Students in Pinecrest’s new Robotics Club learn about motion and mechanics in a hands-on
The club will compete in the 2024-2025 school year.
Robotics Club focuses on collaboration
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Students in Pinecrest Academy’s new Robotics Club will learn the science of programming, mechanics and motion. Most importantly, they will learn the art of collaboration, said Carter Mayville, pre-K through eighth grade academic dean.
“The best thing we can teach them is
to work as a team, learn how to compromise and be proud of something they created,” Mayville said.
The Catholic school is launching the new club into competitions this fall. Almost 20 students took part in training sessions this spring, learning the fundamentals behind making robots to prepare them for the school year.
During the fall competition season, Pinecrest will field two teams, a fourth
through sixth grade team and a seventh through ninth grade team.
Students will interact with robotics teams from more than 400 public and private schools across Georgia. They will also interact with industry professionals and experts on the field of oceanography, using STEM skills to explore the theme of "life beneath the surface of the ocean.”
See ROBOTICS, Page 15
Bicycling leaders organize around road safety, charity
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
NORTH METRO ATLANTA — As a group of cyclists ride down Trinity Church Road, a driver in a lifted truck speeds past, waits for them at a stop sign, then floors it to produce black smoke as they near the four-way.
That’s footage captured on Alpharetta resident Dan Stonaker’s bike camera, featured on his YouTube page. And, there’s more like it, showing either driver harassment or negligence toward his cycling group.
In another clip, two cars speed past Stonaker’s group and return to the right lane before almost clipping oncoming traffic.
According to data from the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, there were 29 bicycle-related fatalities in 2022 in Georgia — up from the 15 deaths reported the year before.
Footage from the front and rear camera on Stonaker’s bike, capturing tags, was used by local law enforcement last year to prosecute a driver who had run his truck into Stonaker’s cycling group at a high speed as they were riding along at about 20 to 30 mph.
“What’s the difference between that and pointing a loaded gun?” Stonaker asked.
Police revoked the driver’s license, mandated a defensive driving course, a hefty fine and sent them to jail for 10 days.
See BIKE, Page 15
PINECREST ACADEMY/ PROVIDED
lesson.
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POLICE BLOTTER
All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
Underage man arrested for alcohol possession
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies arrested an 18-year-old Gainesville man on underage possession or purchase of alcohol Aug. 18.
Deputies were sent to a home on Valley Landing Court after a caller reported a shirtless man trying to enter a vehicle, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report.
When deputies approached the man, he told them to “get off our property,” according to the report.
After deputies handcuffed the man, he told them he had been drinking at a friend’s home and was upset about the recent death of a family member. After taking a walk, the man said he became confused and thought he was at his friend’s home, according to the report.
The man’s eyes were bloodshot and he smelled of alcohol, deputies said.
Scam takes Cumming man for $99,000 in crypto assets
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated a report on Aug. 19 of a Cumming man losing $99,000 to online scammers.
The man told deputies he received an email from what he thought was a Google fraud team saying his account had been hacked, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report. The email asked him to click a link to prevent the hacker from gaining access to his phone.
When the man clicked the link, he was connected to the purported team, who asked him to pay them with cryptocurrency.
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After providing his cryptocurrency account information, $99,000 was withdrawn.
Deputies charge woman for offering fake insurance
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A Cartersville woman was arrested Aug. 20 after allegedly showing deputies fraudulent proof of insurance.
Deputies stopped the woman’s vehicle after determining her registration was suspended and her insurance was invalid, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report.
The woman told deputies she was borrowing her daughter’s car.
After deputies asked her to provide proof of insurance, she showed them an image of an insurance card on her phone.
A deputy noticed the date on the image was a different font and color and appeared to have been edited into the document. Deputies confirmed the document was fraudulent.
The woman was charged with failure to maintain insurance; driving with suspended, canceled or revoked registration; and felony identity fraud.
Business owner reports fraudulent $40,000 check
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek business owner reported to police Aug. 19 that someone had used a fraudulent $40,000 cashier’s check to purchase multiple gold coins from his firm.
The owner told police the suspect provided a driver’s license that turned out to be fake.
Police confirmed that the license was fake after running it through their system, showing that that driver couldn’t be found, according to the incident report.
The owner told police a woman, the suspect’s assistant, had dropped off the cashier’s check to pick up the coins.
According to the report, the woman took the items to another man, who
Correction: The Aug. 29 edition of the Milton Herald included incorrect information regarding the North Atlanta Football League.
The article, “Milton-based football league dons new helmets this season”,” incorrectly reported that the league is operated out of Milton. However, the NAFL includes players and families from Alpharetta and plays games at the city’s North Park.
Milton Communications Director Greg Botelho said the league is a joint program with Alpharetta and not exclusive to one city.
Also, the article originally stated that Tony Palazzo, president and CEO of Berkeley Capital Partners, founded the North Atlanta Football League. Palazzo is a director on the league’s board, not its founder.
Appen Media updated the story online Aug. 27 to display the correct information about the league.
shipped them to California, addressed to two men, one with the same name as the suspect.
