FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Jackson Burbrink, a 16-year-old Forsyth County resident, is pursuing his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout with an educational project in Johns Creek. Now, he is looking for community support.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County public safety agencies gathered at Horizon Christian Academy July 18 for an annual active shooter drill.
Sheriff’s Office Capt. Rob Heagerty said the operation is a joint effort between the Fire Department,
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the Sheriff’s Office and Central EMS, the county’s ambulance contractor.
Heagerty said the drill is designed to ensure clear communication between the departments, which may use differing language. He said when deputies say a room is clear, it means there is no threat, but to a firefighter, “clear” means there are no victims.
“That way, when we’re talking
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in unified command — Sheriff’s Office, Fire and EMS … everybody understands each other’s language,” Heagerty said. “When it happens, we run efficient and effective because we work out the kinks here in training.”
He said the agencies first practiced joint drills for large scenarios in 2014. While active
See DRILL, Page 4
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Burbrink, an incoming junior at the Alliance Academy for Innovation, has been active in the Boy Scouts of America since the first grade and joined Troop 143 in the fifth grade. He conceived the talking tree trail at Shakerag Park as his Eagle Scout project, the final step to obtain the organization’s highest rank.
Originally, he said he wanted to complete the project in Forsyth County, but due to the anticipated maintenance required, he relocated his proposal to Shakerag Park.
Burbrink intends to install four vandal-resistant and weatherproof speakers by Digital Audio Technologies, a product that has been used by the National Park Service. Guests would use a hand crank to activate the speaker, which would relay facts about the tree recorded by fellow scouts.
Each speaker post would carry between five and eight messages.
See PROJECT, Page 9
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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office identified a juvenile volunteer at Sharon Forks Library July 24 as the suspect in a bomb threat investigation.
Deputies responded July 19 to the report that a threat was typed into the internet search bar on a public
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.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested two Atlanta men July 8 on felony burglary, theft and fraud charges.
Deputies reported receiving an alert on a vehicle on Settles Walk Lane around 3 a.m. that had been reported stolen. One suspect was in the vehicle, and another was coming from the passenger’s side of a van parked at a residence. The suspect in the reported stolen vehicle fled on foot, the report states, and the other entered the vehicle and fled.
The driver reportedly continued down Settles Walk Lane with no headlights, stopping after striking a deputy’s patrol vehicle. The second suspect was found lying in the woods near the residence, the report states.
Deputies reported locating a woman’s wallet, a backpack and a purse in the vehicle among items that were suspected to have been stolen.
Residents on Settles Walk Lane and Fairgreen Drive reported later
computer in the children’s section. The Sheriff’s Office reported the suspect was the only person near the computer when the threats were made.
Deputies evacuated and searched the building with explosion detection K9s. The Sheriff’s Office reported no explosives were found in the library or in the truck that was hauling books to
July 8 their cars had been entered. Two victims said it appeared nothing had been stolen. One victim reported her purse, which contained money and personal identification, was missing from her car.
The driver of the reportedly stolen car was charged with three felony counts of transaction card theft, six counts of entering automobile theft, attempting to elude for a felony offense, criminal attempt to commit a felony, two counts of identity fraud, first degree forced residence burglary and misdemeanor theft by receiving stolen property.
The driver, an 18-year-old, is being held at the Forsyth County Jail. Bond is set at $106,065.
The second suspect, 21, was charged with three felony counts of transaction card theft, six counts of entering automobile theft, two counts of identity fraud, first degree forced residence burglary and criminal attempt to commit a felony, as well as misdemeanor theft by receiving stolen property and obstruction of law enforcement officers.
He is being held at the Forsyth County Jail on a $176,410 bond.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested two suspects July 7 on forgery charges after they allegedly stole checks from the mailboxes of local businesses.
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the Post Road Library.
The juvenile admitted to typing the alleged threats and was criminally trespassed from all county public libraries, officials said. A juvenile complaint for terroristic threats was also filed.
— Shelby Israelstates.
Both suspects were charged with forgery in the third degree, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of tools for the commission of a crime.
One suspect, a 23-year-old from Decatur, received additional charges of expired registration and forgery in the fourth degree, and the other, a 20-year-old from Jonesboro, was charged with giving a false name and date of birth, driving without a valid license and improper stopping.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested an Alpharetta woman July 9 on theft charges stemming from multiple shoplifting incidents in May and June.
A loss prevention employee at the Walmart on Peachtree Parkway reported shoplifting in progress around 5 p.m. June 24. The employee showed deputies surveillance footage of the suspect scanning the barcode of a $0.53 container of dental floss for the majority of the 41 items she purchased.
With the floss scanned, the suspect paid $31.90 of the $172.11 actual total, the report states.
Deputies reported stopping a Jeep Renegade after it had stopped abruptly on Buford Dam Road around 3 a.m. The two suspects reportedly exited the vehicle and switched places before continuing down the road. The Jeep’s tag was also expired, the report states.
Deputies reported conducting a traffic stop. During a probable cause search, deputies located a loaded firearm under the passenger seat, a metal crowbar and two checks from Forsyth County businesses.
Later that day, two businesses reported damaged mailboxes with visible prying marks, the report
Deputies reported loss prevention recovered the items and refunded the balance the suspect had paid to her card. She was released on a misdemeanor shoplifting citation, and the store did not criminally trespass the suspect because she had no prior history.
The store contacted the Sheriff's Office June 28 to report further evidence that the suspect had shoplifted eight times between May 3 and June 18 accounting for a total of $1,077.29 in losses.
Loss prevention reported the suspect had used the floss for the other incidents, and she frequently stole food items such as king crab and expensive steak, the report states.
The suspect was charged with felony theft by shoplifting.
A graph illustrates Forsyth County’s property tax rate since 2019. The County Commission approved the same 7.896-mill rate July 20, but the county’s revenue from taxes continues to rise from reassessments and new development.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County commissioners adopted a fiscal year 2024 budget and, with property values continuing to climb, voted to keep the tax rate unchanged at its July 20 meeting.
The county’s general fund budget, which covers daily operations and expenses, totals $196 million. That’s up $9.9 million, or 5.3 percent, from this year.
County finance staff project $84.7 million in revenue from property taxes for the 2024 budget, a 7.7 percent rise from the previous year.
In 2023, the county's final tax digest –the value of all commercial and residential property – rose to $18.2 billion, a 15 percent increase from 2022. Chief Financial Officer Marcus Turk said about 5 percent of the growth was due to new construction, and 10 percent came from increased values on existing properties.
