Forsyth Herald - February 8, 2024 by Appen Media Group

Public weighs in on hand count of ’24 ballots ► PAGE 3

Fe b r u a r y 8 , 2 0 2 4 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 8 , N o . 6

County libraries set free lectures on Black history

County Attorney Ken Jarrard emphasized the terms are nonbinding. The Gathering at South Forsyth is a planned $2 billion mixed-use development off Union Hill Road, Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Ga. 400. At a Forsyth County Board of Commissioners work session in April, The Gathering staff first presented conceptual plans for the project,

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Public Library system will celebrate Black History Month with a series of free lectures throughout February. The Sharon Forks Library will host “Jackie Robinson: A Bright Star Touring Theatre Production” from 11 a.m. to noon Feb. 16. The live children’s theater production will highlight how Robinson broke the color barrier in professional baseball. Georgia State University archivist Brittany Newberry and professor Booker W. Edwards Jr. will present “Atlanta Celebrates 50 Years of Hip-Hop” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Sharon Forks Library. Guests are invited to learn about the history and influence of hip-hop in Atlanta. The Cumming Library will feature “National Black Radio Hall of Fame,” a history of Black radio and the first Black-owned radio station in Atlanta, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 18. Speakers from Leadership Forsyth, the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship Organization, the Community Remembrance Project of Forsyth County and the Atlanta History Center will facilitate the discussion “Forsyth 1912: Working to Heal” from 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Post Road Library. The event series is free and open to the public.

See NHL, Page 20

— Shelby Israel

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

A crowd watches Ernst and Young’s presentation on the economic feasibility and impact of The Gathering at South Forsyth at a Forsyth County Commission meeting Jan. 31. Commissioners agreed to contribute $390 million to the project if developers secure an NHL franchise.

County offers to float $390 million bond if The Gathering locks up NHL franchise By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County commissioners have tentatively agreed to contribute $390 million to The Gathering at South Forsyth if developers secure a franchise with the National Hockey League. The county has agreed to foot $350 million for the construction of a 700,000-square-foot arena and $40

million for an arena parking deck. But, the county’s commitment is entirely contingent on an NHL team cementing its presence at The Gathering. At a called meeting Jan. 31, the Forsyth County Commission voted 4-1 to adopt an agreement with The Gathering developers. Commissioner Todd Levent cast the dissenting vote. The agreement outlines each party’s commitment to the project, but

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Alpharetta woman dies in two-vehicle accident

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is investigating a crash that killed an 85-year-old Alpharetta woman on Campground Road Jan. 29. Deputies and firefighters reported responding to a two-vehicle crash around 11:20 a.m. at 6061 Campground Road. Initial investigation indicated the victim was driving north on Campground Road in a Buick Rendezvous when she failed to maintain her lane, overcorrected and crossed paths with a Kenworth truck. The truck driver reportedly could not avoid the crash, and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident remains under investigation.

Atlanta suspect charged for alleged package theft FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 26-year-old Atlanta man Jan. 23 who allegedly stole a woman’s packages from her home on Cortland Walk in November. The victim reported Nov. 1 packages containing a Carhartt jacket, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, two dresses and coffee were delivered in front of her garage. The delivery driver reportedly sent her a photo confirming the delivery around 3:30 p.m. When she returned home around 5 p.m., the victim reported the packages were missing. Deputies later located the suspect. He was charged with felony theft by taking and misdemeanor criminal trespass.

Deputies arrest woman for alleged hit-and-run FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies

PUBLIC SAFETY arrested a 24-year-old Forsyth County woman Jan. 25 who allegedly struck a vehicle at McFarland and Trotters parkways then fled the scene. The two occupants in the other car said they were southbound on McFarland Parkway, and there was a solid green light as they approached the intersection. The suspect reportedly turned left from northbound McFarland onto Trotters Parkway, and the vehicles collided. Deputies reported searching the area for a vehicle that matched the description provided by the victims. A vehicle matching the color and damage was located behind Extended Stay America on McFarland Parkway. Flock camera footage showed the suspect vehicle exiting northbound Ga. 400 with no damage Jan. 23, the report states. Deputies reported the suspect confirmed the vehicle was hers and that another vehicle in front of hers stopped and blocked her from making the left turn onto Trotters Parkway. She reportedly said another vehicle hit her and left the scene, so she returned to her hotel. Deputies told the suspect the other vehicle was left disabled in the median of McFarland Parkway and asking her why she did not report the crash. The suspect reportedly said, “I thought they left. I didn’t know they stopped.” She was charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run, failure to yield and failure to maintain insurance.

Police arrest suspect in previous traffic casew JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested a 20-year-old Cumming man Jan. 24, who had allegedly fled a traffic stop in December. Police followed the driver on Medlock Bridge Road, noticing that the vehicle’s license plate frame partially covered its tag and that the driver’s side brake light was not working. When police stopped the driver, they found more than 5 grams of marijuana

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in the vehicle. Police also confirmed the driver was unlicensed. Police cited the driver with violations of display of license plates, driver’s license required, standard for signal lights and devices and disorderly conduct, then transported him to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

Excavator reported stolen from Johns Creek site JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Buchanan man reported to police Jan. 26 that an equipment mechanic had stolen an excavator while he was working on a property in Johns Creek. The man told police the suspect was recommended to repair the $60,000 excavator. After months of attempting contact, the suspect had finally agreed to meet to return the equipment. But, he said the suspect continued to delay the meeting, according to the incident report. The man told police he later discovered the suspect had a reputation of taking equipment or money, then not following through.

Home Depot worker charged with theft JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested a 60-year-old Duluth man Jan. 26 for allegedly stealing more than $300 while working at Home Depot on State Bridge Road. Another employee told police surveillance footage showed the suspect obtaining receipts from customers for returned items, scanning them, then placing the money in his pocket. The suspect stole more than $300, according to the incident report. After reviewing the footage, which showed the suspect palming money from the register, the suspect told police the receipt was from something he had purchased earlier, but what he had purchased did not match the receipt. Police charged the man with theft by conversion and transported him to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

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Forsyth County weighs feedback on hand counting ballots in 2024 By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County officials hosted a public hearing Feb. 1 to gauge sentiment on whether the county should conduct ballot hand counts of its elections in 2024. The Board of Commissioners scheduled the hearing at its formal meeting, and the discussion was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate the large crowd who showed up. Karen Pachuta, an associate with County Attorney Ken Jarrard’s practice, provided an overview of Georgia law on the public inspection of ballots and the distinction between a recount and an audit. Recounts are conducted by scanning the ballots again, while audits are hand counts. In May, Pachuta said Gov. Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 129, which amended the elections code to require risk-limiting audits after every election with a state or federal candidate on the ballot. A risk-limiting audit is a hand count of a percentage of ballots determined by the Secretary of State. The smaller the margin between two candidates, the more ballots are counted. Pachuta outlined the restrictions on

audit teams, which consist of two sworn individuals. Sealed ballots are brought to the audit team and must be resealed afterward. At no time are the ballots left alone with one person. “Before anyone touches those ballots or participates in the audit, they do have to take and sign an oath that they will conduct the audit accurately and securely prior to assisting with the audit,” she said. County Elections Director Mandi Smith related the Elections Office’s recent experiences with audits. The county first conducted an audit of the 2020 general election, followed by the 2022 general election and its runoff. The results of both 2022 audits matched the scanned results, but Smith said there was a difference of 32 votes in the 2020 election. “The most recent one that we conducted was after the November city election,” she said. “It was a 100 percent hand count audit, and 13 staff members and all the [elections] board members participated. The board called for that audit specifically to review processes and procedures leading up to the 2024 election cycle. The hand count results matched the scanned results.”

