Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - December 15, 2022

Festive Fanfare

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Around 30 festive, young musicians with the Alpharetta Youth Symphony Orchestra ignited the holiday season for a packed room of listeners Dec. 11.

Four holiday pieces were central to the show, the second of the season. Mu-

sicians played the 300-year-old “Sleepers Wake” by Bach, “Tidings of Comfort and Joy,” a Gustav Holst Christmas suite, which is a mash-up of three of Holst’s Christmas carols, and “Christmas in About Three Minutes,” another mash-up. They also played “Trepak” from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” as

Beeson wins runoff for Roswell council

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Late into the evening of Dec. 6 at her election watch party at Big Oak Tavern, Sarah Beeson celebrated as the City Council Post 1 runoff election was called in her favor.

“I feel great now that we wrapped it up and have the results,” Beeson said.

Beeson secured 52.95 percent of the vote, with 17,901 votes. Her opponent, Allen Sells, received 47.05 percent of the vote, with 15,904 votes.

Beeson will be the first Iranian American member of the Roswell City Council, and the only current mother of young children. Once election results are verified, Beeson will be sworn in and will begin her one-year term.

Beeson faced off against Sells in the runoff election for the first Post 1 City Council seat vacated in June when Councilman Marcelo Zapata resigned for medical reasons.

A special election with four candidates was held Nov. 8, but no candidate

received greater than 50 percent of the vote. Beeson secured 43.24 percent, and Sells finished second with 26.15 percent of the vote. A candidate needs a 50.1 percent majority to win under the Roswell municipal code.

Beeson said the results were a relief after months of campaigning, especially when the expected Nov. 8 end date came and went.

“I joked around with folks that it was like getting to a finish line in the general election, and you cross the finish line and have somebody be like ‘No, just kidding! The finish line is 10 miles down the road,’” Beeson said.

Beeson will be sworn in within the coming weeks. Beeson will hold the position for one year, then face re-election.

The quick start and short term are a challenge, but Beeson said she is not worried.

“It’s about making sure I can overcome that learning curve that most elected officials will experience in their first year,”

AMBER PERRY/APPEN

Alpharetta Youth Symphony rings in holidays

NEWS TIPS

770-442-3278

AppenMedia.com 319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009

HANS APPEN Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus

CONTACT

Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.

ADVERTISING

For information about advertising in the AlpharettaRoswell Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278

CIRCULATION

To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

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.

Vehicle parts stolen from local repair shop

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle parked at Automotive Pro-fessional Repair on South Main Street in downtown Alpharetta, police said.

The catalytic converter was cut from a 2004 Volvo parked at the business sometime between Nov. 25 and Nov. 28.

The business’s owner said security cameras at the location were not functioning at the time of the theft. In total, the owner said his losses were more than $2,000.

No suspect was identified at the time of the report.

Police arrest suspect in fast food robbery

ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested a suspect in the robbery of the Dunkin Donuts on Rucker Road. The man, a Forest Park resident, was taken into custody on Dec. 7 and charged with strong arm robbery and simple battery.

Early Dec. 3, police responded to a call from two Dunkin Donuts employees who said the store had been robbed of more than $1,067. The employees told police that while they were opening the store, a man wearing an NYPD jacket and a black mask approached them and pushed them to the ground.

The employees said the suspect had a knife but never pointed it at them. The suspect forced one employee to open the safe, and the man took the cash. He also took cash from the drive-thru register and a register till on the counter.

Minutes after he entered, the man ran out the back door of the business.

Thieves flee retail store with $10,000 in items

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Thieves made off with more than $10,000 in clothing during a snatch-and-grab robbery at North Point Mall Nov. 30.

Alpharetta Police reports said two suspects entered the Dillard’s store at about 6 p.m., and while one suspect stood watch near the store’s rear entrance, the other suspect emptied four shelves of Lacoste shirts into a black trash bag.

When store employees were alerted and attempted to stop the theft, one worker was knocked to the ground by one of the suspects.

Security footage showed the two main suspects and another individual driving a black Nissan sedan in the parking lot and parking deck.

“The video showed the males leaving and running back to the vehicle, with the male in all black carrying the black trash bag used inside,” the report said.

Suspects also dropped an Apple iPhone at the scene, which was entered into evidence by police officers.

No arrests had been made at the time of the report.

Antique cane collection stolen from man’s home

ROSWELL, Ga. — A 62-year-old disabled man reported that a collection of antique canes valued anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 had been stolen from his home Dec. 5, possibly by a caregiver.

The man, bed-ridden with MS, hired a caregiver through a medical assistance company. He said the caregiver gave “subpar” service before leaving. As she left, he heard a noise and called out, but he received no response.

When the man’s wife got home, she noticed the canes were missing from a container next to the front door. There were more than 10 canes, some with silver handles. They were collected over

a 15-year period.

The caregiver was expected to return, but the man said she likely won’t.

Gun pointed at woman during road rage incident

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta Police said a woman was threatened at gunpoint during a road rage incident on Old Milton Parkway Dec. 1.

Police said a woman was traveling westbound on Old Milton Parkway at about 9 a.m. when another vehicle weaving through traffic cut her off and stopped next to her in the turn lane.

When the woman rolled her window down to ask why the other driver had cut her off, the driver raised a handgun and pointed at her. When the light turned green, the suspect lowered her gun and drove away.

The woman told police the suspect had been driving a 2018 Infinity Q50 and appeared to be a 40-year-old female with braids.

No further suspect information was listed at the time of the report.

Man faces drug charges following traffic stop

ROSWELL, Ga. —Police arrested an Atlanta man after a traffic stop turned up marijuana, a fake driver’s license and a firearm on Dec. 4.

An officer pulled over a Volkswagen Jetta after watching it complete an illegal U-turn on Holcomb Bridge Road. The officer reported a marijuana smell coming from the driver. Inside the car, the officer could see a large bag of marijuana, as well as other paraphernalia.

The officer then conducted a search on the vehicle and found a handgun under the driver’s seat. The driver said he knew nothing about the firearm. Police said the firearm was reported as stolen by the Gwinnett County Police Department.

Police arrested the driver and transported him to Fulton County Jail.

Alpharetta business taken for $2 million

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Thieves using spoofed email accounts of Fulton County School System employees were able to defraud a local company out of more than $2 million over a three-month period, Alpharetta police officials say.

Details of the investigation are limited, but police reports said that unidentified thieves pretending to be Fulton County Schools Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef and a school system purchasing agent stole nearly 1,000 laptop computers worth $2,060,474 from Edge Solutions, an Alpharetta-based technology company.

Reports said Edge Solutions received an email order from the suspects Sept. 14 for $372,867 worth of Lenovo X1 Thinkpad computers.

Employees at Edge Solutions believed the email was a legitimate order because it came from the email address, @fultoncschools.org, which is a

spoof of the legitimate Fulton County Schools address, @fultonschools.org.

The order was processed and shipped, and on Oct. 3, an unidentified suspect picked up the computers from Edge Solution’s warehouse in Alpharetta.

Thieves later used Dereef’s identity to make two more orders for laptops worth $834,103 on Oct. 13, and $853,502 on Nov. 4. Both orders were also picked up at the Edge Solutions warehouse by an unidentified suspect.

The fraud was finally uncovered on Nov. 29, when after multiple attempts to reach Dereef for payment, Edge Solutions employees visited the offices of Fulton County Schools and met the real Marin Dereef, who said the orders were not real.

“This is when Edge Solutions realized they had been scammed,” police reports said.

Alpharetta Police officials have declined to comment further on this incident, beyond confirming the report’s details and saying that an investiga -

See SCAM, Page 11

GARAGE SALES

See more garage sales in the classifieds

Alpharetta Police captain arrested in Forsyth County

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A police captain with the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety has been placed on administrative leave following an alleged domestic incident and arrest in Forsyth County.

with simple assault family violence and criminal trespass. The report did not say whether Stewart was taken to the Forsyth County Jail or released following the incident Dec. 3, but jail records show he was booked into the jail for those charges Dec. 12.

