Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - December 8, 2022

Roswell lights up, celebrates holidays

BY DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell residents gath ered on Dec. 2 to watch the city’s 40-foot tree illuminated in Heart of Roswell Park. The city shut down part of Canton Street for the free event with hot chocolate, car oling, s’mores and other activities.

The event, previously located in the Town Square, ran from 6-9 p.m. Fire pits lined Canton Street with free s’mores supplies. Local Starbucks employees passed out free hot chocolate and cake pops.

For adults, street vendors sold alco holic beverages within a designated opencontainer area. Restaurants and pubs in the area were bustling with customers.

Throughout the evening, local choirs performed on the stage and Mayor Kurt Wilson read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” to the crowd. Then, the mayor teased a very-special guest ap pearance.

Santa Claus rode into the event on a Roswell Fire Department truck and sat down to meet with the crowd of children.

1. The committee was expected to lead a presentation at the Dec. 5 City Council meeting.

Panel wraps up feasibility study for Milton to run its own elections

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — The Milton committee, tasked with studying the feasibility of the city running its own municipal elec tions, nailed down two remaining issues at its last meeting Dec. 1.

The Municipal Election Feasibility Committee could stand as a model for other north metro Atlanta cities fol lowing the election study. Considering Fulton County’s recent suggestion to cities to conduct their own municipal elections due to skyrocketing costs, selfsufficiency has become a more impor tant objective.

Deputy City Manager and commit tee member Stacey Inglis did not release the overall cost estimate of a city-run election. But the cost is expected to be far lower than what Fulton County has

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

Crowds form around the 40-foot tree in the Heart of Roswell Park for the Roswell Christmas tree lighting event on Dec. 2.

Cities learn points to fight addiction

Miracle League athletes receive helping hand

Alpharetta sparkles with holiday festivities

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA Milton City Manager Steve Krokoff joins the Municipal Election Feasibil ity Committee for its last meeting Dec.

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POLICE BLOTTER

All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Theft of $11,400 cash reported to police

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta Police are investigating a theft nearly $11,500 in cash that took place on Avalon Bou levard Nov. 28.

Police reports said officers respond ed to 5160 Avalon Blvd., after receiv ing reports a bank bag with $11,400 in cash had been stolen from a woman waiting for an Uber ride. The woman was sitting on a bench with the bank ers bag under her arm when the theft occurred.

The woman realized she no longer had the bag of money when she entered the Uber, and immediately retraced her steps and notified security.

Police were told no security cam eras or witnesses saw the theft, and no suspects had been identified at the time of the report.

Man reported missing found dead in local pond

ROSWELL, Ga. — Police found the body of a 64-year-old Marietta man, Hus sein Esmail, in a small pond in Roswell Nov. 24, two weeks after he had been reported missing.

Esmail was reported missing by his brother on Nov. 10.

On Nov. 11, a Good Samaritan transported Hussein to the Roswell Police Department. He denied medical help from the police and could not pro vide a home address. Police let Esmail walk home.

He was later reported walking along Riverside Road. Police made contact with Hussein, and he again denied medical help. Hussein left the scene and was not seen again until police found his body.

Helen man wanted for hotel service theft

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police said a 41-year-old Helen, Ga., man is wanted for giving a fake credit card to an Al pharetta hotel in November.

Reports said the man booked a room at Hilton Hotel on Windward Parkway for two nights, using an online third-party company. But when it came time to pay, the man’s credit card declined, and he left the hotel without paying, leaving much of his personal property inside the room.

During the investigation, officers discovered the man has had similar dealings with police in the past.

At the time of the report, the suspect had not been apprehended.

Roswell man arrested in police confrontation

ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested a 70-year-old Roswell man after he alleg edly reached for a gun during a traffic accident investigation Nov. 28.

Officers responded to the report of a vehicle crash on Old Alabama Road due to an improper turn. Police said the at-fault driver exhibited slurred speech. When asked how much he had to drink, the driver said nothing.

When police asked if the driver had consumed alcohol, he responded with a threat. As an officer checked his infor mation, police said the man attempted to reach for something in his driver’s door.

When officers asked what he was reaching for, he answered “a gun.”

An officer then grabbed the man and secured the firearm. He was arrested for terroristic threats and acts, simple as sault, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, an improper turn and driving on the wrong side of the road.

Local man extorted via mobile dating app

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police

reports said Bitcoin was extorted from a local man in November by a suspect on the dating app Hinge.

Officers were told an unknown sus pect, going by a fake name, was threat ening to publicly release a nude video of a 25-year-old Alpharetta man on the internet, if the man didn’t wire them $2,000 in Bitcoin Nov. 28.

The victim said he met the suspect on Hinge, a dating app, and another social media platform, Snapchat. The victim reportedly provided a nude video at the suspect’s urging and was then hit with the suspect’s demands.

The victim transferred $500 in Bitcoin to the suspect’s account before notifying police.

Police told the victim to cease all contact with the suspect. No suspect information was available beyond the fake name used on the dating and so cial media accounts.

Atlanta man arrested for disorderly conduct

ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested a 23-year-old Atlanta man Nov. 30 after he was reported for disorderly conduct three separate times at different loca tions within a few hours.

The first incident occurred at the Exxon Gas Station on Holcomb Bridge Road around 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 29. Police found the man cursing, yell ing and threatening to fight with the clerks. He also was reported to have consumed alcohol inside the store. The officer ordered the man off the prop erty.

Within an hour, the officer received a call from the Economy Motel on Old Dogwood Road. The same man was on the scene, allegedly drunk and trying to fight with people. The officer gave the man a criminal trespass warning.

Two hours later, the officer re ceived a call from the La Quinta Inn on Old Holcomb Bridge Road reporting the same man arguing with staff and inciting fights. Police then detained the man and took him to the Fulton County Jail.

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Alpharetta sparkles with downtown tree lighting

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta kicked off its holiday season Friday, Dec. 2, with the annual Christmas tree lighting at downtown City Green.

Led by Mayor Jim Gilvin, members of the City Council and a celebrity ap pearance from Santa Claus, spectators looked on as the 50-foot tree was lit with thousands of tiny lights.

Officials said this year’s event marks 45 years of holiday celebrations for the city.

“The Christmas Tree Lighting has brought the Alpharetta community together for years,” Gilvin said. “It is a perfect time to enjoy the simple tradi tions of the holiday season. Community celebrations like this showcase the vibrancy of our city, strengthen connec tions between our residents, and create an opportunity for families to create memories together.”

But if you missed the tree light ing, don’t worry, because festivities are scheduled to continue with other events.

On Dec. 9, Alpharetta will host a free photo with Santa at the Hamilton Hotel in downtown. During the event, the Downtown Alpharetta District will also share a holiday beverage guide “Sips of

the Season” for several establishments in the downtown area.

Alpharetta’s holiday events will conclude Dec. 16 with a showing of the seasonal favorite movies “Rudolph the

Red Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman” on the town green.

“The holidays are extra merry and bright in Alpharetta,” Janet Rodgers, president and CEO of the Alpharetta

Convention and Visitors Bureau said. “We are so thrilled to invite visitors to our community and welcome them with open arms during three incredibly fes tive Friday nights in Alpharetta.”

Throughout Alpharetta’s celebra tions, a holiday food drive will be held for the North Fulton Community Chari ties food pantry. From Dec. 2 to Dec. 16, non-perishable food donations can be dropped at more than 11 locations around the city.