See BALLOTS, Page 19

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Forsyth County elections staff “vote” at a mock polling place in November. The Forsyth County Commission held a public hearing Feb. 1 to field input on whether the county should conduct hand counts of its elections in 2024.

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Free weddings scheduled at Forsyth Probate Court FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Probate Court will offer free wedding ceremonies for resident couples from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 14. Residents who wish to be married can have a basic civil ceremony in the Probate Court courtroom in Suite 008 at 100 W. Courthouse Square. Couples are encouraged to invite family and guests to celebrate. Those interested must fill out a regis-

tration form and apply for a marriage license with the Probate Court no later than Feb. 9. Couples must bring their license and photo identification to their ceremony. A ceremony time can be requested by emailing ProbateHearing@forsythco.com. The registration form and more information can be found at forsythco.com/ Departments-Offices/Probate-Court. — Shelby Israel

Appen Media election coverage acclaimed by New York Times ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Appen Media Group was noted by The New York Times late in 2023 for its work on a story about the City of Milton and a committee studying the feasibility of the city running its own local elections. The Times recognized Appen Media on its “Local Journalism Worth Reading From 2023” list, along with dozens of other newspaper and digital profit and nonprofit publications across the country. The list highlights local journalism that holds government accountable or shines light on issues affecting communities, such as environmental challenges, criminal justice

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matters or socioeconomic problems. Appen Media’s story from late 2022, reported by staff writer Amber Perry, noted informal meetings held by the Milton Municipal Election Feasibility Committee that were not open to the public and questions raised by the public about the motivation of committee members. The committee was tasked with studying the feasibility of the city running its own elections rather than paying Fulton County to manage them. Readers can find the piece recognized by The Times at appenmedia.com/municipal_elections.

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Creekside Park trail connection features newly unveiled sculpture JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 30 for a trail connection at Creekside Park, the 21-acre centerpiece for the city’s anticipated Town Center. The project, which represents the first phase of Creekside Park construction, connects Medlock Bridge Road to the interior of Creekside Park adjacent to the Hyatt Place Hotel. The trail connection is largely funded by the Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau. Creekside Park, a $35 million project, will include a constructed wetland area within the existing south pond area, connected to Creekside Park’s north pond behind City Hall by a 15-foot-wide trail. Additional elements surrounding the pond will include terraced seating, an amphitheater with a deck over the water, and a small playground. Creekside Park construction is expected to begin in late Summer. At the ribbon-cutting, city leaders also celebrated the installation of a new sculpture titled Ferns next to the trail. Created by artists Julia Hill and Chelsea Darling, the art piece uses iron salvaged from the historic former Rogers Bridge over the Chattahoochee River.

PHOTOS BY CITY OF JOHNS CREEK/PROVIDED

Johns Creek officials host a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 30 for a trail connection at Creekside Park, the 21-acre centerpiece for the city’s anticipated Town Center. The project, which represents the first phase of Creekside Park construction, connects Medlock Bridge Road to the interior of Creekside Park adjacent to the Hyatt Place Hotel.

Created by artists Julia Hill and Chelsea Darling, a sculpture titled Ferns uses iron salvaged from the historic former Rogers Bridge over the Chattahoochee River. The art piece was placed next to the new trail connection at Creekside Park.

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We are here to serve the families and communities of Dunwoody. We do that in lots of ways. JULIE NEWMAN, Dunwoody Prep administrative director 8 | Forsyth Herald | February 8, 2024

Dunwoody Prep grows with Perimeter city By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — Transitioning operations of a multigenerational business comes with challenges, especially maintaining the legacy of a community institution, like Dunwoody Prep. When Jane Newman and her family moved to Dunwoody more than 35 years ago, the former schoolteacher had an innovative idea, a full-time preschool for working parents. Newman, a Savannah native, holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Boston University and a master’s in teaching from Simmons College. She also helped develop the Gifted and Talented Program for central Pennsylvania. Julie Newman, administrative director at Dunwoody Prep, said her mother saw what working parents and children needed before the jump to kindergarten. When Jane Newman founded Dunwoody Prep in 1988, her husband Bruce Newman leased the space for the preschool at the Shops of Dunwoody. “He and my mom recognized that there was a need in Dunwoody for full-time, high-quality and academic childcare,” Julie said. “We had a lot of ‘mothers’ morning out’ and part-time church programs, but we didn’t have an academic, full-day program.” In the 1980s at Vanderlyn Elementary, Julie said she was one of the few students with a full-time working mother. “Now, everyone comes from a two-parent working household,” she said. “They really saw where things were going, and that there was a need in our neighborhood.” When Dunwoody Prep first opened in the Shops of Dunwoody, the preschool exclusively took in children ages 3-5. As the program evolved, parents of students asked for childcare to include infants, toddlers and 2-yearolds. The push for expanded childcare led to the acquisition of a property across the street at Dunwoody Village.

See PREP, Page 9

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

From left, Curriculum Coordinator Savannah Shepherd, Administrative Director Julie Newman and Director Edye Summerfield Disner stand on new playground equipment Jan. 30 at Dunwoody Prep.

