Forsyth Herald - April 6, 2023

New law bans some medical treatments for transgender youth

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed a bill co-sponsored by state senators in Alpharetta and Roswell that will limit medical care for transgender minors.

Senate Bill 140, signed into law March 23, was co-sponsored by 23 Republican state senators. The law bans medical procedures for transgender minors including genital reassignment surgeries and hormone replacement therapies. Transgender youth will still have access to puberty blockers prior to turning 18.

The law will take effect July 1. Minors already receiving hormone therapy will be allowed to continue treatment.

The bill passed the Senate 31-21. State Sens. John Albers (R-Roswell) and Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta) cosponsored and voted for the bill. Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) voted for the bill.

Sen. Josh McLaurin (D-Sandy Springs) voted against the legislation. Beach said he co-sponsored and voted for the bill because people should be 18 or older to make certain medical decisions.

“Before the age of 18, I don’t think a child is ready to make decisions that are permanent, and that’s what would happen if we hadn’t passed this bill,” Beach said.

A press representative for Senator Albers said he was unavailable for comment.

The law is based on a “significant rise in diagnoses of gender dysphoria in children” in the past decade, which the bill said often does not last into adulthood. According to the American Psychiatric Association, gender

See LAW, Page 5

Commission chairman sets upbeat tone in 2023 State of Forsyth County Address

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth

County Commission Chairman Alfred

John set a positive tone for the future to hundreds of guests at the annual State of the County Address March 28.

John said the county anticipates a great year following low crime statistics and booming economic growth in 2022. He said the county is one of the

24-year-old arrested for felony evasion

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fastest growing, most highly successful and most attractive communities in the country, which prompted the theme of the program: “We deliver.”

“Forsyth County staff and commissioners strive to deliver on the promises we have made to create a better community today, all the while keeping an eye on the vision for a better tomorrow,” John said.

The hour-long address at the Forsyth County Conference Center

County library plans for strategic future

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was interspersed with clips of county businesses and agencies, which John credited for the success and growth.

John said county first responders saw a 16 percent increase in salaries since January, and crime rates have lowered.

He listed crime statistics from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office for 2022:

See ADDRESS, Page 6

April Real Estate Report

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SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Forsyth County Commission chairman Alfred John speaks at the annual State of the County Address at the Forsyth County Conference Center March 28. John delivered remarks on the county’s economic growth and development in 2022.

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested Consuela Mayfield, 24, of Austell for allegedly speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and driving recklessly March 22.

A deputy who was conducting speed enforcement on southbound Ga. 400 at Pilgrim Mill Road reported observing Mayfield driving at 83 mph in a posted 65 mph zone with no lit taillights shortly before midnight.

Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but Mayfield only accelerated, the report states. Mayfield reportedly reached speeds of over 130 mph.

Spike strips were laid near Majors Road, the report states, but Mayfield continued driving, albeit more recklessly, after hitting the strips.

Deputies executed a PIT maneuver,

POLICE BLOTTER

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

Suspended tag stop leads to drug arrest

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Gainesville man who allegedly had baggies of methamphetamine in his coffee March 22.

Deputies patrolling on Dawsonville Highway identified the registration on a white Honda Odyssey as expired. The vehicle was registered to Jon Koppenaal, 45. Deputies conducted a traffic stop and reported observing his hands shaking as he reached for his driver’s license.

Koppenaal’s license was suspended for failure to appear, the report states. Deputies returned to his vehicle and reported seeing him send text messages that read, “Start this way,” and, “I am about to be arrested.”

causing Mayfield’s vehicle to strike a guardrail at a high rate of speed, the report states.

But she continued driving.

Deputies reported observing a tire coming off and sparks flying from the rear of the vehicle.

She reportedly continued driving over 100 mph and exited off McFarland Parkway. Mayfield then drove through the red light at the intersection, the report states, and a second tire fell off. She then lost control of the vehicle and came to a complete stop.

Deputies drew their weapons for a felony stop. Mayfield opened her door and fell onto the roadway. They observed a strong odor of alcohol coming from her and determined she was impaired to the extent that she was less than safe to drive.

Deputies detained Koppenaal in a patrol car and conducted an inventory of his vehicle. They reported finding a 9mm Hi-Point handgun and two clear baggies of suspected methamphetamine floating in a cup of coffee.

Koppenaal reportedly told deputies he did not know what was in the bags, and he said it was not his.

He was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine, felony tampering with evidence, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony and misdemeanor driving while license suspended.

Bond is set at $28,460.

Deputies find drugs following traffic stop

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies reported finding drugrelated items, drug residue and marijuana during a traffic stop for speeding on Ga. 400 northbound March 25.

Deputies reported observing a Kia Telluride driving 88 mph in a 65 mph speed zone around 3 a.m. March 25.

Mayfield reportedly first gave deputies a fake name, but authorities learned that she had multiple license suspensions for failure to appear and driving on a suspended license, as well as an active arrest warrant out of Twiggs County for traffic offenses.

Mayfield was charged with misdemeanor DUI alcohol; window, windshield or wiper violation; speeding; driving while license suspended; reckless driving; no headlights; and failure to maintain lane.

She was also cited for attempting to elude for a felony offense; giving a false name to law enforcement; and failure to obey a traffic control device.

Mayfield is being held at the Forsyth County Jail with a bond amount of $16,040.

The driver of the vehicle, Nikki Watts, 29, of Alpharetta had made erratic sudden lane changes near Union Hill Road, the report states, and deputies conducted a traffic stop.

Deputies reported smelling the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the car, and they conducted a DUI investigation due to Watts showing signs of impairment, the report states. They determined Watts was impaired by a drug to the extent that she was less than safe to drive.