Drop-off locations include the Wills Park Recreation Center, Alpharetta Adult Activity Center at North Park, Alpharetta City Hall, Preston Ridge Community Center, the Alpharetta Community Center, as well as four outdoor collec tion trees at Alpharetta City Hall, Town Green, Teasley Fountain, and the corner of Milton Avenue and Canton Street.

“The families we serve are really feel ing the impact of higher prices at grocery stores, along with cost increases for rent, clothing, and other essentials. As the prices go up, the need for donations is even greater,” Mel Fortin, director of Food Pantry Services said. “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from our community to those in need.”

For more information on the city’s schedule of holiday events, visit al pharetta.ga.us.

ALEX POPP /APPEN MEDIA

Alpharetta residents and spectators watch as city officials light the towering Christ mas tree in downtown Dec. 2.

Roswell Fire Dept. launches ‘Keep the Wreath Green’

ROSWELL Ga. — Throughout December, the Roswell Fire Department will display a wreath lit with green lightbulbs at vari ous city events. Whenever a structure fire occurs in Roswell, a green lightbulb will be replaced with a red one.

The wreath is part of the Fire Depart ment’s attempt to decrease fires over the holidays, when the number of home and building fires increase.

The National Fire Protection Associa tion reports that between 2015 and 2019, holiday decorations started an average of 790 home structure fires in the United States each year.

“Having a fire in your home can be devastating. Many of the fires we respond to can be easily prevented,” Roswell Fire Chief Joe Pennino said. “With everyone’s help, we can keep the wreath completely green this year.”

The NFPA said Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Pennino said that following a series of safety tips will help reduce the potential for holiday-related fires.

Here are some tips to make your home safer:

• Use decorations that are flame-resis tant or flame-retardant.

• Keep lit candles and heat sources at least 3 feet away from combustible materials.

• Keep children and pets away from lit

candles and keep matches and light ers up high in a locked cabinet.

• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufac turer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking.

• Keep decorations away from windows or doors to ensure you have a safe secondary exit in case of an emer gency.

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

Lights:

Well into the evening, the tree was lit and people lined up for photo opportuni ties. Later, as the festivities came to a close, a group of adults prepared for a more adult activity. They donned Santa Claus costumes and started a pub crawl through Canton Street, illuminated by the Christmas tree.

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

The Roswell Fire Department displays the wreath with green lights at the Dec. 2 Christmas Tree Lighting at the Heart of Roswell Park.

Roswell Mayor Kurt Wil son and Council man Mike Palermo sing “Jin gle Bell Rock” on stage by the Heart of Roswell Park for the Christ mas tree lighting event on Dec. 2.

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

Milton, Alpharetta officials learn about Johns Creek addiction-fighting initiative

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The year-end meet ing of One Johns Creek Coalition – a group committed to fighting drug abuse – was packed with around 30 stakehold ers, including representatives from Milton and Alpharetta who are looking to form their own wellness alliance.

The Nov. 30 meeting, hosted at Brady Ware in Alpharetta, was the second gathering of minds where all three cities talked about a common goal — reducing drug addiction among youth.

Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison, Mil ton Police Capt. Charles Barstow and Alpharetta EMS and police were there to key in on strategy. Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry, Councilwoman Stacy Skinner and a representative from Johns Creek police were there as well.

Alyse Hensel, One Johns Creek Coali tion program director, led a presentation on the group’s accomplishments over the year, goals for 2023 and welcomed ques tions, initiating productive conversation among those who attended.

Other coalition members were there to offer comments in addition to staff from Pathways2Life, the coalition’s par ent nonprofit organization, and Beatrice King, Fulton County opioid public health analyst.

Pat on the back

One Johns Creek was formed in December 2020 through a grant from the City of Johns Creek, and it acquired a memorandum of understanding (MOU) a year later, allowing it to easily collaborate with the city on initiatives.

In its short existence, the nascent program has seen a lot of success. More than 1,100 people signed the No Shame pledge, an effort that encourages indi viduals to provide a shame-free environ ment by learning more about mental health challenges, stigma and the disease of addiction.

Johns Creek High School, with 270 student pledges, and Chattahoochee High School, with 693 student pledges, have been deemed No Shame Campuses.

The coalition has maintained an ac tive presence in Johns Creek, steering several community events, like parent webinars. Members have taken charge of two DEA Drug Take Back Days, dispos ing of more than 230 pounds of medicine. They distributed more than 1,500 drug disposal bags and installed a permanent drug disposal drop box at Johns Creek City Hall, which has collected more than 100 pounds.

One Johns Creek has also hosted school training sessions, set up lunch wellness tables and disseminated 15

school drug prevention newsletters. The list goes on. By the end of the meeting, Hensel extended her arm over her shoul der for a pat on the back and asked the coalition to do the same.

Many hands

Because One Johns Creek Coalition has established a framework for navigat ing addiction prevention and interven tion, other cities won’t have to reinvent the wheel.

When Milton and Alpharetta joined for their first coalition meeting, which had a far lower attendance, Hensel spoke on how to get the ball rolling. She offered a five-step approach for implementing a drug-free community coalition, a process created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and is used by 28 other drugfree alliances in Georgia.

SAMHSA requires that groups use the Strategic Prevention Framework, which calls for assessment, building capacity, planning, implementation and evaluation, to obtain the Drug-Free Communities grant, funded by the White House Office

Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry speaks at the One Johns Creek Coalition Nov. 30 meeting. With the purpose to reduce addiction among youth, the coalition has hit major milestones in 2022. Representatives from Milton and Alpharetta were in the room, seeking guidance to form their own coalition.

of National Drug Control Policy. The tailored presentation included statistics on both Milton and Alpharetta residents, noting that use of alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs and nicotine climbs from nearly 0 percent in sixth grade to anywhere from 8 to 25 percent

in 12th graders.

The long-term plan is to have a One North Fulton Coalition, which Hensel called an audacious goal. Still, she said local problems require local solutions.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Young performer builds confidence, finds community in drag

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

CUMMING, Ga. — By day, Abbi DeJohn is a 17-year-old Forsyth County high school student. But by night, she transforms herself into Valentina Dae, her sassy, confident, rock star drag persona, and performs with House of Laveau on Browns Bridge Road in Forsyth County.

Valentina Dae, whose name originates from Abbi’s love of Valentine’s Day discounted candy, is always changing. She said her persona used to be “very girl, very bubbly,” akin to Barbie, but has evolved into someone along the lines of a Bratz doll with teased blonde hair and bold costumes.

“When I was younger, I always wanted Bratz dolls because I thought they were cooler. They had the big hair and the crazy heels and the skimpy outfits,” Abbi said. “I feel like Valentina is a living Bratz doll — me being able to live my Bratz kind of fantasy.”

While Valentina Dae is considered a drag persona, defined by imitation and exaggeration, DeJohn said she carries Valentina in her daily life. Abbi, who’s been with House of Laveau since March, recently performed “Confident” by Demi Lovato — “a full circle moment.” For a long time, Abbi said she was terribly insecure.

“I keep forgetting that she’s not just a character — she is me,” she said. “I realized that I really can carry that energy on.”

A family affair

Abbi’s mom, Dyneen, learned about the House of Laveau when she sought hair color treatment for Abbi at the Punk & Poet Cut and Color Co., a known haven for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Owners Kendra and Elliott Rubin founded House of Laveau — “Cumming, Georgia’s first drag family,” according to its Instagram page.

Abbi has been experimenting with makeup since the age 12, following makeup gurus like Jeffree Star and posting looks on her own makeup account. Knowing her daughter’s love for makeup, Dyneen thought Abbi could help the House

of Laveau drag family look their best.