The 2024 general fund allots $15 million for parks and recreation, $66.6 million for the Sheriff’s Office, $8.3 million for libraries and $8.1 million for public facilities. Some $2.7 million, an 88 percent increase from 2023, is also reserved for voter registration in the 2024 election year.
Commissioners also approved the 2023 millage, or property tax, rate for the upcoming fiscal year. Fiscal years in the county coincide with the calendar year.
The rate remains unchanged since the 2021 fiscal year at 7.896 mills. One mill is equal to $1 per $1,000 of a home’s taxable value, which is 40 percent of the property’s overall assessed value. For a home assessed at $250,000, its taxable value would equal $100,000, and a 4-mill levy would generate a $400 tax liability.
More than half of the rate, 4.791 mills, is reserved for the county’s operations and maintenance costs.
The County Fire Fund, which includes the Fire Department’s administrative, maintenance, firefighting and capital and contingency costs, accounts for 2.175 mills. The remainder, about 11 percent, is reserved for bond payments.
County taxes make up less than half of local property tax bills. A majority of homeowners’ property taxes fund Forsyth County Schools. The Board of Education adopted its 2024 tax rate of 16.718 mills June 29.
The Board of Commissioners held public hearings on the tax rate 5 p.m. July 6, and 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. July 20. A public hearing on the budget was also held during the July 20 meeting.
Both the millage rate and the budget were unanimously approved.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — With just over two weeks before the start of a new school year, Forsyth County Schools officials are planning for a record number of students to fill classrooms.
Superintendent Jeff Bearden said at a July 18 Board of Education meeting the district’s registration office is at capacity every day with hardly an appointment to spare.
“We were projected to grow by more than 500 students over the current year,” he said. “We think that number is actually going to be higher based on the number of students enrolling right now. We will certainly be well over 54,000 students as we get into the school year.”
By July 17, the school district enrolled 53,297 students, but Schools Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Caracciolo said the system anticipates a significant growth in the two weeks before the Aug. 3 semester begins.
To make the first day of school deadline, school system officials recommend parents register their students no later than July 28, Caracciolo said.
At the end of the 2022-23 year, Forsyth County Schools saw a total
enrollment of 54,393 students.
Much like the county itself, the school district has consistently grown over the last decade. Since 2012, overall enrollment grew nearly 43 percent. Comparatively, the population of Forsyth County grew around 52 percent between 2010 and 2022, according to U.S. Census
Bureau data.
Census data further shows about 25 percent of the county’s population is under 18 years old.
At the meeting, Bearden said the school system also celebrated a “beam signing” for the new Midway Elementary School. The original facility, which was
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shooter training is annual, the departments practice a large-scale scenario every other year. School resource officers have separate training and protocols for threats. The training units are dispatched at staggered intervals to simulate arriving on the scene from different
built in 1961, was earmarked for a new and larger location by the Forsyth County Commission in 2022.
“We are making great progress,” Bearden said. “Midway is scheduled to reopen next fall, and so we’ll go through the redistricting process this fall to make sure that we populate that school.”
points around the county. Leaders will also introduce challenges, such as chained doors, for the participants to overcome.
Deputies use a combination of blanks and simulated ammunition during the drills. Heagerty said there are also weighted mannequins strategically placed throughout the scenario.
The drills, from neutralizing the threat to rescuing the mannequins, take about 30 minutes.
By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A Forsyth County business group is hosting a commercial real estate seminar and networking event in August to help county businesses navigate the upcoming economic landscape.
Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Economic Development Alex Warner said at a County Development Authority meeting July 20 that Forward Forsyth will present a “State of Commercial Space” economic forecast 10:30 a.m. Aug. 8 at the Forsyth Conference Center at 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard.
Warner said the event was conceived to provide routine support to the county’s business community and to offer insight and strategies for navigating higher interest rates on commercial loans. The main lecture will be delivered by an economist from Synovus.
Forward Forsyth is a collaboration between the county government, the Chamber of Commerce, the county school system, the Development Authority and Lanier Technical College, where the affair will take place.
Forward Forsyth is charged with stimulating economic growth in the
county.
Speaking to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners July 20, Chief Financial Officer Marcus Turk said roughly a third of the county’s 15.31 percent growth in the 2023 tax digest
came from new construction. Overall, the value of property in the county grew by $2.4 billion.
While the forecast will focus on the business community, Warner said the event is open to the public. Registration
is $10 for Chamber of Commerce members and $20 for non-members.
Those interested can register at web. focochamber.org/events/CommercialReal-Estate-Economic-Forecast-7560/ details.
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Regards, Holly Geerdes, Esq. Estate Law Center
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County officials confirmed July 19 a raccoon captured in a subdivision in the southeastern portion of the county tested positive for rabies.
The animal was captured by County Animal Services July 16 in the Grand Cascades subdivision in Suwanee near Rivercrest Lane.
The raccoon was transported to the Georgia Public Health Lab, where it tested positive for the virus July 18.
Residents and a dog who encountered the raccoon were treated for exposure. The virus is transmitted to humans and domestic animals through saliva when it is introduced into bite
wounds; mucous membranes such as the eyes or mouth; or open cuts.
County staff urge people who may have had contact with a raccoon to contact County Environmental Health at 770-7816909.
To report an animal behaving strangely, people should avoid the
animal and contact Animal Services at 770-781-2138 during business hours and the 911 Center at 770781-3087 after hours.
To report bites, county staff said to call the Georgia Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
— Shelby IsraelSANDY SPRINGS, Ga. —National Park Service officials have reopened all 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, following an E. Coli bacteria outbreak which closed major river sections ahead of the July 4th holiday.
E. Coli bacteria levels, over 300 times greater than safe recreation levels, were detected in the river in late June and tracked to Fulton County’s Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility which treats wastewater for North Fulton
communities.
Bacteria levels have since returned to normal levels, officials said.
“The bacterial levels are now below the criteria recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, though conditions remain subject to change,” Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Superintendent Ann Honious said.
During an investigation at the water treatment facility, Fulton County officials found no physical leak in their system but said the sewage spill was caused by an issue in the biological processes used to
treat wastewater.
Other representatives with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said some of the 12 sand filters at the Big Creek facility, responsible for filtering nutrients and fine particles from water have failed, causing bacteria and other impurities enter the river.
Officials initially closed the river from the Chattahoochee Nature Center to Johnson Ferry and Whitewater Creek. The closure later expanded to include all river sections downstream from the nature center.
