Forsyth Herald - September 7, 2023

‘So much better’

Castmembers reflect after closing weekend of

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Performers

Parker Ossmann and Bridget Upchurch reflected Aug. 25 on a successful “Legally Blonde the Musical” run at the Forsyth County Arts and Learning Center.

Ossmann, 25, and Upchurch, 18, said they had theater experience before the production. Ossmann, a carpenter for a theater in Atlanta, has been involved in community and professional productions for five years, and Upchurch has been involved in theater since childhood.

“I've been doing [theater] since I was about five years old,” Upchurch said. “I was in a ballet class, and then my teacher said I have too much energy for ballet, and I should try theater. So, I started doing that, that's when I lived in North Carolina. I moved down here. I saw a production of ‘Legally Blonde,’ and then I thought, ‘Wow, I want to do that.’”

Upchurch has lived in Forsyth County for 13 years and recently graduated from Forsyth Central High School. She said she previously performed a junior version of “Legally Blonde” in a competition, but never the full production.

“This is the first time I've been a title character, the first time I've ever bowed last,” Upchurch said. “But it's been really crazy, but in a wonderful way. I

The Gathering project names new executive

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Gathering at South Forsyth announced Frank Ferrara as its new senior project executive beginning Sept. 1. Ferrara will oversee development and operations for the planned development on Union Hill Road and Ronald Reagan Boulevard. He previously served as chief financial officer and senior associate athletic director for Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Athletics.

In his previous role, Ferrara managed the university’s Novus Innovation Corridor, a 330-acre mixed-use development. He also administered the Arizona State University ice hockey program.

See FERRARA, Page 7

wouldn't trade this experience for the world.”

In the Forsyth County Arts and Learning, or FoCAL, Center production, Upchurch played the lead role of Elle Woods, and Ossmann was cast as Emmett. The pair secured their roles in May and rehearsed weekly throughout the summer until the production’s opening night Aug. 17.

See PERFORM, Page 6

BRIDGET UPCHURCH

Forsyth Central High School graduate

‘Legally Blonde’

PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Recent Forsyth Central High School graduate Bridget Upchurch rehearses as Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde the Musical” Aug. 25 at the Forsyth County Arts and Learning Center. The show, which ran two weekends in August, sold 3,412 tickets.

“This is the first time I’ve been a title character, the first time I’ve ever bowed last. But it’s been really crazy, but in a wonderful way. I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world.”

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Mableton man arrested after string of burglaries

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 30-yearold Mableton man Aug. 17, one of two suspects in a string of non-residential burglaries earlier this year.

Two lawn companies reported equipment stolen out of a shared storage facility on Branch Drive around 6 a.m. May 5. At the scene, deputies reported observing a cut lock on the ground beside the entrance gate.

An employee told deputies they had left the property around 7 p.m. May 4, and when he returned the next morning, he found one riding lawn mower and two weed eaters missing from storage, and four leaf blowers and two hedge trimmers missing from a lawn truck.

The owner of the second lawn company reported two weed eaters missing from his portion of the storage.

Around 4 p.m. May 5, another victim on Branch Drive reported his trailer had been stolen.

The owner of a landscaping business on Atlanta Highway also reported a $50,000 piece of heavy machinery stolen around 3 p.m. May 7.

The suspect was involved in another burglary reported on Atlanta Highway May 7. Surveillance footage from the business showed a suspect breaking two padlocks and unsuccessfully attempting to break into a work truck. A second suspect in the footage appeared to be on the lookout.

On June 22, another victim at a business on Union Center Drive reported his glass door had been shattered by a suspect in a vehicle. Video surveillance footage showed the suspect exiting the vehicle, entering the

building and then leaving. The victim reported nothing was stolen.

One of the suspects was later identified and charged with six felony counts of forced second-degree non-residence burglary; one count of non-forced, non-residence burglary in the second degree; five counts of theft by taking a truck, van or bus; entering automobile theft; and interference with government property.

He also received misdemeanor charges of theft by taking from a building; loitering and prowling; and criminal trespass.

Roswell woman arrested for DUI on Buford Highway

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 44-yearold Roswell woman Aug. 24 on DUI charges and traffic violations.

Deputies reported observing the suspect crossing over the gore and failing to maintain her lane in front of the fire station on Buford Highway around 8:30 p.m. The suspect allegedly attempted to dodge authorities when she saw a patrol vehicle.

Deputies reported the suspect had bloodshot, red eyes, smelled strongly of alcohol and struggled to stand straight. She also had a “green leafy substance” on her tongue and droopy eyes, the report states.

The suspect admitted to using marijuana earlier that day, the report states, and she denied taking a field test. Deputies determined her to be impaired and arrested her.

On the front passenger seat of the vehicle, deputies reported finding multiple open wine coolers and a smoked blunt in the driver's seat. There was also “significant fresh body damage” on the front bumper and near the driver’s side door. The front bumper was also hanging halfway off the vehicle.

The suspect was charged with mis -

demeanor DUI multiple substances, possession of an open alcohol container, failure to maintain lane and driving in gore.

Atlanta man charged with forgery, fraud

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 51-yearold Atlanta man Aug. 24 who allegedly cashed a fraudulent check at the United Community Bank on Buford Highway in 2020.

The bank reported the suspect had cashed a check for $1,385 around 3 p.m. Jan. 2, 2020, and he had provided his fingerprint and a Georgia identification card.

The company named on the check later reported the fraudulent activity in its bank account to the Marietta Police Department.

The suspect was charged with felony check fraud and misdemeanor forgery in the fourth degree.

Woman reports coat theft during move to Fairburn

MILTON, Ga. — A Fairburn woman reported to police Aug. 24 that she found $11,000 in items missing after contracting with a moving company to transport items from a storage facility in Milton.

She told police her contact with the moving company was on-site as his employees removed her items from the storage unit, loaded them onto two trucks and transported them to her home in Fairburn.

But as the woman began to unpack her things, the police report said she discovered several items missing, including a box of antique tools valued at $1,000 and a mink fur coat valued at $10,000.

The woman said she believes other valuables were missing but could not provide any additional items at the time of the police report.

Schools receive $109,000 from 2023 duck dive raffle

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Education Foundation awarded over $109,000 in grants to 26 county schools and programs on #FoundationFriYAY Aug. 25.