Soon after Abbi began assisting with shows, she asked to perform because she missed the stage. She used to do ballet but stopped because of all the rules.

“I like drag so much because there really aren’t any rules,” Abbi said. “You can determine what you want to do. It’s so freeing and powerful.”

Dyneen described the first time she saw Abbi perform in drag. It was the second night Abbi ever performed. The first night, Dyneen was in the back helping Abbi get ready. A self-proclaimed “stage mom,” Dyneen helps Abbi with her hair and designs her costumes.

Eric, her husband and Abbi’s dad, was there in the audience, too. Abbi bounces music ideas off of Eric, who’s had music in him since a young age. He’s also a DJ.

“We were completely, I want to say, ‘gobsmacked,’” Dyneen said. “She came out on stage, and we looked at each other, and we both got chills. I’m telling you, it was the best thing I’ve ever seen.”

Dyneen has received backlash for allowing Abbi to perform, but she said drag has no agenda — it’s nothing more than theater with people in costume, singing

and dancing.

Abbi had gone through a bad period, Dyneen said, where she needed something like the House of Laveau, whose members have helped and supported her after having gone through a rough period.

For Abbi, House of Laveau has become a second family. While Abbi’s family fully accepts and encourages her to participate, the term “family” is associated with drag houses because its members are often estranged from their own.

“She got her glow back. She got her smile back,” Dyneen said. “Man, she is incredible.”

Leading the pack

Salon owner and House of Laveau founder Kendra, aka Kentucky Laveau, is the drag mom, but not a traditional one who teaches everyone how to do everything.

“In this instance, I’m learning with everyone,” Kendra said.

While Kendra considers herself more a student of drag, having only recently formed House of Laveau this year — her “baby” and lifelong dream — she takes the responsibility of making sure everyone is on time and that everything is up to standard.

She’s also charged with group choreography and goes into it with a vision. Every show starts with a huge opening number to energize the crowd, and there’s often closing numbers. She also ensures that performances are family friendly.

“It’s not a typical drag show,” husband and fellow drag queen Elliott said. “They’re really produced, cohesive performances.”

Like other queens, Kendra intentionally overstates femininity. As Kentucky, Kendra can be seen with a long, neon orange wig, fishnets and a leotard, and a dragtraditional strong, full face of makeup.

Kentucky is someone who doesn’t have

to be careful about what she says, Kendra said. Because she became a mom at a young age, Kendra said she had to grow up fast. So, Kentucky allows her to be the person she had to neglect for the sake of new responsibility.

Making a statement

Elliott, Kendra’s husband, performs as Deverauxxx, who, he said, isn’t really a persona, so much as just being himself.

“Deverauxx will do anything for cheers — 100 percent,” Kendra said.

Elliott, who talked about the tangible difference he, Kendra and others have made in Forsyth County, said he does drag despite the county’s traditional conservative nature.

“It’s the most punk rock thing I can do in these times,” he said. “Drag, for me, is the biggest middle finger to the people who have been here who don’t want you.”

Like Dyneen, Kendra and Elliott’s daughter participates in drag events. 11-year-old Avalia, aka Venus Valentine, is always stage-left with her older brother David, who runs the music. Kendra said she doesn’t find any problem with allowing someone under 18 to perform drag.

People tend to think drag is filled with “oversexualized perverts,” she said, because most people, at one point, who did drag were gay.

“It’s a performance that shows everybody who’s in the room that you’re loved and that you’re accepted,” she said.

Kendra brought up the recent Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ club shooting, where a 22-year-old man killed five people and injured over 20 others.

“[The attack] gives us a bigger fire to keep pushing on,” she said. “At some point the hate has to stop. At some point, people have got to be able to not be scared to just live their lives. At some point, some people need to just mind their own business.”

ADAM BISSONNETTE/PROVIDED Abbi DeJohn, 17, performs with House of Laveau as Valentina Dae. DeJohn has been performing with the drag family since March.

Because Johns Creek has a different demographic than Milton and Alpharetta, the two-city coalition should be custom ized to its own population.

Hensel advised Milton and Alpharetta to seek a formal memorandum of un derstanding. Hensel, along with another coalition member, wrote the grant pro posal last year that Milton and Alpharetta could essentially plug and play.

“It’s super replicable,” she said.

The Wednesday morning meeting was Jamison’s first meeting with the coalition, there to learn. But, he said forming a coalition with Alpharetta would be a great complement to the work that the Milton Police Department already does.

Jamison said he hasn’t spoken with Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin, but expects that banding together will garner sup port. His next steps will be to gather more information about the process of forming a coalition and sit down with the Milton City Council and city staff.

“It’s about community involvement and education,” Jamison said. “And I think that’s the most important thing.”

Local problems, local solutions

Localizing the approach calls for look

ing at 12 sectors within the community. To brainstorm, large pieces of paper were taped along the back wall of the meeting space, each titled with a sector — youth, parents, business, media, schools, youth serving organizations, law enforcement, civic/volunteer organizations, religious/ fraternal organizations, health care pro fessionals, state/local/tribal government and substance abuse organizations.

Hensel dove into a key issue the coali tion faces — a data void. Last year, the Georgia Department of Education made the Georgia Student Health Survey, an assessment that all DFCs use, optional. Prior to COVID-19 pandemic, the survey was mandated. Only Johns Creek High School chose to opt-in and that was because the coalition had a relationship with the principal.

“We have no idea what our trends look like. We have no idea what our past 30-Day Use looks like. We have no idea what our perception of risk and harm looks like,” Hensel said. “We need to bond together and ask our schools to put it back.”

One goal for 2023 is to create a data team to help mitigate the lack. But if more cities were to strategically push for community wellness, and create their own coalition, a network of loud voices would take root and make an impact.

“Many hands make light work,” Hensel said.

Johns Creek approves synagogue expansion

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — After a long and arduous discussion on plans to expand Chabad of North Fulton, a synagogue and Jewish community center, the Johns Creek City Council approved special permits and zoning variances to jumpstart development.

The City Council came to its deci sion in its third motion in a 4-2 vote at its Nov. 28 meeting, amending the city’s zoning map. Councilmembers Stacy Skinner and Dilip Tunki cast the dissenting votes; Councilwoman Erin Elwood was absent from the vote.

The proposed site plans call for three new special permits and four variances across three parcels, two of them acquired in recent years. Devel opment would include constructing an 8,000-square-foot parsonage house, a two-story 15,000-square-foot gym, an outdoor basketball court, three recreational fields, expansion of the existing daycare play field and three gazebos.

Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz, the Chabad of North Fulton director, spoke on behalf of the organization to explain Chabad’s need to expand, which primarily rests on the lack of

28 City Council meet ing, also a cause for Council division. The 4-2 vote amended the city’s zoning map

outdoor space for its successful, longrunning, five-week summer day camp.

Sound barrier

City staff recommended the ap plication with conditions, such as no lighting or loudspeakers on the recre ational fields, as well as denial of one variance, which would allow encroach

ment of a new 46,200-square-foot recreational field into a 50-foot buffer and 10-foot improvement setback.

While Minkowicz said he accepts the light restrictions on the fields, the loudspeakers would only be used five weeks of the year in the summer.

But what stifled swift decisionmaking is denial of the variance. The field, as planned, would impede on the buffer, which acts like a noise barrier to surrounding neighborhoods, Johns Creek Community Development Direc tor Ben Song said.