Since the outbreak was detected, Atlanta nonprofit Chattahoochee
Riverkeeper conducted daily water quality sampling and U.S. Public Health Service officials approved reopening of all river sections State and local officials will continue to monitor water quality at Medlock Bridge, Powers Island and Paces Mill through the BacteriALERT partnership.
For more information about Chattahoochee River conditions, visit www.nps.gov/CHAT.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Nearly 60 years later, eight members of the Bailey Johnson High School basketball team were honored with championship rings and a reception July 17 at Alpharetta City Hall.
The 1964-65 team included 12 players, a team mentor and a coach. Together, the Bailey Johnson team won the Georgia Interscholastic Association Class-B State Championship.
The state Interscholastic Association held championship competitions from 1948 to 1970. A year later, association schools joined the Georgia High School Association, or GHSA.
Opened in 1950 as the Alpharetta Colored School, the Bailey Johnson school served Black students in first through 12th grade until the desegregation of North Fulton County schools in 1967. The school enrolled roughly 100 students from North Fulton to Dunwoody.
It was renamed in 1953 after George Bailey, a blacksmith in Alpharetta who donated the land, and
Warren Johnson, an advocate of Black education who was formerly enslaved.
In the championship, the basketball team went on to defeat the Bruce Street School team 85-49. The Bruce Street School was another historic Black school in DeKalb County.
At a meeting before the reception, the Alpharetta City Council presented rings to surviving players James Emerson, Leroy Grogan, Larry Strickland, Jimmy Taylor, Almond Martin, Melvin Peters and David Taylor, as well as team mentor Eugene Snow.
Councilmembers and Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Director Morgan Rodgers also recognized deceased teammates Arthur and Aubrey Manning, Claude McCann, Willie Brown, Larry Wells and Coach Jerry D. Hobbs.
To celebrate the team, the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society hosted a reception in the community room at City Hall after the City Council meeting. Hundreds of guests who attended the ring presentation gathered there to enjoy refreshments and artifacts from the Bailey Johnson school that were on display.
ATLANTA — Food assistance advocates contend that a Georgia agency’s refusal to apply for a federal work exemption puts thousands of Georgians in danger of losing much-needed monthly payments for groceries.
Since July 1, more than 87,000 adults without children in Georgia have been required to work at least 80 hours a month in order to receive benefits provided through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps. The shift in policy comes after the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services declined to request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture temporarily waive the work guidelines that were suspended since March 2020 during the public health emergency.
The “able-bodied adults without dependents” program requires participants to work a minimum of 20 hours per week, enroll in job training or perform state-approved volunteering. Participants who fail to meet these standards for three consecutive months will be cut off from receiving any more food stamps for another three years.
Supporters of the work requirement see it as an incentive for adults to put in some sweat equity in order to earn the benefits that help put food on the
Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services has recently started distributing extra money to families with school age children for a summer food program.
Families receiving SNAP benefits who have children six years of age and older will receive a one-time payment of $123.
The agency has also started sending Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfers, or P-EBTs, to families with children under five years old. Those families will receive $26.94 per child each month. Those benefits are also available to children who turn six between August and December 2022.
family table. However, Ife Finch Floyd, director of economic justice at Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, says the state’s family and children’s services are reversing a longstanding policy while ignoring research that minimizes the motivational effects of mandatory work hours.
Floyd says that since the Great Recession, officially counted as late 2007 until June 2009, Georgia sought waivers from the federal government that suspended work rules for areas where jobs were hard to find. Georgians working jobs with inconsistent schedules who average 70 hours a month would be disqualified from the federal program after three months.
“During the Great Recession there were certainly a lot of tough economic
conditions across states, but even as the overall economy improved certain counties were still struggling,” Floyd said.
“What is concerning for us is that unemployed people, people who are underemployed may be at risk of losing benefits if they’re having trouble meeting those work requirements,” she said.
In a response to a question about the decision to not apply for the waiver, a Georgia Department of Human Services’ Division of Family and Children Services spokeswoman referenced that federal law limits waivers to areas that have unemployment rates above 10 percent or otherwise do not have a sufficient number of jobs.
Georgia’s statewide unemployment rate of 3.2% in June was below the national average of 3.6%. Prior to the declaration of the public health emergency in spring 2020, Georgia routinely requested exemptions for dozens of counties with unemployment rates above 20% over a 24-month period.
Over a year-long period through May, several counties averaged unemployment rates of at least 4.3%, exceeding the 20% threshold.
The maximum monthly allocation for the able-bodied SNAP program is determined by the household’s monthly income. A one-person household receives up to $281 per month.
There are a number of job training programs and educational opportunities offered by the state that can count toward work requirements and improve the odds of SNAP recipients finding employment, the state agency said.
“The goal of the program is to help all SNAP recipients who are unemployed or underemployed with getting a goodpaying job that eliminates their reliance on public assistance program,” DHS spokeswoman Kylie Winton wrote in an email.
The changes to Georgia’s able-bodied adults program are also coinciding with major adjustments looming from Congress, which passed a Fiscal Responsibility Act in June that tacks on
additional work requirements for adults ages 18 to 55 without dependents.
The new law also exempts from the workload policy veterans, people experiencing homelessness and someone under 24 who is aging out of the foster care system
Starting this fall, the ages that must follow time limits increases until it reaches 55 in 2025.
Catherine Buhrig, associate administrator for USDA’s SNAP benefits, recently updated state food assistance directors about the upcoming changes. In the June 30 letter, she urged states to update their policy documents, train staff, collaborate with other agencies, and meet directly with families that could be affected.
“Implementing these provisions will require state agencies to make extensive changes in a short period of time,” Buhrig wrote.
One of the groups calling for reining in the SNAP program for able-bodied adults is the conservative American public policy think tank, the Foundation for Government Accountability.
According to the foundation, many states have taken advantage of the system over the years to exempt as many counties as possible from the work requirement. About four million people were enrolled in the program this spring, with three-quarters of participants unemployed, according to a research paper published by the foundation in May.
“States have used loopholes and gimmicks to waive work requirements enacted by congress, even in areas with record-low unemployment,” the report said.
Charles Bliss, director of advocacy for Atlanta Legal Aid Society, said that understanding the requirements for each SNAP program can become complicated to a point where many people don’t understand what’s happening or why their benefits get cut off.
Atlanta Legal Aid provides free civil legal guidance for low income people across the metro area. Most of the food assistance program problems Georgians face with the state are related to administrative issues, such as paperwork and interview coordination, Bliss said.
But he’s worried about the mandatory work requirement will have unintended consequences.
“The real problem is that it doesn’t really do much to get more people working,” Bliss said. “It just does more to cut people off benefits.”