A duck mascot visited Big Creek, Brookwood, Chattahoochee, Chestatee, Coal Mountain, Cumming, Johns Creek, Kelly Mill, Mashburn, Midway, New Hope, Poole’s Mill, Settles Bridge, Sharon and Silver City elementary schools to present staff and students with checks.

The money contributed to school facilities and projects, including a weather station, learning spaces, an irrigation project, a book vending machine, a jungle walk, a creation station and vertical whiteboards.

High school recipients included Forsyth Central, North Forsyth, South Forsyth and West Forsyth. The four schools received funds for a wellness initiative, science ambassadors, a multimedia lab and calculators.

One middle school, Riverwatch, received $5,000 for a virtual reality classroom.

Non-school recipients included the Penguin Project at the Forsyth County Arts and Learning Center and the North United school cluster.

The grants were funded through the Education Foundation’s 2023 Duck Dive for Education. Participants at the March 31 raffle paid $10 to be

Abuse prevention efforts at school earn

top marks

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — National abuse risk management firm Praesidium recognized Pinecrest Academy for its abuse prevention practices this summer.

Pinecrest Academy staff said the school implemented policies; screening and selection; training, monitoring and supervision; consumer participation; internal feedback systems; responding; and administrative practices in abuse prevention to receive the Praesidium Accreditation.

“We are pleased to send the message that we will not compromise the safety of those in our care — for any reason,” Pinecrest Academy Head of School Jake Rodgers said. “As an entire organization, we are dedicated and committed to proactively keeping those in our care safe from any kind of abuse.”

assigned a duck number. The participant who purchased the winning rubber duck won $10,000.

— Shelby Israel

The academy will be accredited for three years, during which staff said the school will adhere to strict safety practices to protect its students from abuse.

— Shelby Israel

FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS/PROVIDED Big Creek Elementary School students and staff pose with “The Duck,” who delivered a check Aug. 25 for a weather station at the school. The grant was funded through the Forsyth County Education Foundation’s 2023 Duck Dive for Education.

Johns Creek Arts Center welcomes new instructor

Catalina

Gomez-Beuth

offers insight into immigrant experience with work

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Only light sources mark the gray figures in Catalina Gomez-Beuth’s oil paintings, indicative of how she says race is perceived in her birthplace of Medellin, Columbia, where everyone “blends.”

“I wanted to make a statement, ‘Okay, it’s not about this. It's about the feelings of the people,’” said GomezBeuth, a new instructor at the Johns Creek Arts Center.

Throughout her work, segmented into conceptually grounded series, Gomez-Beuth gives viewers a glimpse into her experience as an immigrant. Many of her paintings include butterflies, which she said are symbolic of immigration.

Gomez-Beuth is working on a series titled “Beyond the Limits,” an expression of the right to dream, the American Dream. While she said race is more emphasized in the United States than in other parts of the world, Gomez-Beuth described the opportunity here.

She said women in the U.S. can reinvent themselves later in life. It wasn’t until she was 45 years old that GomezBeuth indulged herself with her passion in fine arts.

“I always talk about the beauty that

America has given me,” she said.

Gomez-Beuth is also one of six Latino immigrant artists in an Atlanta collective called “Contrapunto,” whose mission is to show they came to the U.S. to give back to the community.

“People don't think about us as artists, too, like Latin American people come here just to do a specific kind of job,” she said. “No, we have artists.”

Gomez-Beuth moved to the U.S. in 2000 and has been a Johns Creek resident for more than a decade. Before becoming an instructor this past spring, Gomez-Beuth had been featured in several exhibitions at the Arts Center.

Arts Center Executive Director Stephanie Donaldson said Tuesday mornings with Gomez- Beuth are a privilege.

“Catalina has a cunning ability to narrate and bring to life portraits by infusing grays and explosions of vibrant colors, drawing the viewer in the soul of the subject,” Donaldson said.

Gomez-Beuth began teaching an eight-week portrait painting class in August, where students are expected to complete a piece using a reference photograph.

But, she advises her students to add their own flair to the subject and guides them into building a story.

“I want them to see beyond what they have in the picture, something that comes from the feelings from the story, their own story,” Gomez-Beuth said.

To view Gomez-Beuth’s portfolio, visit catalinagomezbeuthart.com.

Do You Have Low Back Pain? Free Workshop

Sponsored by JOHNS CREEK PHYSICAL THERAPY

• Do you suffer with Back Pain or Sciatica when you stand or walk?

• Do you have low back pain when you sit for long periods of time?

• Do you experience Pain, Numbness, or Tingling into your hip or down your leg?

• Do you feel like you’ve “tried everything” but your back is still hurting?

If you answered YES to any of these questions (or you know someone in denial) then you won’t want to miss the FREE BACK PAIN AND SCIATICA WORKSHOP on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 at 12:30 pm

Back pain and sciatica can completely ruin your life. I see it every day. Low Back Pain is the number one cause of disability in the world and affects millions of people every year. Back pain can keep you from enjoying your favorite activities, keep you from spending time with your family, and keep

you out of work. Sciatica is the term given to pain that travels down the back of the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve. It can be brought on from a variety of things like sitting, walking, standing, or doing simple everyday activities.

If you are having this type of pain you won’t want to miss the FREE BACK PAIN AND SCIATICA WORKSHOP on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 at 12:30 pm hosted by Johns Creek Physical Therapy. At the workshop you will learn the TOP THREE common causes of Lower Back Pain and Sciatica and how each of these things can bring about back pain and sciatica. You will also learn how you can deal with each condition using natural

treatment methods without medications or injections. This very simple treatment can help you get rid of your symptoms once and for all.

Perhaps you have already had an x-ray or an MRI and you’ve been told that those findings explain why you are having back pain? We will show you that those tests may have nothing to do with why your back is actually hurting.

Don’t let back pain ruin your life! If you have back pain or sciatica don’t miss this FREE BACK PAIN AND SCIATICA WORKSHOP

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 at 12:30 pm. Register by calling 770-622-5344.

Johns Creek Physical Therapy 4060 Johns Creek Pkwy, Suite H Suwanee, GA 30024 770-622-5344

FOR ALL YOUR OTHER NEEDS WE ACCEPT MEDICARE

Marc C. Stewart, PT

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Catalina Gomez-Beuth, new instructor at the Johns Creek Arts Center, stands with one of her portraits “Ensoñacion.” Consistently drawn to the color yellow, GomezBeuth prefers oil for its workable, soft quality and the way it captures underlying sketches, which breathe life into a painting.