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Continued from Page 8 For a few years, Julie said Dunwoody Prep operated its programs at both locations, before acquiring more space in Dunwoody Village. Today, Dunwoody Prep has 11 classrooms, 2 classroom buildings and an indoor gym in its complex at 5493 Chamblee Road. Offering more than a daycare Dunwoody Prep offers full day, yearround programs for infants though 5-yearolds. High-quality and academic childcare is a priority for Julie, who serves as administrative director. There are five areas of development that are critical for a child’s readiness for kindergarten: physical well-being and motor development; social and emotional development; language; approaches to learning; and cognitive and general knowledge. Dunwoody Prep’s “whole child” approach, happy and loving environment and specialty programs ensure graduates consistently excel in private and public K-12 education, Julie said. Children are divided into age groups: infants, or children less than a year old; toddlers and 2s; preschool, ages 3-4; and pre-K, ages 4-5. New students are accepted before the start of the summer program in June or the start of the academic school year in August. One of Dunwoody Prep’s goals is to be reflective of the community and to evolve with it. Julie said she could not provide an exact number of how many children have attended Dunwoody Prep. She estimates more than 5,000 families from Metro Atlanta have sent their children to the preschool, producing an estimated 10,000 alums. Most students live in Dunwoody’s 30338 ZIP code, with others from Sandy Springs and Brookhaven, Julie said. “We are here to serve the families and communities of Dunwoody,” Julie said. “We do that in lots of ways.” Mayor Lynn Deutsch attended Dunwoody Prep’s food drive in November 2022. When the city unveiled a public art installation in December 2023, Dunwoody officials and the Spruill Center for the Arts invited Dunwoody Prep’s Lions class to have fun and play. Dunwoody Prep received a small business grant from the city’s allotment of Coronavirus Aid, relief, and Economic Security Act. The money was essential for keeping up operations during the height of the pandemic, Julie said. Turning over operations Julie Newman said her parents, who came from family businesses, did not want

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

A look at Dunwoody Prep’s Preschool Building at 5493 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. The sequestered location off a major city thoroughfare provides a convenient location for year-round child care. to force her or her brother into operations at Dunwoody Prep. When the preschool was in the process of receiving an accreditation in 2018, Jane Newman was asked about her succession plan. Julie served as a public defender in Fulton County for nine years before transitioning to administrative director at Dunwoody Prep. “My worst day here is better than just about all of my best days there,” Julie said. As a full-time attorney, Julie Newman would visit classes at the preschool on Friday afternoons for a therapeutic experience. She started a full-time position in November 2018. Julie Newman said she decided she wanted to get more involved with “her family,” which includes the team of curriculum directors, staff and teachers at Dunwoody Prep. “It is a huge legacy,” Julie said. “This institution that my mother built, like I said we have been a part of thousands of families in the community.” When the COVID-19 pandemic engulfed the nation in spring 2020, the needs of working parents shifted. “When 2020 hit, I had been here for a year full time,” Julie said. “What that has done is given me the opportunity to rebuild the business.” Instead of dropping off preschoolers at 7 a.m. five days a week, Julie said parents working full time have more flexibility in their schedules. “I laugh, you can tell the difference just based on what time the kids show up to school now,” Newman said. When the pandemic shut down Dunwoody Prep in March 2022, 181 kids were enrolled. Julie and her staff redesigned the

outdoor playground areas to accommodate more students, used the courtyard and gym and kept the institution afloat. The preschool and nursery balanced keeping students, teachers and families safe with continuing to provide a high level of childcare, Julie said.

New air filters throughout the building, expanded outdoor classroom capacity and other precautions kept Dunwoody Prep operating during the pandemic. “Our parents appreciated that we were thinking these things through,” Julie said.

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On Occam’s Razor, Hickam’s Dictum and Crabtree’s Bludgeon Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta

fit our previous beliefs and account for the new evidence. Never underestimate the ability of people who are wrong to invent reasons not to admit it and to figure out how Arriving at a correct diagnosis is not a the new evidence actually further proves simple matter. With the exception of the oc- that they are right. (Think Flat Earthers) casional conspiracy theorist (Is Elvis alive?), Sometimes, a doctor can cling to an most people gravitate to the least elaborate erroneous diagnosis far too long when what explanation to a question – the explanation the patient needs is a complete reassessthat makes the fewest assumptions to fit ment. This is one of the most compelling available data. arguments for patients receiving second Indeed, this approach is known as “Ocopinions. cam’s razor” and is the most famous rule of One of the most interesting cases diagnosis taught in medical school. Within that I have encountered in my medical medicine, this rule is sometimes abbrevicareer occurred when I spent a month ated to mean that a doctor should seek one studying at Stanford University. A patient single unifying diagnosis that explains all presented to Stanford’s dermatology clinic of a patient’s complaints instead of trying with a tumor near her optic nerve and with to explain five complaints with five discertain birthmarks of her skin. She was eases. For example, if a patient has a tick sent by the ophthalmology department to bite, rash, fever, headache and confusion, the dermatology department for an opinion perhaps a single tick-borne illness explains on whether the eye tumor was related to the all the symptoms and the patient can be birthmarks. treated accordingly rather than delaying The stakes were high. If the eye tumor treatment and introducing risk to perform was deemed connected to the skin findspinal taps, MRIs or other investigations to ings, then the ophthalmologists planned search for second, third or fourth diseases. on watchful waiting and observation of the Occam’s razor might sound like obvitumor. If not, then they planned surgery ous and sage advice. Unfortunately, it which could result in blindness in that eye. proves wrong often enough that a Dr. John I spent hours researching the embryology of Hickam, former departmental head of her findings and discovered reasons to bemedicine at Indiana University, felt the need lieve that the patient’s tumor was very likely to remind students that Occam’s Razor an atypical presentation of a disease called is sometimes wrong. He coined Hickam’s segmental neurofibromatosis. I concluded Dictum, which states “patients can have as that the tumor and the birthmarks were many diseases as they [darn] well please.” very likely part of a single syndrome. (Dr. Hickam used the other D word, but we When I presented the case at Stanmay have children in the audience.) ford’s dermatology grand rounds, Occam, How often is Occam’s razor wrong? Hickam, and Crabtree all showed up. Great In my physical diagnosis class in medical debate ensued. The first professor to speak school, a professor taught us that there was argued for the optic nerve tumor being una study of inpatients admitted at a universi- related to the birthmarks. Other professors ty hospital in which the researchers looked found my evidence for a syndrome convincat how often at least two diagnoses were ing. When the first professor found herself necessary to account for the patient’s chief outnumbered, she doubled down and complaint. The result? One third of the bludgeoned her way into arguing that the time at least two diseases were to blame. data was not only weak but actually backed Hickam’s dictum counterbalances Occam’s her argument. razor and reminds us of not becoming How did things turn out? The patient nearsighted or prematurely triumphant chose observation instead of surgery. My upon reaching a plausible single diagnosis. visit to Stanford ended, but I corresponded Sometimes two or more diseases are to with a professor there, and the last update blame. Sometimes, the patient in respirathat I received was that the patient was dotory distress has the flu and covid. ing well with no further growth of the tumor A third rule, Crabtree’s Bludgeon on subsequent MRIs. might be my favorite. Who doesn’t love a I hope that you enjoyed this peek into good bludgeon? (You can tell I am a father diagnosis within medicine. For readers with of boys). Crabtree’s bludgeon says that children or grandchildren, I suggest that the a motivated individual will figure out an lessons to be learned from Occam, Hickam intelligible method of explaining away a set and Crabtree are worth sharing and have of contradictions, no matter how contradic- relevance far beyond the field of medicine. tory they are and how wrong they might be. If you or a loved one has a possible skin This rule hints at the extent to which we cancer or any medical or cosmetic skincare humans often doggedly stick to a certain need, please consider Premier Dermatolconviction or belief despite all the evidence ogy and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent to the contrary. New evidence says we might Taylor, Kathryn Filipek, PA-C and our wonbe wrong? No problem. We simply reason derful staff are honored to take care of you out elaborate new rules and exceptions that and your family.

