Forsyth Herald - April 25, 2024

County finalizes updates to code governing hotels

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Following more than two months of discussion, Forsyth County officials finalized code changes to define dual-branded hotels while scrapping previous proposals to limit amenities.

At a formal meeting April 18, the County Commission voted 4-0 to amend the county’s Unified Development Code to define dual-branded hotels. Commission Chairman Alfred John was absent from the meeting.

County staff drafted the changes to address the category of hotels, which it defines as establishments that house two separate hotels, one of which could be extended stay.

The previously proposed code changes would have capped the size of in-room refrigerators at 3.5 cubic feet, and any hotel or motel that has cooking appliances in its rooms would have been considered extended stay.

But, the revised code, adopted April 18, only defines dual-branded hotels and allows guests to stay in extended stay hotels for up to 90 continuous days. Previously, the UDC capped stays at 35 days.

Forsyth students address hunger through volunteer group chapter

and two breakfasts for 38 weeks throughout the school year. The efforts feed 455 students each week for a total of 17,290 bags each year.

SCREENSHOT

Lambert High School students Ella Brown, Morgan Owens and Paige Pestorius address the Forsyth County Board of Education at a meeting April 16. More than 450 students benefit from Lambert’s Blessings in a Backpack chapter, which provides free meals and snacks.

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 14-year-old Little Mill Middle School student April 16 who allegedly brought a firearm to campus.

Officials said the Sheriff’s Office was notified after another student reported the possible firearm to school administration.

A school resource officer searched the 14-year-old student and found a loaded 9

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.

Deputies arrest couple on drug, gun violations

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 27-yearold City of Forsyth man and an 18-year-old Gainesville woman April 7 for alleged possession of drugs and firearms at a park on Old Keith Bridge Road.

Deputies reported receiving a suspicious vehicle call around 10 p.m. and speaking to the suspects. The woman told deputies there was a handgun in her back pocket the man had given her.

The man reportedly told deputies the handgun was his grandfather’s, and the woman took it out of the dashboard when they went to go fishing.

Deputies reported finding alleged methamphetamine and marijuana inside the woman’s drawstring bag, but she said the bag belonged to the man. The man reportedly confirmed the bag was his.

Deputies also found a glass pipe inside a tackle box in the back of the vehicle and a second handgun under

mm pistol in their waistband. The student was arrested and transported to the Regional Youth Detention Center.

Sheriff’s Office officials said the school is secure, and no one was injured.

Sheriff Ron Freeman said the Sheriff’s Office has more than 50 deputies serving as school resource officers in Forsyth County Schools, with at least one deputy

the driver’s seat that returned as stolen out of Lumpkin County.

The man was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, as well as misdemeanor possession of drug-related objects, possession of marijuana under 1 ounce and theft by receiving stolen property.

He is being held at the Forsyth County Jail on a $35,740 bond.

The woman was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, as well as misdemeanor possession of marijuana under 1 ounce.

She is being held at the Forsyth County Jail. Bond is set at $34,435.

Couple face charges of drug possession

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 26-yearold Cumming man and a 22-year-old Gainesville woman April 8 on alleged drug charges during a traffic stop on Ga. 400.

Deputies reported clocking the male suspect’s Mercedes Benz driving 75 mph in a 55-mph speed zone on northbound Ga. 400 near Keith Bridge Road around 11 p.m. Deputies stopped the vehicle at a gas station off exit 18, Browns Bridge Road.

The man reportedly admitted to

assigned to each campus.

“This is a sobering example of why it is so important to emphasize ‘see something, say something’ to our kids and students, as it takes all of us to keep our kids and schools safe,” Freeman said.

The investigation is ongoing, but no other students are suspected to be involved.

smoking marijuana earlier that day, and deputies did not find him impaired to the extent that is less than safe to drive.

Deputies reported that when the suspect began emptying his pockets, he removed a plastic bag containing dime bags.

While searching the man, deputies reported finding two plastic baggies containing a white powder, which the man allegedly confirmed was cocaine.

Deputies also found marijuana, a pink powdered substance and an AR15 during a search of the vehicle, the report states.

Additional suspected drug residue was reportedly found in the woman’s purse, and deputies reported her left nostril was raw and filled with the pink substance, which tested positive for MDMA.

Deputies reported finding additional cocaine and an acetaminophen and oxycodone pill in the man’s wallet.

The man was charged with felony possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a schedule 1 controlled substance, possession of a schedule 2 controlled substance and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

He also was also charged with misdemeanor speeding and failure to maintain insurance.

The woman was charged with felony possession of a schedule 1 controlled substance.

Forsyth deputies arrest 14-year-old for allegedly bringing gun to campus ASK APPEN

Johns Creek coach honored by Special Olympics Georgia

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Leah Douglass said becoming a coach to athletes with special needs was a life changer.

Douglass heads flag football, soccer and basketball for Special K’s, a Johns Creek-based nonprofit and one of some 200 local agencies of Special Olympics Georgia.

Special K’s gives athletes aged 8 and older a space to train and compete in a variety of Olympic-type sports. With around 100 athletes, the organization serves North Fulton but also neighboring counties like Forsyth, helping to fill a void.

“It is so rewarding,” Douglass said, whose 18-year-old son Jake is an athlete with Special K’s. “The athletes are just amazing … They inspire me. They are inspirational.”

The work earned Douglass Special Olympics Georgia Coach of the Year in January, the third time a coach with Special K’s has had the honor.

