FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Cumming and Forsyth County veterans' organizations will host a Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans War Memorial 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 26.
The outdoor celebration will feature a dove release, a rifle salute, patriotic music, a keynote address and the yearly dedication of new American flags to the City of Cumming’s Avenue of Flags display at 301 Veterans Memorial Boulevard. The event is open to the public.
— Shelby Israel
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman announced the arrested May 19 of a suspect in the “Baby India” case after nearly four years of investigation.
Freeman said a family had heard cry-
ing in the woods on Daves Creek Road and had alerted deputies, who found a newborn infant tied in a plastic bag around 10 p.m. June 6, 2019. The child, who is now in a safe environment, was dubbed “India” by county authorities.
The Major Crimes Unit identified Karima Jiwani, 40, of Cumming as the biological mother of the infant and the
sole suspect in the case.
Jiwani was arrested May 18 and charged with criminal attempt to commit murder, cruelty to children in the first degree, aggravated assault and reckless abandonment. She is being held at the Forsyth County Jail with no bond.
See ARREST, Page 2
Contact
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 29-year-old Oakwood man died from injuries sustained in a traffic accident on Blue Ridge Overlook at Carlisle Road May 10.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office reported the driver, William Wiggins, appeared to be traveling south on Carlisle Road, and he had failed to yield for traffic on Blue Ridge Overlook. Wiggins reportedly
pulled out in front of a Chevrolet pickup truck.
The driver of the truck was unable to avoid the accident and struck Wiggins’ car. He was declared de-ceased at the hospital.
The crash is still under investigation by the County Traffic Specialist Unit. Speed and impairment are not suspected to be factors.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that resulted in one death following a violent altercation between two men May 17.
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The office reported receiving numerous calls regarding a shooting in progress at 2535 Ivy Street around 8 a.m. Deputies arrived at the scene within four minutes and located Hamilton Samuel Darwin, 23, of Cumming and Ja’Mychael Quintrez Peavy, 20, of Hampton.
Darwin was pronounced dead at the
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“A biological parent, had trouble with the word ‘mother,’ who inexplicably, intentionally, left her newborn infant to die — that's the case for prosecution,” Freeman said. “There's no justification.”
Jiwani is believed to have a history of surprise births or concealed pregnancies, and Freeman said she has other living children whose ages range from grade school to near adulthood.
scene, and Peavy was in critical condition. The preliminary investigation showed the pair were temporary workers at the location. They had a physical altercation, produced firearms and shot each other, according to the report.
The Sheriff’s Office announced May 18 Peavy is in the hospital recovering from a gunshot wound, and detectives have obtained a felony murder arrest warrant for him.
Additional charges are pending, and the case is still under investigation.
There is no evidence she had committed any similar crimes with another child.
Freeman said the investigation spanned to the northeastern and midwestern United States, and DNA evidence led detectives to the child’s father roughly 10 months ago. He is believed to have had no knowledge of Baby India’s existence.
Under the state’s Safe Place for
By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Appen Media Group has filed a lawsuit against the City of Sandy Springs over access to information from police reports.
In an official complaint filed in the Superior Court of Fulton County May 12, Appen Media Group, which publishes the Sandy Springs Crier, Alpharetta-Roswell Herald and four other weekly newspapers in north Metro Atlanta, alleged that it has repeatedly been denied access to initial police officer narratives that are routinely filed during investigations.
Excerpts from police reports included in the complaint involve cases of aggravated assault, street racing and reckless driving, indecent exposure and weapons law violations. But in each case, the investigative report narrative contained one sentence with limited details about what allegedly occurred during the incident.
See SUIT, Page 6
Newborns Act, also known as the Safe Haven law, mothers can leave babies 30 days old or younger with an employee or a volunteer at a medical facility or a police or fire station and face no criminal repercussions. Freeman said Jiwani had made no attempt to leave the infant anywhere safe or anywhere she could be found.
Freeman said it is believed Jiwani had given birth inside a vehicle and had driven for some time before abandoning Baby India, and the Sheriff’s Office is pursuing leads on the vehicle.
By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Dozens of parents and friends gathered at the May 16 Forsyth County School Board meeting to recognize students for their accomplishments at the close of the academic year.
Lambert High School senior Madhav Gulati and junior Vineeth Sendilraj were honored for placing at the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair and the North West Georgia Regional Science and Engineering Fair.
The pair created the Micro-Q, a fluorometer, a device used in biotechnology that reads the intensity of fluorescence in an object. The item retails for less than $10, compared to the average cost of $10,000.
“What this does, then, is it puts potentially a fluorometer in every classroom,” science teacher and program sponsor Janet Standeven said. “It puts a fluorometer in every single clinic around the world. It gives access to public health to members across our community, as well as then, our worldwide community.”
Gulati and Sendilraj were invited to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas because of the device’s far-reaching applications in the science community. The two were congratulated at the meeting on a video call.
