 City Council meeting. During construction, Parks and Recreation Director Jeffrey Leatherman asked Lyons for assistance.

Because of all the construction above existing pipes at the park,

Roswell’s Stormwater Division is funded through a utility fee paid by residents proportional to their property. Safe roads come from good stormwater management, Lyons said.

“We don’t have to dig up anything, we don’t have to bust up concrete and everything stays exactly the way it is,” Morthland said. “That’s the whole idea of being proactive on these things.”

CITY OF ROSWELL/PROVIDED

An image from the cross drain robot shows significant damage to this pipe, one of about 3,200 the City of Roswell has been inspecting over the past five years.

PHOTOS BY LUKE GARDNER/APPEN MEDIA

Musical Director Clay Hine stands in front of the Atlanta Vocal Project.

FRED takes the stage for the first time in a decade.

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James Carr

Bridgette Carter

William Cartwright

Pat Check

Christopher Cleary

Ann Coaloa

Evelyn Collazo

Michael Mackenzie

Communications

Joan Compton

Terri Coons

David Davis

Rebecca Donlan

Tom Driscoll

Michael Dudgeon

Mim Eisenberg

Danny Elkins

Martha Fasse

Lee Fleck

Cathy Flynn

Nanci Foster

Amy Frederick

Kelly Frommer

Carol Fry

Tracey Ganesh

John Gilberto

Leslie Gilliam

Michelle Glotzbach

Harvey Goldberg

Christopher Goodrich

Marilee Hamilton

Susan Hanna

Joe Hirsch

Penn Hodge

Dianne & Steffan Holmquist

Joan Hostetter

Lynn Johnson

Tyler Jones

Arthur Kebanli

Mark Kelly

Allison Kloster

Larry Krueger

Jess & Chris Kysar

Malinda Lackey

Ken Leffingwell

Carol Lehan

Bonnie Lind

Francia Lindon

Harlan Little

Ross Long

Rita Loventhal

Momma Nature Madan

Karen Magill

Kyile Marshall

Valerie Matthews

Rachel McCord

Austin McCully

Lynn McIntyre

Mike McLoughlin

Jennifer Mendoza

Al Merrill

Chris Miller

Christine Miller

Fred Moeller

Carol Morgan

Kathy Morgan

Stu Moring

Jack Murphy

Tricia Novarro

Bob O’Brien

Joy Pooler

Debra Powell

Righteous PR

Chuck Pugh

Ashwin Ramaswami

Cheryl Rand

Jan Satterfield

Stephanie Schuette

Susan Searles

Tina Shelton

Lisa Shippel

Joanne Simmons

Cindy Simpson

Faye Sklar

Judith Slaughter

Andy Smith

Wesley Stewart

Cathryn Stovall

Celeste Strohl

Mike Tasos

Candice Teichert

Lisa Tilt

Michael Townes

Matthew Tyser

Ollie Wagner

Lewis Walker

Jonathan Washburn

Sally White

Jamie Wimberly

Nancy & Dave Wistrand

Amour & Duane Carthy Adam Corder

Robert Flint Robin Fricton

David Conti Charlcie Forehand

Roderick Liptrot

Tom McMurrain

Bob Meyers

& Lori Ramsey

Kim Truett

Roger Wise Jr.

Mark Rundle

HEALTH, WELLNESS & INNOVATION 5K

What: Lace up your sneakers for the Johns Creek Health, Wellness & Innovation 5K and Wellness Fair, presented by Emory Johns Creek Hospital, at the newly opened Cauley Creek Park. Prizes and medals will be awarded.

When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 7-10 a.m.

Where: Cauley Creek Park, 7255 Bell Road, Johns Creek

More info: johnscreekga.gov

DUNWOODY FARMERS MARKET

What: Shop for fresh seasonal produce, honey, jams, desserts and other goods every Saturday through October.

There are also kids’ activities, wellness seminars, with tips for composting and gardening at the farmers market.