Minkowicz emphasized the positive relationships he’s developed with the surrounding residential areas, includ ing the one he lives in. He also noted that the president of a homeowners association in one of the nearby neigh borhoods has voiced his support.

Councilman Chris Coughlin explained his decision to allow en croachment, harkening to the city’s commitment to health and wellness, and said the intent of the buffer won’t be impacted because of the encroach ment’s limited space.

“You know, it’s for the kids,” Coughlin said.

Skinner, who voted against the measure, had fears over setting a precedent for future zoning applica

tions. But Councilman Larry DiBiase said the vote wouldn’t set a precedent because it pertains to an individual parcel.

While city staff and the Planning Commission recommended denial of the related variance, the City Council ultimately decided to allow encroach ment but with a condition to add a sound mitigation fence along the rec reational field.

Skinner said the fence would not only impose undue expense, but also said the fence would not be truly ef fective in mitigating sound.

“This is a rec field. This isn’t a pro fessional soccer field or football field,” Skinner said.

Recognitions

Also at the meeting, the City Coun cil recognized the Johns Creek Arts Center. Mayor John Bradberry read a proclamation, loaded with the center’s achievements and its features, which define its important role in the com munity.

“I see that you’ve done so much,” Bradberry said halfway during the proclamation, eliciting laughs from the packed chamber.

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AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz, the Chabad of North Fulton director, speaks on behalf of the organization to explain Chabad’s need to expand. His application that entailed three special permits and four zoning variances was a new business item at the Nov.

to allow for the new development across three parcels.

YOUNG MEN’S SERVICE LEAGUE/PROVIDED

Members of the Young Men’s Service League stand at the softball fields at North Park in Alpharetta during the Ultimate Gift volunteer service event. The group cleaned the fields and donated new equipment to ath letes with disabilities.

Volunteers clean fields used by Miracle League

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Members of the North Fulton Young Men’s Service League part nered with the North Metro Miracle League across two weekends in November to clean up the Miracle League Sports Complex in Alpharetta’s North Park on Cogburn Road.

The Young Men’s Service League is a national volunteer organization for mothers and their teenage sons. During the four-year program, members perform volunteer work focused on service, learning and leadership.

The North Fulton chapter has over 140 members. Every year, they hold the Young Men’s Service League Ultimate Gift, a multiday philanthropic event dedicated to a differ

Synagogue:

The council also recognized Diwali festival volunteers. There were around 20 volunteers present for the meeting, whose names were read individually, but that was only a fraction of all who helped with the first city-sponsored Diwali festival in Georgia.

For their efforts to improve the intersection at Brumbelow Road and Tuckerbrook Lane, Johns Creek Public Works Director Chris Haggard, Trans portation Engineer and Project Man ager Matt Simpson and Ben Clopper, Michael Baker International project engineer, stepped up for an award given by the Georgia Partnership for Transportation Quality.

During the public comment portion of the City Council meeting, Public Safety Foundation Chairman David Rich presented a $7,700 check raised for the foundation through a cricket tournament. He then said someone came forward and donated more, un veiling an additional personal check for $8,000.

Special events

Preceding the City Council meet ing, councilmembers discussed a po tential framework for planning special events at the work session.

ent partner each year.

The 2022 partner, North Metro Miracle League, promotes active lifestyles for chil dren, youth and adults with disabilities. The organization runs an annual adapted softball season at two fields in North Park.

During the weekends of Nov. 5 and Nov. 12, about 60 Young Men’s Service League members cleaned the two North Park softball fields and the surrounding park grounds.

They sorted through and discarded old equipment as well. The volunteers, along with Atlanta-based sporting goods store Play it Again Sports, donated gently used gloves and bats.

Councilman DiBiase formulated a series of questions regarding the pro cess, motivated by the Diwali festival, which didn’t follow the traditional process for planning and execut ing special events. His goal was, in part, to build consensus around the council’s appropriate role in soliciting sponsorships.

The council also heard comments from Johns Creek Volunteer Coordina tor Stacey Gross about two upcom ing events, spearheaded by the newly seated Arts, Culture & Entertainment (ACE) committee.

Because Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures, the city plans for a Lunar Day celebration in January at New town Park. ACE anticipates using the Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater, where performances could take place on stage with heaters added for warmth. There will also be culturally relevant music, food and activities, according to the memo.

The second special event on the docket, Daffodil Days, is a week-long celebration in March intended to recognize a story of “hope, strength, survivorship and community support.”

Pioneered by Johns Creek Beautifica tion, the Daffodils4Hope program is a community-wide daffodil planting campaign that raises awareness for cancer survivors.

Offer is available at select Synovus locations only.

Elections:

Continued from Page 1

once charged.

At the meeting, Milton City Manager Steve Krokoff was there to help explain last-minute calculations that antici pate the necessary staff and/or polling locations to accommodate voter turnout. Calculations were made based on the best- and worst-case scenarios, using historical data, and the average of the two.

The committee’s previous decision on the amount of poll workers had been found to be insufficient based on the worst-case scenario, defined by highest voter turnout on Election Day.

Krokoff suggested the possibility of add ing a third polling location. Wary of cost, committee member Lisa Cauley, one of two members representing Milton residents, jumped at the suggestion and said the com mittee had already cemented the number of polling locations.

“Looking at what other cities have done, and all the other cities that we’ve been seeking to, have been doing one location,” Cauley said. “We went above.”

To avoid splitting hairs, Councilman and committee member Paul Moore said the number of polling locations and/or poll workers can be determined once the City Council gives the OK.

“We can demonstrate to Council that there is a significant cost savings, whether it’s one, two, or three, or four, or five,” Moore said.

The second, and last decision point, examined the amount of money that would be dedicated to an election superinten dent. Previously, Inglis calculated around $13,000 as a wage, based on hours and salary of another city’s election superinten dent, who is also the city clerk.

The committee debated on the figure, some agreeing that it was too high. Lower, arbitrary numbers were tossed around, but Krokoff said that the committee would need to be able to illustrate the math behind cost items. The committee ultimately concluded that overestimating cost wouldn’t be an is sue, so much as underestimating.

To close out the meeting, committee members shared sentimental remarks about their diligence to explore the issue at-hand.

“This committee did a deep dive,” Councilman and committee member Rick Mohrig said. “We didn’t just come in and say ‘Oh, we think we can do it. Let’s do it.’ There really was a lot of work that went into getting to the point where we’re at, so I’m comfortable.”

The committee was expected to present its findings at the Dec. 5 City Council meet ing, where councilmembers would have the opportunity to give feedback. Inglis said the City Council is set to vote on the item Dec. 19.

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TIP YOUR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON

This holiday season, consider giving your newspaper delivery person a tip for their weekly delivery of the free community newspaper to your driveway. These folks work hard to make sure you are informed of all the local happenings, rain or shine, week in and week out.

Importantly, at Appen Media, we have always been intentional about our desire to keep delivery of our newspapers free. That said, it would mean the world to us if you would consider tipping your newspaper delivery person so that they will have a little extra money for the holiday season.

If you can help us help these amazing people, we promise to keep delivering high quality news to your driveway, for free, every week. Free home delivery of 105,000 homes is hard work –and we couldn’t do it without our amazing delivery folks.

How you can give your delivery person a tip:

We have created an online portal at www.appenmedia.com/deliverytip.

100% of every dollar you contribute will be spread out evenly between the 24 newspaper delivery people that Appen Media employs. Whether you give $5 or $50, they will greatly appreciate it.