Also at the meeting, Mary Lauren Salvatore of the Georgia Department of Education recognized East Forsyth and Forsyth Central high schools for meeting the engagement criteria of the department’s Whole Child Model School Recognition Program.
She said students worked collabora-
Georgia Department of Education representative Mary Lauren Salvatore recognizes East Forsyth and Forsyth Central high schools for success in the department’s Whole Child Model School Recognition Program at a Board of Education meeting May 16.
tively with leadership and community partners to hear peer, staff and resident voices to better understand the needs of Forsyth County and their schools.
Salvatore, the assistant director of the department’s Office of Whole Child Supports, said the two schools bolstered non-academic support, expanded learning opportunities and community partnerships as part of the pilot program, which is designed to support students with opportunities outside of traditional classroom curricula, such as STEAM and fine arts; family and community engagement; physical and mental health support and services; and collaboration.
School Board members also recognized the Hendricks Middle School Leadership Academy as the superior spotlight of the month. The academy is designed to develop leadership skills, networking opportunities and critical and analytical thinking skills.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. —
The Forsyth County Board of Voter Registrations and Elections is asking voters to submit feedback on advance voting locations, hours and days ahead of the 2024 elections.
Residents can submit their thoughts at the Voter Registrations and Elections Office or by phone at 770781-2118 until noon June 5. Responses are also accepted online at forsythco.com/vote until 5 p.m. June 1.
The board will hear public comments and review and discuss the feedback at its regular meeting at 1201 Sawnee Drive, 9 a.m. June 6.
County elections and voter registration information can be found at forsythco. com/Departments-Offices/ Voter-Registrations-Elections.
— Shelby Israel
The Forsyth County Board of Voter Registrations and Elections is seeking input on advance voting hours, days and locations for the 2024 elections.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a Cumming man who allegedly shot another driver in the arm during a road rage incident May 15.
The victim informed deputies around 8 a.m. that he had been shot in the arm by a man who was driving a white passenger car. He said the suspect was driving slowly in the left lane on southbound Ga. 400, and he admitted to having followed too closely and blowing his horn at the suspect.
The suspect allegedly followed the man and began shooting at his truck between exits 13 and 14. The Sheriff’s Office said the bullet shattered the glass of the driver door and pierced the man in the arm.
Deputies reported locating the vehicle and the driver Joshua Kasparek, 31, whose version of events matched the other driver’s. Deputies also learned Kasparek had a family violence order against him that prohibited him from possessing or purchasing a firearm or ammunition.
Kasparek was charged with aggravated assault, reckless conduct and violation of a family violence court order. He is being held at the Forsyth County Jail with no bond amount.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A Forsyth County nonprofit private school received the go-ahead May 18 for nearly 5,000 square feet of expansion to help accommodate three years of growth in its number of special needs students.
The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a request to operate New Heights Academy in a third suite at 6225 Atlanta Highway. Owner and founder Vivian Gesualdi said the facility’s current capacity does not meet its need, and this is the school’s third year requesting an expansion.
“We offer students anywhere from the ages of 6-22 to come into our school,” Gesualdi said. “We try to make it as affordable as possible so all walks of life actually can go to our school.”
While other nonprofits, such as Creative Enterprises and Young Life Capernaum, offer programs and service opportunities to special needs individuals in the county, New Heights Academy provides an alternative to the county’s public special education curricula in schools.
The academy offers classes based on Georgia Core Curriculum Standards, as well as vocational training. It serves students who are nonverbal, those who diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and those with developmental disabilities in full academic terms.
“Hopefully the next time I see you guys, I will be purchasing the building,” Gesualdi said. “So we don’t have to come every single year for this.”
Also at the May 18 meeting, commissioners recognized Apryl Milam of the County Department of Recycling and Solid Waste for creating Changes on the Chattahoochee, a student-led community science project dedicated to investigating and documenting pollution on the Chattahoochee River.
Students conducted water quality testing at various locations from Helen to Apalachicola, Florida. The state awarded Milam the 2022 Georgia Innovation in Adopt-A-Stream Award for her efforts.
Keep Forsyth County Beautiful, the local affiliate of Keep Georgia Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful, also won the Adopt-A-Stream Watershed Award from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division.
Forsyth County Manager David McKee said the organization created two recycling and recovery collection systems near boat ramps at Lake Lanier.
“They hosted two cleanup sites with the Lake Lanier Association’s annual Shore Sweep cleanup event, which totaled 528 volunteers collecting 12.1 tons of trash from the shores of the lake and the Chattahoochee River,” McKee said.
The County Commission also recognized the three winners of the
County Department of Water and Sewer and Keep Forsyth County Beautiful’s annual Storm Drain Art Contest, which uses student artwork to educate the community about water quality and pollution in storm runoff.
Commissioners recognized Piney Grove Middle School student Abby Hudson for her artwork “The Fish
and the Flowers,” South Forsyth High School student Vidhi Mehta’s “Don’t Let Animals Get a Taste of Waste” and South Forsyth Middle School student Akshata Joshi’s “Stop Litter.”