“I was so humbled and honored because there’s so many great people out there — the [unified] partners and coaches and athletes and parents,” Douglass said. “To be recognized amongst that group is even that much more special.”

Unified partners participate in the sport alongside athletes with special needs, providing an inclusive experience. Douglass’ flag football team is unified, and she is a unified partner herself, keeping pace with an athlete at the Peachtree Road Race every year.

“It makes it that much more

meaningful,” Douglass said. She has competed in the Atlanta 10K since 1984.

Douglass joined Special K’s in 2019 at the request of her lifelong best friend and flag football co-coach Helen Villar, whose family had just begun volunteering with the nonprofit earlier that year after meeting with Special K’s coordinator Chris Bray.

“The positivity and energy [Douglass] brings is infectious,” said Bray, who was recognized for his work with Special K’s at the Johns Creek City Council meeting March 4. He has been involved for more than 20 years. “It’s something that really does rub off on the athletes.”

Villar, who wrote Douglass’ nomination letter, said she has a knack for making the athletes feel good, heard and respected.

“They seek her out, just to get the fist pump or the high-five,” Villar said.

Inseparable since elementary school, Villar said she has supported Douglass while navigating life with a son who has special needs.

“When Special K’s came along … Jake was 12 or 13, and I think that it’s just really helped his social activity and his ability to interact with people and feel celebrated,” Villar said.

Jeff Smith has watched his own daughter Lilah grow through Special K’s, learning sportsmanship and collaboration. But, as a co-coach with Douglass, Smith said he has witnessed the evolution in skills of all the flag football team members.

See COACH, Page 12

CHRIS BRAY/PROVIDED

Leah Douglass, head coach of the Johns Creek-based nonprofit Special K’s, accepts the Special Olympics Georgia Coach of the Year award in January at the Cobb County Civic Center during the opening ceremony of Special Olympics Georgia’s Winter Games.

7506 Wilderness Parkway

Big Canoe, GA 30143

Facts About Me

bigcanoeanimalrescue.org

706-268-1346

This is Miss Delta!

Breed: Terrier/Shepherd/Malinois Mix

Color: White w/ black markings (Short haired)

Age: 6 months old

Weight: (Current) 27 lbs

Fully Grown: Medium Size (45lbs)

Sex: Female

My Info

Good with children & dogs

May need potty training

Healthy

Shots current

Chipped & spayed

My Story

What is it that makes me so special?

Well, first of all I’m a puppy, but besides that have you noticed the little beauty marks above my eyes? No other puppy is as unique as me. My brother Porter and I are enjoying our other canine friends here, but I really would rather be at home with you playing, enjoying belly rubs and treats. Want to go for a walk? Come meet me. I have puppy kisses waiting for you!

All BCAR dogs are placed as indoor family pets. No electric fences, please. Visit pets every Saturday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (706-268-1346) or visit our website for adoption information at www.bigcanoeanimalrescue.org

tanks. Rachel said he plans to have his brewed-on-site beers ready April 25 for the development’s grand opening.

Milton’s new mid-rise development will offer entertainment destination

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Milton residents have a new option for a family night out, and plans are to offer even more in the future.

The developers of Market District Crabapple are excited to offer surrounding residents the option to avoid the trek to Alpharetta’s Avalon or Roswell’s Canton Street for a night of dining out and perusing retail storefronts.

Located at the roundabout heading north from Broadwell Road to Ga. 372 and Birmingham Highway, Market District Crabapple is gearing up for its debut celebration.

When the band starts in the courtyard at 4 p.m. April 25 for the

downtown Crabapple destination’s grand opening, attendees will discover highquality dining options surrounding 3200 Heritage Walk.

Whether stopping in for a premium cut of beef at Aberdeen’s Steakhouse or trying Vietnamese-Cajun fusion at Le Mer Seafood, a delicious meal is easy to find.

A crucial requirement of any live-work mixed-use development is surrounding foot traffic. The owners and developers of Market District Crabapple, Brent Beecham, Eric Richards and Greg Swayne, said their strategic programming is designed to cater to families and provide options from dawn to dusk.

A priority for the developers is to achieve a complementary mix of tenants. With 100 percent of available

See CRABAPPLE, Page 5

GARAGE SALES

See more garage sales in the classifieds

JOHNS CREEK, DoubleGate Subdivision Community Sale (enter into Twingate Dr. from State Bridge). Saturday 4/27 8am-2pm. See signs & balloons. Online info: doublegate.net

THE FALLS OF AUTRY MILL- Saturday April 27 from 8:00am to 2:00pm.

HUGE NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALES. More than 40 homes: Furniture, collectibles, tools, sporting goods, appliances, clothing, toys and more. Streets marked with signs and homes marked with balloons. Rain or shine.

ROSWELL Multi family. Crabapple Creek and Crabapple Walk Subdivisions. 130 Birchwood Court 30076. Saturday 4/27, 8AM-1PM. Furniture, toys, clothing and more!

DEADLINE

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

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

From left, Greg Swayne and Brent Beecham, owners and developers of Market District Crabapple, stand with Hyde Brewing co-owner Josh Rachel in front of his beer fermenters and brite

Crabapple:

Continued from Page 4

space occupied, the lack of prospective tenants is a good problem to have, Swayne said.

“We decided that we don’t want to spend 10 years turning over businesses that can’t make it,” Swayne said.

He also said he believes there needs to be an entertainment angle with the development at some point in the future.

“All the ingredients of what made Canton Street work have been the way we strategically thought about how we want to program,” Swayne said. “Because Starbucks is such a huge anchor, it draws in other people immediately.”