Based on their investigation, police said the woman did not appear to be aware that the check was fraudulent.
Man charged with battery after police view videos
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A man was charged with simple battery and cruelty to children after police received videos of him allegedly striking his wife.
Police were called to a home Aug. 7 after a woman reported her husband had hit her on the back of the head, neck and leg, according to an Alpharetta police report.
A security camera system installed in the home had been canceled and was not recording. The woman gave police two recordings allegedly showing her husband hitting her in June and July.
The husband told police his wife had pushed him, and he had pushed her away to create a distance between them.
Both videos showed the husband hitting his wife with a sandal while their children were near, according to the police report.
Police obtained warrants for the man.
Conglomerated Host, Ltd is looking for an Accountant to join its team.
Job Description: Corporate office located in Milton, GA has an opening in the Accounting Department. Entry level position with opportunity to advance. Starting pay is $20.00 per hour/approximately 30 hours per week. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel is a plus. How To Apply: Email response to conglomeratedhost@gmail.com or fax to 770-521-0809.
East Lake champions PGA Tour history
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA
— East Lake Foundation
President and CEO Ilham Askia ensures that the historic golf club lives up to its motto, “Golf with a Purpose.”
With the PGA Tour’s 30 best golfers competing for the 2024 FedEx Cup and its $100 million purse, Askia said the club’s new fan experiences and amenities brought a lot of people to east Atlanta for the tournament.
She also said her team has been working for weeks in the lead up to the Tour Championship, Aug. 29-Sept. 1.
Renovations of the historic East Lake Golf Club, permanent home of the PGA Tour Championship since 2004, began the day after last year’s tournament ended.
12TH ANNUAL
5K RUN & WALK
All proceeds benefit Murphy- Harpst
Around 11 months and $30 million later, designer Andrew Green completed the course restoration, which is based off the discovery of aerial photos from 1949.
In short, the renovation of East Lake means the topography of the course matches its look like it did a century ago.
Improvements include a new irrigation system, more than 100 acres of new grass, faster green surfaces and redesigned hazards.
“They incorporated some stuff from the 1940s and brought some modern stuff in from today,” Askia said. “They wanted to up the complexity for the pros but have it still playable for the members.”
Saturday Oct. 5 2019
Championship and the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup.
Benefitting:
Murphy-Harpst provides hope and healing to severely abused and neglected children and youth through residential treatment, foster care, and creative therapeutic approaches. Over 1/3 of their annual support comes from United Methodist Churches! Please give generously today and be a part of a nearly 100-year legacy of serving Georgia’s most vulnerable children.
www.murphyharpst.org
A few alumni of the 2019 state champion Charles R. Drew Charter School recognized Askia from her work in the community and gave their thoughts on the final nine holes of the 72-hole tournament.
Registration
• www.active.com
The local Drew Charter boys golf team vaulted into the national spotlight in 2019 when it won its first state title at Southern Landings in Warner Robins. The team became the first from Atlanta Public Schools and comprised entirely of Black players to win a state golf championship.
• At the MUMC church office
• In person on race day
On top of that, he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational March 10, RBC Heritage April 22, Memorial Tournament June 9, Travelers Championship June 23 and set an Olympic record of 19-under, 265, across 72 holes on his way to a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games.
It’s been an exceptional season for Scheffler, and he did not let down his fans Sept. 1.
Location
• Search “Midway Mission Possible 12”
12TH ANNUAL
SATURDAY NOV. 2 2024
5K RUN
& WALK 12TH ANNUAL
All proceeds benefit Murphy- Harpst
When his last putt dropped in front of the historic two-story clubhouse, Scheffler raised his putter in the air with one arm. The gesture seemed to recognize the significance of his accomplishments in 2024: lowest scoring average in PGA Tour history, most victories and season earnings since Tiger Woods in 2006-07 and the first win at East Lake on the redesigned course.
Saturday Oct. 5 2019
Benefitting:
All proceeds benefit Murphy-Harpst
All proceeds benefit Murphy- Harpst
Murphy-Harpst provides hope and healing to severely abused and neglected children and youth through residential treatment, foster care, and creative therapeutic approaches. Over 1/3 of their annual support comes from United Methodist Churches! Please give generously today and be a part of a nearly 100-year legacy of serving Georgia’s most vulnerable children.
But Scheffler’s year also includes some other notable milestones.
www.murphyharpst.org
Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004 www.midwayumc.org 770-475-5230
REGISTRATION
• www.active.com — Search
“Midway Mission Possible 8”
Chris McCrary, member of the state championship team and Georgia Tech alumni, said he and his friends had been watching Sahith Theegala.
Transforming the lives of homeless families. Because every child deserves a home.
Murphy-Harpst provides hope and healing to severely abused and neglected children and youth through residential treatment, foster care, and creative therapeutic approaches. Over 1/3 of their annual support comes from United Methodist Churches! Please give generously today and be a part of a nearly 100-year legacy of serving Georgia’s most vulnerable children.
www.murphyharpst.org
LOCATION
The Louisville Metro Police Department charged him with felony assault of an officer the morning of May 17 at the 2024 PGA Championship, only to drop it a few days later.