This story comes to Appen Media through a partnership with Georgia Recorder, a nonprofit newsroom covering statewide issues.
Continued from Page 1
Burbrink’s inspiration for the project came from a family trip to North Carolina, where he and his family enjoyed a similar talking tree trail at Holmes Educational State Forest.
While he hopes the informational posts will be of interest to all ages, Burbrink said he chose Shakerag Park as an ideal location for its proximity to River Trail Middle School.
“My project would give [students] the opportunity to have a unique hands-on learning experience in the woodlands near their school,” he said.
While other Eagle Scout projects in his troop typically cost no more than $1,400, Burbrink said the talking tree trail is ambitious, with a fundraising goal of $12,000. He said the project cost is higher than average because he wants to use quality and durable equipment to mitigate maintenance requirements from the city.
Burbrink is determined to execute his vision. So far, he has collected around $5,600, but he has hopes to reach the $6,000 mark by August.
Burbrink wants to give back to the community with his entertaining and
educational project, but he said he needs the support of local businesses.
While Burbrink said he appreciates all donations, he implemented three sponsorship tiers with rewards.
Those who contribute between $250 and $499 will be named on the trail welcome sign. Those donating between $500 and $1,499 will be named on the sign and have their business name and logo displayed on one of the speaker posts.
The highest contributor of more than $1,500 will be named the trail’s title sponsor, recognized as the presenter on the welcome sign.
Those interested in donating can contact Burbrink at jacksonb. t143@gmail.com. To donate, businesses can make checks payable to BSA Troop 143 for Jackson Eagle and mail to:
5174 McGinnis Ferry Road Suite 125
Alpharetta, GA 30005
For project updates on Instagram follow @shakerag_talking_trees.
ROSWELL, Ga. — It isn’t often that your local barista is called on to fight vampires or fend off Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa with a few well-placed punches and flying kicks.
But at least with Sophia Crawford, owner of the Ground and Pound Coffee in west Roswell, you know it could happen if needed.
Crawford, a longtime Hollywood stuntwoman known for work on the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and many other action-packed roles, opened Ground and Pound on Holcomb Bridge Road in 2019, with a vision of the coffee shop becoming an artistic hub for the community.
Despite a few well-known hiccups caused during the COVID-19 pandemic, the coffee shop, casual eatery and bar has become an eclectic and well-loved staple for local popculture nerds, with regular themed trivia nights, costume contests, open mic nights and more.
“Our mission has always been focused on the community and creating events that engage the community and bring the community together,” Crawford said, during an interview with Appen Media July 18. “I get a lot from that satisfaction from that.”
As straightforward as that mission is today, Crawford, who was born and raised in London, explained that she could not have taken a more winding route to get there.
As a young teen in London, Crawford actually started out working in coffee shops and brasseries, traditional places that served coffee, along with “beautiful wine and French food.”
And as an adventurous people person, Crawford ate it all up.
“I just liked the whole energy of the coffee shop and especially in England, this was in the ’80s. This was before Starbucks and everything, so the coffee was very traditional coffee,” she said. “But the energy was very much a gathering place.”
But at 19, when she was given the opportunity to become a coffee shop manager, Crawford said she felt pulled in multiple directions, with her home, interests and security on one hand, and a sense of adventure and opportunity on the other.
“I thought to myself, I could do this. This is definitely a lovely opportunity. But it’s not what I want to do,” she said. “And I just felt the urge desperately to sort of just leave and travel the world.”
So instead of settling down, she and her sister got on a bus and began a six-month trip to India, Turkey, wartorn Iran and beyond.
“It was probably one of the most inspiring, most incredible journeys of my life and changed everything for me. I was just like, ‘I can’t go home now … I got the bug,’” she said.
After traveling through 12
Our mission has always been focused on the community and creating events that engage the community and bring the community together.
SOPHIA CRAWFORD, owner, Ground &Pound
Coffee
Continued from Page 10
countries, Crawford made her way to Bangkok, Thailand and started teaching English to help pay bills.
It was in Thailand where she was first introduced the world of film production, after a modeling gig got her noticed by Central Casting and she began booking roles as an extra for American and Hong Kong films shooting in Bangkok.
With that taste of movie magic igniting a spark in her, Crawford quickly relocated to Hong Kong where she could live and work as an Englishexpat, and where many of the world’s best action movies were being filmed.
“I just hopped on the plane and went to Hong Kong,” she said. I didn’t know anybody and started tearing pages out of the Yellow Pages, trying to find the film studios.”
As a petite woman, with strong Western features, Crawford said she was welcomed with open arms by the studios in Hong Kong and almost immediately started booking actual movie roles as the “Western villain” and opponent to the film’s female heroines.
But she quickly learned that to be an actor in Hong Kong during the 1980s, she would first need to learn how to fight.
“I had no training. I was not a martial artist,” she said. “I was a young upstart wanting to travel the world and essentially a backpacker looking for a dream.”
By mingling with the stunt crews and coordinators, hanging out where they hung out and living where they lived, Crawford dedicated herself to learning martial arts and breaking into the Hong Kong stunt scene.
“I lived there for five years. And, you know, I was absolutely determined to be the best fighter,” she said.
She has since been credited as one of the first Western women to be accepted into an Asian stunt crew.
After doing 30 films in Asia, Crawford left Hong Kong for Los Angeles in 1993, bringing a honed martial arts skillset and a tight resume of work abroad with her, which launched her success in the U.S.
In Los Angeles, she was offered the role of stunt double for Amy Jo Johnson, who played the Pink Ranger in the hit 1994 “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” series and later served as Sarah Michelle Gellar’s stunt double for the first four seasons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Her career in Hollywood also features stunt work for Madonna, Fergie, and many other well-known names, and she eventually married stunt coordinator and Georgia native Jeff Pruitt, who she met while working on the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
But like any good thing, Crawford’s days of jump kicks and action sequences had to come to an end at some point.
“At a certain point, you understand that you don’t have the legs that you
think you’ve got,” she said.
In 2018, when her family relocated to Georgia and Crawford returned to a love from her teenage years, opening a small coffee shop in Roswell, very much like the ones she worked at in London.
Since then, Crawford and her staff of actors and other artists have tried to instill that community feeling she fell in love with, into every event they host and drink they serve.
It’s definitely not fast food and they will never have a drive through window, but Crawford said that customers feel the energy Ground and Pound gives off and love it.
“I love to get to know my customers and see their kids grow up and hear about their lives,” she said. “We want people to come inside. We encourage them to come inside and engage with each other.”