When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody

More info: dhafarmersmarket.com

4TH ANNUAL ROSWELL MOTORING FESTIVAL

What: Benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and free to the public, this event will feature rare cars, boats, bikes and more with vendors both automotive and art themed. There will also be Coffee Barista, snow cones, a photo booth and face painting.

When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell

More info: atlmotoringfest.org

CRABAPPLE FEST

What: Milton’s annual festival transforms Crabapple Road into a bustling market featuring more than 100 antique and art vendors, fair rides and food.

When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Crabapple Road, Milton

More info: miltonga.gov

‘THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE’

What: Based on Kate DiCamillo’s awardwinning novel, and adapted by Dwayne Hartford, the play takes the audience on an unexpected magical journey to discover the transformative powers of love, featuring a china rabbit named Edward Tulane.

When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m.

HEALTH, WELLNESS & INNOVATION 5K

What: Lace up your sneakers for the Johns Creek Health, Wellness & Innovation 5K and Wellness Fair, presented by Emory Johns Creek Hospital, at the newly opened Cauley Creek Park. Prizes and medals will be awarded.

When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 7-10 a.m.

Where: Cauley Creek Park, 7255 Bell Road, Johns Creek

More info: johnscreekga.gov

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

Cost: $12

More info: roswell365.com

‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’

What: Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, “Fiddler on the Roof” is set in the little village of Anatevka and centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing antiSemitism of Czarist Russia.

When: Oct. 6-22, times vary

Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

Cost: $42 to $130

More info: cityspringstheatre.com

THE PUNCHLINE COMEDY NIGHT

What: In this free recurring series, there will be family-friendly live comedy acts,

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT!

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

appropriate for ages 13 and older. Bring chairs and blankets. No outside alcohol permitted.

When: Monday, Oct. 9, 7:30-9 p.m.

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

WIRE & WOOD

What: Enjoy live music from more than 30 performers at six outdoor stages through the streets of Downtown Alpharetta as local, regional and national artists perform original songs while interacting with the audience. Listeners will learn about the music, as artists share the stories behind their tunes at this free event.

When: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 13-14, 5-11 p.m.

Where: Downtown Alpharetta

More info: wireandwoodalpharetta.com

CUMMING COUNTRY FAIR & FESTIVAL

What: Fair food, amusement rides, concerts and ground acts are at the

easy

Cumming Fairgrounds. No pets, coolers or alcohol allowed.

When: Until Oct. 15, times vary

Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming Cost: $10 admission for ages 11 and older; free for ages 10 and under More info: cummingfair.squarespace. com

‘TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE’

What: Based on the book, this play is about Mitch, who catches Morrie’s appearance on a television show 16 years after graduation. He learns that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Mitch is reunited with Morrie, and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life.

When: Until Oct. 15, times vary

Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: Adults are $28; students are $20; kids are $15

More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

What our kids don’t – but should – know

would be clueless. Chaos, polarization and impotent politicians whose only priority is to stay in office no matter what is the only world they know.

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus

It is sometimes hard to keep time – or history – in perspective. Think about someone born after say, 1995 – anyone today 27 years old or younger – recently out of college, or in high school, junior high or elementary school. What have they not seen, not experienced, not witnessed that we have?

So, I am a boomer, born in 1954, which makes me 69, and that puts me in the boomer years but not by much. What does that mean, relative to those born in 1995 or later? What did they not have the benefit of experiencing that would have influenced their world view, their values, their priorities, their sensibilities?

Well, let’s start with the 900-pound elephant in the room today! These kids – that’s what I will call them –have never known a political system that worked. All they know is this polarized, zero sum, no compromise, no “let’s think of the country first” political landscape. They would have no idea what was meant if they heard “It’s not what your country can do for you; it’s what you can do for your country.” They would probably laugh. Who would blame them? They

They don’t know war, not really, even though our country has been at war continuously for the last 80 years – and generally not very successfully I am sorry to note. They certainly don’t know WW II, or Korea, or Vietnam – the close-to-home wars where everyone knew someone who died or was wounded. Of course, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and ISIS are probably on their radar, but for most, those places and situations are so distant – like not in their backyard.