Each student received $100 for their work. The art is displayed on designated storm drains at each school.
Continued from Page 2
The newsgroup alleges that despite guidance from the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and multiple other state agencies that initial narrative information must be released under Georgia law, Sandy Springs has denied records requests under the pretense that releasing narrative information would hinder police investigations.
“In requesting the incident reports from Sandy Springs, The Newspaper has asked for arrest reports, including any supplemental reports or narratives from the reporting officer,” Brooks K. Hudson, an attorney representing Appen Media, wrote in the complaint. “Sandy Springs will then provide the Newspaper with an incident report that either has no narrative, or a one-line narrative that gives little to no detail about the incident.”
Without narrative information about what occurred during initial police investigations, Appen Media executives said that neither they nor members of the public will have an accurate understanding of crimes that occur in the community.
While not referenced in the lawsuit, reports filed alongside the complaint also redact the names of officers, without
any justification for why the redactions would be permitted under Georgia law.
“The law requires that all initial reports are subject to open records laws, regardless of whether they are called ‘initial incident reports’, ‘supplemental reports’, ‘narrative reports’, or something else,” Appen Media Publisher Hans Appen said. “Cities cannot avoid disclosure requirements by simply calling files something other than what they are.”
In an email from February, Sandy Springs City Attorney Dan Lee claims that Appen Media’s reading of the law is mistaken, and the city is only required to provide “public supplements” to initial police incident reports, but not other types of supplemental reports.
Lee said that when cases are closed, and there is no threat that an investigation will be compromised, the city is willing to release more documents.
“It is apparent Appen believes that more information is required in the initial incident report, but Georgia Law does not support that requirement,” Lee said. “The City prides itself on transparency and has not encountered this complaint from any other outlet.”
Appen argues they believe that Sandy Springs is violating both the intentions and spirit of Georgia’s Open Records Law by upholding a policy that provides citizens with virtually no de-
tails about what crimes are occurring in their community.
“Our ability to obtain complete reports is one of the best tools we have for giving the public an account of how their tax dollars are being spent, how police resources are being prioritized, and how safe their families are in their homes, schools and driving down the street,” Appen said. “We do this accountability journalism and file these open records requests so that the public doesn’t have to. We do need the city to their part though in supplying us the information to relay.”
Beyond that violation, Appen said that Sandy Springs is the only municipality in north Metro Atlanta that provides limited or no narrative as part of incident reports released through open records requests.
“We do not have this issue with our public safety coverage for Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Forsyth County, or Dunwoody,” Appen said. “They generally do a good job of giving us initial incident reports, which provide the public with a baseline of the who, what, when and where a crime has occurred.”
In 2018 Appen Media Group sued the City of Roswell over similar alleged violations of the Georgia Open Records Act.
As part of the lawsuit, Appen Media alleged the Roswell Police Department
had consistently withheld vital information about criminal incidents from public records. The lawsuit also alleged that the Roswell Police Department had failed to meet time requirements for supplying the reports after requests were made.
After a year of legal maneuvering on both sides of the suit, members of the Roswell City Council voted to settle the lawsuit in 2019, agreeing to pay the media company $10,500 in attorney’s fees and provide them a year’s worth of free open records requests.
“Filing suit was always our last and least desirable option,” Appen said. “We spent months and months going back and forth with the city [of Sandy Springs] giving them every opportunity to comply with the law and fill our records requests. They refused, so here we are.”
In an email, Sandy Springs Communications Director Andrew Allison said the city stands by its interpretation of the Georgia Open Records Law and they are ready to meet the complaint in a court of law.
“Sandy Springs will continue to release all appropriate information required under the Open Records Act and, if the lawsuit proceeds, the city will seek to recover costs, damages and attorneys’ fees to respond to these allegations which question the city’s integrity," Allison stated.
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DUNWOODY, Ga. — Taqueria Los Hermanos was born from the vision of three brothers two decades ago, but its history dates back to a rich family tradition in the cuisine of southern Mexico.
Located in The Shops of Dunwoody on Chamblee Dunwoody Road, co-owner Miguel Romero said the restaurant offers a unique take on the typical Mexican fare, with a menu rich in seafood that is beloved by the community.
Romero’s personal favorite on the menu are Mama’s tamales, a spicy red chicken and a spicy green pork tamale served on a bed of warm Mexican rice with a side of black charro bean soup and handmade sauces. He said the recipe dates to his great-grandmother, who passed it down through the generations.
“That’s something, I think, that a lot of other restaurants are lacking,” Romero said. “There’s not really a true family recipe. It’s more of just kind of same old, same old, just different kinds of varieties or whatever. But for us, everything is homemade. All of our sauces are homemade. All the marinades are family recipes.”