County libraries offer free radon testing kits

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Public Library system is now offering free kits for patrons to test the radon levels in their homes.

Each county library has one testing kit with a circulation period of 14 days and a maximum of two renewals for a total checkout period of 42 days. Each kit includes a digital radon detector, a user manual, a reference card for interpreting results and two QR codes for a video tutorial and a website to upload results.

Users can report their results to the University of Georgia Extension to participate in scientific research aimed at raising awareness.

The Electronic Radon Monitor Loan Program is a new initiative of the UGA Extension and the Georgia Public Library Service to raise awareness and promote radon safety at libraries across the state.

The effort is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency's State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants Program.

“We’re thrilled to see these monitors arriving at libraries around the state,” UGA Extension Radon Educator Derek Cooper said. “Each has the potential to be used hundreds of times and could prevent countless cases of lung cancer. The key to knowing your home is radon safe is to test.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking.

Forsyth County Public Library patrons can check the availability of radon testing kits at forsythpl.org/ passes.

— Shelby Israel

Perform:

Continued from Page 1

Ossmann said performers also came to the center on Thursdays for individual work and acting classes. He said it was a holistic experience, but it helped them identify their strengths and grow more comfortable with their fellow actors onstage.

“I can't have a night where I don't do less than 100 percent because everybody's bringing so much energy into this,” Ossmann said. “But I think it's an honor because this is a role that I've come to really love. It's a character that I really relate to, and I like being able to share what I have to offer to a whole bunch of new people that are excited and are fans of the show.”

Despite their mutual years of experience, Ossmann and Upchurch said they still felt jitters performing, especially in a venue as large as the FoCAL Center. The 81,006-square-foot facility on Dahlonega Highway seats 1,813 in its main theater.

“This stage is huge,” Upchurch said. “When you're standing onstage, and the lights are off, and all you see are disembodied heads of people … it's very scary.”

But momentary fright did not stop Upchurch from giving her all. She said she took a moment to breathe and threw herself into her character, which helped her ignore the audience.

Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners

“My entire brain is in show mode,” she said. “And I can't think of anything but the show.”

Similarly, Ossmann said the main stage at the center does not afford its performers the chance to be small, and it requires them to have just as much presence.

He said one of his worries was a high note at the end of one of his numbers, but immersing himself in the world of the play helped him overcome his nerves.

Upchurch said another challenge was her constant presence onstage as Elle Woods. The show, which ran about 2 hours and 15 minutes with an inter -

For upcoming show dates at the FoCAL Center, visit forsyth.k12.ga.us/ domain/5366.

mission, required several quick costume changes for Upchurch. She said she even bled once after getting stabbed by a safety pin.

“But being onstage the whole time is actually super fun because I can't go offstage and be like, ‘Oh, that sucked. Oh, I didn't do good,’ and I can't go offstage and overthink my entire performance because I have to stay in it all the time,” Upchurch said. “It’s a show that takes a lot out of you in a good way.”

After months of practice, nerves and dedication, Ossmann and Upchurch saw the results of their hard work. “Legally Blonde the Musical” ran Aug. 17-20 and 24-27 at the FoCAL Center. FoCAL Director Dawn Phipps said overall ticket sales numbered 3,412.

Ossmann emphasized the importance of theater as entertainment, an economic stimulant, and an opportunity for learning.

“There are messages in ‘Legally Blonde’ that are extremely important,” he said. “Ones that include diversity and inclusion. There are messages about acceptance of the LGBTQ community, and there are great messages about not judging a book by its cover. And that goes for every theater production.”

Parker Ossmann and Bridget Upchurch rehearse Aug. 25 before a “Legally Blonde the Musical” performance at the Forsyth County Arts and Learning Center. Ossmann and Upchurch secured the roles of Emmett and Elle Woods after auditioning in May.

Delivering Readers Award-Winning Newspapers

Continued from Page 1

“My background and experience align perfectly with the plans for The Gathering at South Forsyth,” Ferrara said. “I’m truly excited about being a part of Vernon’s team in its formative stages and helping it become an unparalleled experience for fans and stakeholders, as well as the athletes and teams that will compete at The Gathering’s planned 750,000-squarefoot arena.”

Proposed by North Georgia businessman Vernon Krause, The Gathering at South Forsyth is billed to serve as an entertainment, business and residential hub at the southern border of the county.

Project developers presented conceptual plans for the 100-acre site at an April 25 Board of Commissioners work session and estimated The Gathering could produce over 12,000 long-term employment opportunities, as well as 20,000 construction jobs during its 10-year development.

Updates and information on the project can be found at thegatheringatsouthforsyth.com.

— Shelby Israel

Embrace tasty traditions with the Zukerino Pastry Shop

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — If you’re ever craving sugar while heading west on I-285 through Dunwoody, it might be easy to just go for a gas station candy bar or fast-food milkshake, but that would be a big mistake because the Zukerino Pastry Shop is right around the corner.

Opened by Theodore Kazazakis and his family in 2012, the Zukerino Pastry Shop is a one-stop shop for all things tasty and delicious, from Baklava and cheesecake to Italian butter cookies and classic American turnovers.

A native of Athens, Greece, Kazazakis learned pastry making at his family’s bakery and served as the culinary pastry chef at the Landmark Diner for seven years before setting out on his own. He now runs the pastry shop with his son, Alex Kazazakis.

“He decided that he wanted to branch out and wanted to open up his own place. So that’s exactly what he did,” Alex said.

Nearly 12 years after opening, Alex said they have transformed the Zukerino Pastry Shop from a small bakery based out of an old Waffle House, into a thriving business with hundreds of customers in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee, including more than 100 restaurants.

He said about 70 percent of their business comes from restaurants they supply in the Atlanta area, but they also do a good amount of

business from everyday people who need pastry treats.

“I always have my regular customers,” Alex said. “I always try to entice them with something new.”

The Zukerino Pastry Shop is based on Greek pastry traditions like Baklava, a dessert made of phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and

9TH

soaked with honey, or Kourambiedes, butter cookies dusted with powdered sugar, and Melomakarona, honey cookies shaped almost like a pecan. But they also excel with treats from around the world like tiramisu, New York-style cheesecake, and the Kazazakis’ favorite, Italian Butter Cookies.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

“When it comes to cookies, these are my favorite. All of these right here,” he said, pointing to a case of thick cream-colored cookies covered in sprinkles, M&M’s or dipped in chocolate.