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12 | February 8, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

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geon will make a small incision in the abdomen and deliver extreme heat radiofrequency currents through a scope to destroy abnormal tissue on the outside of the heart. The electrophysiologist will insert a catheter through your groin and use radiofrequency ablation of extreme heat or cold to target the heart tissue and eliminate abnormal electrical impulses. • AtriClip. This is a permanent clip-like implant used to close off the left atrial appendage, where blood tends to collect in people with AFib. Closing this off can decrease the risk of blood clot formation and lower your risk of stroke. Some AFib patients also benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy using a defibrillator. Our cardiac electrophysiologists place the pacemaker under the skin in a minor surgical procedure. To partner with a Wellstar cardiologist in North Fulton to treat AFib or another heart condition, schedule an appointment by calling (770) 410-4520.

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | February 8, 2024 | 13

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14 | February 8, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

The fewest words Brought to you by - Ashley Nash, LAPC, Summit Counseling Center As a therapist, but also a human being who was not blessed with the most loving of families growing up, I find myself often giving to others more than I give back to myself. Like so many others, I feel the inevitable guilt that comes with allowing indulgence in anything when you know, deep down, that other priorities require your focus. After all, who else is going to do it? Recently, however, I have found a way to indulge myself in a small task that, on the surface, seems like I am giving to others, but in reality – I am being selfish and relishing their reactions. I make it a point if not each day, then every other day, to compliment a stranger on something small, perhaps their nail color, clothing, or even the way they phrased a sentence. Personally, I know that I adore receiving small, innocent praises in passing because it feels so much more genuine than someone who is making it clear that they are aiming for flattery. I had no idea that my doing this would cause such a ripple effect on those around me. When it first began, I would be chatting while out walking with my husband and stop him randomly to reach out to a passerby about a small item I adored, offering a tiny nod to their style wrapped with a pleasant smile. My husband, a crane operator who is very much immersed in the stereotypical construction environment of macho, boot-strapped, no-nonsense communication, took notice of the reaction that I would elicit from others and how that small task would immediately brighten my affect. It feels good to make other people smile! Flash forward just six months, and my husband quietly implemented a policy to send minimal, random texts to his employees and friends just to check

in on their wellbeing. Since then, the response he has received has been overwhelmingly positive, because men rarely ever reach out to other men in a genuine, caring manner to just “check-in,” let alone complement one another. Most notably, he invited an older fellow, known for his guarded exterior and who doesn’t normally interact much in group settings, to a golf tournament, not expecting him to accept. My husband knew that just the invitation alone could create a connection. The gentleman not only accepted but pulled my husband aside after the tournament and said quietly, “Today was the 1st anniversary of my wife’s passing, and I don’t know what today would have been like if you hadn’t invited me here.” That story will always stick with me because it truly only takes a few words, a simple connection, or a passing acknowledgment to bring joy to people when they are struggling to find slivers of light in dark days. The fewest words can convey the most epic stories. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us at summitcounseling.org or 678-8935300.

Julian Bond – Father, Leader and Renaissance Man, Parts 1 & 2 This week on The Georgia Politics Podcast, Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond joins Craig to talk about the legacy of his late father, civil rights leader Julian Bond. Julian Bond was a prominent American civil rights activist, scholar, and politician. Bond became a key figure in the struggle for civil rights during the 1960s. He co-founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and played a crucial role in organizing protests against segregation and discrimination. Bond’s commitment to justice extended beyond activism; he served in the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate for over two decades, making history as the first African American to be nominated for Vice President of the United States by a major party in 1968.

Live Your Best Life

As a professor, Bond taught at various institutions, including the University of Virginia and Harvard University. Throughout his life, Julian Bond remained a tireless advocate for equality, leaving an indelible mark on the civil rights movement and American history. His legacy continues to inspire future generations in the ongoing pursuit of social justice.

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AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | February 8, 2024 | 15

Calendar

FEB. 8 — FEB. 18

EURYDICE

What: Produced in partnership by Act1 Theater and the City of Alpharetta, “Eurydice” reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. When: Feb. 9-18, times vary Where: Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street, Alpharetta Cost: $18-20 More info: act1theater.org

MASTER GARDENER TALK

What: Join for an engaging talk about companion planting with master gardener Richard Osterholtz. This free class includes coffee and light snacks. Master gardeners will be on hand to answer questions. When: Saturday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody More info: dcgo.org

What: Presented by Dezhu US, the City of Johns Creek’s Lunar New Year celebration is a family-friendly event that embraces cultural diversity in the community with food and performances. Commonly known as the Spring Festival in East Asia, Lunar New Year commemorates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. When: Saturday, Feb. 10, 12-4 p.m. Where: Heisman Field, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov

LUNAR NEW YEAR

METROPOLITAN ATLANTA COMMUNITY BAND What: The Metropolitan Atlanta Community Band and Groveway Community Group celebrates Black History Month with classical and popular music composed or performed by African American musicians. When: Saturday, Feb. 10, 3-5:30 p.m. Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell Cost: $17 to $20 More info: roswell365.com

CHAMBER IN HEELS WOMEN’S LUNCHEON

What: From the Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber, MJ Impastato will guide

participants through the complex world of leadership in the post-pandemic business world. With a focus on how women are uniquely skilled to lead as organizations continue to evolve, Impastato will encourage you to reinforce and grow your voice as a leader. When: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Where: Serendipity Labs Dunwoody, 121 Perimeter Center West, Dunwoody Cost: $35-50 More info: perimeterchamber.com

LOVE SONG THROUGH THE DECADES

ISN’T IT ROMANTIC?

FOLKTALES FROM AFRICA AND THE GULLAH PEOPLE WITH JOSIE BAILEY

What: Jazz musicians Joe Alterman on piano and Houston Person on saxophone come together for a Valentine’s Day performance with romantic favorites and “American Songbook” selections, including “My Funny Valentine.” When: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Where: Studio Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: $40-80 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT! It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people, whether online, through our newsletters or in the Crier and Herald newspapers.

What: Singer and actress Hannah Craton is coming back to Stage Door with a whole new set list of love ballads and romantic hits from the 1930s to today. When: Friday-Sunday, Feb. 16-18, times vary Where: Stage Door Theater, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: $15-28 More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

What: Join storyteller Josie Bailey and hear the traditional tales that came from Africa with enslaved people who shaped the culture of the Southeast and America. When: Saturday, Feb. 17, 2-3 p.m. Where: Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell Cost: Free More info: roswell365.com

To promote your event, follow these easy steps:

1. 2. 3. 4.