Fees Register by Oct. 31 Register on Race Day
• Totally Running (Forsyth), 405 Peachtree Pkwy.
Registration
• www.active.com
5K Run/Walk $30 per person $35 per person
• At the MUMC church office
“He had a great tee shot on No. 8,” McCrary said. “He can really bang that driver.”
Scheffler, in conversation with NBC’s Mike Tirico, went over his shank out of a green-side bunker on No. 8 and how the PGA Tour Champion rebounded.
• In person on race day
12
SATURDAY
SATURDAY
TO LEARN MORE: www.familypromise.org www.fpforsyth.org
Event Schedule
7:00 am
NOV. 2 2024
NOV. 2 2024
Murphy-Harpst provides hope and healing to severely abused and neglected children and youth through residential treatment, foster care, and creative therapeutic approaches. Over 1/3 of their annual support comes from United Methodist Churches! Please give generously today and bea part of a nearly 100-year legacy of serving Georgia’s most vulnerable children.
• At the MUMC church offi
• In person on race day
5K Teams of 4+ $25 per person $30 per person
Kid’s Fun Run $20 per person $25 per person
McCrary and the Drew Charter alumni were looking to catch a glimpse of Scottie Scheffler’s final holes after backto-back bogies on No. 7 and 8 dropped his lead to just a few strokes.
(Cash/Check ONLY accepted on race day)
Season makes history
Search “Midway Mission Possible 12”
Registration and bib pick up 8:30 am
www.murphyharpst.org
5K Run/Walk begins
Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004 www.midwayumc.org 770-475-5230 EVENT SCHEDULE
Event Schedule 7:00 am
and
•
5K Run/Walk $25 per person $30 per person
5K Teams of 4+ $20 per person $25 per person
“It’s a challenging week starting with the lead,” Scheffler said. “[There were] a lot of talented guys behind me that were really pushing me and trying to catch me, but fortunately, I had a nice week and was able to take this trophy home.”
Short-sleeved microfiber race shirt included in race fee; be sure to register by 10/22/24 to guarantee your shirt!
FEES Register by 10/3 Register on Race Day
When Tirico compared Scheffler’s season to some of Tiger Woods’ early 2000s greatness, cheers rang out again throughout the crowd.
Event Schedule
Kid’s Fun Run $15 per person $20 per person (Cash/Check ONLY accepted on race day)
Scheffler is the winner of the 2024 Masters Tournament, The Players
Short-sleeved microfiber race shirt included in race fee — register by 9/25/19 to guarantee your shirt.
and NBC’s Mike Tirico check out the FedEx Cup trophy Sept. 1 on the 18th green at East Lake Golf Club. See PGA, Page 12
7:00 am – Registration and bib pick up 8:30 am – 5K Run/Walk begins 9:00 am
Kid’s Fun Run (ages 5-12) 9:45 am
Awards Ceremony Event Schedule 7:00 am Registration and bib pick up 8:30 am 5K Run/Walk begins 9:00 am Kid’s
Short-sleeved microfiber race shirt included in race fee; be sure to register by 10/22/24 to guarantee your shirt!
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA From left, PGA Tour champion Scottie Scheffler
Pinecrest to host annual 5K, fun run
North Metro Atlanta’s walkers and runners are invited to Pinecrest Academy’s sixth annual Paladin Pacer 5K and Fun Run on Sept. 14.
Registration is open for the race, which starts at 8 a.m.
The Paladin Pacer began in 2019 as a 5K road race along Peachtree Parkway in Cumming, according to an academy news release. The race moved onto the Pinecrest campus in 2022 and has since transitioned into a trail race. Pinecrest’s cross country trail offers great scenery and an interesting route with challenging hills, including Sanctity Hill, which is known to the school’s cross country athletes. The 1-mile Fun Run will be held around the academy’s driveway and is perfect for children and walkers. The Fun Run starts at 8:55 a.m.
All Paladin Pacer participants will receive a T-shirt. Awards will be presented recognizing overall and age-group winners.
Priests and consecrated women will be among the runners and walkers along with students of all ages, adults and cross country athletes from around Atlanta.
Sponsors will be present at the race. They include the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Kratz Chiropractic, Wolf Gang of Johns Creek, Subaru of Gwinnett and Big Peach Running in Cumming.
More information: To learn more or register, visit pinecrestacademy.org/giving/ paladin-pacer or tinyurl.com/tk74zp9b.
Roswell council pushes two policies at Old Mill Park
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Old Mill Park visitors may be fined $250 if they either bring a cooler to the area or access the water from the city side of Vickery Creek.
The two new policies came before the council at its Aug. 27 Community Development and Transportation Committee meeting, about a week after the city announced that visitors could no longer access the water at Old Mill Park.
The decision to close water access went into effect Aug. 16, aligning with signs posted around the area, cautioning violators they would be prosecuted. On its webpage for the Roswell Mill/Vickery Creek Waterfall, the city says the closure was to ensure safety and park preservation.
Tuesday evening, officials offered more clarification on the abrupt change — the level of trash at the park, parking issues as well as injuries.