When deputies tried to place Watts in the seat of the patrol car, she reportedly became emotional and laid on the ground.

Deputies reported finding a burnt marijuana cigarette roach, a vial of “an unknown clear viscous liquid,” drug paraphilia, a bottle of fake urine, a plastic baggie that appeared to contain marijuana seeds and a schedule two substance.

Watts was charged with speeding, failure to maintain lane, DUI drugs, possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce and drug-related objects, and felony possession of a schedule two drug.

Forsyth County Library hosts strategic planning event

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Armed with a survey of some 2,000 patrons, Forsyth County Public Library officials hosted a strategic planning retreat March 18 to chart a course to expand services.

Speaking at the six-hour session held at the Sharon Forks branch, Library Director Anna Lyle said patrons requested more resources, books, programs and study rooms. Overall feedback on current services, she said, was positive.

Attendees identified community partnerships and public awareness as opportunities for improvement.

Input from the event will be adopted into a strategic plan rough draft to be refined by the Library Board and Public Library Leadership Team. Lyle said the board is expected to adopt the new strategic plan in May or June.

The library hosted a similar event in 2017 to craft a 2017-2022 Strategic Plan.

Forsyth County Public Library Board Chair Kristin Morrissey said the community could benefit from more meetings like the retreat.

“The library retreat provided a unique opportunity for the sharing of

Forsyth County Public Library officials discuss future goals with patrons at a planning retreat held March 18 at the Sharon Forks Library. The session, which ran six hours, focused on the library’s successes and areas of potential improvement.

ideas and challenges between community support organizations and fresh faces of all ages representing a broad cross section of our community,” Morrissey said. “The large group and breakout session format and receptive environment encouraged open conversations and the rapid-fire flow of ideas

Children surround a fire truck at the Forsyth County Public Library’s 2022 Touch a Truck event. The library will host the event this year from 1:153 p.m. April 7 at Fowler Park.

Library schedules 2nd annual Touch a Truck at Fowler Park

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Public Library announced it will host its second annual Touch a Truck event from 1:15-3 p.m. April 7 at Fowler Park.

The event allows residents to interact with large vehicles from the Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office, National Guard, Forsyth County Schools and Barkfield Animal Hospital. It also provides opportunities to learn about

services and technologies in the county and meet those who serve the community.

“Having our apparatus shown at events like these is always an exciting chance to engage with the community in a way we usually don’t get to,” Forsyth County Fire Chief Barry Head said.

The library’s bookmobile will also on site for guests to check out books or get a library card.

Admission is free. More information can be found at https://www.forsythpl.org/ event/7939329.

and information.”

Library Communications Manager Leslie Marinelli presented an overview of the library’s five core products, including eResources, services, spaces, programs and materials.

Pinecrest Academy Head of School Jake Rodgers said parents have told

him the library makes raising a family easier.

County officials attended the retreat, including County Commission Chairman Alfred John, County Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills and Sheriff Ron Freeman. Georgia State Rep. Carter Barrett also attended.

FORSYTH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY/PROVIDED

FORSYTH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY/PROVIDED

Roswell adds restrictions on open records requests

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell City Council passed a resolution March 27 requiring people applying for public records to provide “verifiable” names and addresses along with their requests.

Those who wish to remain anonymous will have to go to Roswell City Hall to view requested records in person.

Officials say the move is to address a large volume of requests, some made by “fraudulent” people who do not pay for the records.

All but one councilmember, Sarah Beeson, voted in favor of the resolution. Beeson left the dais and took the podium to speak against the resolution saying the measure adds barriers to accessing public records.

Under the resolution, the city will not send requested records to “unverifiable” names and addresses. The definition of “verified” is not given, but Roswell City Attorney David Davidson said you should be able to “Google” a name and address or provide a form of identification at City Hall.

In an email to Davidson, Georgia Senior Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Colangelo stated that anyone who wishes

to remain anonymous can view records and pay for them in person. She also offered a second option.

“If people want the records mailed or emailed anonymously, the agency will mail them after the requester sends a money order or something,” Colangelo wrote.

City Councilwoman Beeson asked if the money order option could be added to the resolution.

“That’s going to be a policy decision for the mayor and council to decide legally,” City Attorney Davidson said.

Councilman Mike Palermo said he was not comfortable “taking on the risk” of money orders at that time. He said he could support the measure in the future if the risk of impersonation was mitigated.

The money order option was not added into the final resolution.

Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson said the decision to verify names has been spurred by people requesting records under other residents’ names. He cited one example, in which Roswell resident and former mayoral candidate Jason Yowell’s name was used to file an open records request.

Beeson argued that Yowell was a “public figure” who had publicly engaged on the issue of anonymous access to public records, and the request was a “quibble” between Yowell and the anonymous resident.

Yowell took to the podium to confirm that his name was used to file an open records request. He said he favored the resolution.

“If we’re going to have information available freely and open to the public, we’re also entitled to know who is seeking to obtain that information,” Yowell said.

Another resident, Eric Schumacher, suggested that open records requests become anonymous after they move from the clerk’s office to the rest of city staff. Schumacher said that in past years, he had issues with people not granting him certain records requests, and a level of anonymity could “protect privacy” among people filing requests.

The mayor said he “likes that idea” as

See ROSWELL, Page 5

Milton television personality schedules May 6 book signing

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Suwanee, GA 30024 Phone: (770)-418-0456

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Secret

Gardens of the Johns Creek Community tour will feature a book signing and presentation by Milton resident

and TV host Joe Lamp'l at the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve May 6.