The fan-favorite Romero said a fan-favorite at Taqueria Los Hermanos are the tlayudas, a Mexican-style pizza that originates from the state of Oaxaca. The dish consists of refried black beans, shredded cabbage, avocado, tomato, red onions,
radishes, roasted poblano peppers, queso fresco and shredded Oaxaca cheese on a crunchy corn tortilla, topped with grilled chicken, pastor or asada steak.
Guests are also treated to an expansive list of strong margaritas, homemade-style desserts and dishes ranging from taquitos, tacos, burritos and enchiladas.
But Taqueria Los Hermanos’ standout offering is its service and dedication to quality.
“Our goal is to be number one in every aspect – in food, service, drinks, everything,” Romero said.
Much like its menu, Taqueria Los Hermanos is the product of family tradition carried down through the generations. Romero’s father and uncles opened the restaurant when Romero was 7 years old in 2001, and Romero’s first job was working as a busser.
“As I got older, I became a server and then assistant manager, general manager and then owner,” Romero said. “Obviously, Los Hermanos is very successful, so I wanted to be a part of it alongside with my brother and my cousin.”
Together, the three opened the restaurant’s Dunwoody location at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
“It was interesting,” Romero said. “We were busy, I mean, slammed for the first week, and then it just stopped because of the pandemic.”
See TAQUERIA, Page 9
Miguel
Our goal is to be number one in every aspect – in food, service, drinks, everything.
MIGUEL ROMERO, co-owner,Taqueria
Los Hermanos
Continued from Page 8
Despite initial challenges and working odd hours, the restaurant persisted, and Dunwoody’s love for Taqueria Los Hermanos never waned.
A year later, the eatery was named one of the best Mexican restaurants in Gwinnett Magazine’s Best of Gwinnett awards, and Taqueria Los Hermanos won the same category in Appen Media’s Best of Perimeter awards in 2022 and 2023.
Romero said he studied at the University of Georgia, and there, peers from Dunwoody had told him the area needed a good Mexican restaurant. With its proximity to major state highways, Atlanta and North Fulton County cities, he said Dunwoody was the ideal spot for Taqueria Los Hermanos’ fifth location.
“I would like to thank Dunwoody in general,” Romero said. “It’s an amazing community, and it’s awesome because not only are they great customers, but they also help us out a lot with sending their kids to work with us … Overall, we’ve had a lot of help from the community, so we’d like to say thank you for that.”
Taqueria Los Hermanos is in suite 3 at 5500 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Menus, hours and more information can be found at taquerialoshermanos.com.
What: Kick off the weekend a little early at Alpharetta’s Food Truck Alley. Culinary options include more than 10 food trucks every fourth Thursday of the month until October, offering a diverse range of cuisine types. This is a familyfriendly event, with limited seating available and will feature live music each month. It is recommended that attendees bring a blanket or chair and leave pets at home for these events.
When: Thursday, May 25, 5-9 p.m.
Where : Old Roswell Street, 37 Old Roswell Street, Alpharetta
More info: facebook.com/ foodtruckalley
CITY GREEN LIVE: THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY
What: The Black Jacket Symphony will recreate Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album note for note, sound for sound plus more of the band’s greatest hits. Blankets, lawn chairs and umbrellas are allowed.
When: Friday, May 26, 7:30 p.m.
Where: City Green, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs
Cost: Lawn seating is free; reserved tables are $60-90 More info: sandyspringsga.gov
MILTON FARMERS MARKET
What: Every Saturday morning until Oct. 28, more than 30 vendors set up shop around Milton City Hall with fresh produce, fresh meat, sweets, coffee and tea, flowers, soaps, jewelry and more.
When: Saturday, May 27, 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.
Where: Milton City Hall plaza, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton
More info: facebook.com/ miltongafarmersmarket
What: Come explore and shop the arts and crafts booths set up outside in front of the Aurora Cineplex and Fringe Mini Golf, offering unique custom jewelry, embroidered towels, nail art, wood working, pottery, candles and soaps, accessories and more.
What: This event will feature Carpool, a tribute band recreating the sound, look and vibe that made The Cars worldfamous.
When: Sunday, June 4, 7 p.m. Where: Heritage Amphitheater, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs
Cost: Lawn seating is free; reserved tables are $135-160 More info: sandyspringsga.gov
When: Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Area 51-Aurora Cineplex and Fringe Miniature Golf, 5100 Commerce Parkway, Roswell More info: Email MainStreetCraftShow@gmail.com
What: Riverside Sounds, Roswell’s longest running, free outdoor concert series, will feature Early James who conjures the ghosts of great Southern gothic writers from Eudora Welty to William Faulkner, while channeling the haunted spirits of Tom Waits and Townes Van Zandt. The series will be held every fourth Saturday of the month from April through September.
When: Saturday, May 27, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com
It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people, whether online, through our newsletters or in the Crier and Herald newspapers.
What: A young orphan named Peter teams up with Molly, a Starcatcherin-training, and his mates to defend a mysterious trunk in the captain’s cabin from pirates led by the fearsome Black Stache. Join Stage Door Theatre for an exploration of the depths of greed and despair, along with the bonds of friendship, duty and love.
