It was a busy 2024 for Forsyth County residents, with government initiatives, celebrations and education. Here’s a pictorial sample of some of the news from the year.
Clockwise from top left: Sue Bova, center, Forsyth County animal advocate, pets Rose, a dog rescued with 40 others from hoarding, on Aug. 15. The Forsyth County Commission approved animal code changes that define hoarding and require owners to apply for permits if they repeatedly violate the law. County officials gather Oct. 30 for a ceremony marking the opening of a
new fire station on Trammel Road near Cumming.
Two Forsyth County residents check out some colored pencil drawings at a booth along Vision Drive Sept. 21 at Cumming City Center. The two-day Cumming Arts Festival brought thousands to peruse the offerings of local musicians, painters, leatherworkers and artistic entrepreneurs.
From left, Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Jeff Bearden and School Board Chairwoman Darla Light name Dawn James the district’s 2024 Teacher of the Year at an event March 14. James teaches eighth grade at Lakeside Middle School.
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Man’s account breached by phony repair service
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 66-yearold Cumming man reported a computer scam Dec. 14.
The man said he called a phone number included in an email from a person purporting to be with a computer repair service, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report.
The Cumming man said he was connected with a person named Jack.
During the phone call, the Cumming man noticed his computer was being remotely controlled. After logging into his bank account, he saw someone deposit $9,500.
Jack told the man the deposit was a mistake and asked him to withdraw the funds to correct it.
Jack said he would meet the Cumming man at the bank to receive the money. He asked the Cumming man to tell the bank tellers he was withdrawing the money for a Christmas present.
Deputies suspect Jack was deceiving the man by attempting to make it look like he had deposited the money, according to the report.
The Cumming man hung up after suspecting he was being scammed.
After ending the call, someone appeared to continue operating the computer remotely. The Cumming man’s private information was accessed and passwords were taken from his phone, which was mirrored on the computer.
Several folders containing unknown code were placed on his computer.
The Cumming man forwarded to deputies screenshots of the activity on his computer, and the code was placed on flash drive for investigators.
The Cumming man said no money was stolen from his account.
— Jon Wilcox
Woman driving erratically arrested on Westray Road
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 32-yearold Dawsonville woman was arrested on an intoxicated driving charge Dec. 15.
Deputies stopped an SUV about 2:30 a.m. on Westray Road in Cumming after observing the vehicle failing to maintain its lane, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report.
While speaking with the driver, deputies noticed the woman’s eyes were bloodshot and watery. The woman said she was coming from a Cumming bar and grill.
The woman was asked to step out of her vehicle and participate in intoxicated driving field tests.
Deputies determined the woman was unsafe to drive and was arrested on a driving under the influence charge.
The woman initially consented to a blood draw but declined to participate after arriving at the jail. She consented to performing a breath test.
— Jon Wilcox
Woman allegedly shoplifts underwear, jewelry
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Officers investigated a report of shoplifting at North Point Mall department store Dec. 15.
Video surveillance footage showed a 55-year-old Woodstock woman stealing underwear and jewelry, according to an Alpharetta police report.
The woman made a purchase and attempted to leave the store without paying for other items, according to the report.
A loss prevention officer stopped the woman and found the stolen items in her bags.
The stolen items were valued at a total of $688.43.
The woman was arrested on a felony
theft
by shoplifting of more than $500 charge.
Jon
Wilcox
Police find marijuana inside crashed vehicle
ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested a 37-yearold Roswell man Dec. 13 after finding 2 ounces of marijuana in his vehicle, which crashed at a Holcomb Bridge Road intersection.
A Roswell officer said a Sandy Springs lieutenant reported a two-car accident at Holcomb Bridge Road and South Holcomb Bridge Way.
The driver of the Nissan Rogue involved in the crash told police a black SUV slammed on its brakes in front of him, and he was unable to stop in time.
The officer said the other vehicles involved in the crash were not present. The driver of the Nissan Rogue said his vehicle was inoperable.
After an officer smelled marijuana in the Nissan, the driver told them he had smoked and had a small amount to drink hours before the collision.
After conducting a field sobriety test, officers said they did not find the driver to be under the influence of alcohol or marijuana. After initially denying there was marijuana in his vehicle, the driver allegedly told officers he had 2 ounces in his vehicle.
Officers said they found three bags of marijuana, ranging between 12 and 27 grams, in the driver’s backpack with a digital scale and a legally owned handgun. The marijuana totaled 2.12 ounces.
A Fulton County judged signed warrants for felony possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of drug paraphernalia and following too closely.
Officers transported the suspect to the North Fulton County Jail after he was cleared at the Wellstar Medical Center.
Fulton County Jail records show that the court released the suspect Dec. 15 on a 10 percent bond.