Attempts to reach Stewart for comment were not immediately successful.

ALPHARETTA

ESTATE SALE: Half mile off Main St; 534 Plymouth Lane 30009. Saturday 12/17, 9AM-1PM. Ethan Allen furniture; Collectibles (McCoy pieces, Rowe pottery, Dickens Village, Boyd’s Bears, Farmhouse) household items.

DEADLINE

To place garage sale ads: Noon Friday. Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@appenmediagroup.com

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office incident reports said deputies were called to the home of Capt. Michael Stewart of the Alpharetta Police Department Dec. 3, after receiving reports that a husband and wife were involved in a domestic dispute.

At the scene, a residence on Lilac Pass in Forsyth County, deputies learned Stewart allegedly broke down a bedroom door in the home after an argument with his wife.

After breaking down the door his wife was hiding behind, Stewart allegedly took a gun and left the residence, the report said.

Stewart was arrested and charged

In a statement to Appen Media Dec. 12, Alpharetta Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard confirmed that Stewart, an 19-yearveteran of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, has been suspended pending an investigation into the alleged incident.

“Per our policies and procedures, he was placed on administrative leave while the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety and Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office conduct their respective ongoing investigations,” Drinkard said.

FILE PHOTO

Alpharetta Police Capt. Michael Stewart, front right, stands at a June 6 City Council meeting.

Alpharetta approves

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta City Council approved two contracts for Webb Bridge Corridor Plan worth $14 million which will close out several major sections of the roadway project in the coming years.

Speaking at a meeting Dec. 12, Public Works Director Pete Sewczwicz said the Webb Bridge Road Improvement Project, started by the city’s 2016 transportation sales tax referendum, will reach major new milestones after sections east of North Point Parkway and west of Webb Bridge Park are completed.

“I remember the beginning of this … it’s been a long six years,” Mayor Jim Gilvin said. “But it was a very complex project with the bridge replacement … because what we wanted in a perfect world cost way more than we could afford, and it was far too disruptive to some of the property owners and homes along that corridor.”

The first contract approved by councilmembers, will rebuild a 0.72-mile section of Webb Bridge Road from North Point Parkway to the Big Creek Greenway, including a replacement bridge over Big Creek.

Sewczwicz said this phase will cost a little over $10 million and take about 30 months to complete, due to the complexity of the work required, site constraints, and expected supply chain limitations for concrete and steel.

“We’re looking at about a nine-month lead time,” he said.

The project will rebuild the two-lane roadway with bicycle lanes and 10-foot sidewalks on both sides and construct a new 200-foot bridge over Big Creek with 11-foot sidewalks.

During construction, crews will build the new bridge just to the south of the current bridge, so it can stay open throughout the project.

The second contract will complete a section of Webb Bridge Road from Maid Marion Close to Webb Bridge Park, with a roundabout and 8-foot sidewalks.

Sewczwicz said this phase of the project will cost just under $4 million and will take 18-months. Like the first project which is constrained by the schedules of nearby Alpharetta High School, he said the second project will work around the schedule of Webb Bridge Middle School.

Councilmembers unanimously approved the contracts with Georgia Bridge & Concrete and Sol Construction.

“That is going to be a beautiful transformation of that corridor,” Gilvin said. “I’m grateful to you and your staff for being persistent and working well with not only the residents and the business owners, but with the public, just to manage that process.”

Park items approved

The council also approved two items concerning local parks, including a grant from the Georgia Environmental Protection

million Webb Bridge Road projects

Division and a contract for construction of a new community park.

Sewczwicz said they chose Prime Contractors to design and construct Waters Road Park off Waters and Kimball Bridge roads. The project will be funded through the 2016 parks bond for $1.2 million.

Previously, Alpharetta Parks Director Morgan Rodgers said Waters Road Park will be a small neighborhood center, like the Windward Community Park, suitable for small gatherings and limited family activities.

Park amenities will include a small playground, walking trails that loop through the park, benches, a picnic pavilion, restrooms and a natural recreation greenspace. Rodgers said all the amenities would be geared toward small group activities.

The contract was approved 5-1 with Councilman Brian Will opposed.

Will said he objected to the proposal because it wasn’t put out for more bids.

“My challenge is always that if we have a $1.2 million dollar budget, and we go to one contractor, they know the budget and amazingly they come in at $1.2 million,” he said. “So, I don’t feel comfortable voting for a contract that was not bid out to multiple people.”

Sewczwicz also told the council that Alpharetta has been awarded $200,000 from the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and

the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, that will be used to improve the stream banks at Wills Park.

“It’s not often we have a government agency give us a phone call and say, ‘We’ve got some money we’d like to give you. Do you have any where you’d like to spend it,’” Sewczwicz said. “Didn’t take us long to figure out what we wanted to do.”

Funding awarded by the program will be used to replant the 25-foot stream buffer at Wills Park with native vegetation and do minor work to the streambank if funding allows. All work for the project will be completed by March 31.

The grant funding was unanimously approved.

Roswell City Council approves $1.5 million property purchase

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — In a meeting that ran deep into the evening and included a closed-session interruption, the Roswell City Council approved purchase of the historic Holly Hill property on Mimosa Boulevard for $1.5 million.

The unanimous vote came after heated debate over whether the topic should be deferred. Proponents argued the contract is a “time is of the essence” deal, with a Dec. 31 purchase timeline.

City Councilman Mike Palermo said he wanted the matter deferred. Councilmembers Peter Vanstrom, William Morthland and newly sworn-in Councilwoman Sarah Beeson agreed.

“I’d say personally, I have some hesitation this evening,” Palermo said.

The council was familiar with the topic, having discussed it in executive session, but this was the first time the property purchase had been raised in a public meeting.

Beeson, new to the council, hadn’t been a part of any closed-meeting discussions on the issue, so she asked to defer.

But, Councilwoman Lee Hills was in full support of the purchase.

“I’m a huge fan of purchasing this property,” Hills said. “We are the historic city, I feel like we have failed in the past by not … really getting the maximum out of our historic sites.”

Public split on quick purchase

With council members undecided, Mayor Kurt Wilson opened the floor to public comment.

Resident and businesswoman Janet

Russell advocated for the purchase.

“I live in the historic district, and I have watched this city flip off the historic district for 50 years,” Russell said. “They have not realized the value of what we have, they’ve decided that it’s really important to have Targets and Kohl’s and Home Depot.”

Russell implored the council to “do the right thing” and make the purchase. Two other residents spoke, one in favor of the purchase and one concerned about the property repairs and funding.

Mayor Wilson reassured residents that the purchase was a good financial move for the city, and that it had been well-vetted in private meetings. He also said there’s a reason for the Dec. 31 purchase timeline.

Councilmembers and residents both asked about plans for the property, but Wilson said the historical asset plans will be available in 2023 after further discussion. Palermo said he expects the plan to be discussed with the public.

Following public comment, the council remained unable to reach a consensus. The mayor said he didn’t understand the hesitation after the plan had been talked about among councilmembers.

“This is a direct rejection of me,” Wilson said.

At a standstill, the council moved into closed session for more than an hour to hash out a deal. When they reconvened, attitudes had changed.

“Thank you for that breakout, I needed that help,” Councilman Morthland said.

Wilson apologized to the council for making a “strong political claim” against them, and the council approved the purchase unanimously.

Roswell makes history with first full-time fire chiefs

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Residents and officials gathered at Roswell City Hall to swear in the city’s first full-time fire captains on Dec. 9.

The first 21 full-time fire captains, dubbed the “Historic 21” by Roswell Fire Chief Joe Pennino, were sworn in at a ceremony in Roswell’s City Hall. After the ceremony, the newly installed captains and their families went downstairs for cake and refreshments.

In October, the Roswell City Council approved the Fire Department’s five-year strategic plan focused on making Roswell the “safest community in America.”