Ground and Pound Coffee is located at 8420 Holcomb Bridge Road and offers regular weekly events like trivia, open mike nights, musical acts, artist roundtables, costume contests and more.
For more information about their food, drinks and events, visit www. groundandpoundcoffee.com.
Tucker
In last month’s article about aviation and skin cancer, we looked at FAA regulations relating to pilots, melanomas, and the importance of early detection. This month, we’ll look at the question of whether flying in general causes skin cancer. Are you assuming much risk of cancer by flying at 35,000 feet? What if you’re a frequent flier?
We know that pilots develop skin cancer at a higher rate than the general population. A large Nordic study of male pilots found that they developed 130% more melanomas than expected, 110% more squamous cell skin cancers than expected and 150% more basal cell skin cancers than expected. The risk of skin cancer increased with the time since first employment, the number of flight hours, and the estimated radiation dose from being at altitude.
What is not known is whether radiation received during flight is to blame for these skin cancers. Correlation does not always mean causation, and just because pilots had higher rates of skin cancer doesn’t mean that cosmic radiation solely is to blame. The “flight environment” includes a combination of exposures including ultraviolet light, decreased oxygen levels, ozone, disinfectants and other hazards and stressors that are uniquely combined in aviation. These confounding variables make confident blame of any one hazard difficult to prove. Still, cosmic radiation is known to cause DNA damage and is worth examining, especially given how much flying is being done by flight crew and passengers alike.
Both the atmosphere and earth’s magnetic fields provide protection against cosmic radiation. Radiation levels approximately double for every 4500 feet of increased elevation due to thinner atmosphere. Due to magnetic fields shielding less at earth’s magnetic poles, radiation levels are approximately double at the poles compared with the equator. The most radiation occurs during a flight at high altitude over one of the earth’s poles. In the European Union, airlines attempt to keep radiation levels below 6mSv per year. How much is a mSv?
We all receive about 1 mSv just from living at sea level in a year. We average an additional 1 to 2mSv from other sources such as flying, medical and dental x-rays, etc.
The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommends no more than 20mSv per year for people working in occupations such as nuclear power or radiology that involve radiation exposure.
A generally accepted figure is that every 1000mSv of excess radiation increases one’s risk of dying from cancer by 5%. The ICRP assumed that 5% excess risk of dying from cancer is a reasonable cutoff and that few people will spend more than 50 years in any given career. 1000mSv divided by 50 years is 20mSv per year.
A pilot flying at 35,000 feet for 1000 hours each year can expect between 3 and 5mSv of excess cosmic radiation per year. This means that a pilot who works 40 years can expect 120 to 200mSv of excess radiation on average which means that a pilot’s chance of dying from cancer might be increased by about 0.6% to 1% on average. Of course, the chance of developing cancer but not dying from it is higher.
Is this risk acceptable?
My assumption is that everyone in the United States drives, and we are all willing (reluctantly) to assume the risk of death that comes from driving. Driving risk is a useful benchmark when contemplating other types of risk. Let’s assume you wouldn’t want to raise your risk of dying from cancer any more than your current risk of an automobile death, which is a lifetime risk of 1% in the United States. Well, about 200mSv of radiation exposure is expected to result in that increase. Assuming 0.004mSv per hour of commercial air travel, you would have to fly 50,000 hours in your lifetime to increase your risk of cancer death from high altitude radiation enough to equal your risk of dying in an automobile accident. Almost no pilot will reach that number, and certainly few if any passengers approach that number.
A more significant risk is probably unnecessary medical radiation. See https:// www.health.harvard.edu/cancer/radiationrisk-from-medical-imaging for a complete breakdown of radiation from common medical tests. Food for thought is that each CT scan of the chest averages 7mSv. A whole-body CT scan averages 20mSV or more, and a PET/CT scan averages about 25mSv. If a patient needs the scan, then the patient needs the scan. But unnecessary scans involving radiation are to be avoided. 25mSv is more than the annual radiation limit of 20mSv recommended by the ICRP, and someone receiving a PET-CT scan receives that radiation all in a single day.
When compared with the risks of driving a car or the risk of radiation from medical imaging, the risks of cosmic radiation while flying appear acceptable. Sit back and enjoy your flight.
– Jay Looft, Senior Source Medicare
If it’s been a while since you’ve looked at the dental coverage inside a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s time to look again!
Many of the Medicare Advantage insurance companies have made massive improvements to their dental coverage. They’ve listened to what people want!
The better Medicare Advantage dental coverages have turned to Allowances, meaning they will give you a “bucket of money” to use for the calendar year. Here’s a few great points about the Medicare Advantage Dental Allowances:
Flexible dentist choice
Use a dentist in OR out of their network. If you’ve had the same dentist for 20 years, and want to stay with them, in most cases you will not have to change dentists with a Dental Allowance structure. If the dentist does not provide the courtesy of “filing” for you, then you will need to pay for the dental services upfront and file for reimbursement. A typical turnaround time for reimbursement is 3-4 weeks from the time you submit for reimbursement.
Can be used for most dental services:
Traditional Dental Insurance will many times limit, or even restrict, costly dental services like root canals, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Allowances, on the other hand, can usually be used on these services. Allowances do have a few restrictions, including cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening, on most plans.
The Dental Benefit is just one of many benefits you want to look at when selecting the right Medicare Advantage plan for you; but if you choose one that offers a Dental Allowance, you are on your way to having a more pleasant experience.
We are approaching the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, when you can make new choices with your Medicare insurance options. This period will be from October 15th, 2023 - December 7th, 2023 for January 1st, 2024 effective dates. If you would like help analyzing your plan options this fall, it is not too early to set up an appointment with us. Call us today to schedule your Fall AEP Appointment. We can be reached by calling (770) 315-8145 or by messaging us on our website at www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com/contact-seniorsource
Gorman Agent
Brought to you by - Johns Creek Physical Therapy
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.
How does it work? Pain Relieving Laser Therapy uses light energy to promote healing and reduce pain. Laser Therapy is FDA cleared to treat pain, inflammation, arthritis, and muscle spasms and is a great alternative to medications and injections.
The most common thing we hear after someone tries it for the first
time is “WOW!” I’m sure if you are just reading this article, you are probably thinking, “yeah, RIGHT??!! Nothing works that fast!” But don’t
take my word for it, call our office today and schedule your FREE TRIAL. The only thing you have to lose is your pain!
Johns Creek Physical Therapy 4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite H Suwanee, GA 30024 770-622-5344
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What: Scheduled every fourth Thursday through October, this event brings a variety of mobile cuisine options to downtown Alpharetta. It features live music and community partners, with limited seating available on the street. It is recommended that attendees bring a blanket or chair and leave pets at home for these events.