Mill Working Group
Mayor Kurt Wilson said the two ordinances had been recommended with unanimous approval in a formal vote by members of a “Mill Working Group.” Wilson said he created the nine-member group around eight weeks ago to address park issues that had been intensifying over the past two years.
The panel, which met for five weeks, consisted of three council members — one shy of constituting a council quorum,
GARAGE SALE
which, by law, would open the meetings to the public. Ccouncil members on the Mill Working Group were David Johnson, Lee Hills and Will Morthland.
The group also included Human Resources Director Linda Warren, Assistant City Attorney Joe Cusack, who presented the item, Deputy Parks Director Taylor Smith and three private citizens, two of whom lived by the park.
Wilson did not identify the citizen members by name.
The proposed provisions fall under Section 14.2.4 of city code, titled “Activities Prohibited in Parks and Public Places.”
Cusack, also the newest member of the Roswell Downtown Development Authority, told the council the intent is to decrease the amount of debris and to prevent visitors from sneaking alcohol to the area.
City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson questioned the need for the proposed ordinances when the underlying issues of litter and alcohol consumption are already addressed in the code. She was the only council member who spoke in opposition.
Cusack said they are tailored to Old Mill Park because it is the only city park where city employees visit multiple times throughout the day to clear litter and debris.
Questions on jurisdiction
The key issue is that the park, a Roswell trademark emblazoned on its logo, is simply overcapacity.
across Vickery Creek in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Wilson said the details on how to handle a situation when someone parks on the city side and walks over to the National Park side to enter the water must still be hammered out.
“But if somebody legitimately comes from the National Park Service side … goes all the way to the Mill and wants to get in the water … we have no say in that,” he said.
City resources
Beeson suggested the city focus on a parking plan for the area, such as placing arms at the entry to create a cap or prohibit street parking.
But, Cusack said parking is a longer term project. Wilson added that the city’s parking study, currently in the works, would inform a solution.
While officials emphasized the injuries that occur from slips and falls in the area, Beeson noted that the National Parks side see a greater number of injuries. City Councilwoman Christine Hall confirmed with Cusack that the provisions would serve as protection from liability.
The use of city resources was another talking point.
Councilman Morthland noted that several parks employees are stationed there over the weekend, the only city park with a dedicated team to pick up trash.
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Councilman Johnson said he asked for a traffic study of Mill Street, which showed around 300 trips on a Wednesday compared to around 2,000 on a Saturday.
“The easiest and quickest solution, at this moment, was to put the park into trail-only access, like we did,” Johnson said. “Not popular. It’s a tough decision. Don’t love restricting park land in our city, but it is being abused.”
Roswell’s jurisdiction is limited. Visitors can still access the water from
Police officers also patrol the area, but Beeson said the ordinance would only make their job more difficult by forcing them to interpret an ill-defined ordinance and prevent them from being able to quickly get to an incident elsewhere in the city.
Mayor Wilson agreed that stationing police at Old Mill Park is a problem, acknowledging that other parks do not have dedicated patrols.
“That’s antithetical to what we’re supposed to be doing,” he said.
The item will be put to a formal vote at a future City Council meeting.
Friends relate caring for kin with dementia in new podcast
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Nancy Treaster struggled to find the information she needed while caring for her husband, who had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia about a decade ago.
Frontotemporal dementia is a cognitive disorder that involves the progressive degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, resulting in symptoms like changes in personality and behavior, loss of speech and language skills as well as physical issues.
Feeling frustrated, the Johns Creek resident turned to her longtime friend Sue Ryan, who had been in the caregiving world herself for 40 years, with an idea to start a blog about the day-to-day challenges of caregiving and how to tackle them.
Ryan, based in Florida, suggested they join forces to start a podcast. And, they did, launching “The Caregiver’s Journey” in August.
“We wanted to be able to have practical tips and candid conversations about the good, the bad, and yes, the ugly, in our caregiving journeys, and help people get really specific, detailed answers … and also be on the positive side,
DEBBIE FITZGERALD/PROVIDED
Johns Creek resident Nancy Treaster and her friend Sue Ryan host a podcast titled “The Caregiver’s Journey,” offering tips to dementia caregivers. The podcast launched in August.
though, too,” Ryan said.
Ryan’s husband died last year after a years-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Just the day before, the pair were conducting research for a four-part series on incontinence. They couldn’t find a detailed instructional video on how to change a Depend on someone who is mobile, like Treaster’s husband. The only
videos they found were too high-level.
“We call it the ‘nitty gritty’…” Treaster said. “You can’t find this information. People don’t want to talk about it.”
Treaster recalled the grieving she had to do when her husband was diagnosed and the relief she found in support groups on Facebook, wanting to return that to listeners struggling.
the first year or so … is like a punch in the gut,” she said. “They don’t know their ATM code, they don’t know their birthday, they don’t know your birthday. And, these are not things that happen all at once. They’re just one more thing they don’t know.”
Ryan calls it “drip grief.”