Lamp'l, the host and executive producer of PBS’s “Growing a Greener World,” will offer a signing for his new book “The Vegetable Gardening Book” at 9:30 a.m., as well as a presentation on vegetable gardening in Georgia.

The tour hosted by Johns Creek Beautification features six home gardens at the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. Each garden includes a musical ensemble or solo performer and visual artists, and volunteers will be available to provide information about the gardens.

Proceeds from the tour support public art in the city, as well as a citywide daffodil planting that will raise awareness of cancer survivors. Proceeds will also honor veterans by planting daffodils in Newtown Park.

The tour will run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 6. Passes can be purchased for $35 at johnscreekbeautification.org/secretgarden-tour.html.

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DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

Roswell City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson takes the floor March 27 to argue against a resolution that requires “verifiable” names and addresses with open records requests. The resolution passed 5-1, with Beeson in opposition.

Law:

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dysphoria refers to psychological distress that comes when someone’s gender identity and assigned sex at birth do not align.

Opponents of the law said the ban will have negative impacts on transgender youth.

Anna Baxter, an owner, supervisor and licensed counselor at Roswell-based Love Positive Counseling, has worked with transgender people of all ages for the past eight years. The counselor said many of their clients “wouldn’t be alive today” without hormones.

“Gender dysphoria is such a complex situation, but the treatment for most folks is very simple,” Baxter said, adding that teenagers often struggle to understand that options will be available past the age of 18.

The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth said in a 2022 report that 55 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth in Georgia seriously considered suicide in the past year and 16

Roswell:

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a way of preventing bias from city staff. The suggestion was not added to the final resolution.

Beeson, a proponent of anonymity in public records requests, said anybody who wants to remain anonymous can use her name when filing open records requests.

While the open records resolution was formally approved at the March 27 City Council meeting, Appen Media found the policy was implemented in February.

Documents obtained by the news organization show that in response to an open records request regarding the city’s February retreat to Opelika, City Attorney Davidson told the applicant that the directive had been implemented on Feb. 28.

Davidson said the city administrator, who leads day-to-day operations, “instructed the city clerk and city attorney” to follow the same procedures presented in the open records resolution.

When asked about the change, City Administrator Randy Knighton said the question would need to be answered by the mayor, who is the city’s spokesperson. Appen Media is awaiting comment from the city.

In other matters at the March 27 meeting, the council moved forward on an agreement with Fulton County to have the county run municipal elections in 2023 at a cost no higher than $814,420. The agreement was brought to the floor for a first reading, which the council unanimously approved.

percent attempted suicide.

“It’s really easy for someone struggling with such crippling emotional pain to decide it’s not worth it,” Baxter said.

Beyond worries about mental health, Baxter said the state should not get involved in medical care.

“Parents and doctors need to be the ones in charge of these decisions,” Baxter said.

Senator Beach said he is “all for” parents and doctors having say in medical procedures, “but when you make those dramatic changes at a young age you may end up regretting it.”

An amendment to the law said that doctors who do provide surgeries or hormone replacement therapies will be held “administratively accountable.” Hospitals that break the law could also lose their permits.

Baxter worries the law sets a precedent in deciding who is involved in people’s health decisions.

Other opponents to the law said it goes against accepted medical standards.

Johns Creek resident Ann Miller is the mother of a transgender man and the

Councilwoman Lee Hills, an avid supporter of Roswell-run municipal elections, said the city is not ready to run elections this year. The mayor and council said they will pursue self-run elections for the 2025 election cycle.

regional director for PFLAG, a national organization focused on education and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. She said hormone therapy is “standard and accepted care” for transgender teenagers.

Major medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics state their standard of care is to provide “developmentally appropriate” gender-affirming care.

“We need to understand that care is very individualized and it’s not experimental,” Miller said. “We know exactly the best way to help these folks.”

The law allows exceptions for youth with “a medically verifiable disorder of sex development” or medically necessary reason for treatment not related to gender dysphoria.

Miller said the law creates a “collective worry” about how far things could go, and that it feels like the transgender community is being legislated against.

“I am greatly saddened that the general American public doesn’t really understand what these bills are saying and how they will hurt transgender youth and teens,” Miller said.

The councilmembers agreed to propose an addition to the Fulton County agreement that would provide two advance voting locations in Roswell, rather than the single voting location that the county proposed.

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Forsyth County appoints second assistant county manager

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County Water and Sewer Director Barry Lucas has been named assistant county manager.

Lucas fills the vacancy left by David McKee who was promoted to county manager in December. His appointment is the second of

Address:

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• The number of burglary cases was down 38 percent year over year.

• Aggravated assault calls were down 10 percent.

• DUIs were down 7 percent.

“Entering auto cases were down a staggering 55 percent, so the promise of a safe community, we delivered,” John said.

John said the promise of safety is essential for a successful community, and he recognized public safety officials in attendance.

Chamber of Commerce President and CEO James McCoy said the county has almost 100 percent occupancy in leasing space for businesses, as well as nearly 4 million square feet of new business space being built, which speaks to the business community’s growing interest in the county.

“Our newly minted identity as part of the tech corridor of Georgia will help us further market us as a place where businesses will find an endless supply of tech talent and tech partners,” John said.

Capital Project Managers Jordan Wallace and Lynette Ramirez said the county has several key projects slated for 2023, including the expansion of Ronald Reagan Boulevard that will connect the northern portion near Majors Road to the southern portion at McFarland Parkway.

Wallace said the base and binder of the road project is completed, and the left side of the roadway has been removed to complete the final verticalhorizontal alignment.

Ramirez said the county is also working on a water return flow system that conveys treated water from the Fowler Water Reclamation Facility to Lake Lanier.

Attendees also recognized former County Commissioner Molly Cooper, who died March 22 from ongoing health issues caused by pancreatic cancer.

two assistant county managers named over the past two weeks.