When: Up to May 28, times vary Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody
Cost: $35 for adults, $20 for students and $15 for children
More info: stagedoortheatrega.org
What: The Alpharetta Rotary Concerts are held on the Town Green by Alpharetta City Hall every first and third Friday of the month until September. The space includes plenty of room for blankets and
follow these easy steps:
lawn chairs and is within walking distance to more than 30 chefdriven and locally owned restaurants featuring everything from farm-totable comfort food to tasty tacos. This event features School of Rock as the opening band, followed by Across the Wide.
When: Friday, June 2, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Town Green, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta
More info: alpharetta.ga.us
What: The Pics in the Park summer movie series returns. Enjoy the free showing, free popcorn and candy, and giveaways under the stars. Top Job Beverages will also be on-site with additional concessions. The popcorn cart opens 30 minutes prior to show time and will be available until halfway through the movie.
When: Friday, June 2, 8-11 p.m.
Where: Pernoshal Park, 4575 North Shallowford Road, Dunwoody
More info : dunwoodyga.gov
What: This event, which benefits veterans with PTSD, features a police-escorted motorcycle ride from Newtown Park to the Ga. 400 terminus in Dahlonega. There will be food, a static military vehicle display and a gun raffle. The registration fee is $50 per motorcycle, which includes a free T-shirt.
When: Saturday, June 3, 8 a.m.
Where: Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek
More info: studentleadershipjohnscreek.com/ student-leadership-program/ridefor-vets
What: This event will feature Carpool, a tribute band recreating the sound, look and vibe that made The Cars world-famous.
When: Sunday, June 4, 7 p.m.
Where: Heritage Amphitheater, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs
Cost: Lawn seating is free; reserved tables are $135-160
More info: sandyspringsga.gov
Assumption: Active Adult and Independent Living are the same thing
Reality: FALSE! Active adult communities serve as choice-based option for individuals 55 and better who may not be ready for the needsbased services and amenities of a traditional senior living community.
Assumption: Active Adult site staff are medically certified
Reality: FALSE! Our staff does not provide any medical care or interventions. This allows our residents to maintain their long-time health care providers and medical independence.
Assumption: I have to be retired in order to move into an Active Adult community
Reality: FALSE! Just like living in a multi-family community, we encourage our residents to continue to engage in their career and social interests as they did prior to moving in!
The Active Adult environment caters to older adults who typically have lower health needs and prefer an active,
community-based lifestyle where they can engage with their neighbors of similar age. This may allow for a stronger sense of community and an easier adjustment to apartment living. Here at Outlook Gwinnett, we seek to provide luxurious, worry-free living long before you are ready to relinquish your independence. Look forward to spending hot summer days lounging by our meticulously cared for outdoor pool! Or connect with your neighbors and plan your evening get-togethers around our stocked wine nook and sports lounge. Add in our community calendar, packed with a never-ending variety of SUN program activities, the possibilities are limitless here at Outlook Gwinnett!
Stop by our leasing office today to find out how to reserve a spot in this unique community today.
1500 Laurel Crossing Parkway Buford, GA 30519
(678) 890-5371
outlookgwinnett.com
Brought to You by - Katherine M. Wheat, Associate, Wilson Legal, PC
“Looking across this field, we see the scale of heroism and sacrifice. All who are buried here understood their duty. All stood to protect America. And all carried with them memories of a family that they hoped to keep safe by their sacrifice.” -
George W. Bush, Arlington National Cemetery, Memorial Day 2005While most Americans are familiar with Arlington National Cemetery, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration maintains 155 national cemeteries in 42 states and Puerto Rico. Most Veterans qualify for burial benefits, which include a gravesite in any VA national cemetery with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone, marker, or medallion, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Cremated remains are inurned in national cemeteries in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains.
If you or your loved one would like to be buried in a national cemetery,
there are a few steps you can go ahead and take to prepare. Actual burial arrangements will be made after death, and the VA does not reserve grave space; however, upon request, the VA will go ahead and make eligibility determinations for burial in advance of need. This is called a preneed determination of eligibility and obtaining it early may make a time of grief a little easier for you or your surviving family members.
Information about eligibility may be found at www.va.gov/burialsmemorials/eligibility/. To apply you will need your Social Security number; date and place of birth, military status, and service history (ex. service dates, discharge character, rank); discharge papers (DD214 or other separation documents). If you do not have your discharge papers, you may request them by submitting a military records request. Information about this process may be found at www. va.gov/records/get-military-servicerecords/.
The above application process applies to all national cemeteries except Arlington National Cemetery and the United States Soldiers and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery.
For burial in either of these Department of the Army cemeteries, you will need to call (877) 907-8585.