When: Thursday, July 27, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Old Roswell Street, 37 Old Roswell, Alpharetta
More info: facebook.com/ foodtruckalley
What: In 1992, A1A won a Jimmy Buffett sound-alike contest for Margaritaville Records and became an integral part of the Parrothead community with its colorful, familyfriendly show. They have a great relationship with the official band and draw record crowds to their performances. The opening act is Run Katie Run.
When: Friday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.
Where: City Green, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs
Cost: Lawn seating is free
More info: sandyspringsga.gov
What: Open every Saturday until Nov. 18, the market features fresh produce and artisan foods.
When: Saturday, July 29, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs
More info: citysprings.com
What: Crabapple Market presents the LiveLOUD concert series honoring the life of Brad Zettler, the beloved Milton Touchdown Club president, community leader, coach and business owner. This free event will feature a local band, Velvet City Sound, and it will be a whiteout and glow party. So, wear white, and get ready to dance and sing the night away. Food and beverages will be
What: Open every Saturday until Nov. 18, the market features fresh produce and artisan foods.
When: Saturday, July 29, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs
More info: citysprings.com
available for purchase. No outside alcohol allowed. Bring your own chair.
When: Saturday, July 29, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: The Green at Crabapple Market, 12650 Crabapple Road, Milton More info: crabapplemarketga.com
B98.5’S B AT THE MOVIES
What: Bring the family, your blanket or beach chair, and relax under the stars as “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” features on the giant screen. Mayfield Ice Cream will provide free ice cream for attendees, available while supplies last.
When: Saturday, July 29, 7 p.m.
Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody More info: dunwoodyga.gov
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: FLANNEL NATION
What: Flannel Nation is set to perform during Johns Creek’s free summer concert series. Food trucks will be onsite. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Concerts are rain or shine. Gates open at 6 p.m. to allow for setup, and music begins at 7 p.m. Dogs are not allowed, except for service animals.
When: Saturday, Aug. 5, 6 p.m.
Where: Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater
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.
at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek
More info: johnscreekga.gov
What: Come out and share your knowledge of Roswell’s rich history from its founding in 1854 to the present day. Teams are encouraged, with a max team size of four members.
When: Aug. 10, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Vick, 1182 Canton Street, Roswell
Cost: $25 ticket includes one drink More info: roswellhistoricalsociety.org/ events/trivia-night
What: Roswell Youth Theatre invites student performers to audition for “Elf the Musical Jr.,” open to middle and high school ages. Participants only need to attend one night but must stay the entire time.
When: Aug. 14 and 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell
Cost: $25
More info: roswellgov.com
What: On view until Sept. 2, “In Light” brings works by In Kyoung Chun and Steven L. Anderson to Spruill Gallery. The paintings by Chun and Anderson present the color and beauty of the natural world interpreted by contemporary artists.
When: Tuesday through Friday, until Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Spruill Gallery, 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody More info: spruillarts.org/gallery
What: This exhibit is a collection of original photographs by Ukrainian artist Anna Rumiantseva, who has recorded what Mariupol used to be before the war in her home county. The exhibit can be viewed at the Alpharetta City Hall Community Room Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
When: Until Sept. 11
Where: Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us
Usually, the articles that interest me in the Dunwoody Crier newspaper archives are about local history and interviews with people that I never had a chance to meet. But a 1994 article about Ryan Seacrest, the 19-year-old from Dunwoody who was trying to make it in show business is also fascinating.
The September 22, 1994, Dunwoody Crier features the headline, “Former DHS football captain makes a move in show business.” Seacrest was just beginning his career and his future success could not be predicted. I think we can safely say Seacrest, a personality known across the country and around the world, made it in show business.
At the age of 16, Seacrest had already begun a path towards the career he has today. According to the Crier article, “He became enamored with broadcasting while making the PA announcements at Dunwoody High School and managed to work his way into local radio station STAR 94 FM. He originally had to talk his way into an internship position at the station but within months he was running the program board and before long, he was on the air. Meanwhile, he was still in high school, serving as captain of the football team and going to the state semi-finals.”
In 1994, Seacrest could be seen on two television shows. On Gladiators 2000 from Samuel Goldwyn
Television, he was the host of the education and physical fitness competition program. On Reality Check, a NewWorld Television show, Seacrest played “eccentric, computer whiz-kid Jack Craft who mysteriously disappears during a top-secret government project.” These were both Saturday morning shows.
According to IMDB (Internet Movie Database), Seacrest hosted the children’s game show Wild Animal Games in 1995 and teen-ager quiz show Click in 1997. Clips from these early Seacrest shows can be seen on Youtube.
Next, he became the host of Ryan Seacrest for the Ride Home on Los Angeles radio station 98.7 FM. In 2002 he became the co-host of American Idol and became the solo host the following year.
Seacrest took over the annual “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” which became Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” He also spent a few years co-hosting a morning talk show with Kelly Ripa, from 2017 until earlier in 2023.
In 2010, Ryan Seacrest started Seacrest Studios, opening broadcast studios in pediatric hospitals across the country. The media studios allow patients to “explore the creative realms of radio, television and new media.” They help children and their families by providing a positive activity and distraction for children undergoing treatment. Today there are fourteen Seacrest Studios. (ryanseacrestfoundation.org)
Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@ gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.
Do you exchange books with friends?
Years ago, my mother and I traded books by our favorite authors, and we also haunted used bookstores. These days, most of my books come either from the library or from a friend who’s also an avid reader, plus the occasional selection from Amazon. There’s nothing better than getting a stack of books, no matter where it comes from.
For me, the sign of a good book is my inability to turn out the bedside light at night. “Just one more chapter,” I say to myself.
That was the case with this week’s books—one from my friend and one from the library.
“Homer’s Odyssey” by Gwen Cooper
When my friend lent me the latest batch of books, I gravitated to this one first, perhaps because of the cover photo
of a tiny black cat. After a closer look, I recognized Gwen Cooper as the author of one of my favorite reads, “Love Saves the Day.”
Though this book is nonfiction, I was once again mesmerized, just as I’d been with Cooper’s novel. I’m convinced her life with Homer, an indefatigable blind kitten, prepared her to give voice to Prudence the cat in “Love Saves the Day.”
Homer is a tiny two-pound kitten when she adopts him from the veterinarian who removed the poor thing’s infected eyes after a couple found him on the street. Learning to find his litter box and his food, and to navigate around Cooper’s apartment without help seemed like prodigious feats. His amazing agility was nothing short of a miracle and provided endless hours of entertainment for Gwen and her friends.