After grabbing a coffee or taking a class at The Yoga Loft, patrons can stop by Community Burger for a grouper sandwich or Milton Dental for an appointment with Joshua Freitag.

Investors in community

Residents who drive through the new restaurant district and mixeduse development will see the timeless architecture of the 3-story buildings that make up Market District Crabapple.

The Milton Design Review Board ensured the aesthetics of the mid-rises corresponded with the Crabapple formbased code, shown by the colored-brick facades with outdoor staircases and balconies.

The idea is to match the design of commercial properties along Crabapple Road and across the state route at Milton City Hall.

Beecham, a developer of Market District Development, said the whole project started when his cousin approached him about the rezoning of Strawberry Fields Farm off Birmingham Highway.

As a sign of the area’s rapid development since, the city constructed Heritage Walk with special-purpose local-option sales tax funds, which runs from Mayfield Road to Crabapple Road in the city’s southwest corner.

The Milton pasture once sported bovines and now offers world-class dishes at Aberdeen’s Steakhouse.

Beecham, a Roswell-native and a fourth-generation member of Metro Atlanta’s construction industry, said he met Swayne more than 25 years ago.

After an email and meeting over coffee in 2019, the two real estate veterans decided to partner and create Market District Development.

With their company working on a project on North Main Street in

Alpharetta, the developers can point to Woodstock’s Adair Park as an example of a successful mixed-use development with luxury apartments at a downtown gateway.

Construction launched in 2020, and the vision for Market District Crabapple survived the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alternative streams of revenue, like catering and pre-ordering, became common during the pandemic and provided prospective tenants with a reason for optimism.

Bemir Mehmedbasic, owner and operator of Aberdeen’s Steakhouse, emphasizes customer experience and delivery of the highest quality food and wine through a Michelin star chef.

After commending his non-traditional landlords for their vision, Mehmedbasic said his investment bringing top-tier steaks to Milton “is the way it should be done.”

Expansions on the horizon

The city’s effort to intentionally design and curate its commercial areas fits with the vision of the Market District Crabapple developers.

With the grand opening for the first phase of Market District Crabapple quickly approaching, Swayne and Beecham said they want to give tenants “time to chew and swallow” before beginning construction again.

The developers plan for two more buildings, creating a total of seven midrises along Heritage Walk from Courtland Road to Ga. 372.

A little over half of the 3.85-acre site is developed, with land available and zoned for multi-family residential when the developers decide to move on phase two.

Hyde Brewing, dubbed the development’s most popular venue, combines the menu of community-loved Ceviche Taqueria with beers from the award-winning brewmaster and co-founder of Jekyll Brewing, Josh Rachel.

Along with co-owners Mikka Orrick and Thiago Depaula, Rachel said the first six weeks in business at the customized brewpub has been busy.

Offering a family-friendly environment with quesadillas for kids and margaritas for moms, a two-hour wait at Hyde Brewing for live music is not uncommon.

Rachel said brewing craft beers comes with pressure, but he expects a batch ready in the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile, patrons can enjoy Ceviche’s Favorites and Hyde Cocktails on the expansive menu.

If you want to hear more about the relationship between Jekyll and Hyde brewing, come out for a chat with Rachel at the development’s grand opening April 25.

Appen Listening Tour visits Forsyth County

CUMMING, Ga. — The newsroom at Appen Media set up shop at Cherry Street Brewing in Vickery Village April 18 to learn more about what’s on the minds of Forsyth County residents.

The event at the buzzing microbrewery and restaurant was the fourth stop on the newsroom’s “Listening Tour,” a sevenmonth series visiting each hub in Appen Media’s coverage areas.

All stops are open to the public and free to attend.

Publisher Hans Appen began the session with a round of trivia about the history of the county. Attendees were surprised to learn that Forsyth County sports the highest income per capita in the state.

Residents said they think the statistic is misleading, with wealth concentrated in the southern portions of the county and many low-income families in need of essentials.

The hour-long event also touched on where residents get their community news and whether neighborhood social media

Forsyth:

Continued from Page 1

Some items packed include canned pasta, ramen, oatmeal, cookies and macaroni and cheese.

“These items are intentionally picked because they are easy for kids to prepare,” Brown said. “They are nonperishable, so if a kid does have a meal available, they can save their blessings meal for any time of the week.”

Since the chapter’s inception in the 2012-13 school year, the group’s recipients have grown from 56 students to 455 in the previous year.

Pestorius said the chapter’s reach grows by some 50 students annually, a trend they expect will continue in the upcoming school year.

Three volunteers with the chapter deliver the food to 16 schools across three routes each week.

pages provide reliable information.

One resident said the hyperlocal social network, Nextdoor, often includes comments that are mean-spirited and unreliable, but it’s where she finds out what’s going on.

Managing Editor Pat Fox joined staff reporters Amber Perry and Hayden Sumlin in a discussion about media literacy and the process of finding leads, sources and verified information for stories.

The newsroom discussed its use of the Georgia Open Records act, on-the-ground reporting and a thorough editorial process. Fox included an anecdote about using a trade journal to uncover information about a county-funded project. It was information the county, itself, had not posted online or discussed in public.

Residents also said they wanted to see more arts and entertainment coverage of Metro Atlanta and Forsyth County.

The next stop on the “Listening Tour” is scheduled for May 16 at Six Bridges Brewing on Heritage Walk in Milton.