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Impact fee battle dominates County Commission discussions
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
Once viewed as a blessing, explosive population growth is presenting real problems for Forsyth County.
In 2024, the rising population came into direct conflict with the local economy when the Board of Commissioners began talks about a new impact fee schedule to offset transportation costs. The commission began exploring fees for new construction projects, drawing the ire of business leaders who said the assessments would stifle commercial and residential development.
The controversy has roots stretching back decades to when Forsyth County was a rural backwater of Metro Atlanta.
In 1970, when many roadways had yet to be officially named and phone calls from Atlanta were long distance, the county was home to about 17,000 people. By 1990, that number had more than doubled, reaching more than 44,000.
Over the next 30 years, Forsyth County’s population increased to about 100,000 in 2000, more than 175,000 in 2010 and then about 267,000 in 2022.
The boom has boosted local commerce, transforming it from a sleepy rural county into a bustling metro community. But now, county officials say they worry the growth may get out of control, strain
county services and drive up residents’ taxes.
In 2024, the dilemma of Forsyth County’s growth surfaced in an unlikely issue — impact fees.
Impact fees, or the payments required by the county government for new commercial and residential construction, are used to offset wear and tear on infrastructure.
Commissioners proposed dramatically increased fees for transportation at a July meeting and were met with opposition from developers, real estate brokers, business owners and others.
Forsyth County had previously imposed no transportation fee for new commercial construction. Residential construction would see increases up to 800 percent greater.
At the meeting, local business leaders gave a stern warning. If the fees were imposed, developers and business owners would take their money to other counties, they said.
They also warned the fees would only provide a limited source of funds to the county and damage the much more substantial revenue stream of property taxes.
In August, commissioners unanimously approved the fees for residential construction, saying they would ensure new arrivals were paying their fair share for upkeep. The Commission opted to
Online interest
In no particular order, here are the top 10 stories that drew the most interest from readers this year in Forsyth County, according to online traffic:
• Crowd denounces Forsyth County administration campus contract. Pursuit of a new Forsyth County government campus on Freedom Parkway hit headwinds Jan. 18 when some 80 residents gathered to oppose a County Commission decision to exclude a mental health building from current plans.
• School Board amends policy for nonresident enrollment. The Forsyth County School Board finalized a policy that removes eligibility for nonresident students in the district’s Virtual Academy.
• Schools record growth in English learning population. The Forsyth County School District saw record growth in the percentage of English learning students.
• County Commission approves new developments. Forsyth County commissioners gave approval for 46 new single-family homes on Dr. Bramblett Road and a new shopping center on Peachtree Parkway.
• Commission balks at proposed Cumming annexations. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners criticized applications to have the City of Cumming annex about 20 acres of unincorporated land along Market Place Boulevard.
delay any decision on commercial impact fees.
In September, Chamber of Commerce officials presented a recommendation for fees that they said would allow the county to remain competitive with its neighboring communities. Chamber officials and business leaders said they understood the importance of funding roadways as the population continues to grow but warned that too steep an increase could be counterproductive.
But in November, commissioners took their own tack with a proposal that would increase fees sharply over a period of several years. Developers and business leaders railed against the proposal, saying they would prevent the county from making any substantial gains in attracting businesses and enlarging its commercial tax base.
Commissioners countered that businesses needed to pay their fair share instead of making homeowners shoulder too much of the tax burden.
The controversy is set to continue in early 2025 after commissioners delayed discussions, which were originally scheduled for December.
When discussions resume in January, Mendy Moore will take a seat on the fivemember County Commission, replacing Cindy Jones Mills, who had been critical of the fees.
• Forsyth County bumps Halcyon density in pursuit of new grocery store. Forsyth County commissioners approved a request to increase the density of Halcyon following persistent efforts to draw a luxury grocery store to the site.
• Forsyth County adopts property tax rate. The Forsyth County Commission unanimously approved a property tax rate at 7.896 mills at an Aug. 15 meeting.
• School principals blast paid online courses. Two Forsyth County principals told School Board members the district’s policy for paid coursework is toxically competitive and provides little advantage for college admissions.
• County approves 140-acre Coal Mountain mixed-use center. Forsyth County commissioners approved plans for a Coal Mountain Town Center project, letting national homebuilder Toll Brothers start work on a 140-acre multiuse development.
• Forsyth County approves $114 million administration campus construction. After more than four years of planning and anticipation, Forsyth County approved $114 million for construction of its new administration building and employee center on Freedom Parkway.
New police, court building will improve public safety
TROY BRUMBALOW
We are at the end of another year, and it is hard to believe. 2024 has been a whirlwind of activity in our community, and the City of Cumming was no different.
In January, we welcomed a new Cumming City Council member, Susie Carr. Councilwoman Carr, a retired educator, had previously served on the Downtown Development Authority, and has brought a wonderful energy to the Cumming City Council this year.