They don’t know a country in chaos in the street opposing the war in Vietnam. They don’t know Mai Lai. They don’t know Kent State, the Weather Underground, the SDS, or who J. Edger Hoover or H. Rap Brown was. And they only vaguely know – if at all – the events of 1968: the assassinations, the long hot summer of riots, the rage, the madness, the sadness. It’s not there in their memory. It just isn’t.

They don’t know of a time or events that were worth fighting for –or dying for, or sacrificing for. They haven’t lost anything important and had to fight to get back. It’s hard to imagine that they appreciate – really understand and appreciate a “normal” status quo – the absence of really bad stuff going on.

And today, we expect them to vote?

Why would they?

So, what is it that they do know?

They know so much about bad cops and they know more about race and all the baggage of race that permeates the world today. Race and law enforcement is top of their mind today. That’s just the way it has played out. And what are they supposed to think? All cops are bad or just a few rotten ones? All people who end up being killed or beaten by the cops deserve it or don’t?

And then there is rule of law. We who were born before 1995 know that the rule of law generally works – not all the time but most of the time –equal protection under the law. We know that the law is the law, and if you break the law and are caught, you will be punished. Yes, the rich and well connected all too often have a different set of laws, and so do the poor but for most of us in the middle, rule of law works relatively well.

For more than six years, all the kids hear from an ex-president and much of his party is that the entire system that is the core, the foundation for our society and our Democracy is corrupt, wrong and rigged. They hear this over and over and over. The Supreme Court is bad, the Justice Department and the FBI are all corrupt. The voting system is bogus. All the generals are incompetent. NATO is a failure. The CDC has no idea what they are talking about, and on and on.

Really?

And about a third of the country supports those ludicrous ideas. Can we have done a greater disservice to our kids or our collective future?

So, what exactly are our kids supposed to think? Upon what “history” are they going to base their decisions about the veracity of our core institutions? Facebook? Instagram? TikTok? Heaven help us.

I think if we could change anything surely it would be that politicians stop attacking all the institutions that hold our Democracy and our society together. Isn’t that doable? That would give our kids at least a chance to have confidence in who we are and where we can go as a country. It could give them the motivation and confidence to believe that their voice can be important and that it is heard, and that they have standing.

If you had asked me even 30 years ago if I could ever envision a time when the entire future of our country has been mortgaged by self-serving politicians without shame, honor or integrity, I would have thought you mad. But that is exactly where we find ourselves today.

What are our kids supposed to think? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller, Bueller?

Ray Appen is Publisher Emeritus of Appen Media. Email him at ray@ appenmedia.com.

Two books for a trip across the pond to find mystery

If you follow my columns, you know that I’m an Anglophile through and through, and that I have numerous British authors whose mystery series I follow. This week’s reviews cover a new-to-me author and an old favorite.

I discovered Martin Edwards as I was searching for books set in the Lake District in England. Whenever I travel, it’s my habit to prepare for my trip by reading books set in my destination, and Edwards’s Lake District mysteries fit the bill for the

trip I took in July.

“The Coffin Trail” by Martin Edwards

I began with the very first in the series. Edwards’s descriptions of the area quickly transported me across the pond even before my flight. The characters drew me in. What would prompt a youngish and successful Oxford professor to give up the scholarly life and move to the remote Lake District?

The author reveals the backstory along the way rather than all at once, and I enjoyed the book as much for the evolving relationships and revelations as for the murder mystery at its heart. It was so intriguing that I’ve gone on to read

the next two in the in the eight-book series — “The Cipher Garden” and “The Arsenic Labyrinth.”

I plan to space out the rest to make the enjoyment last.