“We go where we’re needed,” Pestorius said. “And no one says, ‘Oh, no, it’s too far,’ ‘Oh, no, we can’t take more kids.’ We’re always up for anything.”

While the chapter is anchored at Lambert, the effort is not limited to high schoolers. A club at one of the county’s elementary schools also packs food bags.

Lambert’s Beta Club and National Honor Society also partner with Blessings in a Backpack for service opportunities.

“We have a moms group who is donating and packing bags and bringing them in every other week,” Owens said. “So, it’s very community based.”

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The group is supported by donors including the Sawnee EMC Foundation roundup grant, Hallway Plumbing and Macy’s Tech. The chapter receives some 20 percent of its food from peers in the school’s Beta Club, Model U.N., Indian Culture Club, Future Business Leaders of America and National Honor Society. Lambert High School principal Amanda Thrower said the school’s students excel at arts, sports, academics and extracurriculars.

“But I think sometimes what gets lost in those great results is also the emphasis that we intentionally place on relationships,” Thrower said. “And making sure that we are educating the whole child: the head, the heart and the hands.”

Owens said it costs $60,515 each year before donations to feed the chapter’s 455 recipients.

The chapter will host a fundraiser, “A Circus Blessing,” at the Cumming Fairgrounds May 4 to support its efforts. Those interested can visit acircusblessing.com for more information.

KEN ORTLOFF/PROVIDED

Maestro J. Wayne Baughman leads the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra last May at the nonprofit’s side-by-side concert with Northview High School at Johns Creek United Methodist Church. The orchestra will hold “Celebrating the Maestro” May 4, a concert in memory of Baughman who died last November after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Johns Creek orchestra to bid farewell to late founder, maestro with concert

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra will perform “Celebrating the Maestro” May 4, a concert in memory of late founder and maestro J. Wayne Baughman.

The program was hand-picked by Baughman before his death in November after a battle with pancreatic cancer. It will feature some of his favorites over the past 18 years, since the nonprofit’s founding, and solos from his two daughters — violinist and JCSO concertmaster Adelaide Federici and Singing Sergeants soprano Katie Edelman.

Ken Double, organist for the Fox Theatre, will act as emcee of the concert, and Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry will share remarks about the impact Baughman had on the community.

“This is our chance to say goodbye to the maestro and thank him for founding the orchestra and being such a great advocate for the arts in our community,” Executive Director Linda Brill said. “We know he’ll be watching.”

The orchestra will perform selections from “West Side Story” and “Camelot” as well as “Méditation” from the opera “Thaïs” by Jules Massenet, featuring a solo from Federici.

Edelman will sing “The Light in the Piazza” by Adam Guettel, orchestrated

If you go

Location: Johns Creek

United Methodist Church

Time: May 4, 7:30 p.m.

Purchase tickets: johnscreeksymphony.org.

by Tim Aucoin, a JCSO board member, sought-after jazz musician and former orchestra director at Northview High School.

The group will also perform “Summertime” from George Gershwin’s opera “Porgy and Bess” in memory of Steve Dorough, a longtime friend of Baughman who had helped fundraise for the Legacy Center — an envisioned performance hall in Johns Creek.

Before his death last year, Dorough had won the chance to guest conduct the song at the nonprofit’s annual gala.

The program will also feature “Pomp and Circumstance,” the go-to song for graduation ceremonies all over. Brill said the likely intention of Baughman to include the piece was a commentary on his graduation onto the next phase in life.

That Saturday evening, Brill said the audience will be the first to hear about the future of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra and exciting plans in the works.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m., followed by a reception, at Johns Creek United Methodist Church. Tickets can be purchased online at johnscreeksymphony. org.

Sally White

Throughout her time at Milton High School, Sally has been an active member of various clubs and sports teams, including the Debate Club, Science Olympiad, and Drama Society. Her leadership skills shone brightly as the captain of the soccer team, leading them to victory on numerous occasions. Sally’s commitment to excellence extended beyond athletics; she also excelled academically, earning recognition for her outstanding achievements in advanced mathematics and literature.

As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, we are filled with pride and excitement for Sally’s future endeavors. Congratulations, Sally, on this remarkable achievement! We can’t wait to see the incredible things you’ll accomplish next.

Class of 2024

I like to say, it’s not your mama’s microfiber.

KAREN LEVINE, founder of PeachSkinSheets

Milton resident aims to offer luxury to Metro Atlanta sleepers

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Milton resident Karen Levine aims to provide a luxurious night’s sleep while giving back to local schools through her business PeachSkinSheets.

Now headquartered in Forsyth County, Levine started PeachSkinSheets in her previous Johns Creek home in 2013 after leaving behind a corporate career.

Before cementing its online presence, the business frequented festivals in Cobb County, Crabapple, Johns Creek and Dunwoody.

With a background in ecommerce and marketing, Levine dedicated the venture to offering a luxury sleeping experience without a lofty price tag.

“Price point was very important because I needed something that would be affordable to people,” Levine said. “I didn’t want people to have to choose between a car payment and a sheet set.”

After settling on a sheet business, Levine said she investigated fabrics from across the world. She narrowed down her options to a performance grade smart fabric, but Levine emphasized her products differ from the cheap, scratchy microfiber that comes to mind.

“I like to say, it’s not your mama’s microfiber,” she said.

She said the sheets are made with a fabric reminiscent of athletic wear, which is known for being moisture-wicking and comfortable.

“And it’s the same concept with sleep,” Levine said. “You spend so many hours

sleeping a day that you want to be on the right fabric.”