This summer we broke ground on a new Cumming Police Department and Municipal Court facility, which will be located on-site at the Cumming City Center. This new modern, twostory building is much needed as the current Cumming PD and Municipal Court building is almost 50 years old. The new facility, which will be 16,385 square feet in total, will offer 8,530 square feet on the main/ground level and 7,855 square feet on the second level. The anticipated timeline for con-struction is 12 to 15 months, with the estimated opening being sometime between August 2025 and January 2026.
A prominent feature of the new Police Department will be the Cumming PD’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), which is designed to maximize law enforcement’s ability to respond to crimes as they occur, and to do so with precision and speed. By centralizing various technologies, such as surveillance cameras, license plate readers, and data analysis tools, the RTCC can provide real-time intelligence to officers in the field. This leads to faster response times, increased officer safety and more effective policing overall.
Additionally, the new facility will
provide additional space for both the Police Department and Municipal Court, including new rooms for privacy to allow attorneys to discuss matters with their clients, or for prosecution and defense attorneys to meet together in private rather than in the open courtroom. The new facility will also offer state-of-the-art safety and security measures to help keep everyone attending court or visiting the PD safe.
Besides breaking ground on this new, exciting facility, the Cumming City Center had a wonderful year full of events for the public, including weekly concerts during warmweather months, the weekly Cumming Famers Market, monthly cruise-in car shows, seasonal pop-up markets, art festi-vals, beer and wine festivals, outdoor livestreams of sporting events, family movie nights, dog-themed events, new family-friendly events held in partnership with the Forsyth County Public Li-brary System, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, and more! If you haven’t yet visited the Cumming City Center, I encourage you to check out @cummingcitycenter on Facebook and Instagram, or go to cummingcitycenter.com, to see all the City Center has to offer and plan your visit soon.
Another important accomplishment for the City of Cumming happened this fall with the opening of the new Sawnee Drive Extension. This new roadway connects Hwy. 9 (Dahlonega Highway) to Pil-grim Mill Road and creates a direct flow of traffic from Ga. Hwy. 400 Exit 15 to Hwy. 9, establishing, in essence, a new northern bypass of the downtown Cumming square area. This will hopefully help to alleviate some of the heavy traffic in the downtown area, particularly during rush hour.
Yes, 2024 was a wonderful year, and I hope 2025 will be even better for our community!
Affordable home deficit requires concerted effort
By KATHY SWAHN, NANCY DIAMOND, JACK MURPHY
We appreciate the opportunity to highlight our volunteer team’s efforts to address the urgent need for affordable housing in our community.
We’re working hard to build a network of advocates prioritizing housing solutions. While this challenge is nationwide, we’ve identified communities successfully implementing proactive strategies. Encouragingly, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce has made affordable housing a legislative priority this year.
Although North Fulton’s six cities boast strong leadership focused on economic development, we are not adequately forecasting the workforce housing required to sustain growth. Industries like healthcare, education, hospitality and emergency services face critical shortages due to insufficient housing stock. The “missing middle”— households earning $50,000 to $80,000 annually — struggle to find affordable options, whether renting or buying. Current zoning restrictions further hinder progress, leaving comprehensive plans for workforce housing unfulfilled.
To prepare for future needs, we must adopt innovative solutions, including property reuse, zoning adjustments, and the addition of Auxiliary Dwelling Units, carriage houses, or multi-generational housing on private land. Faith-based organizations could also play a key role by repurposing land or underutilized parking lots for housing development. Empty nesters lack downsizing options,
Affordable housing continues to be a serious issue across North Metro Atlanta. Groups like the North Fulton Improvement Network are trying to help, and Appen Media is dedicated to covering the process. Send ideas, questions and feedback to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
and young professionals — our children and recent graduates — cannot afford to return to live here. It’s time to change that.
Thanks to our partner, John Ray, with Business Radio X, you can now access our podcast, “North Fulton Voices,” via our website or your favorite podcast platform. The podcast features experts discussing critical issues such as senior housing, housing for school employees, and workforce challenges faced by healthcare providers. We also share insights from the Atlanta Regional Commission, Georgia Public Policy Foundation, elected officials and economic developers on potential solutions for North Fulton.
This is not a political issue; it should be a community priority. Addressing housing affordability can ease traffic congestion, strengthen our workforce, and provide homes for the people we need and value in our community.
Kathy Swahn, Nancy Diamond and Jack Murphy are members of North Fulton Improvement Network. Learn more at www.improvenorthfulton.org.
Kathy Swahn, Nancy Diamond and Jack Murphy are members of North Fulton Improvement Network. Learn more at www.improvenorthfulton.org.