Often, they might be the only

See PASTRY, Page 9

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA Zukerino Pastry Shop, located off Cotillion Drive in Dunwoody, is a one-stop-shop for traditional Greek, Italian and other ethnic deserts. The pastry shop will celebrate its 12th anniversary this December.

They’ll call us and go, ‘Hey, what time do you guys close?’ and we’ll wait for them because that’s extreme loyalty.

ALEX

KAZAZAKIS, co-owner, Zukerino Pastry Shop

Pastry:

Continued from Page 8

pastry shop or bakery within several hundred miles to make a specific type of traditional dessert or treat, which draws in customers from sometimes states away.

“They’ll call us and go, ‘Hey, what time do you guys close?’ and we’ll wait for them because that’s extreme loyalty,” Alex said.

Crystal Smith, who has worked at Zukerino for the last seven years, said the business often feels like a second family. New customers, even just people passing by on the street, are quick to come on board and love their shop.

“You establish relationships with customers when you work the front,” she said. “A lot of people who don’t know about us see us in the line at Dunkin’ Donuts and then drop in here where I give them samples.”

The Zukerino Pastry Shop is located at 2230 Cotillion Drive in Dunwoody.

Learn more about their offerings and hours by visiting their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Zukerino/, or calling 770-220-1733.

At the Zukerino Pastry Shop in Dunwoody you can find simple well-known deserts like cheesecake, tiramisu and American turnovers, but your mouth will thank you when you try the honey-soaked Baklava rolls and a rainbow of cookies, cakes and other unusual pastries.

FREE Fall Risk Screening Now Available!

Helping to Prevent Falls

Sponsored by JOHNS CREEK PHYSICAL THERAPY

Did You Know:

• Every year in the United States 1 out of 4 older adults has a fall?

• Death rates from falls have increased by 31% in the last decade?

Every year in the United States 1 out of 4 older adults has a fall?

Our goal and commitment to residents and the community

In our continuing effort to provide the best care and treatment available, we now offer a Fall Risk Screening & Conditioning Program featuring Biodex balance technology. A preliminary baseline assessment compares your unique balance score against measurable, objective goals. The six week program is tailored to improve balance, strength and overall mobility.

If you would like to see just how good your balance is, for the next 10 days we are offering this Comprehensive Balance Test at NO CHARGE! (normally $99).

• Falling once doubles your chances of falling again?

• Falls can cause fractures, head injuries and other medical injuries?

Testing and training exercises, such as weight shift and limits of stability, can safely and effectively mitigate fall risk in older adults, and treat post-surgical rehabilitation patients. Our mission is to protect independence and ensure the highest quality of life.

DON’T BE A STATISTIC!

We invite you to schedule an appointment to test your balance.

For a limited time Johns Creek Physical Therapy is offering a FREE Fall Risk Screening featuring Biodex Balance Technology. A preliminary baseline assessment compares your individual balance score against age related normative data. A printed report can be generated for your own personal records and to take to your physician.

For more information or to schedule your Balance Assessment appointment call 770-622-5344. Free Balance testing will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY Johns Creek Physical Therapy 4060 Johns Creek Pkwy. Suite H Suwanee, GA 30024

FOR ALL YOUR OTHER NEEDS WE ACCEPT MEDICARE

MUSIC ON THE HILL: THE GEEK SQUAD

What: The Geek Squad Band will perform as part of a free outdoor music series every second Friday of the month through September. Bring a blanket, unpack your picnic and uncork a bottle to unwind with sounds from this dynamic cover band.

When: Friday, Sept. 8, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell

More info: roswell365.com

AN EVENING OF SONG FEATURING INDIA TYREE

What: Join this event for a performance of musical theater standards by one of Atlanta’s talented singers, India Tyree.

When: Sept. 8-10, 7:30-9 p.m.

Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody

Cost: $28 for adults; $20 for students; $15 for children

More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

ALPHARETTA FARMERS MARKET

What: Every Saturday morning through November, more than a dozen vendors set up shop near the Town Green with locally grown produce, natural meat, gardeners with fresh flowers and plants, handcrafted gifts, jellies, sauces and soaps, homemade baked goods and more.

When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 8:30 a.m.12 p.m.

Where: North and South Broad streets in Alpharetta

More info: alpharettafarmersmarket. com

MILTON TOUCH-A-TRUCK

What: Bring the family to explore big trucks, heavy-duty equipment and large vehicles. At this free event, there will also be food, live music, inflatables and more.

When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Stonecreek Church, 13540 Ga. 9, Milton

More info: miltonga.gov

DOGGY DAZE OF SUMMER

What: Bring your pooch and enjoy the last days of summer at East Roswell Park for a free outdoor extravaganza.

When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 4-9 p.m.

Where: East Roswell Park, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell More info: roswell365. com

DOGGY DAZE OF SUMMER

What: Bring your pooch and enjoy the last days of summer at East Roswell Park for a free outdoor extravaganza.

When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 4-9 p.m.

Where: East Roswell Park, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell More info: roswell365.com

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: WHO’S BAD

What: Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to this free summer concert series, where the Michael Jackson cover band Who’s Bad will perform. Food trucks will be on-site. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Dogs are not allowed, except service animals. Music begins at 7 p.m.

When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 6-10 p.m.

Where: Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT!

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.

COMEDY ON THE GREEN

What: In this premiere event of Southern Magnolia Charities, actress and comedian Carolina Rhea will perform. Proceeds will benefit three local charities.

When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 7:30-10 p.m.

Where: The Green at Crabapple Market, 12650 Crabapple Road, Milton More info: crabapplemarketga.com

comics from Dad’s Garage, a comedy improv theater.

When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 7:30-9 p.m.

Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody

Cost: $28 for adults; $20 for students; $15 for children

More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

CONCERT BY THE SPRINGS:

STILL SWINGING

What: Get ready to hear horns, woodwinds, strings and percussion with the band, Still Swinging. Lawn seating is free. No pets are allowed.

When: Sunday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m.

Where: Heritage Amphitheater Lawn, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

A NIGHT WITH DAD’S 2: THE DADDENING

What: Stage Door Theatre will host

CONCERTS BY THE SPRINGS: GUARDIANS OF THE JUKEBOX

What: Described as “a visual and sonic highlight reel of one of the most influential decades in music history,” Guardians of the Jukebox is an ’80s-nostalgia juggernaut. Lawn seating is free. Blankets, lawn chairs and umbrellas are welcome, but no pets are allowed.