“My husband wasn’t killed by a bus,” Ryan said. “He wasn’t hit by a bus, and all of a sudden he’s gone. But, every day there was just a little something. And the same thing with everyone I was caring for — something goes away. You don’t know what it’s going to be, and you don’t know when it’s going to be.”
Ryan’s caregiving journey started when she was in her early 20s, with a neighbor who had dementia. Her father also had dementia, and in retrospect, she said she wasn’t fully accepting of his diagnosis and therefore, not fully present.
Since then, Ryan said her perspective shifted to “massive acceptance” and “radical presence,” coming to light when caring for her husband.
“...I was able to make really wise choices in very challenging situations and feel at peace with what it was,” she said. This lesson, and others, like navigating a full-time career while also caregiving, are topics she and Treaster want to offer on the podcast.
The show also features Treaster’s son Merritt, the podcast’s audio engineer and editor, who adds his perspective as a child of someone diagnosed with dementia.
In less than a month, Treaster said the podcast has had more than 700 downloads. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member or friend diagnosed with dementia.
In addition to understanding the diagnosis itself, Treaster said caregiving is also about understanding what to expect, wrapping your head around what’s happening.
“Every little thing that happens for
“Nancy and I have a ton of stories of actual experiences we’ve gone through, or where people have shared and … we’ve learned from others, and they’ve been really helpful,” Ryan said. “We want other people to be able to do that, just to learn faster and more easily than we did.”
Open the door to what’s next.
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Important features pro stagers showcase for maximum appeal
Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Pro stagers understand that making a lasting impression on potential buyers is crucial. Their expertise in highlighting key features can make or break a sale. From crafting an inviting first impression to selecting the color palette, here are a few strategies designed to captivate interest, along with tips on how to showcase them for maximum impact:
1. The first impression.
The importance of first impressions makes curb appeal and the entryway top areas of emphasis for pro stagers. A well-lit front door—spruced with a fresh coat of paint—with flawlessly functioning hardware, smooth-turning keys and spotless steps creates an immediate sense of care and attention. Ensure the entryway invites by focusing on key details: declutter, repaint and add decor, artwork or flowers for a striking focal point.
2. The potential space.
To help buyers see potential instead of obstacles, the pros skillfully create functional zones and demonstrate how different areas can be used for specific purposes. Examples include setting a dining room table for entertaining or arranging a stylish home office. They are also masters of illustrating versatility—how
rooms can serve multiple purposes and lifestyle needs.
3. The flow.
Stagers focus on creating a smooth and intuitive layout. They strategically position furniture to ensure unobstructed pathways, employ cohesive design elements—such as matching color schemes and complementary décor—and balance the proportions of furniture to avoid overcrowding.
4. The light.
Pro stagers never waste natural light. Windows must be clean; furniture must be strategically placed around them and the treatments must allow maximum daylight to flow into the space. They also layer light sources and update fixtures, using high-quality options with appropriate color temperatures that complement the home’s style.
5. The palette.
Finally, the color palette is all about creating a unified scheme that flows seamlessly from room to room. Most often, this is achieved by creating a neutral base for walls and floors, which appeals to a broad range of buyers. Then, they introduce pops of accent color through decor, artwork or accessories to infuse personality and warmth.
These carefully considered techniques can lead to quicker sales and potentially higher offers, making them invaluable tools. If you need assistance renovating your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!
Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/Copyeditor
Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad
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Forsyth County does a decent job of automatically applying the homestead exemption to property that is transferred into a trust. If you live in counties other than Forsyth County, the best practice is
to file a new homestead exemption form with the county tax assessor’s office after the property is transferred to your trust. With asset protection trusts (regardless of your county), you definitely want to refile your homestead exemption form.
When do you file for homestead exemption? Your homestead exemption form is due between January 1 and April 1 of the year after the transfer to the trust occurs.
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Understanding unclaimed property
Brought to you by - Estates Law Center USA
Escheatment refers to the legal process by which unclaimed property reverts to the state when the rightful owner cannot be located or fails to claim the property within a specified period of time. The concept of escheatment ensures that abandoned assets do not remain indefinitely with businesses or financial institutions and instead are held by the state for safekeeping until claimed by the rightful owner or their heirs.
Unclaimed Property Laws in the United States regulate the handling of financial assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their rightful owners. These laws require businesses and financial institutions to report and transfer such assets to state governments after a specified period of dormancy, typically ranging from one to five years. States then maintain databases and actively work to reunite owners with their property through outreach efforts. If owners do not claim their property within a certain timeframe, it "escheats" or reverts to the state, where the funds are
used for public benefit. These laws vary slightly by state in terms of dormancy periods, exemptions, and reporting requirements, but they universally aim to protect consumer rights and ensure transparency in financial transactions. Understanding these laws is crucial for both individuals and businesses to manage and reclaim unclaimed assets appropriately. Stay ahead of escheatment! Keep your contact info updated, monitor accounts regularly, and respond promptly to notifications. Don't let your unclaimed assets fall into state hands. The best way to avoid this is to consult with an Expert attorney to prevent the State from inheriting your assets due to your failure to prepare your Will and Trust.