Cumming Mayor
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6 | Forsyth Herald | January 2, 2025
Italian restaurant creates cult following in Cumming
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Every Sunday after mass, Karen Marie Smith and her family would visit her grandmother’s house.
“She’d have pots and pots of the most amazing food cooking,” Smith said. “I just had these wonderful memories of her kitchen.”
Smith remembers sauce bubbling in big pots, pasta, pigs’ feet, chicken, short ribs, thick Sicilian pizzas, cookies and pastries of all kinds, homemade meatballs and an atmosphere of warmth and joy.
As co-owners of Marie’s Italian Deli, Bakery & Market, Smith and her son Matthew Smith have worked hard to replicate that atmosphere at their Cumming restaurant. They have won the hearts of the community by serving authentic Italian cooking and creating the kind of place where it’s easy to lose a couple of hours with friends.
“It doesn’t feel like a restaurant. It feels like a family,” Matthew said.
Tucked in an unassuming strip mall off Atlanta Highway near Ga. 20, Marie’s Italian Deli has transformed a space once occupied by a Mellow Mushroom. The restaurant’s unexpected success spurred
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an expansion into an adjacent tax office a few years back.
When you enter the restaurant, activity bustles in a small but lively kitchen. The aroma of roast garlic and simmering marinara permeates the cozy dining area where groups of friends share spirited conversation.
On any given day, Karen and Matthew Smith split their time behind the counter, in the kitchen and among the tables where they “walk in circles,” catching up with regulars and newcomers.
Regulars like Cumming resident Steve Lazzara have become a part of the Marie’s family. During a Wednesday lunch service, he and Karen Smith chatted about Sicily, where they both trace familial roots.
“The food’s excellent, and the service is phenomenal,” Lazzara said.
Since opening about four years ago, Marie’s has created a cult following of both locals and visitors from outside Forsyth County. An air traffic controller from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport regularly makes the drive during his lunch break.
Some customers even come six days a week and might make it seven if the restaurant wasn’t closed on Sundays.
Atmosphere is important, the Smiths said, but Marie’s has laid a foundation on its menu. The most popular items track to southern Italy where Karen Smith’s grandmother grew up until the 1890s.
“I was a twig until we opened this place, and then I blew up like a balloon,” Matthew said, chuckling.
Just like her grandmother did, Marie’s marinara is browned in a skillet and allows the flavors from high quality tomatoes, garlic and onion to mingle.
“It’s wonderful,” Matthew said. “If you
don’t like garlic, you’re not going to like it.”
That sauce is a crucial part of many dishes from hot subs on crispy rolls to calzones stuffed with mozzarella, ricotta, sausage and meatballs.
Many dishes are named after members of Karen Smith’s “ginormous” Italian family. That family is featured in framed black and white photographs around the restaurant.
Like the sauce, the meatballs have been replicated from Karen’s childhood memories of her grandmother’s cooking. Made in-house from parmesan and fresh ingredients, they are seasoned with parsley from a local farmers market and built around softened bread, rather than breadcrumbs.
Marie’s also offers a full breakfast menu that includes quick bites, like a bagel sandwich and more indulgent offerings, like pancakes topped with blueberry compote and whipped cream.
In a bakery connected to the restaurant, diners often chase meals with lattes, cappuccinos, affogatos and other espresso drinks. Glass cases are filled with cupcakes, cannoli, cakes and other desserts.
A lemon blueberry cake has garnered rave reviews with its delicately flavored icing and a moist, spongy interior.
Despite a varied menu featuring numerous authentic items, the restaurant’s biggest seller is a humble white bean and ham soup.
Made fresh daily, the soup’s buttery white beans are imbued with a rich savoriness from smoked ham bone and a base of carrots, celery and onion.
When Marie’s first opened, the Smiths prepared the soup in a crock pot, but its popularity quickly grew out of the small container.
“It tastes like a warm hug,” Karen said.
Cumming resident Julie Kelleher said she thinks of the soup as a food for her soul.
“It’s just warm. It’s inviting,” she said.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
The dining room at Marie’s Italian Deli bustles with energy on a Wednesday lunch service.
MARIE’S ITALIAN DELI/PROVIDED
A hot meatball sub is one of many menu items that features both a marinara and meatballs inspired by family recipes.
When it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, the process can quickly become overwhelming. From creating ideas and solutions, and selecting materials to finding contractors for plumbing, electrical work, and installation, managing multiple vendors and services can be stressful.
Remodeling projects start with a vision but bringing that vision to life requires expertise. An in-house design team needs to work closely with you to create a customized plan that reflects your personal style, and preferences, and stays within your budget—offering services like 3D renderings, so you can visualize your space before any work begins. With expert guidance every step of the way, you can be confident your project is set up for success.