When: Sunday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m.

Where: Heritage Amphitheater Lawn, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

Take in the mountain views at Horizon at Laurel Canyon

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Horizon at Laurel Canyon, located in Canton, offers striking views of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains foothills. This popular new home community is more than just a neighborhood; it's a lifestyle. Designed by Patrick Malloy Communities with a keen focus on active adults, Horizon offers a range of amenities and stunning home designs that blend seamlessly with the breathtaking natural surroundings.

Horizon at Laurel Canyon boasts a wealth of amenities and while not age-restricted, the community was thoughtfully planned to meet the needs of buyers who appreciate the ease of sin-

gle-level living. Each home is designed to be spacious, airy, and filled with natural light. State-of-the-art appliances and well-thought-out floor plans make daily living convenient and enjoyable. For those who desire a more elevated experience, some offer sky terraces, providing a unique vantage point to take in the stunning surroundings.

What truly sets Horizon at Laurel Canyon apart are the awe-inspiring views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Several mountain view homesites are available for those who dream of building their custom home. There are also several new homes available ready for immediate move-in priced from the $700s - $1 million.

Homeowners will enjoy a 2-story clubhouse with a wrap-around veranda,

a refreshing swimming pool, charming gazebos, tennis courts, and a children's playground. Golf enthusiasts can indulge in their passion at the nearby Laurel Canyon Golf and Country Club, just a short golf cart ride away.

Life at Horizon offers the best of both worlds. You can spend your days leisurely exploring the charming shops of downtown Canton or take a scenic drive north to discover the beauty of Ellijay, Jasper, or Blue Ridge. With easy access to I-575N, you are also conveniently located just minutes from downtown Canton, a mere 30 miles north of Atlanta, and a short 35-minute drive from the mountains.

Patrick Malloy Communities, founded in 1994 by Patrick Malloy, has over the

past 27 years developed over 11,000 homesites and built more than 7,000 homes in Metro Atlanta with a total of $4 billion in sales. Patrick Malloy Communities has been on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 20 Homebuilder list multiple times and has won numerous professionalism awards including several Community of the Year awards.

For more details on Horizon at Laurel Canyon, visit PMCommunities.com, call 770/254-5357 or visit the model home and sales center at 101 Summit View Circle, Canton, GA 30114. Patrick Malloy Communities is represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division. BHHSgaNewHomes.com. An Equal Housing Opportunity.

Five trends to transform your space with paint

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

1. The Trendsetting Kitchen. Transform ordinary cabinets into standout art pieces by pairing complementary hues to achieve the perfect balance or refresh the walls for an overall update. Popular kitchen colors for this year include earthy tones and ever-perennial neutrals like white, cream and gray.

Nothing compares to what’s next.

Scan to view this month’s collection of featured properties exclusively represented by our firm.

Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad

Looking for a way to update the look and feel of a room without breaking the bank? Consider a fresh paint job—there are multiple reasons it ranks among the first recommendations of professional stagers:

Instead of undertaking expensive renovations or purchasing entirely new furniture, painting presents an excellent way to achieve a dramatic transformation with a relatively small investment. For those concerned about resale, opting for neutral, timeless color palettes walks the line between personalization and marketability. Compared to other renovation options, painting is a highimpact upgrade with universal appeal. It’s often a DIY assignment, making it accessible for those who can’t afford a professional. Unlike structural alterations, paint transformations are relatively reversible; you can experiment without fear because it doesn’t take much to pivot if preferences evolve or mistakes happen. And finally, for homeowners looking to sell, a well-executed paint makeover can significantly boost curb appeal and overall value.

While the list below represents a compilation of our favorite painting design trends, a quick Pinterest or Google search reveals plenty of ideas and information that can be adapted to any situation.

2. The Reimagined Fireplace. Turn your fireplace into a breathtaking centerpiece by painting the surround and the mantel (or both), or tastefully update the brick and stone using sealant or whitewashing.

3. The Drama of Texture. Move beyond flat walls with finishes that create captivating dimensions while concealing defects in areas that won’t allow for re-plastering or new drywall.

4. The Statement Wall. Accent walls infuse drama into any room, and your options range from simple (choosing a shade or two deeper than the rest of the walls) or complex (a mural).

5. The Accent Piece. For versatility and portability, try reimagining a sideboard, end table or cupboard using a distressed painting technique.

As always, a quick consult with a professional ensures access to expert color and design advice and a practiced, precise finish. If you need assistance staging your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!

Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/ Copyeditor

You deserve to own your business’ real estate, withco makes it happen

Brought

to you by - withco

As a small business owner, you know that owning your commercial real estate is a smart move. It means freedom from your landlord, freedom to run your business your way, and freedom to earn income from your real estate in the future. But buying property is easier said than done. Whether it’s finding the capital for a large down payment or navigating the complexities of the commercial real estate market, the system is designed to keep you renting. It’s hardly surprising that so many business owners opt to re-sign their lease. But ever-increasing rents and the insecurity of leasing are not a recipe for long-term stability. withco is here to change that. Our mission is to help you own your commercial real estate and take control of your future.

Why lease-to-own your commercial real estate with withco.

Really own it, with 0% down: With a lease-to-own agreement from withco, you can own your business’ real estate in just 5 years, with no upfront payment.

Build your Down Payment Credit: Every month of your lease, the rent you pay builds up a Down Payment Credit that belongs to you. After 5 years, this equates to 10% of the purchase price.

Peace of mind, guaranteed: With a lease-to-own agreement you’ll know exactly what your property will cost when the time comes to buy.

A dedicated team in your corner every step of the way. withco’s team of commercial real estate experts help you navigate the entire process, with guidance on what your business can afford and if the property you’re looking at is a wise investment, while handling all those tricky negotiations throughout the process.

Take control and own your commercial real estate with withco. Visit with.co/ownership to learn more.

OWN YOUR BUSINESS’ REAL ESTATE

The Medicaid Estate Claim

How Medicaid can take YOUR house

Brought to you by - Michelle Wilson, Attorney,

Wilson Legal

Did you know that Medicaid can take your house? Section 2398 of the Georgia Medicaid Manual states that Medicaid can demand reimbursement for benefits received from any estate worth $25,000 or more and any estate that contains a home. The average amount of time someone needs skilled nursing level care – the highest level of care and the level that requires the most caregiver hours is three (3) years. The average cost for that care monthly is $11,000 to $15,000 per month. Medicaid pays a lower rate of $9,036 per month. If you have Medicaid benefits and spend your last three years in a nursing home, then Medicaid can demand that your estate pay them $325,296 (36 months times 9,036 dollars per month) after you die. That could be all the equity you had in your home. That means your kids would get nothing from you if your primary or only asset

was your home. Yikes! If you have a will, you still have to go through probate and would be subject to this estate recovery policy. If you have a life estate deed, your home may still be subject to estate recovery.