The county named Tony Tarnacki assistant county manager on March 24.

Lucas has served as Water and Sewer director since February 2021 and was deputy director of the department from 2002-2021, where he managed master planning, project planning, project management and

construction for capital improvements. He will assume his new role April 10 and oversee the Fleet Services; Public Facilities; Engineering; Capital Projects; Water and Sewer; and Recycling and Solid Waste Departments.

County Manager McKee said Lucas’s understanding of the Public Works Departments’ roles in the county’s future made him an ideal candidate for the position.

“Barry has been integral for Forsyth

County's water and sewer infrastructure development for decades,” McKee said.

Lucas graduated with a degree in civil engineering from The Citadel and has a master’s degree from Old Dominion University. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1985-1994 and the Navy Reserve until his retirement in 2016. He has lived in Forsyth County since 1994, and his career with the county began in 1996.

died March 22.

A “coffee and conversations” networking event was held before the address in which hundreds of business owners and guests mingled with county officials and departments.

“We cannot deliver on these promises without the community support,” John said. “We are your government, so engage with us. Ask us questions. Hold us accountable for ensuring delivery on the promises which we make to you.”

Forsyth County Commission Chairman Alfred John recognizes low crime rates and business interest in the community at the State of the County Address at the Forsyth County Conference Center March 28. John said the county delivered on its promises in 2022.

PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce President James McCoy presents a video featuring former County Commissioner Molly Cooper at the State of the County Address at the Forsyth County Conference Center March 28. Guests honored Cooper, who

LUCAS

Samad Grill elevates food with love and a little garlic

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Jamal Samad prides himself on the simplicity of the food at his restaurant, Samad Mediterranean Grill and Market. But simple isn’t easy, he said, like most people think.

“The harder thing is to keep things simple and tasty, and make it healthy,” said Jamal, with a thick Lebanese accent.

Jamal said the kitchen staff, including himself, doesn’t compromise or cut corners. Everything at Samad Grill is made with fresh ingredients. And, everything – except the gyro meat, which is Halal, and pita bread – is made from scratch.

His wife of 28 years, Lesley Samad, sitting beside him in a small, cozy booth by the door, interjected to say the food is still rather complex and layered.

“I will tell you, I’ve never met a stranger,” Lesley said at one point, laughing. “He’s much more quiet than I am.”

Samad Mediterranean Grill and Market

Address: 8897 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs

Phone: 770-807-3700

Website: samadgrill.com/

Hours: Monday-Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lesley Samad provides a plate filled with a variety of salads, falafel, lentil soup and fried cauliflower. Lebanese food is known for its use of fresh herbs and garlic, she said.

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA Jamal and Lesley Samad, owners of Samad Mediterranean Grill and Market, sit at a booth inside their restaurant March 29. Opened in 2012, Samad Grill is located in a shopping center on Roswell Road.

See SAMAD, Page 9

There’s a lot of love in the food. Love is an important ingredient.

JAMAL SAMAD, Co-owner of Samad Mediterranean Grill and Market

Samad:

Continued from Page 8

Lesley offered an American perspective on the Lebanon way of Mediterranean cuisine. She said it tends to be more “elevated,” and it has more attitude, anchored in pride. She also said Lebanese food is more herb- and garlic-heavy.

“There’s a lot of love in the food,” Jamal added. “Love is an important ingredient.”

The touch

Jamal opened the restaurant in 2012. After receiving his master’s degree in France, he came to the states to get his Ph.D. in physics in 1992, but marriage and family happened.

“I use a formula here and there,” he said jokingly.

He spent years working in kitchens before turning to the hard sciences. But he also grew up with his mother’s and grandmother’s cooking in Lebanon. While he has tried to duplicate it, he said it’s not possible.

Lesley said the same goes for Jamal’s cooking.

“I will make things, and it will still taste really, really good — still not his,” she said. “It’s a touch.”

People ask Jamal all the time for his recipes and the ingredients he uses. He freely gives them away, knowing the real secret is balance.

Those queries are partly the reason for the market. In the back corner of the restaurant, Jamal sells items he uses in his own cooking. There’s a couple of aisles stocked with mostly exported goods with labels in other languages — herbs and spices, jams, desserts, coffee, other items.

Many countries are represented in the market, Lesley said. In addition to foods from Lebanon, the shelves boast products from Croatia, Turkey, Greece and Egypt.

“A lot of people comment — they’ll say, ‘I haven’t seen this since I was a little kid,’” she said.

An ethos

Food is the star of the show at Samad Grill. Jamal once spent thousands on renovations, but the space remains unpretentious like the Styrofoam foodware.

Diner-style tables are spread throughout on unpolished floors, eaten away with time. Ketchup bottles along with salt and pepper shakers are at the ends.

Regular customers have advised Jamal not to change anything, lending to a down-to-earth personality and a certain ambience that restaurant hidden gems tend to have.

“When it’s busy, it has a life of its own,” Lesley said. “The energy is great in here. Some of our customers have become friends with each other.”

Underneath chalk board menus,

several potted pothos plants sit on the ordering counter, their tendrils hanging off the side. Lesley said Lebanon is rich with gorgeous fruit trees, making the greenery an appropriate touch.

Other decorations are minimal, save around 10 quirky clocks on the back wall with the customer-created chalk designs on the bottom half. The black paint was a contentious design element, Lesley said, but it grew on her husband.

“It’s the small victories in marriage,” she said, on her way to wipe down tables.

Lesley handles the front of the house, and Jamal stays in the kitchen with other staff. Their daughters help at the business, too. Once the doors opened and customers began trickling in March 29, their daughter Maya arrived.