If you prefer, you can also mail a check made out to “Appen Media Group C/O Newspaper Delivery Tip” to 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

Charity assists needy near Perimeter

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — If there were ever a “Jack-of-all trades” charity in Metro Atlanta, it would almost certain ly be the Community Assistance Center off Roswell Road in Sandy Springs.

But far from being “a master of none,” the Community Assistance Cen ter has spent the last three decades building a dedicated network of com munity resources and partnerships to help people during their darkest days, no matter what they might need.

It all started in 1987 when five church congregations came together to form a simple food pantry for commu nity members who were having a hard time making ends meet. Just a small group of neighbors helping neighbors, the charity’s Communications Manager Laura Deupree said.

“These neighbors were just not able to put food on the table,” Deupree said. “So, these five congregations came to gether, took over the Boy Scout shack at Mount Vernon Presbyterian, and turned it into a food pantry.”

Since then, the organization’s ser vices and reach has grown dramatical ly, helping thousands of families with food, clothing, financial assistance and education each year. But what hasn’t changed, is the community-led mission that first launched the group.

While the organization only has 18 staff members, Deupree said they see 250 to 450 volunteers each month to

See NEED, Page 13

group’s food pantries.

12 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | December 8, 2022

Economic crisis doesn’t wait for the holidays.

LAURA DEUPREE, Community Assistance Center Communications Manager

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE CENTER/PROVIDED

Community Assistance Center volunteers mark donations that will be distributed to Sandy Springs and Dunwoody through the

help run a number of food pantries in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody, the Community Assistance Center thrift store and offices for financial as sistance, adult education and career center.

“That spirit has completely stayed at the core of what CAC is,” she said. “It’s going from an all-volunteer organi zation to what we like to call a volun teer-led organization.”

No big crisis spurred the creation of the Community Assistance Center, but throughout the years the char ity has faced every sort of challenge imaginable, from recessions and the housing crisis of 2008 to the COVID-19 pandemic. In each time of crisis, the community stepped forward to make ensure the nonprofit could fulfill it’s mission in the community.

Right now, Deupree said the North Fulton community is facing an “insidi ous” threat from across-the-board in creases in the prices of rent, gas, food, which is pushing people to a breaking point.

Rent increases have had the great est impact, she said, because many of their most vulnerable clients are already living on the edge of what they

can afford. Any shift in that balance can be devastating.

“It’s never one thing that goes wrong that completely derails your life,” she said. “It is often a series of things that just keep piling up until you can’t sustain it financially any more.”

To combat that threat and put cli ents back on their feet and in a better position from when they started, Deu pree said they were able to launch a

Career Center last year.

Clients of the Com munity Assistance Center in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs are able to shop and make their own choic es about food at the group’s cli ent choice food pan tries.

at the Career Center already have a full-time job,” she said. “This year just has been really tough on people who normally do not need help.”

One example of the charity’s mis sion of allowing neighbors to help neighbors is its annual holiday pro gram, which pairs donors with children and families in need to provide person alized Christmas presents.

Like nearly everywhere else, Deu pree said they’ve seen a spike in the number of families that need help during the holidays. Out of 1,600 kids registered to receive presents, they’ve been able to pair up about 1,450.

“The need is just up, especially for things that are considered luxuries like holiday gifts, which is a little heart breaking to think about,” she said.

If you want to help with the Com munity Assistance Center’s Holiday Adopt-a-Family program, email adopta family@ourcac.org.

At the CAC Career Center, clients and anyone in the community who needs help, can find higher paying job opportunities, learn new marketable skills, and get resume and interview help. In the short time the career center has been open, the organiza tion has assisted more than 150 people either find a new job, or progress in their career.

“About 80 percent of the clients

But beyond the holidays, Deupree said they need help and donations year-round, especially during the sum mer and other major holidays when people go on vacation and things get lean.

“Economic crisis doesn’t wait for the holidays,” she said.

For details on how donate and learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Community Assistance Cen ter, visit www.ourcac.org.

Frank

Tara

Taking time to reflect

Year-end holidays and the coming New Year bring back memories of family times, and the opportunity to make new ones. We can all take a moment to reflect on what we are grateful for and take stock of what life has bought our way. It’s a good time to stop and consider changes that may have occurred within our family structure due to the advancing needs, health or recuperative challenges of older loved ones.

Life can get complicated as we age, and the impact on a spouse, siblings, children or family members can also be life changing. Perhaps you live in another state and are worried about your loved one’s well-being but aren’t close enough to help. Alternatively, you live nearby and find yourself in the midst of filling a caregiving role that can be extremely hard to manage both mentally and physically. Balancing parental or spousal needs and your own needs can often have compel ling and competing emotions and com mitments. The relationships and family dynamics we knew are forever altered, and without a plan of care that is thoughtfully created it can be difficult and stressful for both you and your loved ones.

The best gift you can give your family and you is to consider the impact profes sional care can have on all your lives. We

know that being able to age in place is the desire of the vast majority of seniors, whether home is a private residence, an assisted or independent living commu nity. That means more than just having a caregiver to help with tasks. At Home Helpers we take a holistic approach that goes much further than helping with the activities of daily living. We consider the physical, safety, mental, social and emotional needs of your loved one. Most importantly, we let family go back to being family.

Care that makes a difference is based on a wonderful match of a screened, trained, heart centered caregiver and the hands on attention of a dedicated team with depth and skill. It’s the commitment to providing the best quality of life for our clients and their families that brings our care to the next level. We respect our clients and listen to their unique needs, constantly fine tuning to help make each day the best it can be.

Your caregiver is a professional who can assist with all personal care, help around the house, safely manage a quicker recover from surgery, or provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Dementia or Parkinson’s, etc.

We’re here to help – from six hours a day several days a week to 24/7 and livein care. For a free consultation please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs today at (770) 681-0323.

PROVIDED

Brought to You by - Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs

Do you take my insurance?

As the new year approaches and many are looking at what insurance coverage to select, you may be wonder ing if you should add dental benefits to your plan and which company to choose. Every person begins the search for a new dental healthcare provider for various reasons. Perhaps you moved to a new area or even your dentist moved, or maybe you had a bad experience and no longer trusted your dentist or felt valued as a patient. Whatever the reason for the search, once someone begins looking for a new dental healthcare provider, they will find a wide selection of practices. But not every practice is the same. This will help shed some light on some key differences in “insurance-driven” dental practices versus fee-for-services dental practices.

An Insurance-Driven practice is a dental practice that is “in-network” with many different dental insurance com panies. While there are many kinds of Insurance-Driven companies, there is one central pilar upon which they are all built on: their contract with the insur ance company dictates what procedures will be covered (ex. you want a white fill ing, but your insurance will only pay for a silver filling) and how much they will get reimbursed (or paid) for those proce dures. Many insurance companies have not increased the amount they will pay towards a procedure in years, regardless of inflation of the economy. To make up for these lowered reimbursements from insurance companies, Insurance-Driven practices often are forced to see a higher

volume of patients. This usually comes at the expense of the patient, whether it be their time, comfort, or relationship with their dental provider. The highvolume demand for these practices un fortunately affects the quality of dental work received by patients.

A Fee-for-service practice differs from an Insurance-Driven practice in that it is often either in-network with select few insurance companies or no insurance companies. This allows the dental prac tice to set their own fees, which means those providers have the luxury of build ing a relationship with their patients and the time to perform well-done proce dures that a patient needs, not dictated by a third party.

How does this affect YOU? Bottom Line: Whoever sets the fees will ulti mately contribute the quality of care and amount of time allotted for each patient.