We can help you protect your home from Medicaid Estate Recovery. If you or your parents are at least 60 years old or even into their 70s and 80s, it’s time to ask about your options. Call us at 770-2057861 to ask about setting up a strategy session to save your home today.

Registration

“Aloha” as in “hello” for Maui’s wonders

A sad country song will drive a spike in your heart.

Once it enters your psyche, it’s hard to smile that sucker away. No matter how you try.

MIKE TASOS

Don’t listen to Garth Brooks “The Dance” and try to have happy feet.

Saying goodbye to a dog will give you a case of the blues that a bowl of peaches and ice cream will sour your stomach and make you feel like someone substituted some ipecac for your favorite flavor of Mayfield. It’ll make you feel awful and want to pay rent on anyplace with sufficient porcelain equipment.

Recently, I got up close and personal with some sort of stomach malady that made me wish for death instead of recovery. For the record, I know it was the steamed shrimp I got from the place where shopping is sup -

posed to be a pleasure.

Let’s face it, I was a mess.

Michael Oher trashing his “adoptive” family was a gut-punch. To me, the timing of the allegations is certainly suspect. Besides, I don’t think Sandra Bullock would pull off a swerve like that.

As if that’s not an excuse to put a match to all this sadness, seeing the tragedy that has befallen Maui, for anyone fortunate enough to have experienced that wonderous paradise, is a boatload of Ric Flair judo chops.

Our family’s favorite vacation destination has burned to a crisp. The island’s landscape looks like bacon cooked on a high flame for an hour.

Having grown up in California, a flight to Hawaii was too easy. My first trip there was in 1973 when my parents handed me a graduation gift of $400 with “Happy Hawaii” written on it. It was, without a doubt, the best gift they ever bestowed on me.

Best friend, Klint Schahrer, whom I’ve introduced in previous columns,

accompanied me to a local travel agent, and we were in the “Aloha” business. That trip was a week-long booze fest (drinking age was 18 and we made the most of it) on Oahu, and I fell in love with the 50th state.

Vicki and I honeymooned on Oahu and Kauai. It’s just relaxation and wonderful vibe that makes me say “mahalo” to anyone who’ll listen.

We took the boys to The Big Island when they were old enough to enjoy it. At least they enjoyed the shaved ice and playing on the beach. They even swam with dolphins. Greg and I even snuck in a round of golf with a smokebelching volcano as a backdrop.

“You think it’ll blow, Dad,” was his reasonable question? “No chance, hand me my 9-iron,” was my reply as I kept a wary eye on the volcano and smelled Sulphur.

But it was a family trip to Maui that must’ve set the standard for vacation paradise. At least twice a year, Chris will inquire: “When are we taking that trip back to Maui?”

What wasn’t to love? They scooted off alone, exploring a sunken crater (Molokini). They made green friends at Turtle Town, interacting with massive sea turtles providing free baby-sitting services until it was time to head back to the resort.

We introduced them to the charms of Lahaina and had breakfasts of eggs and fried rice at Kimo’s. Sadly, the restaurant’s website vows “We will rebuild.”

I’m sure the island will bounce back. Hawaiians are a resilient people. Instead of finger-pointing and outlandish conspiracy claims, it’s a perfect time to help financially if you can.

I’ll do that and a little more.

It’s time for Chris and me to start planning a trip.

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.

Will your next read take you to coastal South Carolina or to Europe?

Through reading I was fortunate enough to visit both in one week—South Carolina in a cozy mystery and Europe in a nonfiction book about a traveling cat. What do these books have in common beyond the ability to transport you to a new locale? Both were inspired by an author’s passion.

“All is Now Lost” by Laura Elizabeth

When I read the opening pages, I was suddenly standing outside of Books & Brew, a new bookshop on Mongin Island. An ocean breeze and a bookshop on a lazy, laid-back island? I was hooked.

The inspiration for this fictional island comes from the author’s many visits to Daufuskie Island, off the coast of South Carolina. I’ve heard of it and seen the signs for the ferry on my visits to Hilton Head, but never made it across the water to visit. Now I finally have, thanks to Book I in Laura Elizabeth’s new mystery series.

The main character is a successful Atlanta businesswoman who had long planned to retire to Mongin with her husband. It’s not a spoiler to let

you know that her husband’s sudden death puts paid to that dream. The pithy description has stayed in my mind. “Then, on one unseasonably cold morning in April, I woke up and Rob did not.”

The author’s husband is alive and well, so it’s not a tragic death that inspired the novel. It’s her dismay at the island’s deterioration. A July article in “Babson Magazine” captures the circumstances that led Laura Elizabeth to put pen to paper.

“One Woman’s Mission to Help Save a Neglected Resort” describes the island’s current state, and the author’s efforts to turn back the clock.

“For 15 years, the Melrose Resort has waited for a second chance. A once vibrant vacation spot sitting on the Atlantic Ocean, it is now a shell of its former self, 400 lonely acres on secluded Daufuskie Island in South Carolina.”

For a description of her efforts to return the island to its former idyllic state, check out the article at https:// entrepreneurship.babson.edu/helpsave-a-resort/.

The novel isn’t about her mission. It’s an ode to a place she loves wrapped in the trappings of a cozy mystery. Read it for the descriptions of sunsets and marsh views. Read it for intriguing details about searching for

rare books and stocking a bookshop.

“Nala’s World” by Dean Nicholson

The idea of an author having a passion made this book pop to mind. I read the enchanting tale when it came out in 2020. On a quest to bicycle around the world, Dean Nichols found an abandoned kitten in the mountains between Montenegro and Bosnia. The thirty-year-old Scotsman rescued her, named her Nala, and became an Instagram sensation. His pics of Nala riding in the bicycle basket and on his shoulders made millions smile. They cycled and camped their way through country after country. Nala even had a pet passport.

Now, with a knee injury limiting Dean’s cycling, he and Nala travel in Nessie, a VW camper van. I follow them on Instagram and know he hopes one day to return to cycling. As I write this, they’re in Estonia, country #34 for Nala. I can’t get enough of them on Instagram @1bike1world.