This is a story of love and patience and perseverance in the face of adversity. As People magazine said, “This memoir about adopting a special-needs kitten teaches that sometimes in life,
Are you in a book club? Would you like to have a local author speak to your group? Contact Kathy at inkpenn119@gmail.com
you have to take a blind leap.”
Homer and Gwen were a match made in heaven. It’s been days since I finished the book, but I can’t stop thinking about it. Give it a try. I predict you’ll have the same experience.
This is going to be one of those books that stays with me. The truth is that I still have a book “hangover,” so much so that it’s difficult to describe the experience of reading this story about a pair of mysterious books.
Ashlyn Greer, rare book dealer and owner of An Unlikely Story, a bookshop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, stumbles on a mysterious pair of beautifully bound books. Neither has an author’s
name or publisher or copyright page, but each has a handwritten inscription inside. And that’s the mystery. Who wrote the books? Who are the people they’re inscribed to? Did these people really exist?
She can’t let it go, and soon finds the person who donated the books to a nearby vintage boutique. It would spoil the story to reveal the changes wrought in Ashlyn’s life as she searches for the origin of the books and their story. I predict the tale will grab you, and you’ll stay up late night after night to find out where the literary mystery will lead.
One book about a cat and another about books—what more could a gal ask for? More books, of course.
Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her cozy mysteries locally at The Enchanted Forest in Dunwoody and Bookmiser in East Cobb or on Amazon. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/KathyManosPennAuthor/.
It is well known that many roads in North Fulton are named after pioneer families that settled on them, often in the 19th century or earlier. Descendants of the settlers sometimes still live on or near the roads. Such is the case of Francis Road in Milton which has a normal history of hardworking rural family life but also had its share of drama and celebrity.
In the mid-1980s Fulton County proposed construction of a 476-acre solid waste facility bound by Francis Road, Highway 9 and the Forsyth County Line. Local residents were strongly opposed which led to several years of hearings and bitter disputes. In 1990 after five years of fighting, the County Commission voted to sell the property. The result was the construction of the Crooked Creek development of 640 homes and golf course.
Francis Road is also the home of Canine Assistants, a wonderful non-profit organization that trains and places service dogs with people who have serious mobility problems. Founded in 1991, the organization has placed more than 1500 service dogs.
Francis Road was the home of Aubrey Morris (1922-2010) a beloved journalist with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1945 through 1957 followed by a 30 year career with WSB radio.
Francis Road is not particularly long, only about two miles from Highway 9 to the roundabout on Hopewell Road. It is not known with certainty when the first Francis settled on what was probably a dirt pathway or wagon trail. Only one of the early homes is still standing. It was built prior to 1885 at the corner of Francis and Thompson roads by John Francis (18651939)-for a dentist named John Doss. According to Charles Francis who grew up in the house, Doss cut a hole in the floor next to the dentist chair so patients could expectorate conveniently during a procedure.
Charles’ grandfather C.A. (Charlie) Francis (1887-1964) purchased the house from the dentist in 1926 when he married Minnie L. Francis (1877-1932). C.A. and his two brothers owned most of Francis Road at one point, together with 40 acres on the east side of Thompson Road and 6 acres on the west side. After Minnie died C.A. remarried and built a house on Thompson Road and gave the original home to his son William Durrell Francis (1904-1964) who was married to Idelle Cobb Francis (1911-1997). Durrell built a beautiful and sturdy barn that still stands at the corner of Francis and Thompson
Roads. Durrell worked the farm in the 1930s and 1940s.
Charles was raised in the original house together with his sister Margaret (deceased) and his brother James. Charles’ childhood bedroom has a soft spot on the floor where the dentist’s hole had been.
Cotton was the only cash crop for Durrell. He relied on a two-mule team to turn the earth and a single mule rig for plowing, all done by hand. In the fall the family picked the cotton by hand and took it by wagon to the cotton gin where the seeds were separated from the cot-
ton and returned to Durrell for the next year’s crop.
Ten acres were devoted to corn, mainly for family consumption as cornbread and for animal feed.
During World War 2 Durrell ran one of 12 sawmills owned by the Campbell Coal Company. “He could look at a truck full of lumber and tell what it weighed,” Charles recalls.
Following World War 2 Durrell built three chicken houses behind his house and went into the poultry business. He raised thousands of Rhode Island Red chicks for a local hatchery and returned them to the hatchery after 16 weeks before they started laying eggs. As a teenager Charles worked in the chicken houses together with his future wife Faye Eubanks. They had known each other since the fourth grade at Hopewell Elementary School. Both have painful memories of the chickens pecking at their legs.
In 1952 Durrell sold 30 acres on Thompson Rd for $1500 because Durrell wanted to buy a new two-tone blue Chevrolet. Charles paid his dad $50 for one acre on Thompson Road where he and Faye now live.
Seven generations lived in the original house until it was sold in November 2022 to Ryan and Lindsey Sather. The Francis family did not want to sell the house to anyone who would tear it down. Fortunately, Ryan is a builder with a keen sense of history. He and Lindsey are excited to own the property and have already started renovation and enlargement that preserves the look and beauty of the original structure. Ryan is adding bedrooms for their two boys, a dining room and porch. He is restoring the original pine siding on the exterior. He says “driving a nail into that old Southern Pine was almost impossible.” When he dug the foundation Ryan found an old plow, barber shop scissors and some broken china. Ryan confesses that “owning and renovating a historic home has been a dream ever since I got into construction.”
Charles’ sister Margaret Francis (1931-2018) and her husband Pete Austin (1926-2016) built a house on Francis Road next door to the original house circa 1954. Their daughter Phyllis Francis Austin and her sisters Sheila and Janis were raised in the house. Phyllis and Janis remained in the home after their parents died. Sheila lives on Thompson Road.
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.
Observe the flowers on your plant and record all pollinators that visit those flowers.
3. Tally your observations by pollinator type: carpenter bees, bumble bees, honey bees, small bees, wasps, flies, butterflies/moths, and others.
4. Upload your counts to the website: https://GSePC.org.
and even your back porch are all great places to participate in the census. It’s un-bee-lievable how much we can learn about our local pollinators just by slowing down and observing for 15 minutes. Grab your pencils, head outside, and get to know your pollineighbors.
The main job of pollinators is to move pollen between flowers, helping plants set seed and reproduce. Without pollinators in our vegetable gardens, we would never harvest any tomatoes, squash, peppers, strawberries, or watermelon. The same is the case with other crops that rely on animal pollination, like almonds, chocolate, coffee, figs, and apples. Without pollinators in our Georgia habitats, our native plants could not survive and thrive.