Coordinating multiple contractors— plumbers, electricians, tile installers, and more—can be time-consuming and frustrating. With a turnkey remodeler, you get full-service project management, to handle every aspect of the renovation. Having a team to ensure that the design, material selection, scheduling, and installation are all aligned to create a smooth, stress-free experience is key. You don’t have to worry about chasing contractors or keeping up with timelines—it will be done all for you.
One of the biggest advantages of working with a one-stop shop is the convenience of having everything you need in one place. A great showroom should be filled with an extensive selection of cabinetry in a variety of styles and finishes, plumbing fixtures from top brands, countertops including granite, quartz, marble, and more, tile for floors and backsplashes, and hardware to complete your design.
Rather than running around town searching for materials, you can explore all your options under one roof, with our team guiding you through each choice.
Choosing a turnkey, one-stop-shop remodeler like Bath & Kitchen Galleria means more than just convenience—it means a smoother, more enjoyable remodeling experience with expert guidance, seamless coordination, and a wide selection of top-quality products to choose from while staying in your budget.
Whether you're transforming your bathroom or remodeling your kitchen, Bath & Kitchen Galleria is here to handle every detail, so you can sit back and enjoy the results! For more information visit Bath & Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) M-F, 9-5 and Saturday, 10-4, or call them at 678-459-2292 or visit BathandKitchenGalleria.com to schedule an appointment online.
Open to Public 9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Road Connector Alpharetta, GA 30022 (near Northpoint Mall)
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Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm, re-imagining how bath & kitchen remodels are done.
Complete Remodeling Design and Installation Services. We even remove walls!
Guiding you through the whole design process. Ask about our 3D Renderings.
Making bath & kitchen remodeling fun, easy and affordable.
A new era in 55+ living
What’s drawing buyers to Soleil Belmont Park?
Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division
Soleil Belmont Park has quickly become a magnet for active adults seeking an unparalleled lifestyle, and it’s easy to see why. Nestled between Milton and Canton, this luxurious 55+ community by acclaimed Patrick Malloy Communities offers a unique combination of thoughtful design, resortstyle amenities, and a prime location—all tailored to enhance life for today’s active adults.
A lifestyle tailored for active adults. At the heart of Soleil Belmont Park is its 9,800-square-foot clubhouse, designed to be the social and recreational epicenter for residents. From a cozy coffee and cocktail bar to a state-of-theart fitness center, the clubhouse offers everything needed to stay engaged and energized. Creative pursuits flourish
in the arts and crafts studio, while a catering kitchen and club/card room create spaces for gatherings and connections.
Resort-style amenities that inspire connection. Beyond the clubhouse, the community’s amenities elevate daily life to vacation-like bliss. A resort-style pool provides a serene setting for relaxation, while tennis and pickleball courts keep homeowners active and social. A dog park welcomes four-legged companions, and a community garden offers a creative outlet for green thumbs. Scenic walking trails wind through the community, inviting residents to immerse themselves in nature’s tranquility.
Move-in ready homes on maintenance-free sites. Buyers are captivated by the thoughtfully designed homes and maintenance-free living at Soleil Belmont Park. The model home park showcases five stunning
designs, with a variety of move-inready homes and additional options under construction. Every detail has been considered to ensure comfort and elegance in a home that supports an active, carefree lifestyle. Starting in the $500s and ranging to the $800s, homes at Soleil Belmont Park deliver unmatched value in a community that fosters new friendships, memorable experiences, and a vibrant lifestyle.
An unbeatable location. Convenience is another reason buyers are flocking to Soleil Belmont Park. Situated near Alpharetta, Milton, and Canton, homeowners have quick access to premier shopping, dining, and entertainment options. For healthcare, Northside Hospital-Cherokee is just a short drive away. And whether it’s the vibrant culture of downtown Atlanta or the peaceful beauty of the North Georgia Mountains, you’ll enjoy seamless access to both via nearby interstates.
A developer with a proven track record. Award winning Patrick Malloy Communities’ reputation for excellence further sets Soleil Belmont Park apart. With over 30 years of experience, the company has developed more than 11,000 homesites and sold over 7,000 homes, earning numerous accolades, including multiple Community of the Year awards.
Explore your future at Soleil Belmont Park. Visit SoleilBelmontPark. com or call 770-635-4080 to learn more about available homes and why so many active adults are calling Soleil Belmont Park home. For more options, explore Soleil Summit Chase in Snellville, with homes priced from the $400s to $700s. Visit pmcommunities.com for more details. Patrick Malloy Communities and Soleil are proudly represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division. Equal housing opportunity.
Five polished winter landscaping looks
Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Winter landscaping can pose a challenge. You’re working with colder temperatures, a starker backdrop and increased maintenance due to snow and ice buildup. However, the things that at first glance seem like obstacles are exactly where your opportunity lies to create a refined and inviting landscape. Whether you’re enhancing curb appeal for a home on the market or simply want to enjoy a well-maintained property, polished winter landscaping can make all the difference.