Levine said she designed PeachSkinSheets based on what she would want in a bedspread. Her fitted sheets feature a wide elastic band; top and bottom placement labels; and an expansion panel to accommodate larger luxury mattresses.

Because of the moisture wicking fabric, the sheets also dry quickly, and they resist stains.

“I come from that old school where I like my bed to not have any wrinkles,” Levine said. “Nowadays, a lot of the younger generation, they like a more relaxed bed, and maybe wrinkles aren’t so important to them. They want that wrinkly look. But I know for me, I wanted a smooth, wrinklefree look, and so that’s why we have the wrinkle release out of the dryer.”

PeachSkinSheets come in an expanding variety of colors. When Levine founded the business in 2013, she said most sheet companies only offered neutrals.

PeachSkin started with 12 colors, soon doubling to 24 and now expanding its collection to 32 with eight new Caribbean varieties, including tiki turquoise, hot coral, Bahama blue and zesty lemon.

“Colors are really important to us, making sure that there’s something to match almost every decor out there,” Levine said.

PeachSkin also offers oversized comforters, duvet covers and individual pieces like pillowcases and single sheets.

Levine said the business features colors of the month, where four signature sets and duvet covers are discounted. Its April colors of the month are buttercream, cot-

See SHEETS, Page 9

PEACHSKINSHEETS/PROVIDED

Karen Levine is the founder and CEO of Forsyth County-based PeachSkinSheets. Levine started the business in 2013 to provide affordable high-quality sheets and a solution for hot sleepers.

Sheets:

Continued from Page 8

ton candy pink, lavender mist and brushed silver.

PeachSkinSheets is also launching a Mother’s Day promotion from April 19 to May 13 where customers can buy a robe, sheet, duvet or comforter set and receive a mix and match gift.

But, the business offers more than just comfortable bedding. PeachSkinSheets partners with local school systems to support educational initiatives and teacher appreciation.

Its Partners in Education initiative started with a pilot partnership at Kelly Mill Elementary School in Forsyth County in December 2022, and it has since rolled out nationwide.

PeachSkin offers a $45 discount to partner school families, and the school receives $20 for each set sold.

With the $1,300 raised in the first partnership, Kelly Mill purchased new podcast equipment for its students.

“Those monies help offset some of the classroom expenses,” Levine said. “The teachers, they always have to put so much of their personal income into classroom supplies and extras, and so a lot of times, these donations will help offset some of that.”

Through the Partners in Education

Business pages

Each week Appen Media asks a staff reporter to profile a business, nonprofit or commerce group they find interesting.

The selection can be from anywhere in the Metro Atlanta area.

The decision is up to the reporter and is made entirely independent of the Sales department.

Do you have an idea for a future profile? Send tips and story leads to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

initiative, PeachSkinSheets has partnered with parent-teacher associations in East Cobb and Cherokee County, as well as Cherokee County Schools.

The business donated more than $5,000 to Forsyth County Schools from a holiday initiative in December.

PeachSkinSheets Director of Corporate Partnerships David Bartow said Partners in Education will focus on teacher appreciation in May.

He said partner schools have used the money raised for library books, appreciation dinners and lunches, and equipment.

“Everybody needs sheets,” Bartow said. “And everybody will eventually need sheets, and why not have them buy the best sheets at an affordable price?”

To browse PeachSkinSheets or order a free color swatch, visit peachskinsheets. com.

Does having Medicare insurance limit my access to healthcare?

Brought to you by – Jay Looft, Senior Source Medicare

How to build your child’s self-esteem

various extracurricular activities.

Step 5: Provide your child with a safe and supportive environment.

A child’s self-esteem begins with a positive self-identity, which is critical for building a foundation for confidence, happiness, and emotional wellbeing. When children have a positive self-identity, they can navigate through life with a sense of purpose and feel like they belong. These children gain confidence and can persevere when facing challenges in school and all areas of their lives. A strong sense of self-identity and self-worth also drives children to confidently pursue their passions without giving into self-doubt, which can hinder personal and academic growth. The mission for parents and mental health professionals is to help nurture and develop a child’s positive self-identity; so they can reach their full potential and lead meaningful and productive lives.

Step 1: E ncourage your child to embrace their unique qualities (i.e., race, culture, spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, talents, etc.).

Step 2: Celebrate your child’s accomplishments often, using positive affirmations.

Step 3: Teach your child healthy coping skills (i.e., mindfulness, deep breathing, positive self-talk, guided imagery, etc.).

Step 4: Expose your child to

Step 6: Help your child to develop healthy relationships with their peers and family members by utilizing assertive communication skills and reinforcing the use of “I” statements.

Step 7: Teach your children the S.M.A.R.T. goal setting strategy by encouraging them to set specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely goals for themselves.

Step 8: Teach your child to use a strength-based approach to problemsolving.

Step 9: Help your child to recognize their negative thoughts and inner dialogue.

Step 10: Provide your child with positive modeling of self-esteem and expose them to positive mentors.

The Summit is offering a wide range of summer groups for elementary, middle, and high school students. Registration closes on May 10th. Financial assistance is available, and groups are FREE for students that attend any of our partner schools. Visit our website at summitcounseling.org to learn about summer groups, our school partnerships, and other services available for children, teens, and adults.

When you are a Medicare insurance beneficiary, it can limit which doctors and hospitals you are permitted to see under your plan. Let’s dive into the details!

In general, most hospitals and doctors are willing to accept Traditional Medicare.