The plan was created following an analysis of gaps in the Fire Department caused by part-time staffing. Key issues were overworked part-time employees coming from their other jobs, a lack of available employees to respond to disasters and a lack of culture among the crew.

To solve the issues, the plan proposed a transition from part-time to full-time staff. There are full-time

administrative and support employees, but part-time firefighters have serviced Roswell’s nearly 100,000 residents. In the past year alone, Pennino said the city has received over 10,000 calls for service.

The transition will happen over the next five years. Pennino said it’s a “logical next step” to accommodate the high demand.

The change is more than logistical, though. For Pennino, it represents a

cultural shift for Roswell.

“Until now, the culture of the department has largely been made up of the combined cultures of the many different full-time departments where our fighters also work,” Pennino said. “Our department is at a time of transformation that the mayor, council and staff believe will provide for a safer Roswell and a department with its own unique culture of excellence.”

Of the 21 newly installed captains,

10 are certified EMTs. Others are paramedics, fire instructors, rescue rope technicians and drone operators. Pennino listed off their accomplishments.

“Collectively, this group of professionals has protected more than 20 cities and counties across the state of Georgia and represents over 400 years of fire service experience,” Pennino said.

One by one, Pennino called up each of the new captains to take photos and sign the oath.

City Councilwoman Lee Hills, liaison to the administration and governance department and public safety, gave brief remarks about the future of the department.

“This is just the beginning,” Hills said. “We’re about to tsunami into North Fulton.”

Councilman Mike Palermo spoke about Marcelo Zapata, former council member and public safety liaison. Zapata left office earlier this year for health reasons.

“I remember him really starting to talk more about what you all knew,

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

The “Historic 21” full-time fire captains gather on the steps of Roswell City Hall moments before the swearing in ceremony on Dec. 9

Fulton County Schools welcomes new board members

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Fulton County School Board swore in three new members during a work session Dec. 6. The newcomers will take office in January 2023.

Michelle Morancie, Kristin McCabe and Lillie Pozatek won their district seats in May 2022, after the current board members decided to retire. The seats are non-partisan.

The Fulton County School Board also appointed Katie Gregory to fill the District 3 seat, covering parts of Sandy Springs, College Park, East Point and Hapeville. She was appointed to fill the term of Gail Dean.

Gregory will be sworn in at the Dec. 14 School Board meeting at the South Learning Center in Union City.

Pozatek is a Milton resident and former teacher. She won the District 2 seat, which represents areas in Alpharetta and Milton. Pozatek has a Bachelor of Science in exceptional education and has been active as a parent in Fulton County Schools for 12 years.

Pozatek’s platform focused on funding and support for teachers, engaging

parents and “putting children first.”

McCabe will represent District 5, which covers parts of Johns Creek and Alpharetta. McCabe has lived in Johns Creek for the past 18 years and has been involved in Fulton County Schools for 15 years.

McCabe has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of South Florida. Her husband, Dan, is a charter member of the Johns Creek City Council. McCabe aims to lower the tax rate for the school system and supports the creation of a charter district.

Morancie, a Sandy Springs resident, won the District 7 seat covering Sandy Springs and parts of Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Roswell. Morancie has worked

in public schools as a licensed school psychologist for over 30 years.

Morancie ran on a platform of improving mental health services for children during the school day and equalizing the quality of education in the country.

The newcomers mark a major change for the school board.

All three retiring members represent combined service of more than five decades.

Katie Reeves, the current District 2 board representative, has held the position since 1999. Linda McCain has represented District 5 since 2011. Julia Bernath, School Board president and District 7 representative, has held the

position since 2000.

“The board was very consistent with about five members for almost 20 years,” Fulton County Schools Chief Communications Officer Brian Noyes said. “That created a great deal of consistency and a wealth of knowledge.”

Noyes said the schools will miss the insight and experience the veteran members had, but they’re looking forward to the future.

“It’s an exciting time, because we have four members bringing new insight and experience,” Noyes said.

McCabe and Pozatek have already interacted with the school system as parents, an experience Noyes finds beneficial to their work. As for Morancie, she’s had experience working in public schools for decades.

“The positives and strengths of our board is that connection on a personal level,” Noyes said.

Because the board members won’t take office until January, Noyes said it’s an opportunity for residents to learn the priorities of each member.

“(Residents) should be engaging, listening and talking to board members,” Noyes said.

PHOTOS BY DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA Michelle Morancie is sworn in as District 7 Fulton County School Board member at a work session Dec. 6.

Lillie Pozatek is sworn in as District 2 Fulton County School Board member at a School Board work session Dec. 6.

Milton elections panel presents findings, including polling costs

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — The committee tasked with determining whether it’s feasible that Milton conduct its own elections, presented its findings to the City Council Dec. 5 and included an eyeopening comprehensive cost analysis.

If the city were to renew its agreement with Fulton County for 2023, committee members projected a price tag ranging from more than $186,000 to almost $190,000 —not including the cost of a runoff election.

The estimate also comes with the county’s recommendation for area governments to run their own elections announced at an October Fulton County Registration and Election Board meeting.

If the City Council were to approve the measure at its Dec. 19 meeting, the City of Milton and its taxpayers would see significant cost savings. In the first year, the city is looking at $72,254 to run its 2023 municipal general election, according to the presentation led by Lisa Cauley, Milton Municipal Election Feasibility Committee member, who is one of two at-large representatives on the panel.

In subsequent years, with one-time costs out of the way, it is estimated the city will pay $56,589.

Committee member Mark Amick set the ground for Cauley’s presentation on cost, explaining to councilmembers how the panel gathered information. Amick also cited matter-of-fact research about elections, culled through the six months of formal meetings and around half a dozen informal, closed meetings held before the panel’s official formation in April.

A Fulton County trend

The 2023 projected cost the city would pay Fulton County to operate its municipal election is a 120 to 124 percent increase from the cost charged in 2021, Cauley said, when the city paid $84,671 to the county. But in that same year, Milton paid Fulton County another $70,368 to conduct a runoff election in late November, according to the contract agreement.

By bringing municipal elections inhouse, Cauley noted any potential run-off elections would include additional savings for the city.

The upward cost trend from the county echoes a similar jump from 2019 to 2021. In 2019, the city paid Fulton County $41,758 for its municipal general election.

The calculation used to project the 2023 Fulton County municipal election cost was based on the number of Milton registered voters (31,104) multiplied by the county-determined cost per voter, which has more than doubled since the last municipal election cycle.

Milton Deputy City Manager Stacey Inglis said the city was charged $2.96 per voter for the last election, while the county’s estimated new charge will be more than $6 per voter.

The Fulton County Elections team released an update Dec. 7 stating that election costs have increased statewide due to the implementation of new voting equipment and new voting law requirements. The county is completing the analysis of municipal costs and will present the figures to the Board of Registration and Elections and the Board of Commissioners for approval this month, the update said.

Setting an example

While the City Council rarely allows public comment during presentations,

5.

Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison made an exception for seven comments on the election presentation, most from Milton residents but two from Roswell residents. All comments cited Fulton County mismanagement and urged the City Council to move forward with self-run municipal elections.

The committee’s assumption at its last meeting — that the City Council would vote in favor of in-house elections — may prove true Dec. 19. Following the presentation, City Councilwoman Carol Cookerly said she has supported the prospect from the beginning.

“Things are never as inexpensive as we

hope,” Cookerly said. “I certainly have the latitude and would expect that if we need more money, we’ll make it available.”

A packed room of applause followed Jamison’s comment, the second and last remark on the item.

“I do feel like a lot of cities and a lot of mayors are looking at the City of Milton because more costs will be carried over to the municipalities over time, so this is probably inevitable for all the cities — North and South,” Jamison said. “It’s important that we get this right the first time. Let’s make it a successful local election, so that all the cities can mirror us, and we can be an example for everybody.”

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Milton City Councilwoman Carol Cookerly offers supportive comments to the committee Dec.

Scam:

Continued from Page 4

tion is ongoing.