Even if you are not interested in burial at a national cemetery or state veteran cemetery, you may still want to honor your Veteran by obtaining a headstone, marker, or medallion, a burial flag, and/or a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Additionally, you can request an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible Veteran. Your funeral director should be able to assist you in obtaining or incorporating these honors into
the Veteran’s funeral and burial. Another helpful resource is Military One Source, which is an official U.S. Department of Defense website available at www.militaryonesource. mil.
The death of a loved one can be such a stressful time and planning ahead to request burial benefits and honors for a Veteran may help to avoid some of that stress. It also provides the Veteran with an opportunity to voice his or her wishes for a funeral, burial, or cremation. To all of those who served – Thank you!
Yes, you read that correctly. Those were the only words written in what must have been size 20 million font on a billboard near Greenville, South Carolina. A beautiful United States flag was proudly portrayed on the billboard behind those words. And, oddly, no company name, logo or other identifying information was present to connect this billboard to a specific business or corporation. From what I could see as I drove by, nothing was on the billboard except an American flag and the words “Be Patriotic. Vape.”
This billboard had me puzzled. Was it a joke? Was it actually trying to convince people that vaping is an act of patriotism? Does it assume that the general population and particularly our young people are so impressionable as to believe this billboard and start vaping because they love our country?
I laughed as I drove by, but the billboard did have me worried. The US military included cigarettes in soldiers’ rations from World War II through 1975, and as a result, nicotine addiction and tobacco use has long been a plight of our veterans. Many adult smokers have attempted to use e-cigarettes and vaping as a way of avoiding regular cigarettes. But the fastest growth of vaping has been among young people. Approximately 20% of those aged 18 to 29 report vaping – the highest for any age group.
Since young people seem to be most strongly prone to vaping, it’s important to spread the word on the negative health effects of vaping to our youth. As a dermatologist, I can attest to negative skin effects of vaping, some of which should grab one’s attention:
1. Black, hairy tongue. Multiple oral problems can occur from vaping. The most newsworthy from a teen’s perspective is probably black hairy tongue. The exact
reason vaping can cause this condition is not known, but it’s well-established that some individuals will develop a black, hairy-appearing tongue when they vape. Skin cells on the tongue build up, and certain types of bacteria can overgrow. Go to Google Image and type in “black hairy tongue” to scare any teens you know out of vaping.
2. Genital burns. Many e-cigarettes use lithium batteries that were manufactured poorly and are prone to exploding. Between 2015 and 2017, more than 2000 people went to the emergency room for burn injuries from e-cigarettes. Explosions were often spontaneous while the device was simply in the person’s pocket. Pockets are close to one’s private parts, and genitals were commonly burned. Scare your teen with this one!
3. Acne and aging skin. Nothing seems to motivate a social-media era individual like aesthetics. Cigarettes are known to cause acne, premature aging of skin, enlarged pores and oil glands. Nicotine causes many of these changes, and nicotine is present whether one is using traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes.
Finally, the question of patriotism. In case you were worried that you need to starting vaping to prove that you are a patriot, the answer is that you do not. Patriotism and vaping have NOT been linked. An article in the journal Tobacco Use Insights entitled “The Vaping Teenager” found that teens who identify themselves as “patriotic” are actually less likely to vape than those with other peer crowd identifications. Teens who selfidentified as patriotic were more likely to report valuing hard work and enjoying the outdoors. The billboard would have been more accurate had it said “Want to risk burnt genitals, hairy tongue, acne, cardiovascular side effects and a lighter wallet? – Vape.” I guess they ran out of room?
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Having treated hundreds of patients over the past 6 years with Pain Relieving Laser Therapy, it’s not hard for me to appreciate how well it works. But if you’ve never tried it, trust me when I tell you…. you’re missing out!
Several years ago, John Deere ran a promotion on their zero turn lawn mowers. They used a fun tag line, “It’s not how fast you mow, it’s how well you mow FAST!” I wish I could come up with a similar tag line for Pain Relieving Laser Therapy because it can deliver pain relief in just a few minutes. It’s not uncommon for patients to have their pain be reduced by 50% on the first treatment.
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Now might be a great time to change your Medicare Supplement Plan. Rates are getting lower for those willing to make a change. Unlike Medicare Advantage Plans, you can change your Medicare Supplement anytime!
Right now is a “perfect storm” of new carriers getting into the market, along with existing insurance carriers deciding to put more emphasis on their Medicare insurance products.
Competition is great for the consumer! Medicare Supplement Plans are named after letters of the alphabet. Currently there are Plans A - Plan N with Plan G, and Plan N being two very popular plans. To use Plan G for example, every insurance company’s Plan G is identical in benefit to any other Plan G. With this being the case, one of few differences is price and how that price increases overtime. If you have left your Medicare Supplement plan on “auto pilot” for several years, it may be time to take another look at it.
Whether you’re a high-school senior or a senior fretting about healthcare costs, the end of May is simply a little touch of magic and perhaps tragic for so many.
especially applicable to business or personal life.
The second habit, “Begin with The End in Mind,” has always been a call to rally around what I want to do (strategy) and how I’m going to get there (tactics/actions).