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY

What: This immersive concert-style theater show chronicles the journey of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, from their humble beginnings as “Tom and Jerry” to their success and dramatic split, culminating with the famous “Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 with more than half a million fans in attendance. When: Saturday, Feb. 17, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m. Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: $56.70-86.65 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

NO MORE HIDDEN FIGURES: VISUAL ARTISTS ON BLACKNESS

What: The Johns Creek Arts Center will have an exhibit on display through the end of February. When: Until Feb. 23, business hours Where: Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekarts.org

Visit AppenMedia.com/Calendar Provide the details for your event including title, description, location and date Click the red button that reads “Create event” That’s it! Submissions are free, though there are paid opportunities to promote your event in print and online.

PuzzleJunction.com

16 | February 8, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

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A long hospital stay is force-fed humility

MIKE TASOS Columnist

Having been “incarcerated” since January 5th, I have experienced being hospitalized for the majority of 2024. My outside time has been limited, and even with the chilly weather, being outside is a rare gift. Ditto for a decent

meal. It looks like I’ll walk through my own door, be in my own house, sit in my own chair and watch the Super Bowl from the friendly surroundings of my beloved Man Cave, in a week. I’d like to jump for joy if I wasn’t constantly being reminded to not put any weight on what used to be my right foot. Even before the surgery that removed all my toes, my foot was no Michelangelo. From my perch, feet seldom are. Now I’ve adopted a “dance with the one that brung you” perspective. Never a John Travolta when it came to busting a move on the dance floor, being mobile we be an adventure I’m ready to launch. With all this alone time, looking at a foot that looks resembles a 2-iron, we’ve made an agreement that we both must stick with:

• No more infections. • Daily foot inspections • Clean socks • Regular walks • Good shoes • No singing the blues (unless I’m in a Mississippi roadhouse) I am firmly ensconced at Encompass in Cumming, an acute rehab facility that is top-notch. The physical and occupational therapists work me for three hours every day, forcing me to unearth muscles I’d relegated to hibernation for decades. These sessions have often been one of the highlights of what can be a long and lonely day. With all this time for self-reflection, I have formulated a few observations and hints that might prevent your friends and family members experiencing something similar from going completely bonkers. -A visit means so much: I know. I know. We’re all so busy. But a short pop-in to talk and listen will mean so much. My brother Matt surprised me all the way from Idaho, walking through the door during a phone conversation. He spent a few days with Vicki and the boys. I was humbled at the love demonstrated by his gesture, as well as being grateful at being able to tell

him I loved him from a hospital bed. -It could always be worse: The other day, the therapist gathered a group of elderly patients for some impromptu memory care, asking the assembled if they knew what day it was. There was no consensus among the members of the quintet. There wasn’t a correct answer as well. Looks of consternation all around. It reminded me of trying to do high school algebra. -Hospital food is bad food: There’s no way to sugarcoat it. I harkened back to days when Mom would dole out a concoction when I was ill. There is no way to make something prepared in bulk to taste as good as anything consumed on the “outside.” There’s also no way that mystery meat I consumed last night was even a distant cousin to Salisbury Steak. -Hospital workers are quirky, bless their hearts: A doctor comes in every morning and asks me if I’m in pain. He also asks me if I want the blinds raised. I’ve taken to telling him how much I love the darkness. Shortly thereafter, I had a session with a psychiatrist, who asked me questions with the blinds raised all the way to the top. I was rousted like a park bench bum this morning and asked if I wanted some ice water. It was 4:45am. She was so sweet and hailed from some place other than here. I couldn’t be mean. It’s hard to curb someone with that kind of enthusiasm after she stayed up all night. I’m learning to cope, to appreciate having a shower while sitting on a bench. So far nothing has been better. Then again, with a week to go, I hear we might be having prime rib for dinner. My question is: Prime Rib of what? 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.

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AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | February 8, 2024 | 17

PRESERVING THE PAST

Remembering J.B. Broadwell – farmer, inventor, builder John B Broadwell (1855-1953) was so poor as a child that he could not afford to go to school. Yet, he became a successful farmer who developed new strains of cotton. He invented at least two farm implements. BOB MEYERS Columnist He built the iconic Broadwell Building in downtown Crabapple. He married twice, and at age of 83 talked about starting another family. J. B. was quite a fellow. J.B. spent his entire life in Crabapple. He died of pneumonia and was buried in the Crabapple Baptist Cemetery as were his parents, Euel Broadwell and Mary Broadwell, and his wife, Nancy Ruth Rucker Broadwell (1860-1937). Like many cotton farmers, his family was too poor to send him to school, so he taught himself to read and write. The Broadwell family home was built in 1843. It was restored and made into a restaurant called Mr. B’s in 1990 by Ruby and Lloyd Pittman. In 2002 it was sold again, renovated by its new owners and renamed the Broadwell House restaurant. It is now known as Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails, a centerpiece of downtown Crabapple. Norman Broadwell is J.B.’s second cousin. He notes that his cousin crossbred his plants to develop new and improved strains using seeds from plants that provided the most bolls of cotton. His champion 6-foot-tall stalk of cotton containing 715 bolls was put on display for many years in the State Capitol museum. The stalk was grown by a creek on his property where Mayfield Park is today. J.B. knew how to market his cotton and was a familiar figure driving his horse-drawn wagon around Fulton County promoting his “Double Jointed Cotton” with the wagon’s large sign proclaiming, “3 Bales on One Acre in 1911.” By using his carefully selected seeds he was able to outproduce other farmers at a lower cost per bale. His Broadwell Cotton Seed was well known throughout the Southeast. J.B. was an inventor. His machine to catch boll weevils worked, but the use of sprayed poison proved to be more economical. His patented combination corn planter and fertilizer distributer prototype was destroyed by fire, and he never built another. He built the first flour mill in the area and was known to introduce banking to children by offering to match their first deposited dollar. The Atlanta Constitution in 1934

Norm Broadwell remembers the important role the building played. It stocked food items and light agricultural equipment. In summer, during the “laying by” period, while cotton plants were growing, farmers played dominos on the porch. “It was the first local self-service store,” says Norm. “Domino players went into the store to get whatever they needed, left money and took their change. Dominos was a big deal.” Norm recalls that the store was the first place in Crabapple to have a telephone. “People came in just to use the phone,” he says. Sheila Rucker Chapman recalls that the phone was visible from the front door. NORM BROADWELL/PROVIDED

John B. Broadwell is shown on the wagon he used to promote his prize winning “Double-Jointed” cotton seed. Shown with him are his daughter Nalle Broadwell Reese, her husband John Cantrell Reese, John Broadwell’s wife Nancy Rucker Broadwell, John’s brother Newport Broadwell Jr. and his wife Cora Mewburn Broadwell and possibly her half-brother Eli Mewburn.