In a statement to Appen Media on Wednesday, Brian Noyes, Chief Communications Officer for Fulton County Schools, said the district is cooperating fully to advance the investigation.

“The district’s reputation is para -

mount to our good credit,” Noyes said. “Our Financial Department and school police are coordinating with state and federal investigators to find and take action against the individuals responsible for this fraud.”

Officials have confirmed this incident is also under investigation by federal authorities, including the United States Secret Service. But officials have not commented on why federal authorities have been called in.

Runoff:

Continued from Page 1

Beeson said.

With the lack of downtime typical members have between election and taking office, Beeson said she feels a sense of urgency about getting used to the job.

“There’s also trying to build bridges and relationships with existing administration that’s already gotten to know each other and gotten used to working together,” Beeson said.

She said she wants to build bridges beyond the seats of City Council.

“Over the next year I’d say my goal is building coalitions between the council, committees and residents, especially residents who are typically underrepresented,” Beeson said.

One of Beeson’s first priorities will be reaching out to residents who aren’t typically involved in the local government. She plans to add location information to surveys conducted by the city, so the council can see what regions of Roswell they may not be hearing from.

“The idea that the same people are participating every time is great, but how do we make sure we’re having a more reflective sample of the city?” Beeson said.

Beeson said she wants to ensure the city has more diverse voices at the table, especially when it comes to residents that have been typically disenfranchised.

“I ran on a platform of bringing transparency, accountability and inclusivity to Roswell City Council and that is a goal I fully intend on following through with,” Beeson said.

SARAH BEESON/PROVIDED Sarah Beeson stands with her husband, Tommy, and 3-year-old son, Rowan, at her Dec. 6 election watch party at Big Oak Tavern. Beeson won a runoff race for the Post 1 seat on the Roswell City Council.

RICK COURSEY, employee, Trader Golf

A HOLE-IN-ONE

Trader Golf succeeds with expertise, relationships

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Sitting in the Trader Golf teaching center, employee Rick Coursey defined golf’s uniqueness — it’s a competition more with oneself, rather than another person. And it’s a game of a lifetime, suitable for any age, and a game of integrity.

Coursey wore a ball cap, hiding a balding head of white hair, and a Magellan fishing shirt tucked into a pair of polyester khakis. With a slow, measured voice, he shared his thoughts on golf and described the store’s business model, which hinges on expertise and relationship-building.

“When we see somebody in here, and they don’t know how to hold a golf club, we can give them a mini lesson,” Coursey said. “They go from swinging a club, and can’t even hit the ball, to three or four swings later — we have them hitting the ball straight right down the fairway, just by giving some very important tips.”

Walking into Trader Golf, a small brick building with a worn metal roof, crooked golf posters tacked to its windows and racks of collared shirts behind them, visitors will most likely hear a friendly conversation between Coursey and a customer.

Maybe the conversation is about finding a specific used or new golf club, needing a repair or a club fitting. Talk could isolate on lessons to improve a golf game, taken in the shop’s teaching center — a spacious, secluded room with netting covering the wall, marked with the brand Callaway, behind a green. Golf bags packed with clubs and training aids are off to the side. In the main area, Trader Golf also has a

range in the left corner and a putting green to the right.

Or maybe Coursey’s conversation is unrelated to golf, an exchange about personal matters. It’s not uncommon for Coursey to ask returning customers about their family, knowing intimate details acquired over the years, or casually talk with someone new as if he’s known them

for a long time.

The relationships that can be forged, and that are essential, in small, local businesses are incomparable, Coursey said.

He isn’t opposed to staying after hours to help someone. The night before, Coursey talked with a first-time customer, trying to accommodate a budget. That same customer, Coursey now knowing him by

name, came back to snag what he didn’t buy.

“He now trusts me because of things that I’ve told him and showed him, and the communication that I gave to him,” Coursey said. “Now we’ve got a relationship.”

Golf clubs abound

After handing over heavy- and lightweight training aids, Coursey said, “But the biggest tool is the knowledge that we have.”

Trader Golf feels like an heirloom. It’s a cozy space with a familiar smell, perhaps of a grandparent’s living room, and it holds a wealth of experience, and plenty of stories, among its three employees. Coursey has been seeking to fill more positions for more than a year, but he has high standards.

“The years of knowledge that we have about golf — I would put it up against anybody, any place in America,” Coursey said. “There’s no doubt.”

Coursey, who is somewhat of a store manager but cleans golf clubs with the rest of them, has been in the golf industry since 2000. He worked at Edwin Watts before Trader Golf and began playing the sport long before then, though, at age 26, through his father-in-law.

At one point, the store only sold used clubs. But when Coursey joined the business eight years ago, he introduced new merchandise, buying from manufacturers like Callaway, TaylorMade, Mizuno and Cobra.

Coursey, 59, has an impressive memory of the store’s bursting inventory. Used clubs are well-organized in wooden racks along the right wall. New clubs in plastic

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Robie Robinson and Rick Coursey, employees at Trader Golf, stand in front of the business logo. A retired PGA professional, Robinson offers golf lessons in-store. Coursey has been with Trader Golf for eight years but has been in the golf industry since 2000.

But the biggest tool is the knowledge that we have.

Continued from Page 12

wrap are lodged in a free-standing rack in the middle of the store. But there’s also dozens of boxes in the back room.

“There’s about 10,000 golf clubs behind this wall here,” Coursey said from within the teaching center. “If a guy calls in and says, ‘Hey, I need a 1984 Ping Eye 2 Square Groove Green Dot. Do you have one?’ Yeah, I got four.”

Unmatched knowledge

Robie Robinson was also on the floor Dec. 8. A 6-foot-something kind-hearted jokester, Robinson is a retired PGA professional of more than 40 years and gives private lessons at the store. Coursey was proud to point out Robinson’s plaques on the wall.

“You’ll get to see me take my PGA card and take the trash out to the dumpster as well,” Robinson said in the backroom.

With no need for additional income and a passion for what he does, Robinson drives an hour and half one way for work. He, Coursey and Tom Reed, an employee absent on this particular humid Thursday morning, are all past the retirement age and continue to show up because they hang out, have fun and share their love for golf with whoever walks in the door.

Reed, who is in his early 80s, still plays golf twice a week. He used to work at Edwin Watts alongside Coursey, who said Reed has a repertoire and a grandfatherly way of talking to people who are uncomfortable with the sport.

“That’s experience that you’re not really going to get any other place,” Coursey said.

Word of mouth

Coursey declines using advertisements because of a strong belief in spreading word the old-fashioned way. It also allows for a low-key atmosphere, preferred by

the professionals who don’t want to be bothered while shopping at Trader Golf.

The belief isn’t unfounded. The golf shop might seem like Alpharetta’s best kept secret since the mid-’90s. But at its 10 a.m. opening, customers were already there.

Coursey uses email blasts from time to time about Trader Golf deals for the shop’s private consumer base, including prompts to forward the email. But outside of that, what keeps customers returning, and new ones coming in, is more of an organic transmission, based on reputation. All the Google reviews are positive, Coursey

said, apart from one review caused by an employee who has since been fired.

Erin Fletcher, a frequent Trader Golf shopper, showed up Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 6, looking to price clubs he bought from the PGA superstore. He set several on the counter and swung one for practice.

“Hey, Erin,” Coursey called from the opposite side of the store, while talking to another customer.

Fletcher, an easygoing 39-year-old with an athletic build, has been going to Trader Golf since 10th grade. He was driving around Alpharetta one day and stumbled across the store, before it moved to its current location on North Main Street. His hometown of Calhoun didn’t have golf options at the time.

Fletcher said he likes everything in his golf bag nowadays, which he’s been building for 25 years, save for the occasional trade. But he still makes the trip from Milton at least twice a week to the shop to hang out and buy knickknacks.

Bigger stores tend to pay bottom dollar for products, Fletcher said, but with Trader Golf, the relationship is clean. When Fletcher was in the store Tuesday, Coursey was transparent in telling him he would get a better deal selling his clubs on eBay than he would selling them at the store.

