Forsyth Herald - October 12, 2023

County will audit ballots submitted in Cumming race

Forsyth County tops list in 2023 state SAT scores

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Schools graduating class of 2023 earned the highest average SAT score across Georgia, ranking first out of more than 160 school districts.

The Georgia Department of Education reported 2,828 Forsyth County high school students tested, earning an average score of 1177. The overall average score in the state was 1045, 132 points fewer than Forsyth County Schools.

The county also ranked 174 points higher than the national average score of 1003.

“Our entire FCS community should celebrate this accomplishment,” Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Jeff Bearden said in an email. “It takes talented students, dedicated teachers and support staff, engaged parents/guardians and a supportive community for this to happen.”

Forsyth County Schools staff also reported Lambert, Alliance, South Forsyth and Denmark high schools ranked among the top 20 high schools for averages in the state.

Comparatively, Fulton County Schools had an average score of 1085 out of 4,487 students tested. The DeKalb County School System’s 2,721 students earned an average of 993.

—

Shelby Israel

County recognizes nonprofit for aiding homeless families

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognized a community nonprofit for its work aiding county families who are experiencing homelessness.

The County Commission presented Family Promise of Forsyth County with a proclamation naming Oct. 15-21 as “Fam-

ily Promise Week” Oct. 5 at a formal meeting. The Forsyth County nonprofit is a local chapter of the national Family Promise, which offers support and resources to families in need.

Family Promise of Forsyth County Executive Director Tina Ferrario Huck said that as of Oct. 5, more than 700 Forsyth County Schools students were experiencing homelessness. As of Aug. 7, the school district enrolled 54,338 students.

“So, it really is important that we look for solutions to make sure these children have homes to live in here in our county,” Huck said.

Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills presented the proclamation, which she said is aimed at raising awareness of youth and family homelessness in the community

See COUNTY, Page 21

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners presents Family Promise of Forsyth County with a proclamation Oct. 5 at a formal meeting. The proclamation recognizes Oct. 15-21 as “Family Promise Week” to raise awareness of youth and family homelessness in the community.

770-442-3278

AppenMedia.com

319 N. Main Street

Alpharetta, GA 30009

HANS APPEN

Publisher

RAY APPEN

Publisher Emeritus

CONTACT

16-year-old arrested for threats at school

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office reported a 16-year-old has been arrested in connection with threats made at North Forsyth High School Oct. 3.

Sheriff’s Office officials said the threats were found on a bathroom wall at the high school, and deputies, Forsyth County Schools safety staff and administrators at the school investigated imme-

POLICE BLOTTER

NEWS TIPS

Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.

ADVERTISING

For information about advertising in the Forsyth Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

CIRCULATION

To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Deputies arrest suspect in fatal hit-and-run

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies arrested a 48-year-old Forsyth County man Oct. 5 who allegedly killed a man in a hit-and-run near the intersection of Atlanta Highway and Tidwell Road.

Deputies and firefighters reported responding to the incident around 8:30 p.m. Oct. 3. The suspect allegedly struck Joaquin Vega, 70, of Alpharetta, as he was crossing the road. Vega was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s nephew was across the street and reported observing the incident unfold. He said the suspect vehicle was a small sedan or SUV but could not give further information.

Deputies reported locating a vehicle that matched the description Oct. 4 at 6465 Atlanta Highway. The windshield was replaced, and the driver’s side of the vehicle had been cleaned, the report states.

Deputies also reported locating the original broken and bloody windshield

diately.

Additional deputies were stationed at the high school during the investigation. Law enforcement officials said the suspect had no plan or intent to harm anyone, but the threats disrupted the campus and caused students to feel uneasy.

The 16-year-old suspect was identified and arrested following interviews and

from a replacement company. The suspect was charged with felony homicide by vehicle in the first degree, tampering with evidence and hit-andrun, as well as misdemeanor driving without a valid license.

Couple face charges for mailbox theft

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 24-year-old Douglasville man and a 22-year-old Atlanta woman Sept. 28 for allegedly stealing mail on Gateway Drive.

Deputies reported observing the suspects’ vehicle at a stop sign on Gateway Drive around 2 a.m., which is unusual because no businesses on the road are open at that time. Deputies followed the vehicle due to the history of burglaries and mail thefts in the area.

Deputies stopped the vehicle after it suddenly switched lanes and made a “swooping left turn,” the report states.

The suspects reportedly told deputies they were heading to Atlanta from Acworth.

The male suspect said they took a wrong exit on the highway and were making a U-turn, but deputies reported not understanding how the suspects could make a wrong turn from Acworth to Forsyth County while enroute to Atlanta.