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census (GSePC) is the perfect chance to get outside and get to know our local polli-neighbors. Every 3rd weekend in August, Georgians (and now South and North Carolinians), record the pollinators they see. UGA faculty use these data to compare changes in pollinator populations from year to year and county to county. This helps us make better informed decisions about how to manage and protect pollinators.
The census wouldn’t be possible without you. The majority of the data is collected by non-scientists, which expands the scope of this experiment far beyond what UGA researchers could accomplish on their own. All ages can participate (and have a ton of fun).
Here’s
1.Choose your favorite flowering plant.
2. Set your timer for 15 minutes.
Watch the ‘How to Participate in the Great Georgia Pollinator Census’ YouTube video for a step-by-step tutorial!
It’s helpful to review the different pollinator categories ahead of time. Download the Insect Counting and Identification Guide from the GSePC website. Each pollinator category has descriptions, tips for identification, and photos. You’ll also want to download and print your Counting Sheet to use on census day. The counting sheet has handy descriptions of each pollinator category for easy reference. We also have Spanish language versions of GSePC materials.
Educators—the GSePC makes for great STEM/STEAM activities inside and outside the classroom. The GSePC website has pre-made lesson plans, activities, worksheets and more, all free and available to you. Just grab and go.
This year the Great Southeast Pollinator Census will happen on Friday, August 18th and Saturday, August 19th. Check your local county Extension office’s website and social media to see if they will be hosting any census events. Here in Fulton County, UGA Extension will be hosting an informational webinar on Tuesday, August 1st at 7pm. Tune in to find out where we’re hosting census events this year and how easy it is for you to participate. Register here: https://bit. ly/GSePC. You can also host your own event, or just get out by yourself or with a few friends. All materials on the GSePC website are free for anyone to use. Community gardens, local parks,
Happy Gardening!
North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative. Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net.
An
•Great Southeast Pollinator Census website - https://gsepc.org/
•‘How to Participate in the Great Georgia Pollinator Census’ YouTube videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJkR8eVXgY0
•UGA Extension – Protecting Pollinators - https://extension.uga.edu/topicareas/timely-topics/pollinators.html
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Gabrielle LaTora, agriculture agent in Fulton County’s Extension office. An entomologist by training, Gabrielle is interested in insects on farms and in gardens and is passionate about closing the gap between people and their food. In addition to helping coordinate Fulton’s Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, Gabrielle oversees the North Fulton Community Garden, answers clients’ questions about gardening and natural resources, works with urban farmers, and delivers educational programs for Fulton County residents. Gabrielle presented “Insect Allies: Predators and Parasitoids in the Garden” in the Spring 2023 Gardening Lecture Series presented by the North Fulton Master Gardenershttps://youtu.be/NZ3um6QXXKc.
Getting to know our neighbors is important—they give us a chance to connect with our community, encourage us to get outside and offer help when we need it. Our “pollineighbors” do the same things.
Human Resources Manager
Handles all employee-related processes and procedures. This role will be responsible for Recruitment and Onboarding, Job Design, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Training and Development, Employment Compliance, Total Rewards and Talent Management. This position reports to the Director of Finance and Administration and will interact with the entire management team by providing guidance on all Human Resources related topics at NFCC. Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field and 3-5 years of Human Resources experience, preferably in multiple HR disciplines required. Please visit https://nfcchelp.org/ work-at-nfcc/ to see the full job description. To apply, submit a resume to sholiday@nfcchelp.org and to mburton@nfcchelp.org.
NCC Group (Americas) Inc., Alpharetta, GA 30009 – Manage delivery of divisional specific recruitment needs across mult global regions & manage & train a team across the UK, North America, Europe, and APAC. Req 3 yrs exp. View full job description @ https://www.nccgroupplc.com/careers/, Click “Search Roles”, Search Job ID: R7364. Email resume & cover letter to NCC Group (Americas) Inc. @ us-recruitment@nccgroup.com
Optum Services, Inc. Software Development
Test Engineer, Alpharetta, GA. Responsible for complex technical analysis to design and implement test software for software applications, systems architectures, frameworks and software test tools that achieve desired functionality for several products, systems, and software applications. Can work remotely. Mail resume to GMI Recruitment at 9900 Bren Road East MN008-208, Minnetonka, MN 55343 and indicate applying for #23-GA-5884.
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.
Workforce Development Coordinator is responsible for developing programs and services for NFCC clients and students seeking employment, post-secondary education, or other career options. The workforce development coordinator collaborates with local employers to help match job seekers to open positions. They work directly with clients on the job application, resumes, and interview preparations and provide tips for successfully securing and improving employment to foster financial stability. Bachelor’s degree in a human services, human resources, or other related field required and 2 years of professional experience in human services, human resources or career counseling preferred.
To view the entire listing visit https://nfcchelp.org/ work-at-nfcc/. To apply, please submit resume to Carol Swan at cswan@nfcchelp.org.
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.
Appen Newspapers is looking for one or two folks to help deliver our newspapers. Work is part time and flexible. Routes can be done at night or during the day - on your schedule - within our deadlines. Comfortably earn $550 or more a month on your own schedule.
This is a great way to get out as well as contribute to helping your local newspaper! Perfect for retired person who wants to stay active or a parent with school-aged kids - deliver during school hours. Also good way to earn supplemental income at night. We have had many retired couples deliver our papers and almost all have managed a route well and enjoyed the time and the work.
Requirements include reliable vehicle, clean driving record, availability, reliability, and honesty. Prior delivery experience is good, but not required. It helps if you live relatively close as papers are picked up to be bagged and delivered from our office in Alpharetta. Delivery areas can be Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, South Forsyth, Dunwoody, or Sandy Springs typically - depending on open routes.
Please contact our Office Manager Heidi to set up an appointment to come in and fill in paper work or start the process via Email!
Call 770-442-3278 and ask for Heidi or Email Heidi@AppenMedia.com
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ROOF LEAKING?
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Landscaping
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Ralph Rucker 678-898-7237
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Contact Ralph Rucker. Many local references. Honest, punctual, professional and reasonable prices!
678-898-7237
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In 2022, Appen Media Group created the Appen Press Club, its mission driven news division dedicated to creating a sustainable infrastructure for local journalism in the north metro Atlanta area. Residents of that community, like you, join the Press Club by committing to small monthly or annual dues, 100% of which is dedicated to producing reliable, professional journalism on local issues that affect your lives.
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