“[Honesty] is basically dead,” Fletcher said. “There’s a way we can all be equitable, and everybody can win in whatever we do. But most people don’t live or have that philosophy.”

Frank

Tara Tucker

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Located on North Main Street in Alpharetta, Trader Golf has been in business for almost 30 years. The shop offers trades, new merchandise, repairs, club fittings and golf lessons

Understanding the probate process

Probate is the process by which a court takes over the assets of a deceased loved one and distributes it as the court sees fit. This is a process that can be burdensome, especially if your loved one has recently passed away –not to mention the court procedures take at least a year. The worst part of probate is that the estate of the decedent becomes public. This means any creditor can place a claim on an estate, leading to loved ones losing control over the decedent’s assets.

There are a few ways to avoid

probate. Surprisingly, having a will does not exempt your assets from probate. However, by making a trust and doing careful estate planning, you can rest assured that your family will not have to worry about the court process when you pass on.

At Estate Law Center, we understand the pain of losing a loved one, and we understand the last thing you want is for your family to have to deal with the court while grieving for you. Let us help by helping your family walk through the probate process – or by teaching you how to avoid probate entirely at one of our free workshops.

1/12

1/24

GEERDES

Concert:

Continued from Page 1

an encore.

An additional row of chairs was needed to accommodate some 100 audience members at the Preston Ridge Community Center. Parents lined the room recording.

Established in 2019, the Alpharetta Youth Symphony Orchestra (AlphaYouthSO) is open to audition to primarily middle school and high school students. Barbaraann Bongiovanni, education director, heads the audition process. Most must know how to read music to gain entry, but she said there are some Suzuki violins — or musicians who only play music by ear right now.

AlphaYouthSO musicians have the opportunity to perform chamber music throughout the year, including holiday performances in local senior centers with members of the adult orchestra and other local musicians. Most concert seasons also feature a youth competition.

Kim Stocksdale, youth symphony

Fire:

Continued from Page 7

what everybody in the Fire Department knew,” Palermo said. “We started asking even a few, not having a big group but getting a small portion to begin the process.”

While those plans never came to fruition, Palermo credits Zapata for helping start the thought process that eventually led to the strategic plan.

“I know Councilman Zapata would

conductor, led the group Sunday evening and described each piece. She mentioned Holst is most well-known for “The Planets,” a seven-movement orchestral suite. The next youth concert will feature one of its pieces, Stocksdale said.

Before introducing the three-minute holiday medley, Stocksdale thanked all the adults who had volunteered their time. Volunteers could be seen scattered throughout the orchestra.

Stocksdale, a lifelong violinist, is in her first year with the AlphaYouthSO. She has conducted the orchestra program at Forsyth Central High School for the past six years but has 15 years of music education experience.

“A lot of school systems are cutting music programs, especially orchestras,” Stocksdale said. “It’s just been great to have a place for them to play.”

She tells her students that music is something they can do lifelong because it’s a great way to connect with people.

“They’re developing connections with each other and ways to relate to each other that they wouldn’t necessarily have in a school setting or any other settings,” Stocksdale said.

love to be here for all the years that he was advocating for that,” Palermo said. “When he hears about today, he’ll be very proud.”

As the plan is executed in the coming years, the full-time staff will continue to expand.

“I genuinely believe that the team in this room, both elected officials and staff with the support of friends and family in the community, will forever change the trajectory of the Roswell fire department and public safety in the city of Roswell,” Chief Pennino said.

Property:

Continued from Page 6

False alarm fees revised

Also at the Dec. 12 meeting, the City Council unanimously approved a revision to the city’s existing false alarm reduction program that removes the first false alarm fee. The ordinance was last updated in 2021.

After collecting data regarding false alarms, the fire and police departments recommended a more aggressive approach to reducing them. Currently, 80 percent of the alarms the departments receive are false.

Police Chief James Conroy said the false alarms are an inefficient use of resources for the city, a point Mayor Wilson backed.

“I don’t think people realize how much time it costs, how much money it costs,” Wilson said.

The biggest change is the removal of the renewal fee and the first false alarm fee.

Previously, each cost $25. Now, residents won’t have to pay for the first false alarm in a 12-month period.

After the first false alarm, the penalty will be $50, and then it increases up to $300. The fee structure is the same as previous versions.

The Roswell emergency services departments say they plan to respond to all alarms but hope the revised plan will reduce the number of false alarms.

The police and fire departments also stressed the importance of registering alarm systems for residents and businesses.

“We need to be able to contact somebody who currently has access or authority over the business or residence that can help us if we find a crime that occurred,” Conroy said.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Kim Stocksdale, youth orchestra director, leads the young musicians during a holiday concert at the Preston Ridge Community Center Dec. 11. The orchestra consists of around 30 middle school high school musicians.

Post offices played vital role in Georgia’s development

which became the first post office in our state. Soon after the colonies declared independence in July 1776, Franklin was named an ambassador to France. The postal system by then was well established and continued to flourish.

is written into our Constitution and still provides essential services. Don’t expect it to go away any time soon.

BOB MEYERS Columnist bobmey@bellsouth.net

Two of our nation’s founding fathers share responsibility for establishing the postal service that we pretty much take for granted today. In 1737, Benjamin Franklin was selected by the British government to be Postmaster of Philadelphia, a post he held for several years. During his tenure, carefully marked routes were established from Maine to Florida, overnight mail delivery between New York and Philadelphia was launched, and a postal rate chart based on distance and weight of letters and parcels was created. This was essential infrastructure that enabled future enhancements to take place.

In 1775, a year before Congress declared independence from Great Britain, Franklin was appointed our nation’s first postmaster by the Second Continental Congress, a position he held for only about a year, long enough to establish a new system of postal routes from today’s Portland, Maine, to Savannah, Georgia,

George Washington signed the Postal Service Act in 1792 creating The Post Office Department. This pivotal legislation gave the postal service responsibility for creating additional postal routes, essential for settlement of a new and expanding nation. It recognized a right to privacy by stipulating severe penalties for opening other people’s mail and allowed inexpensive distribution of newspapers by mail, which encouraged literacy and participation in community affairs.

Franklin, along with George Washington, were honored by being on the first U.S. postage stamps in 1847.

Certainly, the U.S. Postal Service has its challenges today. It lost $4.9 billion in 2021. The volume of mail has been declining for years while advertisements now constitute the majority of USPS mail. Competition from other carriers, the cost of pension benefits for more than 1 million workers and retirees, increased cost of fuel and equipment pose real challenges for the institution. However, the USPS

The history and importance of post offices in Old Milton County and surrounding areas in north Georgia has been studied in great detail by Ed Malowney, president of the Alpharetta and Old Milton Historical Society and founder of the Johns Creek Historical Society. Over the past five years, he has researched some 40 post offices in Old Milton County and another 30 or so in surrounding counties, plus some 200 individuals connected to the post offices. His initial efforts focused on four villages, or crossroads communities, Newtown, Warsaw, Shakerag and Ocee and quickly expanded into surrounding areas.

When studying post offices, Malowney has noted the importance of family ties. Post offices often existed in tight-knit communities where the postmaster was the head of a leading family. His descendants or close relatives often followed in his footsteps and became postmasters in the same or nearby communities. This interconnectivity existed in many post office jurisdictions.

Another interesting finding of his research is that several postmasters were

When Rural Free Delivery mail service began in 1896, the need for local post offices declined. By 1907 most post offices in our area had closed. Early RFD relied on horse and wagon for distribution. Photo 1914.

medical doctors.

“I’m not sure why,” Malowney says. “It is the last thing I would expect.”

When he looked into the matter, he found that some of the postmasters had recently graduated from medical school.

Celebrating Award-Winning Pet Care... For Over 49+ Years

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/PROVIDED

The Skelton-Teasley House, built in 1856, was the home of physician Dr. Oliver P Skelton, appointed in 1858 to be Alpharetta’s first postmaster. It is located on one of the highest points in Alpharetta. It is now home to the Ginger Room, a coffee and tea cafe.