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Nestled between Milton and Canton, Soleil Belmont Park stands as a beacon of luxury for active adults, offering a premier 55+ living experience. Developed by the acclaimed Patrick Malloy Communities, this award-winning gated community seamlessly blends elegance with an active lifestyle, promising homeowners an unparalleled living experience.
Designed with the active adult in mind, Soleil Belmont Park showcases a range of luxurious features tailored to enhance daily living. The impressive resort style amenities are currently well under way and include a stunning 9,800-square-foot clubhouse which is the hub for social and recreational activities. Here, you can
unwind at the coffee and cocktail bar, stay fit in the state-of-the-art health and fitness center, or indulge in creative pursuits at the arts and crafts studio. The clubhouse also houses a catering kitchen, a club/card room, and a community post office.
The resort-style amenities extend beyond the clubhouse, offering a country club-style pool perfect for relaxation and socializing. For those who enjoy sports, there are tennis and pickleball courts, dog park and a community garden for gardening enthusiasts. Nature lovers will appreciate the scenic walking trails that meander through the community, providing a tranquil escape into nature.
One of the standout features of Soleil Belmont Park is its model home park, which showcases five beautifully designed model homes all situated on maintenance-free homesites. With
several move-in ready homes and additional homes under construction, there are numerous options available for those looking to live in this vibrant neighborhood which is now 50% sold out.
Convenience is a key aspect of life at Soleil Belmont Park. Residents have easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment in nearby Alpharetta, Milton, and Canton. For healthcare needs, Northside Hospital-Cherokee is just a short drive away. The community’s strategic location also ensures a quick trip to downtown Atlanta or the picturesque North Georgia Mountains via major interstates.
Patrick Malloy Communities, established in 1994, brings a wealth of experience and excellence to Soleil Belmont Park. Having developed over 11,000 homesites and sold more than 7,000 homes, Patrick
Malloy Communities has earned numerous accolades, including several Community of the Year awards.
Priced from the $500s to the $800s, Soleil Belmont Park offers an exceptional blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience. New friends, new beginnings, and new memories await in this vibrant community. For more information or to explore available homes, visit www.SoleilBelmontPark. com or call 770.635.4080.
Don’t miss the opportunity to also explore Soleil Summit Chase in Snellville, with homes priced from the $400s to the $700s. Visit www.pmcommunities.com for more information. Patrick Malloy Communities and Soleil is represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division. An equal housing opportunity.
OPINION
Kidney cancer update: Uninvited guest returns
Feeling better these days. Actually, I never felt bad at all. In fact, these early evening motorcycle rides are as comforting as a big bowl of chili on a chilly Saturday afternoon spent gorging myself on college football. Unfortunately, sometimes life and its roller-coaster situations gets in the way.
Forget slasher movies, hearing the words “the cancer has returned” will chill you to the bone. That proclamation from a doctor sent me into a shake-inmy-boots funk that put my psyche out of commission for a few days.
I’m pretty sure my psyche has rebounded and recovered. That’s more that can be said for me and my old friend, renal cell carcinoma.
This later chapter began with a regular MRI and chest x-ray. When Dr. Adam Mellis called, there was some hesitancy in his voice when he said the MRI showed some areas of concern. Like an uninvited guest, he said it looked like the kidney cancer that put an end to my left kidney a few years ago wanted to make an encore.
I spent an afternoon at Northside Hospital getting a biopsy. I waited and prayed that maybe, just maybe, it was a mistake. I shuddered at the prospect of having another trip on the cancer train.
I think the prayers were answered. Somehow, I am being asked to fight a battle. My bruised psyche is being told: “Get up. Dust yourself off. It’s time for a fight.”
I’ve told this bastid cancer that wants to be my companion: “I hope you like this immunotherapy that you’re going to be meeting every three weeks. Both of us are ready to give you an ass-kicking like you’ve never had. And the drugs aren’t what you should fear, you rotten mutant. You’re about to have a big dose of powerful praying ready to take you on.”
In the back of my mind, I keep insisting
that something good will come of this. I hope I am given the opportunity to be a resource, an inspiration, a catalyst for something good. I’m not viewing this as a death sentence, just a bump in the road that will hopefully make me mentally stronger.
“But I don’t feel bad,” has been my constant mantra through all this. And the consensus has been that by not feeling bad, it’s a good thing.
The biopsy showed that, despite the cancer being Stage 4 (gulp! There’s no Stage 5), it looks like we’ve caught it early. I have a grand dose of confidence in my oncologist, Dr. Aneesha Ananthula, especially when I asked point blank: “Is this going to kill me?”
Her “That’s what we are trying to prevent,” response fortified my belief that I had come to the right place.
She’s got a plan and Michael Buffer, intoning “Let’s get ready to rumble!” couldn’t have made me feel more ready to take the fight to this entity that, whether I like it or not (I don’t!), is now part of me.
In a few days, the battle will begin in earnest. Two drugs, an hour-long infusion while watching a compound drip into me. I’ll be imploring the medications to do their job.
I’m asking medical professionals why the cancer has returned. “Because it’s cancer,” has been the reply.