Community-based eats

Spread out on several Styrofoam plates, Lesley provided a bit of everything.

On one, there was an array of salads — chickpea, spinach, cabbage, beet and pasta salads with various bases seasoned with fresh herbs and garlic. There was also a thick lentil soup.

The falafel, each ball with a crisp coating and soft center, came with pita bread and an assortment of dips, including tahini and garlic sauce. While Jamal said the whole menu is his favorite, he highlighted the falafel as a top tier pick along with the kafta kabob.

Lesley brought over one of her favorites, too — the flash-fried cauliflower, seasoned with salt and coated in tahini dressing.

“People will say, ‘We got off the plane and came straight here,’” Lesley said. “And that is a huge compliment because there are only two places in the world I do that to.”

The Samads know most customers by name and still see some that have

been coming since day 1. While the customer base in the first few years was primarily repeat patrons, the dynamic shifted with strong community support and word of mouth.

The restaurant also saw more light during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many restaurants, the pandemic impacted Samad Grill. Most of the money rolling in came in the form of take-out orders. But the space changed in a more exceptional way — it became a pop-up food pantry for Sandy Springs schools.

In March 2020, Lesley received a message from a PTO president who said all the subsidized school breakfasts and lunches would be closed, even for those facing food insecurity. Samad Grill saw up to 400 families a day over the course of 18 months, a line wrapping around the corner of the building.

“This area is the haves and the have-nots,” Lesley said.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

An employee at Samad Grill prepares shawarma by cutting meat on a vertical rotisserie in the kitchen.

The Medicaid estate claim – how Medicaid can take YOUR house

Brought to you by - Michelle Wilson, Attorney, Wilson Legal

Did you know that Medicaid can take your house? Section 2398 of the Georgia Medicaid Manual states that Medicaid can demand reimbursement for benefits received from any estate worth $25,000 or more and any estate that contains a home. The average amount of time someone needs skilled nursing level care – the highest level of care and the level that requires the most caregiver hours is three (3) years. The average cost for that care monthly is $11,000 to $15,000 per month. Medicaid pays a lower rate of $9,036 per month. If you have Medicaid benefits and spend your last three years in a nursing home, then Medicaid can demand that

your estate pay them $325,296 (36 months times 9,036 dollars per month) after you die. That could be all the equity you had in your home.

WILSON

That means your kids would get nothing from you if your primary or only asset was your home. Yikes! If you have a will, you still have to go through probate and would be subject to this estate recovery policy. If you have a life estate deed, your home may still be subject to estate recovery.

We can help you protect your home from Medicaid Estate Recovery. If you or your parents are at least 60 years old or even into their 70s and 80s, it’s time to ask about your options. Call us at 770-205-7861 to ask about setting up a strategy session to save your home today.

Five tips for managing house hunting stress

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

Often compared to dating, shopping for the right house involves investing time and energy with no guarantee of return, putting yourself out there to “try on” options that don’t fit, getting stood up a time or two and showing up to do it all over again until you meet “the one.” Also, it’s often paired with other stressful events—getting a mortgage, relocating or starting a new job.

No surprise, then, that it ranks so high on the life stress inventory; however, there are ways to soften the impact. Here are a few strategies that take the pressure from intense down to manageable:

1. Acknowledge the overwhelm. You aren’t crazy. You’re buying a house. This comes with a lot of decisions, details and perhaps a few

tough conversations. It’s going to involve some waiting. You’re going to feel heightened emotions and secondguess yourself. All of the above is extremely normal.

2. Work with the right agent. Do yourself a favor and make the complexities of lending, negotiating and buying as easy as possible by working with experienced, qualified professionals who are worthy of your trust. A good agent will anticipate your needs, listen to your concerns, offer vetted resources and make the process seamless.

3. Only view a few houses at a time.

An easy way to get overwhelmed? Pack a lot of showings into a small time frame, and not allow yourself time to process your impressions and responses. It’s easy for all those options to blend together. Whenever possible, take your time.

4. Face facts from the beginning. Being upfront and disclosing everything at the outset might mean you have a few tough conversations ahead of you regarding financing or timing, but those conversations are always preferable to realizing too late that a negotiation fell through because you didn’t have them.

5. Act without regret.

When it’s time to make an offer, don’t act from fear or take the easy way out. Make an offer you won’t regret later.

Stress always accompanies change and transition, but it doesn’t need to be the only thing you remember about the experience. The best way to handle the overwhelm is to ask for help. If you need assistance staging your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!

Compiled and

edited

by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/Copyeditor

Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad

ISTOCK

Move-in ready Charleston inspired homes available now at Hillandale in Historic Downtown Roswell

Brought to you by - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division

For a limited time, Patrick Malloy Communities is offering a 4.99% 30-Year Fixed interest rate on available homes at Hillandale, a charming Charleston inspired neighborhood located just minutes from the heart of Historic Roswell. Hillandale offers elegant interior finishes and unique designs and features sophisticated four-and five-bedroom thoughtfully curated homes with an abundance of entertaining spaces both indoors and out. Luxury features can include a unique moving wall of glass doors that lead to outdoor living areas, primary suites, 10 ft ceilings and hardwoods on the main level, as well as high-end stainless-steel appliances.

In addition to amazing interior details, the impressive homes at Hillandale include a variety of features including an irrigation system, tankless water heater, free-standing tub, gas lanterns per plan on front patios, pebbled driveways, and community sidewalks. Front and year lawn maintenance are also included in the HOA.