Post:

from Page 16

Because many post offices were housed in or near stores, he believes this may have been a promotional tool by a store owner if the doctor held regular clinics in the store.

Malowney notes that the first postmaster of Alpharetta was Dr. Oliver P. Skelton, who was appointed in 1858, the day the Farmhouse Post Office was closed. Farmhouse was a small community located northeast of Route 400 and Old Milton Parkway. The Farmhouse postmaster was Isham Teasley, Skelton’s son-in-law. Skelton served two other Alpharetta appointments and Teasley also was later appointed to serve as the Alpharetta postmaster. In 1899, Isham’s wife, Nannie Teasley, became the first female postmaster in Alpharetta.

A third finding of the research pertains to the devastating economic impact of

the Civil War and Reconstruction period, which delayed the establishment of Milton County post offices. Only one Milton post office was added in 1873, three in the early 1880s and six in the late 1880s. Nine post offices were added in the 1890s. Most were discontinued by 1907 with the implementation of Rural Free Delivery. At that time old Milton County had one post office at Alpharetta. The Roswell Post Office, then part of Cobb County, covered the south portion of the county; Duluth, in Gwinnett County, provided mail service to the eastern part of the county.

Ed’s goal for his research is to preserve the basic information electronically and in hard copy for current and future generations and to selectively write summaries for each post office and related individuals.

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net.

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

The poetry of moving water

STEVE HUDSON Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net

I went walking the other day along Amicalola Creek in Dawson County, and it was nice. You should do it too. It was the first time I’ve been walking like that in a while, and it made me realize I’ve missed it. Rediscovery can be good for the soul. It can.

Lately I’ve been doing something else again that I haven’t done in a long, long time. I’ve been sitting down with a pad of paper and a ballpoint pen and (are you ready for this?) rediscovering just how much fun it can be to writing poetry.

Yes, poetry.

But what, precisely, is poetry? I asked the Interweb for definition. Most all the sources agreed that poems are a highly developed and often sophisticated literary form that uses focused language and elements of rhythm to creatively express emotion or feeling.

Highly developed sophistication…focused…creative. Yep, that’s me.

All that notwithstanding, this poem writing thing turns out to be a remarkably effective way to crystallize thoughts and bring clarity to one’s mind.

It’s not like regular writing. Not at all. If I write some sort of “long form prose” (that’s writer talk for rambling on and on, kind of like I’m doing now) then I’ve got lots of words to play with and can pretty much go wherever I want to, at least until the laptop’s battery dies or Carl over at the paper sends me a note and says that, no, there really isn’t space to run a 26,000word column on the subtle beauty of such-and-such a waterfall.

With a poem, on the other hand, you’ve got fewer words to work with, and so every one really counts. You’ve got to choose them carefully. You’ve got to choose lots of things carefully in life, of course, and I suppose it’s possible that word choice when writing poems is good practice for the bigger choices that sometimes come along.

And if you really get carried away with the whole poetry thing, you can even selfimpose various limits that focus you even more. You could, for example, tell yourself that you’re gonna write a “haiku,” a kind

of poem written in three phrases with a total of 17 syllables. Just 17.

We poet types know about these things. Aren’t you impressed?

Let me tell you, that’s not a lot of syllables. With only 17 to play with, things like rhyme and meter and all that just sort of go out the window. What’s left is essence, essential meaning, the real and true heart of what you’re trying to say.

“But that’s still too easy,” she says. “Want a real challenge? Try doing it in six words.”

Six words? Only six?

“Yes,” she says. “And those six words must tell a story.”

The six-word story, she tells me, is a real thing. I am intrigued.

“Tell me more,” I say. “Give me an example.”

“OK,” she says.

She pauses then, and turns her eyes away, considering, composing. Then at last she looks at me again and says, her voice a little softer, “I find myself finding myself again.”

“Like that,” she says after a moment. “Six words.”

And now I’m walking beside Amica-

lola Creek. It’s early November. Delayed Harvest trout season has begun. The Ami, as they call it, is a good Delayed Harvest stream, a nice place to fish, and I’ve ended up at the access point near the Georgia 53 bridge – ostensibly to check out the water for a future edition of this column.

I make my way to the creekside trail. If I turn right, I’ll follow the flow upstream, walking along water that I’ve fished so many times before.

But I turn left instead. I follow the boardwalk downstream, away from what is so familiar, away from those waters I fished for so many years. I pass under the Highway 53 bridge, moving now beyond the road that brought me here.

I keep going. The creek grows more excited, more animated, gathering intensity –

I stop and listen. I listen to the poetry of moving water, the free verse of rapids, the haiku of riffles, and the six-word stories of each little splashing cascade.

Again, I hear in my mind’s ear her voice.

“I find myself finding myself again.”

I sit down on a rock. The music of the creek embraces me, and I listen.

The crippling of crypto currency

Is crypto currency a chimera or a true investment? Per Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, one definition of a “chimera” is “an illusion or fabrication of the mind, especially: an unrealizable dream.” Webster also defines investment as “the outlay of money usually for income or profit.” Crypto may be both a chimera and an investment. But how wise an investment is crypto?

LEWIS J. WALKER, CFP

issued by a national government or central bank, for example, the American dollar. You can carry physical denominations of U.S. dollar currency or fractional coins in your wallet or coin purse. Crypto currency resides in cyberspace. It exists digitally or virtually and is not issued by government entities. The two leading forms of crypto currency measured by market capitalization are bitcoin and ethereum.

Bitcoin, the first crypto creation, is the most well-known. Crypto does not pay interest or dividends. But like a traditional investment, you buy it with hope that ultimately you’ll be able to sell it for a profit.

relatively tame. The 1881 gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, resulted in mayhem, death, and injury. That chaotic incident lives in infamy as an example of lawlessness that demanded containment.

independent custodians such as Pershing, Fidelity, Schwab, T.D. Ameritrade, etc.

Crypto is not traditional money which is

Like some things new and unregulated, crypto has been hyped in a manner that would make the “wild, wild West” seem

The Nov. 11, 2002, sudden Chapter 11 bankruptcy implosion of FTX Trading may go down in history as another example of out-of-control disregard for prudence, the law and public interest. Regulation and oversight is now demanded as criminal investigators, regulators, lawyers and politicians jump into the fray. Luminaries who lauded FTX in commercials are ducking for cover and seeking legal counsel. Billions of dollars are unaccounted for.

Per The Wall Street Journal, FTX, a leading crypto exchange, had $16 billion in funds that customers had placed with the firm for trading purposes. Without the knowledge of investors, FTX lent roughly $8 billion of that to an affiliated firm, Alameda, to fund “risky bets.” A subsequent investor run on FTX caused a classic liquidity squeeze and the destruction of the company.

As a financial advisor with a penchant for eschewing speculators as clients in favor of working with true investors who seek long-term growth of capital while understanding the dynamics of risk, reward, and diversification as a risk management tool, bitcoin and other digital assets hold little appeal. It’s true that bitcoin soared to an all-time high of over $68,000 for a single coin in November 2021, after starting the year at just under $30,000. That kicked off a buying frenzy as even small investors seeking quick returns flooded in. This situation was akin to the recent “meme stock mania” involving names like GameStop, Bed Bath and Beyond, and AMC, whose prices were driven to unrealistic heights by armies of speculators who grouped together on social media platforms. Speculative fever didn’t go well for most who jumped aboard late in either game.

The Journal noted that prior to the FTX debacle, crypto markets lost roughly $2 trillion in market value over the last year. On Nov. 13, 2022, one bitcoin traded at $16,546, facing pressures from rising interest rates as the “Federal Reserve has removed liquidity and markets re-priced financial assets.” So much for crypto “inflation hedge” theories. But the siren song of “quick riches” still lives on the internet. Trading platform Robinhood urges, “There’s no need to buy a whole coin start with as little as $1.” You may buy crypto with a debit card or credit card. Using borrowed money to speculate is overly risky and aggressive.