But he didn’t stop at rescuing Nala. Traveling in Serbia this spring, Dean found a partially paralyzed, abandoned dog on the side of the road and took her to a local vet. Months later, the dog, who’d been shot, learned to walk again and was adopted by a loving family. Yasuki’s care involved

extensive vet care and physiotherapy, all paid for by a GoFundMe account started by Dean. As that tale unfolded, his followers alerted him to other abandoned dogs and he worked to find homes for as many as he could.

What inspired Dean Nicholson to write “Nala’s World”? I don’t have an answer to that question, but it’s clear he has a passion for animals. I imagine the proceeds from the book initially helped to fund his travels. Now, he’s leveraging his followership to fund animal rescue efforts worldwide. I think he found his calling.

I’m hoping for a sequel to “Nala’s World” with more detail than I can get from following Instagram posts, and I’ve just ordered Nala’s 2024 calendar. Knowing that “All profits go to animal and environmental charities around the world” warms my heart.

Two books. Two passions. Which one strikes your fancy? Perhaps both.

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/.

Columnist

KATHY MANOS PENN

Columnist

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PRESERVING THE PAST

Alpharetta Library and the historic role of volunteering

Volunteering can be traced back to medieval Britain where churches aided the poor and sick. In 1865 William Booth and his wife Catherine began the Salvation Army in London. Their daughter Eva Cory Booth established the organization in the United States and supervised the volunteer “Doughnut Girls” during World War l. Benjamin Franklin started the first volunteer firehouse in Philadelphia in 1736, and the American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton in 1881.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2021 almost 61 million Americans volunteered through organizations providing $123 billion in economic value. Library volunteers have played an important role thanks in large part to Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) who funded the construction of 2,509 libraries worldwide between 1883 and 1929 including 1,795 in the United States, of which 1,687 were public libraries and 108 were academic. About 800 are still used as libraries. Twenty-four Carnegie public libraries were built in Georgia between 1898 and 1914.

Volunteer Friends of the Library Libraries need community support. One requirement for a Carnegie grant was a commitment by a community to raise additional funds to support library programs.

The first library Friends group in the United States, was founded in 1922 in Illinois. The first university Friends group in the US was formed at Harvard in 1925.

Alpharetta Branch Library

In February 1965 the leadership of the Alpharetta Women’s Club met with the leaders of the Alpharetta Jaycees, Alpharetta Lions Club and President of the Sandy Springs Library Board to discuss the creation of an Alpharetta library. They realized the importance of having clubs, businesses, churches and private citizens working together with the Fulton Country Government to create a branch library. Up to that time Alpharetta was serviced by a station wagon bookmobile that came to town every other Wednesday afternoon.

The library opened June 1, 1966 in the Alpharetta municipal building where the City of Alpharetta provided rent-free space. In 1989 a new library opened in its own building at 238 Canton Street. In 2015 the library moved again to a beau-

STATHAM FAMILY/PROVIDED

Ben Statham has been winning awards for 35 years in recognition of his outstanding volunteer work for the 501c3 Friends of the Alpharetta Library, thought to be the first Friends group in the area. Here Statham receives the 2000 Special Volunteer of the Year Award from the Fulton County Library System.

tiful new 25,000 square foot facility located at 10 Park Plaza in the Alpharetta City Center development. It is one of the most used libraries in the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.

Alpharetta Library special Friends Ben and Linda Statham

That brings us to Ben and Linda Statham, board members of the Friends of the Alpharetta Branch Library, who have devoted the past 33 years to raising money to support library programs.

As a child in the 1940s, Ben lived in a house near the Ida Williams Branch Library on Buckhead Avenue in Atlanta. It was a small house with three resident

Linda Statham speaks at a public hearing in 2007 where residents expressed opinions about the future growth of Alpharetta’s library facilities. Linda Statham made a plea for more children’s books and more library space to serve growing community’s needs.

adults and three children which made it difficult for Ben to concentrate. He wanted to improve his grades in the 10th grade so he spent evenings doing his homework in the library and his grades improved. At the University of Georgia he used the library as a study hall as he earned his degree in business, finance and real estate.

About 1990 Ben became a Friend of the Alpharetta Library and for the next 32 years he did not miss a single book sale, except during Covid. He organized the sales, encouraged the donation of books and retrieved books from a special bin at the Roswell recycling center set aside for him. He has served as President of the Board of the

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY/PROVIDED

Portrait of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie who funded the construction of more than 2,500 public and academic libraries in the United States between 1883 and 1929 including 24 libraries in Georgia. He encouraged community involvement and funding to support the libraries he built.

What’s next?

What historical topic would you like Bob to write about in the future?

Email ideas and questions to bobmey@bellsouth.net.

Alpharetta Friends and has won awards every year for 30 years. No wonder since he regularly volunteers more than 1000 service hours per year. This year the Friends were able to pay for twentyfour adult and children's programs to supplement the financial support Fulton County Government gives to the library and the financial support from the City of Alpharetta.

Linda, a speech pathologist in the Cherokee County school system, served as treasurer of the Friends, secretary and helped with library programs. She also served on the Friends Board of Directors for 32 years. She says “The success of the Friends is due to the dedicated volunteers, many of whom have donated over 20 + years of tireless work.”

With Friends like Linda and Ben, good things happen.

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 MEYERS Columnist

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

Alpharetta Branch Library where Friends of the Alpharetta Library hold used book sales on the first Saturday of each month. Proceeds support library programs and provide materials and are tax deductible.

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

OPINION

1939 Earl and Vivian Smith summer home

Along Chamblee Dunwoody Road, just north of Donaldson-Bannister Farm and Vermack Road, was the location of the 1939 summer home of Earl and Vivian Lowrey Smith. They soon made it their permanent home. The white painted Cape Cod style home sat among lovely oak trees. Vivian Smith filled the home with fine antiques.

Earl Smith worked as a city salesman for Norris Candy, a large and successful candy manufacturer in the first half of the twentieth century. The Norris family also had a summer home along Chamblee Dunwoody Road. The guest house of the Norris family still stands on Sirron Court. Roy Head, who worked for Norris Candy for a time before starting his own candy company, lived in a white frame home on Chamblee Dunwoody Road with his wife Pamela. That home still stands, but the Smith house was demolished several years ago.