From evergreen elegance to artfully illuminated pathways, these five winter landscaping looks will ensure your outdoor spaces stay sophisticated and on point all season.
1. Evergreen elegance.
Evergreens are a timeless choice for winter landscaping. They retain their foliage, provide consistent structure, are hardy and durable, create visual interest and beautifully capture the spirit of the season. From boxwood and pine to holly and juniper, they are the backbone of cold-weather curb appeal.
2. Seasonal planter displays. Use planters to add a pop of color to your front porch with bright red berries. Layer colors and textures, beginning with a base of deep green and sprinkling your chosen color or colors
throughout. You can also create striking winter displays using hardy plants such as winter pansies, ornamental kale and red twig dogwood. Accent with pinecones, twigs or fairy lights.
3. Pathway lighting perfection.
Decorative lighting adds warmth and increases visibility during shorter days. Use sleek, low-voltage lighting or lanterns to illuminate walkways and driveways. Subtle uplighting highlights landscape features like trees or stonework for added drama.
4. Groundcover refresh.
Fresh mulch and ground cover are essential to a sophisticated winter landscape. Not only do they add texture and visual depth, but they also serve practical purposes by protecting the soil and plant roots from harsh winter conditions.
5. Hardscaping focal points.
Playing up hardscaping elements is key to achieving a sophisticated landscape design that feels both polished and purposeful. Highlight elements such as stone walls, fountains or benches by clearing snow and framing them with evergreen accents. Winter is the perfect time to emphasize these permanent features for added visual appeal.
Sophisticated winter landscaping is about embracing the season’s unique beauty, and these simple, effective strategies ensure your home remains inviting and stylish all winter long. Reach out to Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300 for all your real estate needs. We would be happy to assist you!
Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/ Copyeditor
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Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad
Estate workshops can be essential
Brought to you by - Estates Law Center USA
As an estate planning attorney, I often stress the importance of being proactive with your estate plan. One of the best ways to get informed and start on the right track is by attending an estate planning workshop. Here’s why these workshops are so valuable: Simplified Learning: Estate planning can be complex, but workshops break down the legal jargon into understandable terms, making concepts like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney much clearer. Personalized Advice: Many workshops offer interactive Q&A sessions where you can get answers tailored to your specific situation, ensuring your estate plan fits your unique needs. Identify Gaps: Even if you have a plan, workshops help identify any gaps or outdated provisions, keeping your plan current and effective. Explore Strategies: Learn about various
tools and strategies to optimize your estate plan, from minimizing taxes to avoiding probate. Peace of Mind: Attending a workshop provides reassurance that you’ve taken important steps to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. If you haven’t yet attended an estate planning workshop, consider it an essential step in securing your future. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance—I’m here to help! Our live workshop will be held at 1100 Cambridge Square Ste B, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Goodbye to 2024; a few asks of 2025
The late great player and broadcaster Frank Gifford once compared life in the National Football League to nuclear war, saying: “There are no winners or losers. Just survivors.”
My thoughts exactly when it comes to 2024.
I’m still here, blessed to be on this side of the grass. I cover my eyes with dread when reading the obituaries, grateful that my name has avoided that publicity for now.
Like a guest that has stayed too long, I’m not quite ready to leave. There are simply too many superb subjects I can write about Hearing about ex-classmates and ex-colleagues who are struggling with keeping a firm grasp on their mental faculties, is a stern reminder to bow my head in thanks. Like an old priest used to remind me: “Michael, it’s always better to be needy and not greedy.”
• Does my Will protect my “stuff”? (It does not.)
• Should I upgrade my Will to a Trust?
• What do I need to know about Revocable Living Trusts?
• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?
• Medicaid. What’s true and what’s not?
• How do I protect my assets for my family and legacy?
• How do I remain in control?
• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?
• How can my family avoid probate?
It didn’t mean much then, but these days, I am grateful for every day, every holiday. It was sobering to think that this might be my last trip around the sun. I contemplated it in silence as the family exchanged Christmas gifts. I didn’t mention those thoughts to anyone, but like an itch that longed to be scratched, it was there in my mind, and it was seemingly futile to tell those thoughts to “Go away.”
No matter how I tried, those thoughts stayed for dinner.
Like I’ve been told by everyone: “You gotta live your life.” I want to be like George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Just give me another chance to do right. One more column. One more birthday. One more ride on the Black Beauty with Jerry Nix. An occasional loaded cheeseburger (no onions, please). One more visit with son, Chris when he’s here from New York. More rides with Greg listening to College Football Radio.