I’m looking forward to a bang-up of a summer. Books, bands, baseball and bliss are on the menu.
Have you “shopped” your Medicare Supplement Plan in a while?
Work with a Medicare Insurance Broker, like me, to shop the market. We price out over 20 of the leading Medicare Supplement insurance carriers. Not only could you drastically lower your monthly premium, but some Medicare Supplement insurance companies are adding benefits like gym memberships at no additional cost!
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Monday is Memorial Day, a pre-summer opportunity to bow our heads and thank all those who paid the ultimate price, giving their lives to help preserve our way of life. You can bet there will be a megaton of military movies on television all weekend, so take your pick and get into the spirit.
I have found it is a perfect excuse to thank any member of the military who might cross my path. Even though they haven’t given their life, it’s absolutely awe-inspiring that by wearing the uniform, they’re willing to make such an unselfish sacrifice for all of us.
I’ve always found it comforting to bow my head and offer a prayer of thanks.
The weekend is a signal to let the summer commence. The schools play “Taps” for another year. There will be graduation ceremonies at high schools where tears and vows of never losing touch with classmates will be null and void when life dictates it’s time to move on.
Not trying to be rude to you justifiably proud parents. You’re that much closer to progressing your teenagers into bona fide adulthood, but don’t we make high school much more important than it really is?
Paige Gorman Agent
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
As someone with a 50-year reunion a mere tick away, I have surmised those four years, despite what students are told, are not the most important times of your life. At the reunion, as a 68-year-old fighting daily not to be crochety, those high school years were a mere 5.8 percent of my life.
That’s called “perspective,” which I never learned while slogging through North High in Bakersfield.
Something I have learned is to plan and have a vision about where I want to go and how I’m going to get there. I absolutely love to revisit the late Dr. Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” It’s one of the best books ever,
As for reading, there will be nothing too heavy. Currently, I’m giggling my way through Dave Barry’s “Swamp Story.” There’s something relaxing and satisfying about a good South Florida novel, bringing back memories of those cigars I quit enjoying some five years ago. No Fuente Anejos means I feel better, and Barry’s tale is silly enough to make me enjoy it like long ashes on a heater.
Harlan Coben’s new one “I Will Find You,” a tale of kidnapping, treachery and a wrongful conviction will have you guessing as to how this one concludes. It’s well worth the time. Vince Flynn, Nelson DeMille, John Sandford and the latest Spenser tale are all due soon. I’ll continue to load up the Kindle.
Oldest son Chris has agreed to accompany me to see John Fogerty at Chastain in July. He’s as reliable as humidity in the summer and will see acts with his dad. It’ll be an added plus after I cashed in a massive gift card and scored us VIP seats. He claims to like the music. I make sure to keep his interest by buying plenty of refreshments and putting a dent in the “swag” table merchandise.
Greg and I will be seeing a massive number of Braves games. The baseball is wonderful, but I have found the smells and sounds of the ballpark bring back sweet lifetime memories. I always avoid ballpark food though, not relishing tasting a hot dog for a week after the game.
Wait, I mentioned “bliss” a few paragraphs ago. That’s what’ll surround me when I ride my new Harley Road Glide 3, but that’s a story for next week. Buying a Trike might confirm your thoughts that your columnist has lost it. Then again, it will definitely prove to be entertaining and bring you back here.
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.
When one approaches the Chattahoochee River going south on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek, the last house on the right is the home of Mildred (nearly everyone calls her Millie) Moore. The house sits on the banks of the river, next to a beautiful historic red barn and close to a once-white rectangular building with its own history. I have known Millie since I wrote the book “Barns of Old Milton County” 12 years ago. Her red barn slice of history is the first picture in the book. It is a pleasure for me to revisit the property and to write about Millie and her fascinating family.
The first Medlock in North Fulton County was Isham Medlock (17771852), who came to this area in 1818 from South Carolina. Millie’s grandfather William Oliver Medlock (18661934) was a descendant who built the original house, barn and various longgone outbuildings and the rectangular building that remains on Millie’s property. He and his wife Louella-Hamilton Medlock (1867-1938) raised eight children on their 9- acre cotton and wheat farm. William Oliver’s father Robert Medlock Sr. (1832-1919) was born in Gwinnett County, and his wife Selma McDonald Medlock (1896-1974) was from Jefferson. All the generations had multiple children, so the Medlock’s have deep roots in this area. Unfortunately, the original house on Millie’s property burned to the ground in 1913. The Atlanta Constitution reported that the fire started in the stove flue, and that only a piano and a few minor items were saved. Mr. Medlock was out on the farm at the time of the fire.
In 1886, William Oliver established a ferry service to carry farmers and their wagons across the Chattahoochee. His customers took produce and livestock from their farms in north Georgia to Atlanta to sell in exchange for “store-bought” clothing, kitchen utensils, tools and other household items. Travelers often spent the night near the barn in the rectangular building which served as a general store and bunkhouse.