Firms like FTX are not governed relative to the safety of client assets like well-known

For example, Pershing, a division of Bank of New York/Mellon, protects securities in a customer’s account up to $500,000 through Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Plus, Pershing carries extensive added insurance on client assets through underwriters such as Lloyds of London. Custodians such as those noted and others offer SIPC protection and excess coverage similar to Pershing. Note that insurance does not protect you from the rise and fall in the value of securities due to market volatility. Protection only guards against insolvency or the bankruptcy of the custodian entity. Such safeguards do not exist in cryptoworld.

Independent financial advisors should use independent custodians to house client cash and assets and execute trades. Make sure that account statements come from recognized custodians, not from the advisor directly. Some of the greatest frauds, Madoff included, came from fake statements generated in-house by the fraudster. Understand what safeguards are in place.

Long-term investment strategies involve diversification. With inflation concerns paramount, “loanership,” a portfolio of cash and bonds, is less likely to provide real long-term returns in excess of inflation and taxation. Nevertheless, such asset classes are germane to liquidity needs and wealth preservation efforts during turbulent periods. Cash is a source of bargain hunting capital when opportunities arise.

For value-oriented conservative investors, a long-run growth-oriented portfolio should encompass equities and real assets with the potential to generate interest, dividends, and and/or growth, i.e., “real returns in excess of inflation and taxation over time. “Ownership” of growing companies and assets such as dividend paying real estate or other alternative investments form the core of long-term wealth-building and wealth-preservation strategies. Because any individual asset or asset class can underperform expectations at any given time, diversification counts.

Crypto as a prudent investment? The jury is still out.

Lewis Walker, CFP®, is a life centered financial planning strategist with Capital Insight Group; 770-441-3553; lewis@ capitalinsightgrp.com. Securities & advisory services offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA). Lewis is a registered representative and investment adviser representative of SFA, otherwise unaffiliated with Capital Insight Group. He’s a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF CITY CODE AMENDMENTS

The following item will be considered by the City Council on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 and Tuesday, January 17, 2023 during the Alpharetta City Council Meeting and Public Hearing, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers located at 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. The Code of the City of Alpharetta, Georgia Text Amendments –Failing to appear and answer summons; arrest.

Consideration of an ordinance to amend Article I of Chapter 30 of The Code of the City of Alpharetta, Georgia, to add a provision related to failure to appear; to assign that provision to section 30-8 (currently reserved); to provide an effective date; and for other purposes.

Inell Payne In Memoriam

Inell Payne, age 79 of Alpharetta passed away on December 5, 2022. Inell was born in Atlanta, GA to Joe Chesley Morgan and Maggie Lee Carden on June 4, 1943.

Inell was loving, kind, big hearted and will be missed by many. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lonell Payne. Inell is survived by her 2 children, Richard Latham (Catherine) from Cumming and Teresa Simpson (Greg) from Auburn. She is also survived by her grandchildren,

Allan Latham, Carrie Woomer, Tracie Mele, Sarah Fregeau, Nicholas Fregeau, Chesley Booker, Matthew Booker, Nathan Booker, 11 greatgrandchildren as well as 3 step-children, Sheila (Alan) Rucker, Danny Payne (Diane), and Audie (Roni) Payne.

Services for Inell will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors, Roswell. www. northsidechapel.com

Christmas with Charlie and Myrtice Blackburn

In the last Past Tense, I shared some of the story of Charlie and Myrtice Blackburn as told in the 1978 Dunwoody Crier article, “A Life Shared and Times Remembered.” Every year they celebrated Christmas and their wedding anniversary because they married Dec. 24, 1922.

Their marriage took place at the Dunwoody Methodist Church parsonage, the home of the church minister. The parsonage sat where Dunwoody United Methodist Church is today. The church building was on the other side of Mount Vernon Road. There were only two churches in Dunwoody, the Methodist and Baptist, both small wood buildings.

Myrtice Loyd was born in 1899 and Charlie was born in 1904. He lived most of his life in Dunwoody but lived in Atlanta a few years as a child. Charlie recalled the train trip his family would take to visit his grandparents Calhoun and Mary Jane Copeland Spruill for Christmas.

Charlie Blackburn’s family rode the Air-Line Belle from Atlanta to Chamblee. From there they boarded the engine known as Buck, which was part of the Roswell Railroad. The route of the Roswell Railroad was from Chamblee through Dunwoody and on to the Roswell Depot, just south of the Chattahoochee River.

Grandfather Spruill would meet the family at the Dunwoody Depot. It was usually night when they arrived, and Spruill would carry a lantern to guide everyone to the family home on Chamblee Dunwoody Road, just south of Mount Vernon Road. In later years, Dunwoody School principal Elizabeth Davis and her husband Manget Davis lived in this same house.

Myrtice Loyd was part of a family that also went by the name Lord. Genealogy records found on ancestry. com show that the family is documented as Lord in census and other records. However, the gravestones of Myrtice’ parents bear the name Loyd.

Charlie and Myrtice Blackburn both shared that their Christmas morning presents consisted of an apple or orange and a small toy. Some years there might be a peppermint stick. Only the children received presents. The couple also recalled that there was a Christmas tree at the church in those days, but no one had a tree in their home. The one at the

church was cut on Christmas Eve and decorated before church that night.

A big dinner was served on Christmas Day, with ham, chicken, homemade cakes and pies. Everything was cooked on a wood-burning stove. Charlie explained how dinner was served at noon, elaborating, “Some highfalootin people call supper dinner, but that’s not right.”

Charlie died in 1984 and Myrtice in 1987. They are both buried in the historic New Hope Cemetery along Chamblee Dunwoody Road just north of Dunwoody Village Parkway.

The next Past Tense will feature more history of the Air-Line Belle and Nancy Hanks engines and their importance for traveling during the holidays, both for visiting family and for shopping in Atlanta. If you have memories of these trains, please share them by email.

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media. She lives in Sandy Springs. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

PROVIDED

This 1925 photo includes five generations of Charlie Blackburn’s family. Beginning on the bottom right corner is great grandmother Salina Copeland, bottom left is grandmother Mary Jane Copeland Spruill holding Edward Blackburn (Charlie and Myrtice Blackburn’s son), top left is mother Eliza Spruill Blackburn, and top right is Charlie Blackburn.

Thank You!

Our local news is free to read but not to produce. Alpharetta-Roswell Herald relies on advertisers to keep the lights on, pay our reporters and publish your news. That’s why we want to say thank you to all the advertisers, large and small, who have stuck by us through thick and thin. Consider giving them your business, just as they have done with us.

Buy local, eat local, read local.

CITY OF ROSWELL, GEORGIA ANNUAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022

TRANSPORTATION SPECIAL PURPOSE LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX (TSPLOST II) FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022

For detailed information on active projects (under design and/or construction), please visit the City’s interactive Capital Project Dashboard https://www.roswellgov.com/TSPLOST

The City of Alpharetta’s Public Works Department, in accordance with National Flood Insurance Program regulation 65.7(b)(1), hereby gives notice of the City’s intent to revise the flood hazard information, generally located between North Point Parkway and Rock Mill Road. Specifically, Big Creek Tributary 11 shall be revised from a point 10 feet downstream of North Point Parkway to a point approximately 0 feet upstream of Rock Mill Road.

The flood hazard revisions are being proposed as part of Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) Case No. 22-04-3730R for a proposed project along Big Creek Tributary 11. EA Homes, LLC is proposing to cut and fill within the floodplain as part of a proposed residential community. Once the project has been completed, a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) request should be submitted that will, in part, revise the following flood hazards along Big Creek Tributary 11.

1. The floodway will be revised from Northpoint Parkway to upstream of Rock Mill Road along Big Creek Tributary 11. The floodway will decrease and increase within the revised area.

2. Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) will increase and decrease along Big Creek Tributary 11.