From my experience, those doctors who do not accept Medicare AT ALL are usually in the Primary Care Physician field and are typically independent doctors. This is a small percentage of doctors, not the majority.

Many doctors that accept Medicare insurance will put a limit or “cap” on the amount of Medicare insurance patients they will see. This is because they want to reserve space for patients with employer coverage, and other coverages which can pay them more for their services. When you encounter a doctor with a Medicare patient “cap”, don’t take it personally, it’s a business decision. I do understand it can be frustrating, especially when they come highly rated and you can’t use them.

On the other hand, if you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, your access to healthcare depends on the list of contracted doctors and hospitals- called a network. The doctor and hospital network can and will vary per Medicare Advantage carrier and plan. HMO networks are local geographic networks, whereas PPO networks are national networks. This network design should be a consideration when choosing a plan.

Medicare Advantage networks have come a long way over the past decade and are now widely accepted among doctors and hospitals, but your list of providers should be analyzed prior to enrolling into a plan.

When you need help combing through the details of the doctor and hospital networks, or would like help choosing your next Medicare insurance plan, turn to SeniorSource Medicare Solutions. We offer our Medicare insurance expertise at $0 cost to you and would be delighted to be your Medicare insurance broker. Give us a call today at (770) 315-8145.

Why do some tumors track along nerves?

At a recent conference, an outstanding lecture by Dr. Scott Lester of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, provided insight into the question of why tumors exhibit “perineural invasion” – the behavior of tumors wrapping around and travelling along nerves. The answer is another example of how nature and biology never cease to surprise.

In medical school, one of my favorite professors loved to say, “50% of what you are going to learn during these four years will ultimately be proved wrong.” As I sat in my hard wooden chair taking notes on apparently error-ridden knowledge, I hoped that the 50% that was misinformation was at least not the half that mattered.

As it turns out, one of the pieces of misinformation apparently concerned perineural invasion. In medical school, I was taught that some tumors track along nerves because nerves are convenient highways to other parts of the body. This was the “path of least resistance idea.” Professors also posited that some of the vessels and lymphatics running along with the nerve are an additional reason for tumor growth along nerves – essentially the idea that tumors spreading along nerves is really just tumors spreading along the surrounding lymphatics and blood vessels – “business as usual.”

Several recent studies presented by Dr. Lester have provided data that sheds new light on this subject:

In one experiment, scientists placed a nerve next to but well apart from a tumor growing in a petri dish. The tumor extended a strand of cells in the direction of the nerve and grew toward the nerve. This challenges the idea that perineural tumor growth in patients is simply cancer extension along nerves already touching a tumor. Then, the scientists tested proteins found in the nerve and found that the entire nerve did not have to be present in the dish to attract tumor growth. When scientists put a small amount of a nerve protein called GDNF (glial derived neurotrophic factor) in the dish, the tumor grew towards the GDNF. Apparently, proteins in the nerve attract tumor growth. So nerves are not just highways: some tumors seek out nerves by growing towards proteins that nerves produce.

In another experiment, scientists placed pancreatic cancer cells next to the sciatic nerve inside of a live rat. Predictably, the cancer grew and invaded the sciatic nerve. The muscles relying on the sciatic nerve were unable to function which caused partial paralysis. However, when the scientists delivered radiation to the rat’s sciatic nerve

BEFORE implanting the pancreatic cancer, the tumor grew but paralysis did not occur upon tumor implantation against the nerve. Nerves that had received radiation produced less GDNF.

We have long thought of radiation as primarily working by killing cancerous cells because radiation is known to cause breaks in cancer cell DNA resulting in cell death. But these studies led Dr. Lester, a radiation oncologist, to ask if radiation therapy’s effect on healthy tissue is just as important to its success as its effect on cancer cells themselves. Perhaps in some cases, radiation’s effect on growth factors in healthy nerve tissue is critical to preventing cancer recurrence.

As many questions as answers are raised by these studies. Will we one day have medicines that treat perineural tumors by inhibiting neurotrophic factors? For tumors that do not track along nerves but that invade muscle, bone or other tissue, will medicines increasingly target growth factors in these tissues to prevent spread? Already, medicine that targets “vascular endothelial growth factor” is being used to treat certain cancers. Perhaps one day a local injection of a medicine that blocks neurotrophic factors will be used to help treat perineural tumors.

As a Mohs surgeon, I took interest in these studies because many skin cancers track along nerves and because identifying perineural invasion under the microscope is an important part of my job. When I find significant perineural invasion, radiation therapy after surgery is an option I discuss. I hope that I might one day be able to offer a targeted pill or injection as an alternative to radiation.

However, I thought that these studies are of broad general interest because they are an intriguing example of how the obvious or intuitive answer so often is not the correct answer when biology is involved. Tumor growing along nerves is not just a case of taking the path of least resistance. So much of what we assume or are taught does not turn out to be the whole story. Nature is always more complex than we imagine, and new discoveries provide opportunities for medical advancement.

If you or a loved one struggles with skin cancer or any dermatologic complaint, consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor and Kathryn Filipek, PA-C are delighted to help you achieve your skin health goals. Dr. Taylor is a Harvard-graduate, a board certified dermatologist and vein care expert, and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. Kathryn Filipek has greater than 15 years of dermatology experience with expertise in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology including fillers, Botox®, and sclerotherapy.

He

Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 18 years experience as a Dermatology PA. We are excited to welcome her, as she brings with her experience in general dermatology and cosmetic dermatology.

Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care. Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta

Strong local

means a strong local

Making the most of what is now ‘my’ time

MIKE TASOS Columnist

With retirement looming before I come back from this “shortterm disability” stint, I don’t seem to be in a hurry to get where I’m going.

I still believe in having a list of “must do/should do/can do” every day. Even if it’s just to piddle around, I have found that aside from a doctor appointment, there are no deadlines.

“I’ll get there when I get there,” has become a mantra I’ve grown fond of. After years and seven million worth of airline miles traveled, my posture is if I never go to the airport again, that’ll be jake with me. If I’m going to travel, the Black Beauty or the Acura will take me as far as I want to go. Listening to an ELS system in the car and getting plenty of “wind therapy” on the Harley does me just fine.

Besides, with planes having pieces fall off like Boeing is now resurrecting Yugo, I’m avoiding airplanes.

Better yet, if I don’t feel like driving, I’ve got my own personal livery service in the form of youngest son Greg, who will take me anywhere I want him to. The other day it was a jaunt to Ferguson’s for Traeger pellets and the best salsa around, then on to Costco for shrimp and fresh flowers for

Coach:

Continued from Page 3

Smith said Douglass ensures the experience is enjoyable for the athletes, giving them what they need to succeed. “From my perspective, as a parentturned-co-coach with [Douglass], she just always goes above and beyond,” Smith said.

Smith’s son Tyler is a unified partner on the flag football team, meaning he wakes up early on Saturday mornings to play alongside the athletes at Newtown Park, where

DEATH NOTICES

Albert Askea, 69, of Milton, passed away on April 3, 2024.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

James Coylee, 84, of Roswell, passed away on April 5, 2024.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Vicki.

Greg drove and I sat to his right, talking baseball and father/son subjects. I thought we’d be back by noon, but we weren’t. It mattered little to me as long as the shrimp didn’t thaw and the flowers didn’t wilt.

Back in the day, I would have been sitting in an airport lounge reading a sales report, writing a coaching report and praying for decent weather so I got home at a decent hour. I’m sleeping in my own bed. Thank you, Mr. Marriott, you’ve devalued your Bonvoy points drastically, I’ll pay my own bill from now on.

Make no mistake, I now prefer rustic to luxury.

With all this time on my hands, perhaps I can become a lobbyist or since I’ll be unemployed, a consultant. I’ll be offering my services to the automobile industry. Not certain they need my expertise, of which I have none. Since I’ve been receiving a seemingly endless supply of surveys, I reckon I, along with countless millions, are getting inundated with emails wanting to know what I think.

The whiz kids who design cars are on the right track. They do some good things. I’ll go to my grave believing that cigarettes killed my mom, Detroit has smartened up and had ash strays do a Houdini in cars being produced.

Special K’s flag football practice is held. The organization also practices in Alpharetta and Roswell.

Tyler, a junior at Denmark High School, said the role of head coach requires a lot of patience, which Douglass has been able to master on the field.

“I, myself, sometimes don’t have the level of patience that I should, but I have never seen her in a moment as a coach, where she has never had the patience for her athletes or for her partners, even in a stressful situation out there,” Tyler said. He also noted her open-mindedness to suggestions and the level of

Norma Hawkins, of Roswell, passed away on April 7, 2024.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Elaine House, 66, of Roswell, passed away on April 3, 2024.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

During one of my non-hurried trips to Costco, I was taking a little too long getting out of my parking spot. At least that must’ve been what the (even older than me) old codger must’ve been thinking. He was giving his horn a real workout, which naturally made me take just a little bit longer before backing out.

It made me wonder: “Why do we even need horns?” They’re not very nice. In my neighborhood, there’s nary a horn that breaks the silence. Plenty of waves to each other, which serves the same purpose of a horn.

However at Costco, Captain Horatio Hornblower was taking his time locking his car as I prepared to drive off. I feigned an apologetic “Sorry it took me so long to get going. I know you’re in a hurry, despite your one-piece leisure suit saying different.”

Free of his horn, he looked like he wanted to blow his nose at me. And I couldn’t resist leaving him with a zinger.

“Why in the world would you bother locking that pile of junk. Say, I haven’t seen a Rambler in 50 years.”

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.

commitment to not only Special K’s but to her son Jake, who also attends Denmark High.

In his sophomore year, Tyler formed the first and only unified league at a Forsyth County school, though he hopes the idea will spread. Douglass had been a resource for him starting up the flag football team there.

“I wouldn’t have a unified program at my school without Special K’s,” Tyler said. “I wouldn’t be as excited about it. I wouldn’t be as involved in the Special Olympics in general, and the truth is that all comes back to Leah being the coach in the first place.”

Patricia Price, 93, of Roswell, passed away on April 7, 2024.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

This story is brought to you by members of the Appen Press Club

County: AAPPEN

Continued from Page 1

A conditional use permit is also required to operate in districts zoned urban village, commercial business, highway business and office commercial multiple story. Extended stays and dual-branded hotels cannot operate in any other zoning districts.

The previous amenity-focused language was not included in the vote.

Specifically, the code changes responded to a planned hotel on Brannon Road.

The County Commission approved a rezoning and conditional use permit to construct the hotel Sept. 21, but the permit was rescinded in December when officials said the county learned that the applicant intended to operate an extended stay component at the site.

Commissioners addressed the Brannon Road hotel March 7 when they voted to reinstate the permit to build the hotel with a condition allowing developers to move forward with the land disturbance process while the UDC was under review.