Here at Roswell Dental Care, incor porate the best parts of both practice models. We are a Fee-for-service practice but file and make the most out of your out-of-network insurance benefits. This allows us to set our own fees and make the time in our schedule to properly care for our patients. Drs. Hood and Remaley at Roswell Dental Care understand and customize treatment for each person. We assure you will feel confident in the solution you choose before beginning any treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE nitrous oxide. You can rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding on many levels. Give our office a call at (470) 288-1152, or visit us at www. roswelldentalcare.com, to begin your journey to happy and pain-free oral healthcare!

Brought to you by - Evelyn Watkins, Human Resources Manager at Roswell

PROVIDED

Early symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Brought to you by - Dr. Jack Shen Jr., movement disorders neurologist at Wellstar Health System

First described in 1817 as the “shak ing palsy,” Parkinson’s disease (PD) is now recognized as the second most common neurodegenerative condition. Research ers estimate that about 10 million people worldwide are living with the disease. Americans comprise approximately 1 million of these individu als, with 60,000 more in the United States anticipated to receive the diagnosis each year. These harrowing numbers are expected to increase over the current decade. Moreover, with the subsequent greater need for specialized PD care to address these populations, only 54 neu rologists per year successfully “match” into a U.S. movement disorders training program to become PD experts, based on training data spanning the past five years.

Because people living with PD experi ence the disease in unique ways, it may be difficult for them, their loved ones and even physicians to come to the diagnosis. People with PD, despite their distinct underly ing neurobiologies, may manifest certain early symptoms. Below is a non-exhaustive list of common symptoms that may occur intermittently, progressively, persistently, in isolation or in combination.

Tremor at rest — involun tary shaking movements of a limb when muscles are relaxed, usually on one side of

2. Shuffling gait — shorter, some times dragging steps while walking; may be accompanied by the reduced swinging of an arm or a stooped, slumping posture

3. Rigidity — stiffness of muscles (with or without tremor) causing discom fort, difficulty arising from the seated position and sometimes reduced range of motion

4. Micrographia — handwriting that has become smaller or trails off by the end of a written sentence

5. Hypomimia — reduced facial expressions, less fre quent blinking resulting in a “masked” or “poker” face

6. Anosmia — the com plete inability to smell

7. Hypophonia — a softer or less loud voice

At Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, neurologists, physical therapists, oc cupational therapists and speech language pathologists offer a team-based approach in evaluating and caring for people living with PD. Helping these individuals arrive to their diag nosis sooner leads to better symptom control and, ultimately, a greater qual ity of life as they navigate their journey with PD.

Dr. Jack Shen Jr. is a board-certified, fellowship-trained movement disorders neurologist at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. To make an appointment with Dr. Shen at his office on the campus of Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, call (770) 6634649.

SHEN

Urgent Team offers help for cold and flu season

Brought to you by - Urgent Team Walk-in Urgent Care

This just in—cold and flu season has already hit hard with large numbers of people reporting symptoms of cough, runny nose, headaches, and more.

Many common ailments share symptoms. And with COVID-19 in the mix, it’s even more important to get tested and treated quickly. COVID-19, colds, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and even reactions to environmental allergens can all be dif ficult to distinguish in the early onset of illness. Though most people are fine after being sick for just a short time, some of these viruses can be deadly to others.

Common signs of an illness include sore throat, cough, fever, fatigue, run ny nose, congestion, changes in ap petite, aches and pains, and an upset stomach—in a variety of combinations. Depending on the culprit, symptoms can appear gradually or abruptly.

This winter, play it safe. Get vac cinated, wash your hands frequently, and avoid close contact with anyone

displaying signs of illness. If you do become sick, get tested right away. Appropriate treatments vary based on the cause, so it’s important to get started with the right treatment as soon as possible. Urgent Team is open seven days a week with no appoint ment required to test, treat, and help you feel better, faster.

Unhitch the itch!

A revolution has been taking place in dermatology in recent years.

Previously incurable diseases are be ing cured.

Previously uncontrollable diseases are being controlled.

Previously itchy conditions are now being…de-itched. Un-itched? Un hitched? Scratched?

No, definitely not scratched. You should cure a disease, but you should not scratch an itch. It feels so gratifying in the moment but scratching just leads to more itching later and usually to more suffering, scratching, itching and before you know it, your skin either has chronically itchy spots, bumps, nodules, thickened areas or worse: areas that are now painful and itchy.

You see, fixing itching is so new that there isn’t even a good word for it yet. But de-itchifying the itchy is exactly what some of the newest, latest and greatest medications are doing.

One of the most recent ex amples of this exciting forward march of medical progress is the use of Dupixent to treat eczema and prurigo nodularis.

Dupixent is a medicine that works by blocking a pathway in our body that involves interleukin 4 (IL-4) and immunoglobulin E. These proteins are involved in conditions that itch such as eczema and many allergic reactions. By blocking the IL-4 pathway, Dupixent stops these proteins from activating cells such as eosinophils that are responsible for inflammation and itching in many cases. Many dermatologists were not surprised that a medication like Dupix ent would help eczema. But the exciting news is that Dupixent appears to be effective in many other itchy conditions. It recently gained approval for treating “prurigo nodularis” – a condition charac terized by itchy bumps or nodules that previously would often persist for years with little hope of resolving.

Even more remarkable, a clini

cal trial is underway because Dupixent has shown potential for causing keloids to improve. Keloids are scars that grow with time and often are larger than the size of the wound that caused the scar. Keloids are often itchy and painful.

A new treatment for prurigo nodularis and possibly keloids may not seem like a medical breakthrough, but there is such a deficit of other effective treatments for these conditions that this is actually very exciting news.

What’s the catch? Don’t we need IL-4 and immunoglobulin E? Is it safe to block them from working? Don’t most pathways in our body exist for a reason? These are reasonable questions to ask before going on a new medication – espe cially one that someone might be on for years.

The fascinating background to why modern Americans suffer from many skin diseases is that our ances tors likely developed weaponized im mune responses against parasites that used to be a problem and are now rarely encountered in the United States. Many medications that treat psoriasis block a protein called TNF-alpha that is important in fighting off tuberculosis. Medications such as Dupixent that block IL-4 likely impair our ability to fight off certain types of parasitic worms such as hookworm. Remember from above that IL-4 activates eosinophils. Well, eosino phils are a type of white blood cell that is important in fighting off “helminth” or parasitic worm infections. Likewise, many believe that keloid scars developed as an ability to wall off parasites with scar tissue.

The package insert for Dupixent mentions that this medicine may inter fere with our body’s ability to fight off these parasitic worms. If you regularly come in contact with parasitic worms, Dupixent might not be right for you!

If you avoid parasitic worms and suffer from atopic dermatitis or prurigo nodules and are interested in learning about treatment options including Du pixent, contact Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta.

PROVIDED

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

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas…

“Just like the ones I used to know.” I love the sound of Bing Crosby singing White Christmas. I am really getting excited for the holiday season this year. I look forward to all of it. The lights, the decorations, the cookies, the food, the drinks, the special times with those you love. I could go on and on.

During the holidays, everyone is hap py and smiling and thankful. An impor tant part of that is a healthy, white smile. The Atlanta Center for Dental Health can help you get a healthy white smile for the holidays. Let’s talk about the best ways to get your smile as white as it can be.

The first step is making sure that your teeth are clean. And I do mean professionally cleaned. Over time, your teeth build up surface stains and tartar. This needs to be removed with the special instruments that your dental hygien ist uses. Afterwards, your gums will be healthier, and you won’t have anything in the way of getting your teeth white. You can’t whiten tartar and stains. You must remove them. You can’t get the white teeth you want with this stuff in the way.