I’ll have to go with that for now, but make no mistake, I don’t like it one bit. It’s here and extremely intrusive and uninvited.
And to proactively answer the question: “Hell yes I’m scared.”
But I know I’m not fighting this on my own. Family, friends and doctors are on my side.
Let the battle begin.
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.
“Uh-huh”
Opposite SSW
___-tac-toe
Get smart
Bearing
Relinquish
Venture out
Follower of John
Cousin of “Phooey!”
Japanese soup
Overseas
Lickety-split
Water carrier
Conception
“Tarzan” extra
Land in l’océan
Caprice
Stage hog
Citrus drink
Semitic deity
Sacks
Manages, with “out”
Light source
Hodgepodge
42 “Casablanca”
MIKE TASOS Columnist
PGA:
Continued from Page 3
“It’s hard to put into words what this year has been like for me,” Scheffler said, cracking a smile. “It’s been pretty emotional, there’s been a lot of stuff that’s gone on outside of golf.”
Scheffler and his wife Meredith celebrated the birth of their son just nine days before.
When Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan announced Scheffler’s Olympic gold medal, USA chants rang out across the gallery and clubhouse.
“Now you’re standing up here as FedEx Cup Champions, a tournament it takes 34 weeks to win and a trophy I know you fought so hard to win,” Monahan said. “Most importantly, when I look at this year, you were a tremendous ambassador for the game of golf.”
History matters at East Lake Scottie Scheffler, like each generation’s most successful players, is tied to golf’s history.
Atlanta resident Bobby Jones, one of the most successful golfers in history, won his first tournament at East Lake at age 6 in 1908, the same year the final hole was completed.
Today, professional golf’s Grand Slam requires victories at the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, PGA Championship, U.S. Open and the British Open.
Jones, the only golfer to ever capture all of golf’s major championships in one calendar year, did so winning the British Amateur and Open, as well as the U.S. Open and Amateur.
Ironically, the only person to ever achieve the Grand Slam did not play professional golf.
Like so many things today, golf has changed significantly since Jones
DEATH NOTICES
LaVerne Bates, 95, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 19, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Frank Goodman, 96, of Roswell, passed away on August 21, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Laury Greaves, 62, of Roswell, passed away on August 23, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
PGA Tour Championship patrons look to get a view Sept. 1 along the fairway of the 18th hole. East Lake Golf Club’s signature finish was redesigned, expanding the lake and restoring the course’s 1940s topography.
donned hickory clubs and a neck tie as he strolled up and down fairways at East Lake Golf Club.
The great grandchildren of those who watched Jones play golf nearly a century ago made their way to the permanent home of The Tour Championship Sept. 1 to see if Scottie Scheffler could maintain his five-shot lead heading into the final round.
Some of the patrons walking
Brian Kaznova, 79, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 21, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Dustin Keppen, 47, of Roswell, passed away on August 24, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Urve Kroon, 63, of Milton, passed away on August 13, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
around East Lake and enjoying the PGA Tour’s top talent would not have been able to do so a hundred years ago. In fact, many residents in the community, like the Drew Charter boys golf team, would have been removed. Ninety-six years have passed since Jones lifted the U.S. Open trophy, and a lot has changed for the better in the East Lake community.
Foundation goes beyond golf
In Deepak Chopra’s “Golf for Enlightenment,” the global leader in mindfulness and alternative medicine gives a host of thought-provoking quotes about how to approach the game of golf.
George Metcalfe, 83, of Roswell, passed away on August 20, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Dorothy Popadics, 85, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 21, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Jay Wilcox, 76, of Roswell, passed away on August 16, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
“Freedom comes when you see the built-in contradiction of trying to manipulate something that is going right to begin with,” Chopra wrote. “Stop trying to steer the river.”
There is a lot going right around East Lake Golf Club, Foundation President and CEO Ilham Askia said.
“Next month will be my two-year anniversary with the foundation, although I’ve been a part of this community for more than 20 years,” Askia said. “If people who are coming home, returning citizens, had an opportunity to be a part of a community like this, it would reduce recidivism.”
The Foundation began construction of the Trust at East Lake, a 40-home affordable housing project that looks to address the crisis in east Atlanta.
The neighborhood’s great asset, East Lake Golf Club and its Foundation, helps subsidize the housing development and make it a reality.
“‘Golf with a Purpose,’ is what the club says, and it’s truly golf with a purpose,” Askia said. “A portion of the proceeds are donated to the East Lake Foundation and four other nonprofits.”
The funds go directly into the surrounding community, including early learning centers and Drew Charter High School.
“This is our 29th year as a foundation, we just had a huge initiative … to address housing inequities,” Askia said. “I just encourage everyone, see what we’re doing next year for our 30th.”
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Bike:
Continued from Page 1
Stonaker leads the Webb Bridge Cycling Group in Alpharetta. He’s also a board member of the Van Purser Foundation, a nonprofit that aids cyclists in times of need and one of many groups looking to make roads a safer, and friendlier, place.
Domestique Leadership
The foundation is named after the founder of the Webb Bridge group, which formed in 1993, who Stonaker said is a “local cycling legend of sorts.” Purser died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, in September 2019.