More times to tell Vicki how much I appreciate her putting up with my nuttiness and fiascos for these going on 45 years.
If it’s not too much to ask, I’d like to see Lynyrd Skynyrd one more time, not caring if they play no new songs. I’d welcome a straight flush and “trips” when I sit down at a Three-Card Poker table.
Admittedly, I was dead wrong about Notre Dame this year after the Irish’s mystifying loss to Northern Illinois back in September. Like the bastion of medical knowledge possessed by a rural Oklahoma described my stepdad’s chances of getting out of the hospital. In that lilting India way of speaking: “He’s not going anywhere. I believe his goose is cooked.”
I was not alone in thinking cooked goose was on the menu in South Bend. I guess it’s not greedy to light a few candles for Notre Dame. Maybe better to pray they don’t (or didn’t, depending on when you read this) batter and filet my Irish.
A PET scan at Northside Hospital looms and I’d like it to show the cancer has fumbled and is taking a knee. But something tells me, the results will show that the battle continues. Just a feeling that gnaws at me from the deep recesses of my mind.
Regardless, every phone call from brother Matt and nephew Blake is a treat. Blake’s dad was my late baby brother Marty and Blake saying: “My Dad really loved you” resulted in a kingsized lump in my throat.
I’m down to five toes and one kidney. But more importantly, I have support from prayer warriors who are with me in this fight. Be it on Facebook, at church, via text or in emails, it’s gratifying to know that my fight is their fight too.
PET scan and cancer be damned.
I’m still in this fight!
Mike Tasos has lived in Forsyth County for more than 30 years. He’s an American by birth and considers himself a Southerner by the grace of God. He can be reached at miketasos55@gmail.com.
HOLLY GEERDES Estate Law Center USA Top 5% Super Lawyer in Georgia
MIKE TASOS Columnist
Secret Santa delivers joy to old miracle chimney
BOB MEYERS Columnist
There is a house in Alpharetta, or better a chimney where a house used to be, that has been visited by a Secret Santa every Christmas season for the past 30 years.
Here is the amazing and heartwarming story.
The chimney is located on what once was a 26-acre parcel on Mid Broadwell Road. It was owned by Clinton Webb, a member of one of the most celebrated families in North Fulton. Probably the first Webb to settle in Georgia was Clinton Toliver Webb, born in North Carolina in 1778. He moved to Georgia, raised a family, died and was buried in the Old Big Creek Cemetery in Alpharetta.
The Webbs intermarried with several leading families including the Mansell and Dorris families. Seven of the acres across the road were handed down to family member Jerry Mansell (19322018) in the early 1970s. The City of Alpharetta later purchased the land intending to put a fire station there. Eventually the city built the fire station at another location and sold the land to a developer who built homes on the parcel.
The house burned down in 1941 and I was unable to locate a photo of it. According to Alan Dorris, who grew up in the neighborhood, “it was not a fancy house. It was an old board construction, probably a tenant house from the late 1800s.” He says the charred remains of the house remained for years until the road, then made of dirt, was widened, at which time the remains of the house were removed. The red brick chimney with flagstone around the base ended up closer to the road. Dorris believes the land could have been the Webb family farm.
In 1983 Jon Niemeyer purchased the property. “When I bought the property, it was so overgrown that we didn’t see the chimney until our third visit.” The Niemeyers built a home some 1000 feet behind the chimney.
In 1991 Jon and his wife Eleanor started decorating the chimney with a wreath and stockings. Eleanor realized that since their house was so far from the road no-one would know that they were decorated for Christmas, so the couple put decorations on the chimney. “Two years later Santa found the chimney and stockings and started delivering candy and small stocking stuffers along with a beautiful inspirational card,” says
NIEMEYER FAMILY/SPECIAL
Jon and Eleanor Niemeyer pose with their six grandchildren in front of the miracle chimney on Mid Broadwell Road in anticipation of Santa’s visit circa 2000. Today the grandchildren have their own children. A Secret Santa has been visiting the chimney for 30 years.
Niemeyer. “The following year we started leaving cookies and a card for Santa,” he says. “Santa brought great joy to our six grandchildren with the miracle chimney,”.
One year Santa left a letter saying that he and Mrs. Clause were going to retire to Florida but that their elves would continue the Christmas tradition.
Five years ago Eric and Ali Abercrombie purchased the property. “After we bought the house, Jon told us about the Christmas tradition. We wrote a note introducing ourselves to Santa and left something there for him. On Christmas morning the stockings were full of little gifts. Our kids love it. Santa always leaves a lovely handwritten letter about the true meaning of Christmas.”
The Abercrombie’s found a well on the property which they filled in for safety reasons. The chimney was starting to lean, so they have stabilized it. They decorate the chimney on December 1 and take the decorations down on New Year’s Day.