There are several move-in ready homes available including the popular Windham situated on lot 9 which offers a lavish owners retreat on main level. The grand 2-story entry foyer gives glimpse to the wonderful flow and functionality of this home. The dining area with butler’s pantry has room for seating 10+ guests. The chef’s kitchen with oversized island and breakfast bar opens to the fireside family room with beamed ceilings. This four-bedroom and four and one-half bathroom home is offered at $1,049,395.

On Lot 10, the Galway plan does not disappoint with its spacious open concept living and guest suite on the main level. The impressive kitchen boasts upgraded finishes, center island, stainless steel appliances and double ovens. The covered patio off the kitchen is ideal for large scale entertaining. Upstairs find an impeccable owner's suite with sitting room, a loft, and generous secondary bedrooms for a total of four-bedrooms and three-and-one half baths. Offered for $1,126,060. Looking for a basement? There is also a Galway situated on Lot 23 with a full unfinished basement for $1,209,965.

The Tierney situated on homesite 11 is a striking two-story home featuring four bedrooms, three and one-half baths and is perfect for entertaining with open living spaces and a chef’s kitchen with the latest in design. There are three large secondary bedrooms and a large loft. Priced at $1,128,955, this discerning home includes hardwoods on the main level and an extensive list of designer upgrades.

Homeowners at Hillandale enjoy a convenient and central location with easy access to local dining and shopping in historic downtown Roswell. The Chattahoochee River and pristine parks envelop the area creating a wide array

of recreational activities. The Chattahoochee River Nature Preserve is just a short drive away with kayaking, biking, and walking trials, and a summer music series. Districted in Roswell's highly acclaimed school system, Hillandale is a neighborhood suited for any lifestyle.

Patrick Malloy communities, founded in 1994 by Patrick Malloy, builds new homes in Metro Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. To date, the company has developed over 11,000 homesites and built 7,000 homes with a total of more than $4 billion in sales. Accolades include multiple mentions in the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s top 20 Homebuilders and numerous profes-

PROVIDED

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For more details on Hillandale, visit PMCommunities.com, call 770/254-5372 or visit the sales center at 3025 Barnes Mill Ct. Roswell, 30075. Patrick Malloy Communities is represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division. BHHSgaNewHomes. com. An Equal Housing Opportunity.

A Centenarian’s story of World War II (Part 1)

Americans owe a great debt to WW ll veterans, especially those very few who reach a major milestone, celebration of their 100th birthday. While the debt can never be repaid, we can recognize those who came home and those who did not by telling their stories to current and future generations. This is the story of one centenarian, Henry Cockerill of Sandy Springs. who will celebrate his 100th birthday in May. His life reads like a book with many chapters, each one worth telling.

BOB MEYERS

Henry (Hank) Cockerill (1923) was born and raised in Detroit. His father worked in a machine shop and then became a superintendent at Kermath Marine Industries, maker of marine engines from the 1910s until the 1950s including engines for Liberty Ships built to carry men and supplies to Europe during WW ll. Hank also worked in the Detroit commercial district at one of the two gas stations his father owned.

In March 1943, Hank joined the Army with a friend. They stayed together until the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion. Hank was inducted into the Army at Fort Custer, Michigan, a facility that dates back to WW l and where 300,000 troops were trained during WW ll. The fort is still used as a training facility by the Michigan National Guard. Hank did his basic training at Camp White, Oregon, a large WW ll training camp that was deactivated in 1946.

Hank was trained in bridge building as well as installation of anti-tank mines and their removal using bayonets as prods. In combat, mines were also dismantled using tanks fitted with flails, rapidly rotating rollers mounted in front of a tank with heavy chains attached. The chains would whip around and strike the ground with such force that the mines would detonate without damage to the tanks.

His first assignment was Normandy, France. On June 11, five days after the D-Day invasion by Allied Forces, Hank landed on Utah Beach, one of five beaches invaded on DDay. Hank’s group of engineers had to construct floating docks to get the heavy equipment to shore. Tanks, tank destroyers, other artillery and a company of machine gun specialists were all pushed to shore on these floating docks by use of a boat with an

outboard motor.

Although D-Day (code named Operation Overlord) had successfully established a beachhead at tremendous cost in lives, the Germans still occupied most of Normandy and Western Europe, and American troops continued to suffer significant loses. Allied Forces knew they had to capture major ports and towns to force the Nazi troops to retreat.

Hank spent a few days on Utah Beach and then convoyed for about three days to the port of Cherbourg. The objective was to surround the port so the German soldiers there could not leave. Hanks group, the 990th Combat Engineers Battalion, then moved on toward the town of Saint-Lô.

The fighting was intense in the hedgerows around Saint-Lô in July, 1944. The town was a major transportation hub used by the Germans to carry men and equipment to the French coast. Hedgerows in Normandy date back to Roman times and were used by farmers to surround fields. Each hedge consists of an earth wall up to six feet wide at its base with shrubs and trees on the wall up to 15 feet high and nearly impenetrable by tanks or soldiers. The Germans had dug fortifications within the hedgerows, making forward progress very

slow and dangerous for American troops.

Following the capture of Saint-Lô in July 1944, Hank’s group went by convoy to the large German submarine base in the town of Lorient on the west coast, formerly the site of a French naval base. Prior to converting the French base to a submarine facility, German U-boats had to travel from ports in Germany. Hank’s group attempted to get the Germans to surrender, but they would not, and the fighting continued. Later, after U.S. forces heavily shelled all above-ground structures, the Germans surrendered when they ran out of provisions. After the war, the base reverted to the French Navy until it was converted to civilian use in 1995.

Hank’s group then left Lorient and joined up with the 7th Armored Division in Malmedy, Belgium, for what became known as the Battle of the Bulge.