In 1891 William Oliver upgraded his ferry service by building the first steel bridge across the Chattahoochee on his property. He charged 25 cents for a wagon, five cents per person and a penny a head for livestock.
Five years later he sold the bridge to Milton and Gwinnett counties. The steel bridge was replaced by a concrete span in 1958 when Medlock Bridge Road was realigned and paved. The road was widened to four lanes in 1993.
Milly’s parents were William Oliver’s son Robert David Medlock (18881948) and his wife Selma McDonald Medlock (1896-1974). Robert served as a wagoner in the 118 Field Artillery in World War 1. He was a postman for many years and was beloved by the people he served. When people did not have money for a stamp, Robert provided one and when they could not get to town, he delivered their groceries. When Robert died the officiating minister of the Warsaw Church said he had never seen so many people attend a funeral.
Miss Maude Brown lived with her mother in the store for many years. Miss Maude ran the store when Millie was a young girl. Millie remembers that Miss Maude sold candy and vegetables to local residents and overnight travelers. She paid rent to Millie’s father and moved away several years after his death.
Millie had an identical twin sister, Selma Cheeley, and two older sisters, Sara and Annette, all deceased. The four girls were raised on the farm. They attended Warsaw School, one of five schools built in North Fulton in the 1920s and 1930s. Situated near the intersection of State Bridge and Medlock Bridge roads, the brick building currently is used as an office building
Selma, like Millie, was active in the community. She served on the local school board and was twice president of the Buford Women’s Club and was president of the local garden club.
Millie attended Georgia State College majoring in business. She was employed by Gulf Oil Corporation in Atlanta. In 1959, Millie married Davis Moore of Decatur (1927-1992). They raised two daughters Tricia Crawford and Marian Osborne, both of whom live close by. Davis was one of the top salesmen for Johnson & Johnson Co. for 20 years covering 10 states.
Millie says growing up on the farm was a wonderful life. She remembers riding horses and ponies to Duluth and Norcross where they knew “most everyone.” The family entertained a lot of visitors and hosted McDonald family reunions attended by more than 100 people.
“Everyone brought home cooked dishes, so there was no store-bought food served at the reunions,” says Millie. An old basketball hoop saw a lot of use and still adorns the barn.
Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
Facilities/Property Manager for church in Alpharetta area.
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Needs basic competency of the practices, methods, and equipment utilized in facility maintenance, construction, and repair activities; including skills and abilities related to plumbing, janitorial, electrical systems, painting, carpentry, construction, and heating and air conditioning systems. Basic understanding of IT and AV technology would be helpful. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage contractors/volunteers. Requires successful completion of a criminal record and child abuse background check, a valid driver’s license and the ability to perform physical tasks.
Qualified candidates please send resume to Alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.
Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk III – Customer Service to assist in a high-volume call center. Requires high school diploma or equivalency, computer, communication and general office skills. Two years of related experience preferred. Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours, to include evenings, weekends and holidays.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, June 2, 2023. 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.
Administrative Assistant for Youth and Children
Protestant church in downtown Alpharetta seeks a parttime (15-18 hours per week) Administrative Assistant for Youth & Children’s Ministries. In addition to normal administrative duties the candidate will assist with scheduling, social media, securing supplies, maintaining attendance records, planning events and mission trips.
Qualified candidates are a person of outstanding character who is friendly, organized, able to prioritize, exhibits an understanding of the importance of confidentiality, and is willing and able to work in an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of all people.
The Community Events Manager is responsible for all aspects of NFCC’s community events, from inception through execution, including helping secure sponsorships. Events may include annual golf tournament, annual fundraising gala, community engagement events, donor recognition events, and other community events. Position requires a highly organized, creative, and motivated person to lead event planning, sponsorship, and community engagement. Bachelor’s Degree preferred with 2-3 years special events and fundraising experience. To view entire listing visit: https://nfcchelp.org/workat-nfcc/ To apply, send a resume to Sandy Holiday, sholiday@nfcchelp.org.
Entry level to Senior level. Direct Hire and temp to hire.
Resume to lauren@discoverstaffing.com or call or text 678-393-9313 for more details.
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, June 2, 2023. 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.
A degree from an accredited college or university is preferred. Computer competence within Office 365, editing, and writing skills are required. Experience with REALM is a plus.
Successful completion of a criminal records and child abuse background check is required.
Send resumes to alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.
The Donor Operations Associate greets and removes donations from vehicles and sorts merchandise in a designated area. They are responsible for keeping the merchandise secure, all areas free of debris and the donor door area neat and clean. This position is the face of NFCC so they are expected to provide excellent customer service and treat each donor with a professional and friendly demeanor. High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Ability to perform low to moderate facility maintenance tasks. To view entire listing visit: https://nfcchelp.org/work-atnfcc/ To apply, please complete an application for employment and email to Marten Jallad, mjallad@nfcchelp.org.
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