The Niemeyers and the Abercrombies agree that the Mystery Santa and his elves meant to bring joy into their lives, and they succeeded. The joy is shared with people passing by in their cars.
Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@ bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
Attorneys’ org.
Unagi, at a sushi
Like Odin
Pay attention
Military rulers
Willow twig
Cozy retreat
26 See 60 Across
Mystery
Ape treat
High spirits
Cat command
Eastern state (Abbr.)
Mesozoic era denizens
God of love
Oratorical Contest - 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 11
High Schools with Students Competing: Chattahoochee, Forsyth Central, Milton, Innovation Academy 1st Place - $1,000; 2nd Place - $750; 3rd Place - $500
Registration Deadline to Compete: Monday, Jan. 6
For Details Contact David Cunnold at yjdave99@gmail.com
Winner Proceeds to Additional Competitions
National Competition Winning Prize - Up to $25,000 BINGO - 2 p.m. Sunday Jan. 12 & Jan. 26 Future Games: 2nd & 4th Sunday Each Month
100 most influential people
People and things that have impacted our world, #56-60
Here is a continuing list of people and things that have impacted our world – some serious, some not so much.
No. 56: Vaccines (for all the anti-vaxers)
Top 3 –Smallpox vaccine:
As a result of efforts by the World Health Organization, smallpox was eradicated in 1980 – as in eliminated, gone, no longer exists in the world. Before eradication, it is estimated that smallpox killed 300-500 million people worldwide in just the 20th century.
Measles: Once the leading cause of death of children, it is estimated that the measles vaccine saves 20 million lives every year. That is why school children are required to get the vaccine.
Polio vaccine: Polo has been 99 percent eliminated worldwide as a result of the vaccines (Jonas Salk in the 1950s and Albert Sabin in the 1960s). Before the vaccine, polio paralyzed or killed hundreds of thousands of children annually.
COVID-19 vaccines (honorable mention): These recent vaccines have saved millions of lives in a short time by preventing severe disease and death during the pandemic. If you have doubts about the efficacy of these vaccines, talk to an ER doctor.
No. 57: Anti-vaxers
Reminds me of burning witches at the stake to prevent witchcraft or the Flat-Earth Society. s we spend on defense – big numbers, big impact.
No. 58: Books
Here are five famous opening sentences from famous books. See if you can identify which books they were in:
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
SP
Solution
“Call me Ishmael.”
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”
“In my younger and more vulnerable years, my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since.”
Bonus first sentences:
“A screaming comes across the sky.”
“Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself.”
“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.”
“Many years later as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendia was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.”
“It was love at first sight.”
If you got 6 of 10, bravo! You read a lot! And you did better than I did.
If you get 3-5, not bad. Great memory.
If you get 1-2, need to read more. If you get zero, get off social media and YouTube and start reading!
No. 59: The modern world
The three things that Francis Bacon (in 1620) designated as changing technology upon which the modern world was built: printing (see No. 58), gunpowder and the compass. Modern “progress” – social, political and cultural evolution has always been driven by commerce. The compass enabled trade to span the globe.
No. 60: Mr. Rogers
This guy got it right a long time ago, and we have almost totally forgotten what he tried to teach us.
“It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood, A beautiful day for a neighbor.
Would you be mine? Could you be mine…
Won’t you be my neighbor?”
DEATH NOTICES
James Cook, 76, of Roswell, passed away on December 19, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Joseph Fiore, 71, of Roswell, passed away on December 12, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Lester Wooten, 92, of Roswell, passed away on December 16, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Daniel Feruck, 88, of Alpharetta, passed away on December 19, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Terry Mathis, 81, of Alpharetta, passed away on December 19, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
Donor Operations Supervisor
The Donor Operations Supervisor (Full-time) The Donor Operations Supervisor manages the donation door process and delegates tasks to staff, volunteers, and community service workers. As the face of NFCC, they provide excellent customer service while greeting donors and ensuring donations are properly removed from vehicles and sorted in designated areas. They are responsible for maintaining the security of merchandise and keeping all areas clean and organized.
The Supervisor must able to lift up to 75lb frequently and be on their feet most of their shift. They must enjoy staying busy, training and influencing other to work as a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Must have the ability to work Tuesday through Saturday 9am – 5pm. An extraordinary Total Rewards Package is included with this opportunity!
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
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The Food Pantry Supervisor supports all aspects of the Food Pantry including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, supervising and managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports and supporting client intake. The Supervisor is the primary backup support to the Food Pantry Manager.
The Supervisor must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Good interpersonal communications skills are required and MS Office (Excel) experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends, lift up to 42lbs, use a pallet jack, push and pull items, and be on your feet for several hours.
The Specialist must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Microsoft office skills are required and Salesforce experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
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