Now, with the approval, the hotel and future applicants will be subject to the new code.

The County Commission was origi -

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nally scheduled to vote on the UDC amendments March 7, but a week earlier, the Planning Commission had postponed its decision to have more time to consider its recommendation.

The Planning Commission reconvened March 26 and gave a unanimous recommendation to amend the UDC to define dual-branded hotels, raise the maximum length of stay and outline which zoning districts the businesses can operate in, with previous language limiting in-room amenities scrapped.

The approval allows the county to address dual-branded and extended stay hotels on a case-by-case basis, rather than a code change that restricts amenities at all businesses in the category.

In other action at the meeting, the County Commission approved a 67,000-square-foot hotel on McFarland Parkway and a new Audi dealership on Ronald Reagan Boulevard.

Also at the meeting, commissioners recognized the Water and Sewer Department for receiving awards from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals.

The department was honored for education excellence in community engagement, collection system excellence, distribution system excellence and plant of the year for its Dick Creek and Shakerag plants.

7506 Wilderness Parkway Big Canoe, GA 30143

Facts About Me

Breed: Terrier/Shepherd/Malinois Mix

Color: Black and white (Short haired)

Age: 6 months old

Weight: (Current) 25 lbs

Fully Grown: Medium Size (50lbs)

Sex: Male

My Info

Healthy, All Shots current

Good with dogs & children

Chipped, Neutered

Good leash walking & car rides

Crate trained

Meet Porter

bigcanoeanimalrescue.org

706-268-1346

This handsome boy would bring any family joy and happiness! Porter has a gentle way about him with a sweet calm disposition. He would be great for a family with children of any age. He gets along with other dogs and never met a human he didn’t like. He is leaning his commands and is very smart. Don’t miss out on him! Bring treats.

All BCAR dogs are placed as indoor family pets. No electric fences, please. Visit pets every Saturday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (706-268-1346) or visit our website for adoption information at www.bigcanoeanimalrescue.org

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

The Forsyth County Commission recognizes the Water and Sewer Department at an April 18 meeting for receiving awards from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals. The department was honored for its plants, community engagement, and collection and distribution systems.

Carreno

Sawnee EMC is seeking an Electrical Distribution System Engineer. Requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, civil engineering or similar engineering discipline. Preferred experience in design, modeling and maintenance of distribution power systems. Must have strong computer, mathematical and communication skills. Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, April 26, 2024. Apply online: www.sawnee.com/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568. Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

Landis + Gyr Technology, Inc.

Product Manager

Alpharetta, GA

Responsibilities: Manage life cycle of company’s assigned products. Manage complex engineering tools for power, electrical & utility industry & lead product lifecycle activities, including gathering customer engineering requirements, authoring Product Requirement Documents (PRDs), prioritization of sustainment activities, managing Investment Plan (IPL) & New Product Introduction (NPI) processes for assigned products.

Salary range: $100,980 - $123,420/year

Requirements: Bachelor’s in Electrical Engg, Comp Sci or related field & 2 yrs exp in job offered or 2 yrs exp with Oracle/SQL Server databases. Exp must include 2 yrs of exp with wireless technologies. Exp must include 2 yrs utility domain exp. Exp must include 1 yr product management. Experience may be gained concurrently. Send resume & cover letter to: Landis+Gyr c/o Lisa Hudson, Talent Acquisition, 30000 Mill Creek Ave, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022 or via email to: lisa. hudson@landisgyr.com

Lead DevOps Engineer (Alpharetta, GA): Assists in many of the day-to-day tasks critical to the success of the Application & D/b Ops team. Respsbl for provisioning & maint of the infrastructure on cloud pltfrms such as Google Cloud Platform (GCP) & Microsoft Azure using terraform as Infrastructure as a Code (IaaC). Helps creating, installing & maintaining var security certificates from certificate signing authorities (CA) such as on entrust & digicert on mltpl live apps that are currently being used by end users. Resumes to: Global Payments Holding Company, Brian Simons, Assoc Director, HR Risk & Compliance, 3550 Lenox Road, Suite 3000, Atlanta, GA 30326. #AV080054

Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 4pm

Sawnee EMC is seeking a Dispatcher with electric utility experience to dispatch workers for customer service, normal maintenance, or emergency repairs to electric-power transmission and distribution lines. Requires high school diploma or equivalency, minimum of one (1) year working knowledge of radio operation, or equivalent experience, map reading and line design knowledge, problem solving and communication skills by radio, telephone and in person. Must be available for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours, including evenings and weekends.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, May 3, 2024. Apply online: www.sawnee. com/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS ENGINEER:

Analyze/gather bus. reqts and tech design docs, develop software apps, web-services, enterprise APIS. Jobs based in Alpharetta, GA but requires travel/relocation to various unanticipated client locations throughout the U.S. Email resume to hr@deloscomputersinc.com or mail to Delos Computer Corp. 4080 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 1407, Alpharetta, GA, 30005

Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk 1L (Building and Grounds/Custodial/ Maintenance) (parttime position) to perform facility maintenance and grounds keeping duties. Requires some heavy lifting, high school diploma or equivalency and a valid GA driver’s license. Related experience with outdoor maintenance equipment and a valid CDL are preferred. Hours: Availability for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, May 3, 2024. Apply online: www.sawnee. com/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

PART-TIME SERVERS AND BARTENDERS

• Flexible hours

• Need own transportation

• Inquiries to info@asculinaryconcepts.com or 678-336-9196

• Located in Johns Creek