“A Heart Full of Headstones” by Ian

Rankin

I’ve been reading Ian Rankins’s John Rebus series ever since I discovered it many years ago. This most recent installment finds Rebus retired from the police force in Edinburgh. He’s somewhat content with his dog, the visits from his daughter and granddaughter, and his friendship with Siobhan Clarke, who was once his partner on the force.

Typical of his restless nature,

though, he can’t resist when he’s summoned by his nemesis, Gerry Cafferty. And so begins the tale that will see Rebus behind bars and on trial. That’s not a spoiler —it’s in the blurb for the book and it’s the opening scene.

It is a character arc that we fans could have perhaps anticipated, and it’s fitting that Rebus reflects on his life throughout the story, the lines he’s crossed, the deserving criminals he’s put behind bars, and whether he’s followed the best path.

That makes two engrossing series with male leads — one relatively young, and the other older and world-weary. Of the two, the Rebus series is the darker one, but both are enjoyable.

THE INK PENN

KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist

GARDEN BUZZ

Wildflower mecca lies under utility’s powerlines

Last year during mid-August, I came across an amazing sight, a collection of butterflies feasting on the nectar of Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium purpureum).

There were more butterflies in this one location than I have ever observed. The attraction was a combination of four things: mid-day sunlight, a small stream water source and the overlapping, synchronized timing of the flowering of the Joe Pye weed and emergence of adult butterflies from their chrysalises.

In mid-August of 2022, there was an explosion of wildflowers growing on the Greenway path, primarily goldenrod, coreopsis and Joe Pye weed. This display of wildflowers, in turn, attracted an array of pollinators, making this neighborhood walk unlike any other previous walks! I was amazed by the number of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators that were hovering around new wildflowers blooming on the Greenway path under the powerline.

Plants that grow under this powerline are tenacious! Every several years, this area is disturbed by either our local electrical utility or by our subdivision. This year, the ground was disturbed by the construction of two new bridges over a stream that crosses the Greenway path in two locations, and the previous year, the local electrical utility used heavy equipment to aggressively cut any trees and bushes that might interfere with the powerlines. With all this disturbance, you would think that would be little chance for wildflowers to grow and pollinators to survive. What a pleasant surprise to see that the conditions are perfect for wildflowers to grow and for pollinators to find their alluring scent and nectar.

On Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, I participated in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census with a friend, and this is what we observed. I focused on a goldenrod flower and my friend on a Joe Pye weed. We selected this site because there are more wild native wildflowers growing in this portion of Milton than any other place I’ve ever observed, including my backyard and the Milton parks with walking paths through undisturbed and wooded areas. My companion and I made an interesting observation based on the two different plants we selected. During the 15-minute observation for the census, my companion counted 26 Eastern

tiger swallowtails (Papilo glaucus) and two pipevine swallowtails, one bumble bee, one small bee, one fly and one unidentified insect on the Joe Pye weed.

To my surprise, I did not observe a single butterfly on the goldenrod (Solidago sp.) I focused on for the 15-minute count. Instead, the goldenrod was swarming with wasps. I counted 20 wasps and most of them were a large, blue-winged scoliid wasps (Scolia dubia), in addition to one honeybee, two small bees and two flies. We made similar observations during the week before the census. On each occasion, the wasps dominated the goldenrod, and the swallowtails gravitated to and dominated the purple, flowering Joe Pye weed.

On Monday, Aug. 22, 2023, another wildflower began to bloom in large numbers throughout the powerline path. I identified the tall plant with white flowers as roundleaved thoroughwort (Eupatorium

rotundifolium), a type of aster. In the coming weeks before the first frost, which is usually at the end of October, the Joe Pye weed, goldenrod and thoroughwort will stop flowering. By mid-September, the short-lived swallowtails will lay their eggs and die, and other pollinators will find new, fall-flowering plants to provide nectar and to pollinate. If you want to see swallowtails next summer in your garden, I suggest planting Joe Pye weed in a sunny location and if possible, near a water source.