Battle of the Bulge

One of the most important battles

in the war was the Battle of the Bulge in December and January 1944-45 in the Ardennes Forest in Belgium. It represented the last major offensive campaign by Germany in Europe and opened the way for American troops to enter Germany. The U.S. Army Center of Military History quotes Winston Churchill as stating, “This is undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war and will, I believe, be regarded as an ever-famous American victory.”

In a future column we will continue the wartime story of Henry Cockerill with details of the Battle of the Bulge as seen through Henry’s eyes, the famous Battle of the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen, Germany, and his highly successful post-war business career.

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.

Columnist

FAMILY/PROVIDED PHOTOS

Henry (Hank) Cockerill joined the Army in March 1943 at age 19. This photo was taken later that same year.

Hank Cockerill and his wife Jean Malmborg ride a carriage on their honeymoon in St. Moritz in 1953.

Here’s why I detest having a hoe in my hands

Maybe it’s because the calendar tells us it’s time to kick off springtime gardening projects, but I prefer to read a good book and tell the calendar to shut up. My loathing of being in the yard is steeped in a tradition that my brother Matt and I find well-deserving of a chuckle.

Before providing insight on why I have never liked being in a garden or flowerbed, I should share I detest being in the dirt, am bugged by bugs and am weak in judgement when it comes to discerning weeds from good things.

Amazingly, snakes don’t frighten my as much as chiggers, skeeters, wasps or any other menace that bite or sting.

So how did this hate/more hate relationship begin?

My mom could do almost anything in a garden. She came by it honestly since her mom, my Grandma, had

an amazing patch covering an entire backyard that was the envy of folks from miles around. Strangers and family would visit to be exposed to garden greatness.

I had plenty of friends that were quite adept at growing, harvesting, and selling their “crops,” but the fruits of their labors, especially back then, could have landed them in prison.

Not sure Mom’s rationale about having me and my two brothers spend time hoeing and weeding what, at that time seemed like an enormous task. It was actually a punishment for some transgression. The “huge” patch we were told to clean up was all of three feet by three feet.

It was hot in that Bakersfield summer. It was also nasty in a patch overrun with all different kinds of bugs and spiders.

In no particular order, here’s what occurred.

After a productive minute or two, someone noticed the abundance of dirt clods in our patch of hell, along with plenty of ammunition in other flowerbeds. Actually, I’ll take credit for all those available missiles. I took a stroll

to get wet my whistle from the garden hose. After a drink, I unleashed shock and awe towards my siblings.

Naturally, an epic clod fight resulted in the weeding project being delayed as balls of soil filled the air. There were screams from both sides, resulting in a visit from a livid Mom. The result was a truce under threat of punishment. There were promises of no more clod tossing and we got back to cleaning up our patch.

As the oldest, I provided a good example to my younger brothers by swearing to no more dirt clods being fired.

Never promised not to throw handfuls of dirt, which we did with we did with awe-inspiring gusto. As shovel after shovel of grime filled the air, our eyes cleared enough to see Mom, our garden warden appear. She meant business and was ready to unleash that famous left hook of hers.

We’d barely made a dent in the weeds and after throwing bugs, worms and clumps of weeds at one another the entire day, it was time for the coup d’ grace. Youngest brother Marty was the perfect size for what I called

“The Ultimate Wedgie.”

Hoisting him up until his feet were off the ground and positioned a few feet above the branch protruding from a nearby tree, I executed punching a hole in Marty’s underwear and hanging his backside from the tree. Matt and I howled with laughter while Marty just howled.

Naturally, Mom found none of this amusing. We had tested her limits as a mother and it’s a safe bet she never dreamed she’d utter the words: “Get Marty unstuck from that branch and go in and clean up. It’s getting late and almost time for dinner.”

We were promised another crack at that flowerbed the next day. It took what seemed like forever to get the dirt off my face and out of my nose. I went to sleep that night reasoning that broom handles could be fashioned into spears and swords.

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.

Grasping a new perspective on time as we grow older

So, I am closing in on 70 – 68 to be exact. That is old, or at least it sounds really old – seventy years old. Huh? No way, no? Yep.

my ADD or perhaps to a lack of “brain exercise” – stuff like learning, problem solving, and intentional reading. That is, I feel like I can improve on my mental state to some degree – still. And I do try to do this.

while she was sitting outside a theater in Columbus, GA as a chaperone for the Milton HS theater program. I wasn’t there, but I will probably remember that comment forever, and I can so visualize that brief exchange.

time, there is a constant that is akin to “free will” – that we do control how we react to “unfair life.” The unfairness is that huge boulder that we must push up the hill every day and it either makes us or breaks us.

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus

Of course, that is in chronological years. In no way, shape, or form do I actually relate to that. I can still play tennis relatively well – singles of course. With a little more practice, my serve would still be maybe 80 percent of what it was almost 50 years ago. I can still get in the pool and swim a mile. I can still run. I still shoot a decent game of pool although my bridge is no longer possible because of the arthritis in my hands and I can still fit into my 32 x 32 size Levis – same as high school – although at times that button is a bit difficult to get into the hole, I must admit.

And I will say that I know – 100 percent for sure – that I still have another Appalachian Trail hike in me still (the whole enchilada) – were I to get the time off to entertain that project!

While I have noticed that I seem to be a bit more distracted these days and maybe forget things more frequently, I have not panicked about that and feel like I can probably attribute that to

With “older age” I have discovered many things that make me thankful, and which frequently do surprise me in a good way. In fact, thankfulness, may be one of the highlights of getting older.

I am especially and increasingly thankful for those few good friends I have kept – priceless.

I think I understand people better now – all people. I have more empathy I think, probably because I know more, and I have seen more. I see context better these days. And that generally is a positive thing, but not always.