BOB BERRY/PROVIDED

This is an iconic photo of the Broadwell Building which J.B Broadwell built about 1900 as a dry goods store. The photo taken in the early 1900s shows local baseball star Nap Rucker standing in his Brooklyn Dodgers uniform in front of a carriage. Everyone appears to be dressed up, possibly to honor their local hero. referred to J.B. as “one of the best known farmers in country…and is reputed to have grown more wheat and corn per acre than any farmer in old Milton County.” On his 83 birthday in February 1938, J.B. married Nell Brewer Harris, a nurse 37 years his junior and was quoted in the Atlanta Constitution that he might want to start a new family. J.B.’s building Around 1905, J.B. built a dry goods

store in downtown Crabapple which his half-brother Newport Broadwell Jr. managed. The two-story building was made of sunbaked clay bricks, which J.B. had made in a brickyard at Broadwell Road and Rucker Road. In the 1960s, the State of Georgia was going to demolish the building, which was vacant at the time, and use the bricks in a heritage complex at Stone Mountain Park, that is until they realized that the bricks were too soft to withstand demolition.

A local landmark Local residents Ben and Linda Statham lived in the building when they were first married. Ben’s parents, Ben and Pat, now deceased, bought the building in the mid-1960s when the building had been vacant for about 10 years. The building is still in the Statham family. “There was a large Coca Cola sign on the building when they bought it. Ben’s father decided to paint ‘the world’s biggest crabapple’ over the Coke sign,” said Linda. The Stathams rented the 2,700-square-foot downstairs for $100 a per month to John and Cleo Morgan who sold rocks and gems to collectors. Ben’s mother ran an antique store upstairs from 1965 until her death in 1988. Subsequently, Bob Berry operated a design business upstairs and Ben’s brother Floyd briefly had a real estate business there. The entire building has been occupied since 2017 by the JRL Coal company, which mines surface and underground coal in Harlan County Kentucky. According to CEO Tim B. Lusby “We selected the building as our headquarters due to its historic nature, central location and because many members of the management team live in Milton, Alpharetta and Woodstock.” The company has sold more than 5 million tons of coal since its founding in 2016. 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.

18 | February 8, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

OPINION

PAST TENSE

THE INK PENN

Memories of past snowstorms Two British from those who survived them mysteries 1940 in Atlanta began with an ice storm in the first few days of the year. The snow and ice caused power lines to break and trees to fall. The result was trolleys automobiles VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF and unable to travel Columnist and school closings. On Jan. 24, 1940, The Atlanta Constitution headline read “Deepest snow in history cripples city, freeze threatens more trouble today.” A record 10.3 inches of snow had fallen in Atlanta, and the snow reached far into South Georgia. Many Atlantans were iced in on Jan. 1, 1964, following a New Years Eve storm. Snow arrived on the morning of Jan. 13, 1964, causing schools to close early. Phil Stovall remembers a snowfall in the early 1960s, when he was a student at D.F. McClatchey Elementary School. The school on Loridans Drive was later demolished to make way for Georgia 400. Stovall and friends had fun sliding on trash can tops and cardboard boxes, which worked best on icy surfaces. Some families had storebought sleds, but he helped his dad construct a sled from boards and metal runners. His family didn’t lose power often, but they kept a fire going and dried wet clothes in front of the fire. The ice storm of January 1973 wreaked havoc by coating trees and power lines. My family was without power and stayed close by the fireplace. Cooking was done on the fire or with Sterno, a staple for the 1970s home with a fondue pot. Jeff Glaze was in the eighth grade at Peachtree High School in 1973. His family was without power for about 10 days. Jeff’s uncle owned Glaze’s Hardware at Winters Chapel Road and Peeler Road. Uncle Glaze kept ringing up groceries with his older model electric cash register which also had a hand crank, while the more modern Winn Dixie across the road could not operate without electricity. Bonnie Smith Nichols and her family were living at 4831 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, known today as

‘IMAGES OF AMERICA, SANDY SPRINGS’/ KIMBERLY M. BRIGANCE AND MORRIS V. MOORE

An unidentified woman walks in the snow of 1940 along Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. Burdette Store with a Coca-Cola sign is in the background.

Donaldson-Bannister Farm, in 1973. The electricity was off for three days. “It wasn’t as bad for us because we had so many fireplaces. There was a full-size cast iron cookstove on the small, enclosed porch next to the kitchen and it was a lifesaver. Once it got going, we had hot meals and even oven baked biscuits. We stayed out there during the day and slept in the bedrooms with the fireplaces.” Nichols’ father Frank Smith owned a nursery business and had greenhouses at the farm. “Daddy and my brother went out every two hours to keep the generators going.” Suzanne Huff of Dunwoody recalls hearing pine trees crack and fall during the night because the ice was so heavy on them. “One tree leaned so far that it was hanging over my bedroom and my parents made me move to another room for fear it would come through the roof. When we didn't get power after a day or so, we ended up going to stay with some family friends.” When Snow Jam ’82 hit Atlanta

in January of that year, Huff was away at college. The storm came on suddenly with 4 inches of snow in the middle of the afternoon. Huff’s dad was working near the I-75/I-285 interchange. It took him over four hours to return to Dunwoody. Phil Stovall was working in downtown Atlanta in 1982. “I was working in a building overlooking I-85 at Peachtree and heard the weather report, and when I saw the first precipitation coming down figured it was time to beat the traffic and headed home.” He made it home, where he and others helped cars get through a major intersection. The following day, despite road conditions, he went out with snow chains to show real estate to a customer. “Cars were abandoned in the middle of the street everywhere; you had to zigzag and weave your way around them…” Chris Curth of Sandy Springs was working downtown in 1982. “Our company was in Peachtree Center; we were trapped! I don't remember which restaurant (maybe Benihana) was in the mall downstairs but, it stayed open all night and we had a blast.” He remembers a huge crowd, with everyone singing at the bar. They were able to get home the next day. The snowstorm of 1993 became known as the Blizzard of ’93, where from 4 inches to 1 and a-half feet of snow was reported in North Georgia. Huff remembers lightning and thunder in the night and snow blowing so hard you could barely see out the window. There was plenty of snow for sledding, snowball fights and building a snowman. However, there were also power outages with the Blizzard of ’93. It has now been 10 years since the storm nicknamed Snowpocalypse. Georgians lack of skill driving under these conditions means sometimes we get a snow day at the mere mention of the word. Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