Looking back to June, several tall, yellow flowering mulleins (Verbascum thapus) were scattered throughout the meadow. Next spring, as the day length increases and the temperatures rise and the ground warms, the powerline will awaken another collection of wildflowers.

If you can find a powerline meadow, I suggest a visit. The powerline near my home has turned out to be an

unexpected treasure where natives have found a place to thrive, grow and flower and attract pollinators!

Happy Gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/.

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.

Learn more

• Jay Clark, “Wildflowers of Pigeon Mountain,” Waldenhouse Publishers, Inc. 2004, ISBN 10: 0-9761033-1-1

• John W, Thieret, “National Audubon Society Wildflowers of North American,” Knopf Publishing Group, 2023, ISBN-10 059331994x

• Keith A. Bradley, “Wildflowers of Appalachia,” Quick Reference Publishing, Inc., 2019, ISBN: 9781-936913-59-6

• Linda G, Chafin, “Field Guide to the Wildflowers of Georgia,” University of Georgia, 2016, ISBN-10 978082034868

• Larry Mellichamp, “Native Plants of the South,” Timber Press, 2014, ISBN-10 1604693231

CAROLE MACMULLAN

Guest Columnist

PHOTOS BY CAROLE MACMULLAN/PROVIDED

From left:

Top left and right: Powerlines in Milton with a meadow of coreopsis

Bottom left: Female Eastern tiger swallowtail on a Joe Pye weed

Bottom right: Blue winged scoliid wasp on a goldenrod

PRESERVING THE PAST

Americans honor military heroes with wreaths

Americans honor their military heroes, both fallen and living, in many ways. Today we will focus on one program Wreaths Across America, but first we will highlight some of the most meaningful ways Americans pay their respects.

Memorial Day is a time when we mourn and honor the military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. The holiday began in a few communities soon after the Civil War. Parades, patriotic ceremonies and the installation of markers recognizing individual military personnel who fell in the line of duty are held in towns and cities throughout the United States. From 1868 to 1970 it was observed on May 30. Since 1971, it is observed on the last Monday in May, making it a three-day weekend when thousands of travelers visit with friends and relatives.

Veterans Day commemorates all Americans who have served in the military, living or deceased and whether they served in wartime or peacetime. Veterans Day originated after World War l ended with the signing of an armistice on Nov. 11, 1918. President Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919. Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 by President Eisenhower at the urging of. veterans’ organization so it would honor all veterans rather than mark the end of a single war. Veterans Day is always celebrated on November 11.

On Memorial Day and Veterans Day the President or his designee lays a memorial wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The first military burial at Arlington Cemetery took place on May 13, 1864. Approximately 30 funeral services are held each weekday at the cemetery. More than 250,000 wreaths will be placed in Arlington National Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 16, 2023.

Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor was first awarded in 1863. It is our military’s highest honor, recognizing acts of valor that have saved the lives of American troops in combat. Of the more than 3,500 recipients, only 65 are living today. Since 1941, more than half of the Medals of Honor have been awarded posthumously.

Wreaths Across America

A wide range of private organizations such as churches, schools and community service groups have programs honoring fallen veterans. One of the largest private programs is Wreaths Across America which places fresh evergreen wreaths on the graves of veterans every December.

From its humble beginning in 1992 in Maine, this December some 2 million volunteers will place more than 2 million wreaths at 3,700 participating local, church and military cemeteries throughout the United States and abroad. This year’s Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16.

In Georgia, family members and other volunteers will lay wreaths at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton which has more than 35,000 gravesites.

One of the most important Georgia activities will be organized by the

Patriots of Liberty chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Chapter in Alpharetta. This chapter is only 8 years old, and has more than 90 members. In addition to its annual wreath-laying program, the chapter tries to locate and make contact with as many living World War ll, Viet Nam and Korean War veterans as possible, most of whom live in assisted living facilities. They also participate once a year in a drive-thru baby shower for pregnant female veterans, many in financial need. They sponsor a student essay contest, and volunteers take part in stream and park cleanup programs.