3. The SFHA will increase and decrease along Big Creek Tributary 11.

Maps and detailed analysis of the revision can be reviewed at the City of Alpharetta Public Works Department at 1790 Hembree Road, Alpharetta, Ga 30009. If you have any questions or concerns about the proposed project or its effect on your property, you may contact Mr. Dennis Roland of the City of Alpharetta at droland@alpharetta.ga.us from 12/12/2022 to 12/31/2022.

ALPHARETTA-ROSWELL HERALD | FORSYTH HERALD | JOHNS CREEK HERALD MILTON HERALD | DUNWOODY CRIER | SANDY SPRINGS CRIER

Serving Metro Atlanta Since 1977 | Hello@AppenMedia.com | 770.442.3278

Delivering Readers Award-Winning Newspapers

2022 Georgia Press Association

1st – Health Care Advertising

1st – Serious Column

1st – Investigative Reporting

1st – Food Advertising

1st – Signature Page

2nd – News Photograph

2nd – Feature Writing

2nd – Food Advertising

2nd – Service Advertising

2nd – Special Issues/Sections

2nd – Business Writing

3rd – Business Writing

3rd – Page One

3rd – Locals News Coverage

3rd – Spot News Photograph

3rd – Breaking News Writing

3rd – Lifestyle Feature Column

2022 Association of Community Publishers

1st – Orig. Editorial Photo Sports

1st – Orig. Writing Opinion

1st – Orig. Writing Sports

2nd – Feature Article Layout

2nd – Front Page Special Section

3rd – Orig. Editorial Photo Feature

3rd – Food & Drink Single Ad Color

3rd – Grocery/Liquor Single Ad Color

3rd – Special Promotion/Section Stand-Alone Gloss

Stanley Beck, 74, of Milton, passed away on December 3, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Patricia Black, 81, of Johns Creek, passed away December 3, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Bernice Elrod, 79, of Milton, passed away December 2, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Herbert Mueller, 65, of Alpharetta, passed away November 30, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

John Nemesh, 92, of Roswell, passed away on December 5, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Domonique Williams, 41, of Roswell, passed away December 2, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Robin Fricton

Roderick Liptrot

Support your local press. 100% of the $13/month that you give goes directly to supporting your local press. Every article we write about local elections, school board budgets, public safety and more is made possible by your donation. The more members we have, the more coverage of these important issues is made possible.

• Appen Press Club T-Shirt & Mug.

• Name listed on our membership directory in print and online.

• Free entry to all Appen Press

and seminars.

Scott Baynton

Rita Brown

Mark Casas

Alpharetta Lions Club

Barbara Anderson

Mary Asbury

Barbara Bauschka

Kathy Beck

Leslie Berry

Tom Billings

Joe Bowen

Mary Busman

Clea Calloway

Kirk Canaday

James Carr

Bridgette Carter

William Cartwright

Pat Check

Tom McMurrain

Bob Meyers

Charlcie Forehand Marie Gualtiere

Anne Peer

Ann Coaloa

Ross & Lori Ramsey Kim Truett

Robert Popp Mark Rundle

Roger Wise Jr. Suraj Sehgal

MEMBER

Rebecca Donlan

Tom Driscoll

Mim Eisenberg

Danny Elkins

Martha Fasse

Cathy Flynn

Amy Frederick Carol Fry

Tracey Ganesh

Christopher Goodrich

Joe Hirsch

Penn Hodge

Tyler Jones

Mark Kelly

hans@appenmedia.com

Allison Kloster

Ken Leffingwell

Karen Magill

Valerie Matthews

Mike McLoughlin

Al Merrill

Christine Miller

Fred Moeller

Kathy Morgan

Jack Murphy

Righteous PR

Stephanie Schuette

Lisa Shippel

Cindy Simpson

Faye Sklar

Andy Smith

Lisa Tilt

Ollie Wagner

Lewis Walker Nancy & Dave Wistrand

CITY OF ROSWELL, GEORGIA ANNUAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022

TRANSPORTATION SPECIAL PURPOSE LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX (TSPLOST I) FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022

For detailed information on active projects (under design and/or construction), please visit the City’s interactive Capital Project Dashboard https://www.roswellgov.com/TSPLOST

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.

Full-time

Software Developer: Analyze, design, dev, test, imp, monitor & upgrade computer SW sys, spec. SW apps. Req 1: MS Deg Or Foreign Equiv. in Com. Sci/Com. Apps/Engr. /IT/MBA + 6 Mon. Exp.  Salary:  80101/Yr.   Req 2: BS Deg Or Foreign Equiv. in Com. Sci/Com. Apps/Engr. /IT/MBA + 24 Mon. Exp.  Salary: 99008/ Yr.  Details @ www.excelitllc.com. Resume-excelIT, 3556 Old Milton Pky, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

POOL TECHNICIANS

WANTED

Part-time & Full-time positions available. Pay is $12-$14 per hour. Hours starting at 6:30AM, Monday-Friday. Pick-up truck not required but must have your own reliable transportation. Gas allowance provided. Looking for people who enjoy working outside and are enthusiastic, dependable & punctual. Able to contribute independently or on a crew with consistently friendly attitude.

Well-established commercial pool maintenance company providing service in the North Atlanta Metro area.

Call Bill: 404-245-9396

Full Stack Application Developer –Alpharetta, GA.

Design & dev. custom web apps. using advanced tech. Build reliable & reusable code w/ performance, scalability & security. Analyze sftw. Defects and dev. corrective sol. Reqs: U.S. Master’s deg. in Info. Sys., Comp. Sci., or closely rel. field & 3 yrs. exp. in the job offered, Full Stack Programmer, or closely rel. pos. Concurrent exp. must incl. 3 yrs. exp. w/: Design & dev. custom web apps. using advanced tech. incl. C# ASP.NET w/ MVC Framework & SQL Server; Build reliable & reusable code while considering performance, scalability & sec.; & Work w/ bus. units to identify bus. needs & initiate & deliver bus. sol. Mail resume: Tracy Ryan, Balbec Capital, LP, 10000 Avalon Blvd., Ste. 550, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Part-time

MAINTENANCE WORKER

20-30 hours/week. Call Stan 678-357-5371

BASEMENTS-FRAMING-DRYWALL-TRIM-PAINT

ALPHARETTA

LEAKING?

Driveway

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

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

Tree Services

24 hour emergency service. Licensed, insured. Workers Comp, insurance claims. 25+ years experience. Family business. Free estimates. We Love Challenges!

Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts 770-512-8733 • www.yellowribbontree.com

COMPLETE TREE SERVICES

Appen-Rated 98 Text or Call us for a FREE quote appointment.

Tree removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Free mulch. Fully insured. Emergency 24/7 770-450-8188

20% OFF ALL Tree Services

Free consutation. 20 years experience.

Fully insured. References. Call Tree Expert for an appointment @ 470-588-5339.

professional

Military Discounts

Call: 855-761-1725 Donate

Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398 HughesNet - Finally, superfast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/ mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

Put on your TV Ears & hear TV w/unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original - originally $129.95 - now w/this special offer only $59.95 w/code MCB59! 1-888-805-0840

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 1/21/23. 1-866-479-1516

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services.

$0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-877-539-0299

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Pest, rodent, termite and mosquito control. Call for a quote or inspection today 844-394-9278

Switch and save up to $250/yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time get $50 off any new account. Use code GIFT50. 1-855-903-3048

Attention Homeowners! If you have water damage and need cleanup services, call us! We’ll get in & work with your insurance agency to get your home repaired and your life back to normal ASAP! 855-767-7031

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! 1-833-7583892

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-433-8277

Caring for an aging loved one? Wondering about options like senior-living communities and in-home care? Caring.com’s Family Advisors help take the guesswork out of senior care for your family. Free, no-obligation consult: 1-855-759-1407

FREE $20 Cash App Everyone! Yes It’s Real. Very Limited supply until we run out! Go to Free20Now.com