at their best If you follow my columns, you had to know it wouldn’t be long before I returned to British mysteries. I don’t consciously say to myself, “It’s time to return to England,” but somehow that’s happens. Once KATHY MANOS PENN what again, I can’t recall Columnist where I heard about these two, but I’m delighted I discovered them. One was written during the Golden Age between the two world wars, the other is set in that era. Both were immensely enjoyable. “Mystery in White” by J. Jefferson Farjeon Originally published in 1937, this novel was republished as a British Library Crime Classic in 2014. Farjeon was as well known in the Golden Age as authors like Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie. Sayers described him as “quite unsurpassed for creepy skill in mysterious adventures.” The setup is eerily reminiscent to that of Christie’s “Death on the Orient Express” which was published three years prior, but a train encountering a blizzard is the only similarity. The action quickly moves beyond the train when a group of passengers venture out and trudge through the snow to a deserted house. There, they find the fires laid and food in the pantry — as though the occupants stepped out for a brief moment. Red herrings are masterfully strewn among the clues, and witty dialogue abounds. Only a very careful reader is likely to solve the entire mystery before the end. I say “entire” because there are several components to the “Mystery in White.” If you like classic Golden Age mysteries, this is the book for you. “Death in Focus” by Anne Perry Set between the World Wars, this is the first in what is now the five-book Elena Standish series. Anne Perry is well known for three series: William Monk, Charlotte and Thomas Pitt, and Daniel Pitt—all set in Victorian England. Her newest series features a 28-yearold British heroine who is visiting the Amalfi Coast as a photographer. In the blink of an eye, she discovers a dead

See PENN, Page 20

GARDEN BUZZ

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | February 8, 2024 | 19

Discover a beautiful native garden in heart of Roswell Tucked away in the lush woodlands of historic Roswell, lies an elegant home with a rich history, built by the Smiths, one of Roswell's founding families. In 1838, the Smith JANE WALSH family, along with Guest Columnist 30 of their enslaved individuals, left behind two struggling plantations on the Georgia coast to start anew with 300 acres of cotton farmland north of the Roswell Square. Their home, crafted by the hands of enslaved labor in 1845, has been preserved through three generations of the Smith family and now stands as a museum open to the public. Over the span of 160 years, the Archibald Smith Plantation weathered the passage of time, remaining steadfast as the once-small mill village of Roswell transformed into a thriving metropolitan suburb. The Smiths' two-story farmhouse, meticulously preserved, stands alongside various outbuildings, including servants' quarters, a cookhouse, a smokehouse, a corn crib, a barn, a carriage house, a well and a spring house. Since August 14, 2001, the Archibald Smith Plantation Home has been an official demonstration project of the North Fulton Master Gardeners and UGA Extension Fulton County. Located in the heart of Roswell at 935 Alpharetta Street, this 8-acre former terraced cotton plantation, with the Smith Home and its surrounding grounds, stands as an exceptional example of architectural, cultural and historical interpretation in the region. The primary focus of the Master Gardener project has been the restoration and maintenance of approximately two

Ballots: Continued from Page 3 Smith said it takes elections staff several hours to prepare for audits. In recent years, the Elections Office has held audits at its warehouse. Staff must move all elections equipment to create an open public space for the count to be conducted, and all participants must be trained. “There is an organization to it,” Smith said. “There is making sure that you can see everything. There’s no trashcan, there’s no bin, there’s nothing that you can’t see. You’ve got to have a public area there. You’ve got to have an area for

acres of native woodland adjacent to the main house. This area encompasses a spring, the original stone Spring House, and two streams. NFMG volunteers have been dedicated to replanting and preserving this woodland. Over time, non-native trees, shrubs, bulbs and flowering plants had either invaded or been intentionally introduced to the woodland. Consequently, the project's ultimate goal is to have the woodland certified by the Georgia Native Plant Society, earning the Gold Native Plant Habitat Award. To date, the site has achieved the Silver Native Plant Habitat Award from GNPS. (https:// gnps.org/conservation/native-planthabitat-certification-2/) After more than 20 years of devoted work, the area now features wellmaintained stone-lined pathways, a labyrinth and an array of native plants, shrubs and ferns. Several stone benches provide peaceful spots for reflection. Volunteer activities span a wide spectrum, from planting new native species to weeding, watering and tending to existing plantings. The project also involves cleaning and upgrading the stream banks, the rejuvenation/ restoration of stream bridges, and the monitoring of the historical stone wall on the far side of the spring, which was initially restored by a Master Gardener. Be sure to keep an eye out for the changing landscape at the Smith Plantation Home. Season by season, you can expect to encounter a delightful array of native plants and flowers that grace the woodland with their natural beauty. Our goal is to reduce the number of exotic plants at Smith Plantation Home. Exotic plants are plants native to other regions and countries and not native to the Southeast. Their introduction can be inconsequential/ pretty at best and devastating at worst.

Privet and kudzu are just two of many examples of how exotics can crowd out beneficial native plants. Exotic plants can be food for our native fauna but are a poor substitute for the wildlife’s normal nutritional needs. The primary goal for the work at Archibald Smith Plantation is to reintroduce and restore native flora to the site. Bringing in native Southeastern plants to this lovely, relaxing spot in downtown Roswell helps educate visitors of the importance of native plants and their crucial role in sustaining native flora and fauna. This endeavor supports migrating birds and pollinators on their journey through our area. Many birds and butterflies need high calorie plants and berries native to our area to make the long journey. At Smith Plantation, our commitment to preserving the natural ecosystem is evident in our extensive collection of native trees and perennial plants. Among our carefully chosen selections are various trees, shrubs, ferns and a diverse array of forbs. Notably, forbs, defined as herbaceous flowering plants excluding grasses, sedges and rushes, play a crucial role in enhancing the biodiversity of our landscape. Our tree varieties include big leaf magnolias, red buckeyes, bottlebrush buckeyes, and painted buckeyes. Ad-

your vote review panelists so that they can be observing it as well. So, in terms of setup on our end, it’s labor intensive and time consuming at what, for us, is a very busy time.” Despite the labor, there are residents who say they are willing to assist. One speaker, Frank Schneider, shared a presentation in favor of a hand count. Schneider said he and many residents want to conduct a 100 percent hand count on paper ballots for the March 12 presidential preference primary. If that timeline does not work, he said they would like to audit the May primary. He supported his argument with reference to DeKalb County Commissioner Michelle Long Spears. Spears initially

ranked last in the 2022 Democratic primary for the District 2 seat, but a subsequent hand count revealed Spears received the most votes. The Georgia Secretary of State’s office discovered a technical error in the precinct scanners had affected the race. Schneider said he and other citizens conducted a trial hand count in December using 1,150 ballots from the March 2020 Cherokee County presidential primary. He said the ballot tabulation took 55 minutes, and there were zero errors. Schneider said the total trial — including ballot segregation, batch creation, counting and tabulation — took 28 hours and 30 minutes and was conducted by 25 people who received