It also boasts a years-old program called Domestique Leadership, where around 50 ride leaders from Metro Atlanta come together for a half-day training session on different leadership principles.
The sessions, held every couple of years, have included local politicians, police agencies and the general public.
“If you’re not a cyclist, it’s really hard to understand and be empathetic to what it’s like to be on a bicycle on a road,” Stonaker said.
The intent of the Domestique Leadership program, he said, is to get people to understand.
“That’s one of our efforts, is to do that, and for law enforcement to kind of understand the dynamics of the groups and the fact that we’re not out there trying to cause any trouble,” Stonaker said. “What we’re trying to do is minimize the impact we have on the communities that we ride through as much as possible.”
Stonaker and other area cycling advocates like David Cochran, a ride director for the Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club in Milton, and Matt Sullivan, a ride leader for the Goat Riders in Forsyth County, recalled experiences where police officers either cited their group for legal behavior or held the belief that legal behavior, like riding two abreast, was in error.
“You think about all the laws and everything they need to know and everything they’re dealing with — probably the last
Robotics:
Continued from Page 1
"We've been floating around the idea of a competitive robotics team for a while now, but thanks to the help and support of some dedicated families and students, we're ready to provide our students with this new outlet for their innovative spirit and collaborative ingenuity,” Mayville said.
The enthusiasm is palpable, he said, adding it’s always a good thing when kids are thrilled about learning. Walking through the lab, he saw lots of smiles
DAVID COCHRAN/PROVIDED
David Cochran, a cycling advocate and ride director for the Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club wearing his Goat Riders suit, joins the Forsyth County-based group, led by Matt Sullivan. Cochran, Sullivan and others are organizing around road safety to minimize the impact cycling has on the community.
thing they’re thinking about are bicycles,” Stonaker said.
Establishing guidelines
Cochran, who was part of Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club’s founding group in 2014, also described a concerted effort among cyclists looking to establish standard behaviors. He emphasized the goal is setting guidelines, rather than rules.
“...What I’d like to impact is the understanding, that we could improve harmony on our roadways,” Cochran said. “Right now, there is quite a bit of aggression.”
Like those involved with the Van Purser Foundation, Cochran and others have interfaced with law enforcement, once or twice a year. Recently, a meeting was held with the Milton Police Department.
“I would call it just a dialog, a back and forth,” Cochran said. “Police officer, how do you perceive us? Us, how do you perceive police officers?”
Across the community, Cochran said not everyone knows all the rules, that interpretations can vary. When it comes to riding single-file versus riding side-by-side, he said pairing up is safer, though others have thought otherwise.
“If we ride side-by-side, we’re shortening the distance by half,” Cochran said.
and hands raised to ask questions.
“They want to jump right in and build a robot,” he said. “A big aspect of this competition is the students are the ones who take the initiative.”
That also means allowing students to sometimes make mistakes, which can offer invaluable teaching moments.
“Robotics is not just about robots, gears and circuits, but rather about igniting curiosity, fostering new ideas, and growing through teamwork,” said Blanca Snyder, pre-K through eighth grade principal.
Many of the students who participate may go on to pursue fields outside math, science and engineering as
Did you know?
According to state law, bicyclists can ride two abreast, rather than just single file.
Cyclists over the age of 12 must also ride on the road, rather than a sidewalk, unless local ordinance says otherwise.
Want to pass a cyclist when there’s a double yellow line? No worries. You can, but make sure to pass at 10 mph below the posted speed limit, or at 25 mph, whichever is greater. Also, you must allow 3 feet of clearance between your car and the cyclist.
Charity work
Another point cycling advocates have made is their community involvement, their charity work around Metro Atlanta.
Cochran noted St. Patty O’ Pedal, an effort spun out of the Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club. It’s an annual charity ride to “conquer childhood cancer,” benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
“A local family lost their daughter, and so we started this ride, and now it’s become quite a large philanthropic event,” Cochran said.
He also mentioned the Cartersvillebased Beautiful Backroads Century Bike Ride that benefits Hickory Log Personal Care Home for men with special needs.
“We are trying to be very inclusive and diverse and be equitable in a natural, transparent, organic way,” adding that the Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club features some riders on the autism spectrum.
Sullivan, former treasurer of Bike Alpharetta, described another philanthropic effort from the cycling community.
For Bike Alpharetta’s “Bikes for Kids” program, more than 100 volunteers donated bikes “Santa-ready.” Last year, nearly 530 bikes were prepared, and accompanying the bikes were 325 new helmets and another 75 that were donated.
“To me, as a kid, there’s nothing better than getting a bicycle under the tree,” Sullivan said.
Club support
Pinecrest’s new robotics club is looking for sponsors to help attend competitions. To learn more about becoming a sponsor, email Joan McCade at jmccade@pinecrestacademy.org.
adults. But, all who participate will learn important soft skills, like how to work as a group and problem solving, Mayville said.
“It gives another group of kids an opportunity to experience compromise and productive failure,” Mayville said. “How many times as adults do we sit down together to come up with a plan?”