Deputies became suspicious of criminal activity and conducted a search of the vehicle, where they located a black plastic bag with mail from multiple businesses on Gateway Drive.

review of video surveillance. Officials said the student had no intent to harm any staff or students but indicated he made the threats to shut down the school.

He was charged with felony terroristic threats, disruption of public school and trespass. He will be held at a regional youth detention center in Gainesville.

— Shelby Israel

Deputies also found multiple victims’ financial cards and more than $3,000 in the male suspect’s possession. The female suspect had another person’s driver’s license and two cards, the report states.

The couple were charged with felony theft by possession of stolen mail and misdemeanor improper turn.

Cumming man cited in road rage incident

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 34-year-old Cumming man Oct. 3 who was shot in the hand during an alleged road rage incident.

The victim reported driving behind the suspect’s black SUV when the suspect brake-checked him. He said they stopped beside each other at a red light on Post Road, and the suspect rolled down his window and began yelling obscenities at him.

He said the suspect then exited his vehicle and began punching him through his window. The suspect also allegedly produced a knife from his pocket, stabbed the victim’s back tire and faced him with the knife.

The victim reported being afraid for his life and shooting the suspect in the hand.

The suspect was charged with felony aggravated assault and criminal damage to property in the second degree, as well as misdemeanor simple battery.

He is being held at the Forsyth County Jail on a $23,930 bond.

Serving ages 14 months to 12 years

Enrolling

678-208-0774

3034 Old Atlanta Road Cumming, GA 30041

Forsyth County Elections Board Vice Chairman Joel Natt proposes a paper ballot audit of the 2023 Cumming municipal election results Oct. 3 at a meeting. Natt said the audit will affirm the Elections Office’s processes ahead of the 2024 election cycle.

County to audit ballots for 2023 Cumming race

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Board of Voter Registrations and Elections will audit ballots cast in the 2023 Cumming municipal election to affirm its processes ahead of 2024.

At an Oct. 3 regular Elections Board meeting, Vice Chairman Joel Natt proposed a hand recount on paper ballots of the votes cast for the Nov. 7 city election for Post 5, the only contested race.

However, County Voter Registrations and Elections Director Mandi Smith said technically, the recount would be an audit.

Natt said the move will verify the Elections Office’s processes and ensure things run smoothly ahead of the 2024 election cycle.

“It’ll be a small election by standard, so it shouldn’t take us long to recount all those ballots as a tool to work on our processes,” Natt said.

He said the City of Cumming has historically had fewer than 2,000 votes, and it would not take elections staff long to count the ballots to validate processes and identify defects ahead of 2024.

Because of the comparatively small number of votes, Smith said the audit would not require overtime from polling staff.

However, Board Member Anita Tucker said the Elections Office is not obligated to audit the race, and it could set a negative precedent moving forward.

“What I foresee is setting a precedent for 100 percent audit,” she said. “I do not think that is a good precedent to set going into the next year.”

Natt said the audit would only apply

Important dates

• Advance voting begins Oct. 16.

• Oct. 27 is the deadline for absentee ballots.

• More information on the city election and voting in Forsyth County can be found at forsythco.com/ Departments-Offices/VoterRegistrations-Elections.

to the 2023 municipal election, and the motion was not aimed at setting any precedent. To that point, Smith emphasized a similar audit of a larger election may not be feasible.

“The only way we're going to know if our processes are good for next year is to test them,” Natt said. “The only way to test them is to use this election before we get into next year.”

Elections Board Chairwoman Barbara Luth said the audit may also give residents insight into how the county’s voting machines operate and how well they perform.

The Elections Board voted 4-1 to approve the audit, with Tucker opposed.

The audit will take place after the election results are certified at the Board of Voter Registrations and Elections regular meeting at 9 a.m. Nov. 14 at 1201 Sawnee Drive.

In other action, the Elections Board unanimously removed the Cumming Recreation and Parks Department as an advance voting location.

With the removal, Luth said staff can prioritize adding machines at the Elections Office to accommodate more voters. The Elections Office is now the only advance voting location for 2024.

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Octane5 opens global HQ on Windward Concourse

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta officials and business leaders gathered Sept. 28 to celebrate the opening of Octane5’s new global headquarters on Windward Concourse.

Octane5 is a software and security product manufacturer that specializes in anti-counterfeiting and licensing. It created the licensing enterprise platform BrandComply; BrandComply College; the Licensee Express Automation Platform; and Verity security hang tags and labels.

Some of its clients include Hershey, Honeywell, Nike and the United States Marine Corp, representatives of which attended the Sept. 28 ceremony along with Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin.

“We have invested heavily in new equipment and capabilities in recent years, and this facility allows us the ample space to showcase these world-

class manufacturing capabilities and plan for our future,” Octane5 co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Matt Dunn said.