Before working for Norris Candy, Earl Smith worked for United Cigar Company. He listed United Cigar as his employer on his June 5, 1917, draft registration card. Smith served overseas from June 1918 until January 1919 as part of the Miscellaneous Quartermaster Companies Unit 2.

The 1930 census shows Earl and Vivian living on Kennesaw Avenue in Atlanta. He is listed as a candy salesman for Norris Candy. The census also lets us know the Smith family owned a radio.

In “The Story of Dunwoody” by Ethel Spruill and Elizabeth Davis, Vivian Smith shared some of her memories of living in what was considered the country at the time. Smith recalled, “My husband was so in love with the beauty of the outdoors and country living that even though there was no central heating in the house, he persuaded me to spend the winter in Dunwoody. He spoke in such glowing terms of the crackling log fires, the romance of candlelight and the beauty of the snow and ice storms we would see when winter came, that he finally persuaded me, against my better judgement to stay.”

One night the couple was expecting guests from Atlanta for dinner. Smith laughingly told how her guests “found me at the stove bundled in my precious fur coat, broiling steaks.”

In 1940, Atlanta Journal writer John Woodward shared a story about

J. Earl Smith in his “About Dogs” column. A starving stray dog showed up at the Smith home, so thin “you could count his ribs.” Earl and Vivian Smith named him Pup and began serving him table scraps from their dinner table. He kept returning each night for another meal.

Pup was a mixed breed dog, which suited the couple fine since they were

DEATH NOTICES

Elizabeth Alty, 97, of Milton, passed away on August 20, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Harry Anderson, 86, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 27, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

“folks who’d rather have an inch of dog than miles of pedigree.”

Then one day, after Pup was no longer looking gaunt, he showed up with another thin and starving dog. Earl Smith filled up one plate with food for the two dogs. Rather than get in a fight over the food, Pup stepped aside and let the new dog get his fill. Then Pup ate what was left. The

Sylvia Baldow, 84, of Roswell, passed away on August 28, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Alleen Dixon, 97, of Roswell, passed away on August 24, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Smiths named the new dog Blue and continued to share their leftovers each evening with the pair.

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.

Robert King, 72, of Roswell, passed away on August 23, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Lakshma Komatireddy, 87, Alpharetta, passed away on August 24, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF/APPEN MEDIA

The 1939 home of Earl and Vivian Smith once sat along Chamblee Dunwoody Road, just north of Vermack Road.

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.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE CLERK

Sawnee EMC is seeking an Accounts Receivable Clerk to reconcile consumer accounts and process members’ transactions (i.e., Cash, Check, Credit Card, or Money Order). Will supply information to customers and resolve customer inquiries through face-to-face communication. Requires: high school diploma or equivalency, proficiency in mathematics, monetary, and general office skills. A minimum of two years of related experience preferred. Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours, to include evenings and weekends.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, September 8, 2023. Apply online: www.sawnee.com/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.

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

VETERINARY TECHNICIANS & ASSISTANTS:

Dunwoody Animal Medical Center is hiring! Send resume to office@dunwoodyamc.com

Software Engineer Specialist (Alpharetta, GA): Works throughout the software development life cycle and collaborating with software development and operations team to design and implementing processes for building, testing, and deploying software. Implementing automation tools and frameworks to improve the efficiency and reliability of the software delivery. Monitoring performance of software systems and resolving any issues that arise. Implementing best practices for security and data protection in software development and deployment process. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Associate Director, HR Risk and Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus GA 31901. Job #SK657504.

Optum Services, Inc. Software Engineer 3. Alpharetta, GA: Responsible for developing cloud applications. Support current and future TIBCO, BW, BE, EMS, Foresight and Corepoint development for company products. Can work remotely. Mail resume to GMI Recruitment at 9900 Bren Road East MN008 R120, Minnetonka, MN 55343 and indicate applying for #23-GA-6050.

Part-time

24 hour emergency service. Licensed, insured. Workers Comp,

Associate Product Manager (Alpharetta, GA): Build a wide variety of solutions from automated infrastructure & cloud-based systems, to machine learning & user experiences for web, mobile & IoT. Create open API’s & content for TSYS Developers. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, HR Risk and Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus, GA 31901. Job #MCG546535

DISPATCHER

Sawnee EMC is seeking a Dispatcher with electric utility experience to dispatch workers for customer service, normal maintenance, or emergency repairs to electric-power transmission and distribution lines. Requires high school diploma or equivalency, minimum of one (1) year working knowledge of radio operation, or equivalent experience, map reading and line design knowledge, problem solving and communication skills by radio, telephone and in person. Must be available for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours, including evenings and weekends. Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, September 15, 2023. Apply online: www.sawnee.com/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568. Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

Donor Operations Associate

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.

MATH TUTORS

Give Back! Perfect for retirees! Mathnasium of Johns Creek. 404-388-8701

Home Improvement

DECKS BUILT & REPAIRED-DRYBELOW SYSTEMS INSTALLED – Affordable hardwood flooring-engineered flooring. Heritage Home Maintenance, 678-906-7100 HOMEREPAIRGA@GMAIL.COM, (HERITAGECONSTRUCTIONGA.COM)

Pinestraw

PINESTRAW, MULCH Delivery/installation available. Firewood available. Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch. 770-831-3612

Roofing

ROOF LEAKING?

Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 OFF Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE

Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing

Driveway

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

Flooring

PHILLIPS FLOORING

Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen back-splashes. Regrouting is also available. Call 678-887-1868 for free estimate.

Health & Fitness

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Español Dental Insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real in-surance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www. dental50plus.com/ads #6258 Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs.  A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $4,500.

Cemetery

GREENLAWN ROSWELL: 2 plots on picturesque lakeview hillside. Market price, $9000 each. Bargain priced at $6000 each! 770-475-7307

Miscellaneous

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Eliminate

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HughesNet - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo!

Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24.

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Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Fi-nancing available.

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MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure!

1-888-489-3936

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom!

1-833-758-3892

Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief to find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: 1-877-592-3616

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS

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Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on vet bills? Physicians Mutual In-surance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-844-774-0206 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/ads

Diagnosed with lung cancer & 65+? You may qualify for a substantial cash award. No obligation! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help! Call 24/7 1-877-707-5707

My Caring Plan’s local advisors have helped thousands of families with unique needs find sen-ior living. Can you afford 2k a month in rent? We can help for free! 866-511-1799

Deadline to place a Classified ad is Thursday at

4 pm