Having more experiences and context to process what I see these days allows me to also see how and why we collectively stumble and struggle with life all too often. People die. People get sick. Bad things happen to good people. Children get hurt; that one is the hardest.

Life doesn’t always end well and that fact, as I age, becomes all too obvious and in my face. “My life didn’t turn out how I thought it would,” was something that a complete stranger commented to my wife Christina a long time ago

“Just let me end well,” is probably the only thing on my bucket list I think and it’s not a morbid thought; it is a task – a proactive life goal – and not an unreasonable one. But that is something for tomorrow and not something I worry about generally.

Time, ah yes, time becomes more and more something more concrete and less ephemeral as I age. It is something – time – when you are young that almost doesn’t exist. Life just feels like a downhill ski run or a day at a amusement park or a spring day out in the deep woods exploring with a friend. Yes, we still do those things now – or similar things – but they are colored now by the knowledge that you graduated from high school over 50 years ago, or that 15% of your senior class are not alive, or that girlfriend or boyfriend that so attracted you so long ago, has changed – a lot. That, is “time” and it becomes more impossible to not see or to ignore as one ages.

Part of getting old – and it is a hard part – is realizing that life all too often isn’t very “fair” – that it isn’t and never was nor will it ever be. But, at the same

With age we start seeing the cycles in all walks of life. Everything has its own season and – over time – we see and experience the changes and revolutions.

I have noticed with age, I am almost never in a hurry anymore; I take my time – no matter how much in a hurry the person is behind me. I just don’t care –or care enough – to change how fast I go anymore. In hindsight, I think I realize that very little in life merits being in a hurry and that being in a hurry all too often has a cost or costs.

In my “old age” I find I crave great books even more. I appreciate art more. I appreciate just being alive more. And I know that if in my mind I still believe that I have plenty of time left to learn how to play the piano and play it well, then I am still young.

And, one of the most endearing aspects of growing old I have found is that each day I find that I am more in love with my wife than I was the day before.

So, that’s my story and I am sticking to it – another character flaw that I have discovered in myself in my old age – stubbornness!

MIKE TASOS

Columnist

Veterans Hospital was on Peachtree Road in Brookhaven

Before the current Atlanta Veterans Administration Hospital was built in 1966 on Clairmont Road, Atlanta’s veteran hospital stood at the corner of Peachtree Road and Osborne Road in Brookhaven. This is now the location of DeKalb Services Center and Brookhaven Park.

Known as Veterans Hospital #48, the hospital was established in 1919 to take care of veterans of World War I and the Spanish American War. The buildings of Cheston King Sanitarium were purchased for $90,000. An additional $100,000 was spent to remodel the hospital and increase the bed capacity to 85. Nurses’ quarters were built on hospital property. (Atlanta Constitution, Dec. 24, 1919, “King Sanitarium, beyond Buckhead, purchased by U.S.”)

Charles Lindbergh stopped by on October 11, 1927, “Lindbergh Day” in Atlanta. He was escorted by the American Legion, Legion Auxiliary and commander of the Georgia Department of the Legion, Asa Warren Candler. Lindbergh took a tour and visited patients, along with Candler and Col. George L. Johnson, commander of the hospital. (Atlanta Constitution, Oct. 11, 1927, “Official Lindbergh program for today”)

The hospital closed from July 1929 until July 1930 to construct a new facility. A recreation building, nurses’ quarters, officer’s quarters, and administration building were also built. The campus was dedicated as a Veterans Administration Hospital in September of 1930 with John M. Slaton, Jr. as the first manager.

As World War II came to an end, the

conditions of the hospital came into question, along with other veterans facilities across the nation. Albert Maisel, investigator and author, received a letter from a patient claiming neglect. The hospital quickly denied the charges. (Atlanta Constitution, April 1, 1945, “What are the true conditions of Atlanta’s Veterans Hospital?”)

Maisel pointed out that although the hospital reported an increase of beds from 317 to 415, these were emergency beds added to existing rooms. There was no expansion during this time. The Veterans Hospital had a lengthy waiting list.

He adds that while Grady, St. Josephs and Emory University Hospital had residents and interns, Atlanta’s Veterans Hospital had none. The number of nurses, doctors and ward attendants did not compare with these hospitals when the patient load

was considered. Maisel also speculated on why a doctor was not placed in charge of the hospital.

By 1953, Dr. W.H. Thiele was manager and recognized 200 volunteers with certificates for their service during the previous year. Volunteers were recognized for between 100 and 1,000 hours. Operating at capacity with more patient applications than they could accommodate was still an issue for the hospital. (Atlanta Constitution, April 29, 1953, “Volunteer Workers Receive VA Hospital Service Awards”)

From 1947 until 1951 the hospital changed its purpose two times, once to a tuberculosis hospital and the second time returning to a general medical and surgical hospital. In 1955, the hospital’s history was written by Dr. Thiele to

celebrate its 25th anniversary. The Silver anniversary recognized 25 years since the 1930 hospital was built. (DeKalb History Center Archives)

Veteran’s Hospital #48 was demolished in 1969, according to Franklin Garrett’s “Atlanta and Environs Volume II.” Between 1966 and 1969 the hospital sat empty. A Dunwoody Crier reader remembers the building was opened as a haunted house during this time. If you remember this bit of history, please share those memories with me.

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

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

Columnist

A postcard image of U.S. Veteran’s Hospital # 48 at the corner of Peachtree Road and Osborne Road in Brookhaven.

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Successful completion of a criminal records and child abuse background check is required.

Send resumes to alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.

Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 5 pm

Contact Ray Appen via Text (770-527-4042) or email me at RayAppen@Gmail.com – or just call me but best to text and I will return your call.

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