There are three ways to whiten

your teeth: Whitening strips, Whiten ing trays, and Professional Whiten ing. Whitening strips are the quickest, easiest way to whiten your teeth. These are plastic strips with whitening gel on them. After cleaning your teeth, you place the whitening strips on your front teeth and adapt it as well as possible to your teeth. Whitening trays are cus tom trays for placing the whitening gel precisely on your teeth. Your dentist can make these for you and provide you with strong, prescription strength whiten gel for you to whiten your teeth with a series of home treatments. The best and fastest way to whiten your teeth is Professional Whitening at a dental office. In about an hour, your dentist can place a protective barrier on your gums and place powerful

whitening gel on your teeth to get your teeth super white. People love this option because your teeth are as white as they can get in about an hour and you do not have to do multiple treatments at home.

Everyone has a biologic limit to how white they can get their teeth with these whitening procedures. Porcelain veneers and cosmetic bonding can get your smile even whiter and more perfect. Modern dentistry gives you so many options to improve your smile with the advances in materials and technology. Tooth Whitening removes years of stain and discoloration. Cosmetic recontouring is a simple process of re-shaping your teeth to make them look more attractive, healthier, and straighter. Clear, nearly Invisible Aligners can straighten your

teeth quickly and easily without metal braces. Cosmetic Bonding repairs chips and cracks to make your teeth appear normal, natural, and vibrant again. Por celain Veneers is like adding new enamel to your teeth to make them whiter, straighter, and change the shape to the perfect length and proportions.

“May your days be merry and bright. And may all your Christmases be white.”

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

PROVIDED

‘Tis the season understanding seasonal depression

carbohydrates or sugar • Weight gain

• Social withdrawal (feeling like “hi bernating”)

Each year, about five percent of Americans experience seasonal depres sion. Also referred to as Seasonal Affec tive Disorder (SAD), seasonal depression can cause those affected to experience feelings of sadness, low energy, or just not feeling like their regular selves as days become shorter in the winter months, often subsiding in spring when days become longer and warmer.

Considered just as devastating as clinical depression, seasonal depression can be accented with more issues when accompanied by traumatic events - not only is one depressed, but memories of events or experiences of current events add additional weight to the season.

Additionally, when the days are shorter and darker, the production of melatonin increases. Melatonin can af fect an individual’s “biological clock,” re sulting in unusual sleep/wake rhythms. In addition to the typical signs of major depression, symptoms typically more common in seasonal depression include:

• Oversleeping

• Overeating, particularly craving

Seasonable Affective Disorder is treatable, with success found in the fol lowing treatments:

• Light therapy (exposure to artificial sunlight to make up for the loss during darker winter months)

• Antidepressant medications

• Talk therapy

I would add that being in commu nity, having a support system, devel oping systems of accountability, hav ing healthy coping skills, and making healthy lifestyle choices work yearround to assist anyone working to con front and combat depression regularly.

Seasonal depression is a recognized mental illness that can impact those af fected by it emotionally, spiritually, and physically. If you are struggling with signs of seasonal depression, Summit Counseling is here to help. We have a team of trained and experienced thera pists available to walk alongside you this season. Visit our website to view our services, meet our therapists, and schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one at www.summitcounseling. org!

Brought to you by - Darrick Brown, Mental Health Awareness Program Co ordinator at Summit Counseling Center

Cancer fighting drugs in your medicine cabinet

When we think of cancer treatments, we typically think of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. But did you know that you might already have some cancer-fighting drugs in your medicine cabinet at home?

It turns out that many drugs which are approved for non-cancer indications have been found in subse quent research to have an anticancer effect. The most well-known of these is the diabetes drug metformin. In addi

tion to its blood sugar lowering effects, metformin has also been shown to kill cancer stem cells, a key in cancer’s spread.

The cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins have also been found to have an an ticancer effect, by affecting the way cancer cells use fat and carbohydrates for fuel. Even baby aspirin, taken by millions of Americans each day for its cardiovascular benefits, has anticancer activity by reducing inflam

mation.

These medications are not FDA approved to treat can cer, so their use is considered “off-label.” As always, please discuss this with your doc tor to see if these medications might be a helpful addition to your treatment regimen.

For more information on this topic, as well as other innovative cancer treatment strategies, please check out my new online course at cancersecrets. com.

STEGALL

ISTOCK

Why social media is (still) not your friend

know that would be me. I wish I had listened to my parents and stayed the course.

For the record though, I am only 68 and there is still time to learn to play really well – and I intend to – but that is another story.

I remember stories about growing up that relate to these things.

selves or others. Those “bumpers” included rules (which almost never worked very well), visibility (walking the halls constantly and monitoring who came in and out of the dorm), oc casionally reaching out to the police, and sometimes, talk – conversations and simply listening to the kids.

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

How many of us, when we were grow ing up, did stupid stuff even though people who cared about us tried to warn us? I know I did a lot of stupid stuff – more than I care to remember – and it took a long time to learn my lessons enough to stop being stupid – but that is another story.

How many of us who took music lessons when we were kids quit, and now we wish we had listened to our parents and kept taking lessons? I

The first one took place when I was in college at FSU in the ’70s and ’80s and managing a private student dorm (Cash Hall). At the time, I was still half an idiot, but I was starting to fig ure some things out. Most of the dorm management thing meant trying to set in some way bumpers/safety nets around the kids living in the dorm so they didn’t get drunk and hurt them

Doing that job was sort of like stepping into a “live” time machine looking backward because I was watching first-hand the very same behavior in the kids that I did only a few years prior. Time makes one so clairvoyant.

I remember taking one kid aside – Derick – and sitting him down and giving him my crystal ball heads-up talk. I told him he was a smart kid and that he had a lot going for him. I also shared that he was not on a good path at the moment – drinking partying, not studying and the like, and that that he was probably go ing to flunk out and have to go home and that his parents would stop being willing to pay his tuition, room and board, and he probably would have to work his butt off to recover and get a second chance to come back to school. I told him that school was a whole lot easier and more fun than having to climb that “recovery mountain,” and maybe it would be in his best inter est to chill out, moderate the partying some, study a bit more and avoid all that hardship heading his way. That is, “figure it out and behave. “

Six or seven years later I ran into him again on campus. He came up to me and shared that everything that I had warned him about happened and that he wished he had listened to me. He also thanked me for trying. He had come around and was in a good place, but it cost him a lot.

Ha, looking back, managing that dorm actually was my training in be coming a parent, but of course I didn’t know that at the time!

The other story was similar but instead of involving Derick, it involved me in my freshman year in that same dorm. I was on the same path as Der ick had been, but probably worse. My suitemate who was maybe five years older than I was, one night left a scrap of paper on my desk. It was a quote from a song that was popular at the time: “Stop, hey, what’s that sound? Everybody look what’s goin’ down… Stop now.” Of course, I ignored the note, and at the end of my freshman year flunked out and worse. But that’s another story.

I did save that scrap of paper though for decades and ultimately passed it forward.

So, I had you labor through all

this for a reason. Recently the teenage daughter of a good friend made a na tional sports team. It was her dream. Before practice started, the decision was reversed, and she was told she would not be able to play on the team. Why? She had posted some stupid stuff on social media about herself and someone sent a screen shot of some of her posts to the coach. She was heartbroken; she had worked so hard to make that team.