About the author This week’s guest “Garden Buzz” columnist is Roswell resident Jane Walsh, a Master Gardener since 2012. She is a licensed RN and certified massage therapist practicing craniosacral therapy, Neural Reset therapy, and massage therapy. Her hobbies are staying healthy with Pilates, bicycling, hiking in North Georgia and encouraging the planting of native plants in Roswell's parks, government green spaces and private homes.

ditionally, we have incorporated a range of viburnums, beautyberries, buttonbushes, native azaleas, Itea virginica and sweet shrubs into our plantation woodland garden. Fostering a rich fern population, we have introduced native species such as Christmas fern, pink lady fern, Northern maidenhair fern, royal fern, cinnamon fern, Southern chain fern and marginal wood fern. Complementing these, our forb selection encompasses blue-eyed grass, Monarda, Chelone, Iris virginica, Iris cristata, mountain mint, Rudbeckia hirta, Echinacea purpurea, Lobelia cardinalis, Asclepias tuberosa and Asclepias incarnata. We are delighted to report numerous successes in our efforts to cultivate a thriving and diverse plant community that reflects the beauty and resilience of native flora. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and gardens at their leisure during daylight hours. The Archibald Smith Plantation Home and its outbuildings are open on the following schedule: Wednesday - Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday: 1-4 p.m. The site is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For additional details, please visit https://www.roswellgov.com/discoverus/historic-house-museums#visit. Happy native plant gardening! North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https:// appenmedia.com/opinion/columnists/ garden_buzz/. training and followed procedure. If 60,000 ballots were cast in the presidential preference primary, he estimated it would require 150 people over an eight-hour period. “The point in this is we can do this, and we can do it effectively,” Schneider said. The decision to audit more ballots than required by the state ultimately falls on the Elections Board, but the County Commission may authorize additional funding if needed. In addition to volunteering for audits, Smith encouraged residents to engage in the “front end” of elections by volunteering to serve as a poll worker, viewing logic and accuracy testing, and witnessing the counts on Election Day.

20 | February 8, 2024 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

NHL: Continued from Page 1 which called for 1.6 million square feet of commercial and retail space, a 750,000-square-foot arena, a community center and 450 hotel rooms. The Jan. 31 agreement marked the county’s first formal vote on the project. County financing Forsyth County would issue a $390 million revenue-backed bond to finance the project. The county would pay some $23.4 million each year to service the debt through income it receives from the development. Revenue bonds are issued by local governments to fund specific projects. The revenue generated from the project is then used to repay the debt. Taxpayers do not fund revenue bonds, unlike general obligation bonds. In return, The Gathering would pay the county $2 million annually in rent. The sum would increase by 2 percent or the current consumer price index six years after the team starts playing. Jarrard said the county would use the rent money to pay off debt but may use the funds for any government purpose after the debt is paid.

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County Attorney Ken Jarrard presents an agreement between Forsyth County and The Gathering at South Forsyth at a Board of Commissioners meeting Jan. 31. The agreement outlines each party’s commitment to the project, but Jarrard stressed the terms are nonbinding.

The county is also set to receive $1 per ticket sale for the first six years after the arena’s opening. At the sixth year, the per ticket revenue climbs to $1.50, $2 at 11 years and $2.50 at 16 years until the end of the lease. Forsyth County would own the arena, but The Gathering would handle all maintenance, operations and programming. The developers would also own the NHL franchise. If built as planned, the arena would host some 178 events each year, and the venue would not be limited to hockey. The NHL would play 41

Penn:

home games a year. To ensure the county has the revenue needed to repay the bond, the NHL team would need to continue playing in the arena until the debt is paid. The Jan. 31 agreement does not outline that guarantee. Jarrard said the county has not had serious negotiations about the requirement for the NHL team to stay, but it will be protected in future negotiations when terms are finalized. At a Forsyth County Development Authority meeting Jan. 18, County Manager David McKee said the NHL will open a franchise application in March or April, and the process could take a year. Economic feasibility Although The Gathering is building steam, the county and project staff face several hurdles to bring the development to fruition. Forsyth County commissioners approved a resolution Jan. 23 seeking redevelopment powers and a hotelmotel excise tax increase from the General Assembly. Redevelopment powers would enable the county to create tax allocation districts, a clearly defined area established to capture future tax dollars above a certain threshold and use those revenues for improvements within its boundaries. The improvements presumably would then spark more interest in economic development of the area.

Forsyth County would still receive tax dollars from the district based on its current property valuation, but that value is frozen for local taxing purposes through the term of the TAD. If the value of property rises within the district, any additional tax revenue the local government would have received is set aside for improvements within the district boundaries. At the Jan. 31 meeting, Jarrard said the transaction is “essentially unfeasible” without a tax allocation district. If the state Legislature adopted a local law authorizing the powers, Forsyth County voters would then need to approve the law in a county-wide referendum. Developers would also build 1,800 apartments and 150 single-family homes at The Gathering. County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Vice President Alex Warner said the developers would use the profits from the apartments to pay for the NHL franchise. To handle inevitable impacts on public safety, the county would also construct a 15,000-square-foot fire station, estimated to cost $6.5 million with trucks and equipment. Ernst and Young’s QUEST division, which provided the economic feasibility and impact study on the project, reported 30 new firefighters would need to be hired to handle the growth. A new Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office precinct would also be built.

Einstein and Sigmund Freud went up in flames alongside blacklisted American authors such as Ernest Hemingway and Helen Keller, while students gave the Nazi salute.” For me, the bonus in a novel like this is the opportunity to see historical events described so well that I feel like I am witnessing them firsthand. I can see the books going up in flames. Read “Death in Focus” for the intrigue, the strong heroine, and the added benefit of a history lesson. I’ll be adding “A Question of Betrayal” to my TBR list so I can get to know Elena Standish better.

The good news for me is that my husband gave me a Barnes & Noble gift certificate for Christmas. The bad news is I will have the devil of a time deciding which books to buy. Odds are they’ll be set in England.

Olicce Carr, 98, of Alpharetta, passed away on January 22, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Bernadette English, 89, of Alpharetta, passed away on January 22, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

William Schrandt, 97, of Johns Creek, passed away on January 24, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

William Credle of Roswell, passed away on January 21, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Thomas Neese, 85, of Roswell, passed away on January 22, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Gabriele Slutzky, 78, of Roswell, passed away on January 23, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Continued from Page 18 body and is off to Berlin with a man she’s just met. This spontaneity is not only out of character for Elena, but also dangerous. Berlin in 1933 is not the place to be. Add in her grandfather as a former head of MI6, and the result is a thriller / mystery combo. Elena is witness to the book burning in Berlin, where the “works of Jewish authors like Albert

Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her cozy mysteries on Amazon or locally at The Enchanted Forest, Bookmiser, Tall Tales, and Johns Creek Books. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ KathyManosPennAuthor/.

DEATH NOTICES

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