According to the chapter’s Committee Chairman Jennifer Boren “Our current focus is this year’s Wreaths Across America program. It is an important opportunity to show our respect for deceased veterans while raising funds to support our programs.”

The chapter sells wreaths for $17

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of ANTHONY CILIBERTO, DECEASED, in Alpharetta GA were issued on July 28, 2023 in Estate No. PC-2023-1114, Fulton County, State of Georgia named ELLEN ELIZABETH CILIBERTO, Executor in said LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT All persons, firms and corporation having claims against ANTHONY CILIBERTO are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before October 26th, 2023. Debtors of the descendent are asked to make immediate payment.

Ellen Ciliberto, Executor

12700 Oxfordshire Court Alpharetta, GA 30005

each. Volunteers will place the wreaths on veterans’ graves in eight cemeteries in the Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek area Dec. 16. For each wreath sold, the chapter will receive $5 to support their activities throughout the year.

Readers who would like to purchase a wreath from the DAR or to volunteer can contact Jennifer Boren at 770-6530960 or patriotsoflibertychapter@gmail. com.

The Roswell Historical Society and community volunteers will lay wreaths on 270 veterans’ graves in three local cemeteries. To volunteer for wreath laying contact Roswell Historical Society cemetery coordinator Janet Johnson at rhs.cemetery@gmail.com. To sponsor wreaths in Roswell go to wreathsacrossamerica.org/ga0090p. The Roswell Presbyterian Church also sponsors wreath laying at two Roswell cemeteries.

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.

Please

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

BOB MEYERS Columnist

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/PROVIDED

More than 250,000 wreaths will be placed in Arlington National Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day on December 16, 2023. Tens of thousands of volunteers will lay the wreaths.

SPECIAL EVENT NOTICE

The SHE Power 10K-5K will take place on Sunday, October 8th from 7:30AM to 9:30AM at North Point in Alpharetta. Single lane closures may cause delays on North Point Pkwy, Mansell Rd and Haynes Bridge Rd.

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

DEATH NOTICES

Joanna Addison, 64, of Milton, passed away on Sept. 22, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Elizabeth Boyd, 77, of Roswell, passed away on Sept. 15, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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

Otis Burger, 85, of Woodstock, passed away on Sept. 11, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Kurt M.Wilson Mayor

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

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

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

Debra Eikey, 67, of Roswell, passed away on Sept. 24, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following items will be considered by the City Council on Monday, October 23, 2023 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. PH-23-14/V-23-19 75/91 Roswell Street

Consideration of a change to previous conditions of zoning and a variance to allow for a 3-story building including a 2,500 SF restaurant, 23,200 SF of office, and structured parking on 1.12 acres in the Downtown. A change to the previous conditions of zoning is requested to eliminate conditions of zoning related to 91 Roswell Street and a variance is requested to reduce an undisturbed buffer. The property is located at 75 & 91 Roswell Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1269, 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, Georgia.

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

Irene Hopper, 93, of Marietta, passed away on Sept. 18, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Richard Mumford, 62, of Cumming, passed away on Sept. 12, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Karen Owen, 64, of Milton, passed away on Sept. 14, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Holly Persyn, 92, of Cumming, passed away on Sept. 7, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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

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.

Herald Headlines

northfulton.com/newsletters

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)

PART-TIME CATERING, DELIVERY, AND SETUP

• Flexible hours – mostly mid day

• Need own transportation

• Inquiries to info@asculinaryconcepts.com or 678-336-9196

• Located in Johns Creek

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

AAPPEN PRESSCLU B

LOST CAT, missing since Aug. 6. Rory, 4 y/o solid white, green eyes domestic short hair, fixed male. Very affectionate. Saddle Bridge Drive, Johns Creek 30022.  Very much loved & missed. NOT A STRAY. If seen, please call ANYTIME 478-559-0704

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

Health

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

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!

Miscellaneous

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!

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games!

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