Mother used to tell my sisters and me that “nothing good happens after midnight.” She was, as usual, right. If she were still alive today, she would probably slightly alter her little lesson to the following: “Nothing good comes from posting stuff on social media –nothing.” I would probably modify that to say that “actually, nothing good – nothing – comes from posting on social media or even having a social media account.”

I recall a scene from the movie “Absence of Malice” when the DA (played by Wilford Brimley) is reading everyone the riot act at the end of the movie and is talking to Paul New man.

“I want to ask you if you set all this up, but you’re not going to tell me. I’ll tell you something, you’re a smart fel low. Don’t get too smart.”

Listen to your elders. They aren’t nearly as stupid as you think they are. And nine times out of ten, listening to them will save you a lot of heartache, disappointment and frustration from having to learn the hard way.

As I did with Derick, I offer you my crystal ball advice. I want to hopefully and sincerely ask anyone in school anywhere to at least consider that you don’t really “need” social media; it’s a trap that you don’t need.

Once your posts are out there, they never go away. Your posts are forever, like an ugly tattoo on your face or something.

College admission people, coaches, potential employers, would-be boy friends or girlfriends, fake friends, people competing with you and others can and often will use one or some of your posts in some way to hurt you. Who needs that? Honestly, you don’t need – really “need” – social media in any form. You are better than that, a lot better.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” – Dr. Seuss.

You are enough, way more than enough. You don’t need social media to validate who you are. Let it go. Just be you – in person – face-to-face. Life is hard enough as it is. Don’t make it harder.

Around and around we continue to go

It hardly seems possible, but little over a decade ago, there were no round abouts in Metro Atlanta.

PAT FOX Managing Editor pat@appenmedia.com

Today, you can’t gather a head of steam without coming across one. They’re everywhere.

I have one in my driveway.

Governments love roundabouts because they save on the cost of traffic signals which can run any where between $80,000 to half a million dollars. That doesn’t include the expense of signal maintenance and diverting police to run traffic control when a light malfunctions.

For a roundabout, all you need is someone who can draw a circle, perform some engineering, a bit of land, and bam!

Traffic experts praise roundabouts for safety.

A 2020 report from the Georgia Department of Transportation reported that where roundabouts have replaced traditional intersections, accidents of all types declined 35 percent, while accidents resulting in injuries fell 60 percent.

Outside the safety and cost benefits, roundabouts also provide a donut hole, a sort of island refuge filled with pretty flowers, trees or other interesting things you can enjoy as you drive by.

Down in Sandersville, Ga., you can actually see a freight train running through the middle of the roundabout, and you can orbit a bronzed horse on the Mayfield Road roundabout in Milton.

A groggy introduction

My first encounter with roundabouts came some 30 years ago. Following an overnight flight overseas, in which I enjoyed no sleep, I rented a car at the Shannon, Ireland, airport. The car had a steering wheel on the right and a four-

FOX, Page 27

on-the-floor gear shift on the left. I am right-handed.

After a quick run-through in the parking lot, I pulled out onto the freeway and settled in. Then, in less than a few miles, there it was – like that monster wave in “The Perfect Storm” – a two-lane roundabout. I had no idea what it was. Nothing I could do but dive headfirst into it.

I went around and around and around before figuring out how to extricate myself. I pulled into a gas sta tion to collect my wits and surveil the anomaly.

After a while, I figured it out and continued my journey.

The first roundabout in North Fulton County opened in Roswell in 2012, and

it created a furor. I was there at the ribbon cutting, and it’s an interesting story.

Roswell Transportation Director Steve Acenbrak introduced the project as a way of relieving the ghastly rushhour gridlock at Grimes Bridge Road and Norcross Street, which up till then had been a four-way stop.

Acenbrak told me later he faced a storm of criticism from residents op posed to the contraption, and I have no doubt there were some on the City Council who felt the same. A petition with 100 names was presented to the City Council opposing the project.

It’s important to note, though, how the city went about completing the project.

Listening to residents

One of the most strident opponents was 104-year-old Mattie Smith, who had lived on the southwest corner of

the intersection for 30 years. Smith’s son, Gary, who lived in Cumming, took up his mother’s fight, arguing the proj ect would lower nearby property values and lower his mother’s quality of life.

After weeks of negotiations, the city decided to buy the home for $180,000 and let the elderly Smith rent for as long as she liked. It also offered to extend a berm along the corner and install a privacy fence.

Throughout the negotiations, Acenbrak told me he and the city were committed to avoiding imposing emi nent domain to obtain use of the Smith property through litigation.

Two weeks into construction, Mattie Smith died.

Another resident with property at stake was Barney Burroughs, who told me at the time that he worried con struction would damage several historic willow oaks on his lot and impede ac cess to his driveway.

The matter was settled when the city agreed to pay $55,000 to move his driveway and modify the house to reori ent the garage. It also hired an arborist to prepare the trees for the construc tion.

Not long after traffic began flowing through the roundabout, public senti ment changed, and Acenbrak became known on the street as “The Round about Man.”

“I’ve never gotten a thank-you note before,” he told me at the time. “People stop me in the grocery store and tell me how much they like it.”

Maybe that’s because of how Roswell treated its residents.

The city originally budgeted $1.4 million for the project, but it came in at about $771,000, counting a $200,000 water line relocation paid for through grant money.

Sometimes, paying extra for some good will can be a bargain.

DEATH NOTICES

Robert Cichocki, 64, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 26, 2022.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Robert Clifton, 90, of Roswell, passed away on November 26, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Betsy Coble, 77, of Dunwoody, passed away on November 18, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Chad Jason Fields, 49, of Cumming, passed away November 15, 2022. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral & Crematory.

Marlene Joiner, 87, of Roswell, passed away on November 19, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Theresa Lenich, 87, of Roswell, passed away on November 26, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Garland Loudermilk, 91, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 15, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Marlene Mahotiere, 82, of Roswell, passed away on November 19, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Lena McGuyer, 87, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 26, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Mariellen Naegele, 95, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 18, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Paul Scholfield, 81, of Milton, passed away on November 16, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Michael Smith, 62, of Johns Creek, passed away on November 17, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Brian Spandau, 32, of Roswell, passed away on November 22, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Harold Vogel, 79, of Roswell, passed away on November 22, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Barbara Whalley, 86, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 19, 2022.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Reba Wright, 90, of Milton, passed away on November 14, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

For P.I. No. 0016599

Fulton County

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is placing project information for review and feedback into an internet platform to allow citizens to review and comment on the proposed project. We appreciate your participation in this process.

Georgia DOT has posted information at https://www.dot.ga.gov/GDOT/Pages/ PublicOutreach.aspx related to the proposed Bridge Replacement on City Street (CS) 4/Birmingham Road over Chicken Creek Tributary.

This project proposes to replace the existing bridge (121-5024-0) on CS 1472/ Waters Road at Long Indian Creek in Alpharetta, Georgia. The bridge would be replaced on the existing alignment with an on-site detour utilizing a temporary detour bridge on an offset parallel alignment to the south. Georgia DOT is seeking feedback about the proposed project and detour.

The purpose of this internet posting is to replace an in-person meeting, while allowing the public to review the proposed project, provide feedback, or write in with questions.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information: To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities contact the District Planning and Programing Liaison at 770-216-3896 or johiggins@dot. ga.gov

Comments will be accepted concerning this project until Thursday, December 08, 2022. Written statements may be submitted to:

Mr. Eric Duff

State Environmental Administrator

Georgia Department of Transportation

600 West Peachtree Street, NW – 16th Floor Atlanta, Georgia 30308

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