Alpharetta Economic Development Manager Lance Morsell said the new facility marks a significant milestone for the city. Alpharetta is often named “the Technology City of the South” for its strong presence of technology companies.

“Octane5's continued presence is important to the city as it brings innovation, job opportunities and economic growth,” Morsell said. “Their expertise in the licensing and brand protection industry will not only contribute to the city's business ecosystem, but also foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the region.”

— Shelby Israel

GARAGE SALES

See more garage sales in the classifieds

CUMMING-30040: Fieldstone multi-family; Elder Field Lane, Azurite Street, Balas Street, Preserve Crossing Lane, Delano Drive. Along Drew Campground and Hyde Roads. Saturday 10/14, 8am-3pm. RAIN OR SHINE!

DEADLINE

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

CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED

Alpharetta officials and business leaders gather Sept. 28 to celebrate the opening of Octane5’s new global headquarters on Windward Concourse. Alpharetta officials said the company will bring economic growth and job opportunities to the city.

Milton Witches Ride scheduled for liftoff

MILTON, Ga. — The third annual Halloween Tailgate at Crabapple Market Oct. 28 has a new event taking place from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

This year, Milton Friends of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are promoting two fundraisers.

When a Milton resident purchases a Boo sign from Milton Friends, they get to experience the fun of “Boo-ing” and help contribute to a great cause.

Milton Friends have raised over $615,000 in funds for patients and summer camps at Children’s over the last five years with their signs.

When Milton residents purchase a sign and enjoy “Boo-ing” a friend or neighbor, a patient at Children’s also receives a sign on their hospital room door.

This year, Milton residents will be able to participate in the inaugural “Milton Witches Ride”.

Milton’s “Witches” will meet on Heritage Walk before tossing candy and treats to Halloween trick-or-treaters at

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

the third annual Halloween Tailgate.

Milton residents who choose to participate on a bike or golf cart must register as a “Milton Witch,” beginning on Oct. 1.

“Milton Witches” must register individually, but groups, themes and collaborations are encouraged. Spaces to participate in the event are limited, so registration is encouraged even if participants are unsure of who they will “fly” with Oct. 28 at Crabapple Market.

The “Witches Ride” will occur before the Halloween Tailgate, a free event open to the public featuring a costume parade, trick-or-treating and a football viewing party.

“Milton Witches” who register before Oct.12 will receive an invitation to “Bewitching Hour” at Ceviche Taqueria, sponsored by The Kloster Group at HOME Real Estate.

Find out more about the Milton Friends Group by following @friendsofchoa_milton on Instagram and MiltonFriendsofCHOA on Facebook.

Name of Business: LGE Community Credit Union

Owner: Lisa Reynolds, Financial Center Manager

Business description: LGE Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned, full-service financial institution that connects metro

Atlanta to best-in-class financial products, expert advice, and personalized service.

Opened: July 2023

Address: 6615 Roswell Road, Suite 6637-A, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Phone: 770-424-0060

Web Address: LGEccu.org

Annual Crabapple Fest draws close to 35,000 to Milton’s downtown

BY ADAM DARBY newsroom@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Milton held its annual Crabapple Fest Oct. 7, a day-long celebration in downtown geared to residents and families.

The seasonal arts and antiques festival stretched along Crabapple Road and received a healthy turnout with an estimated 35,000 people in attendance.

“I think this time of the year, people are looking for something fun to get out of the house. The weather is typically pretty nice in October,” said Jerry Dockery, senior pastor at Milton Community Church and regular volunteer for the festival. “The city has always been very encouraging, and the people we encounter out here are always encouraging…we haven’t heard anything but positive things.”

While parents and adults browsed through unique art, antiques, and treats from more than 100 local vendors, youngsters enjoyed kid-friendly activities including a giant swing ride, big bubbles, balloon art and carnival games with big prizes. The festival also included live music performed all day outside Crabapple Family Dentistry with food and beverages.

College football games were broadcast on a large projector screen in a des-

ignated lounging area at the Crabapple Market for those interested in following some of the big games. The space accommodated those with canine family members.

“I think the city has intentionally made [Crabapple Fest] a big event and has hit on the nerve of what people want to come out and see to just have a nice, casual day of mingling around, and it has that small community feel to it,” Dockery said.

As the festival remains an annual staple for the community, major sponsors work hard to ensure an enjoyable event for guests of all ages including local businesses such as The Jenny Doyle Group and the Reid Casey Real Estate Team. One of the biggest draws was the Kid Biz Expo, an organization spotlighting young entrepreneurs. This year’s expo was larger, with hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The “rain or shine” gathering also included transportation with a free shuttle transporting visitors from lots made available at Milton Community Church and Crabapple Crossing Elementary School.

To learn more about Crabapple Fest or how to apply to become a sponsor or vendor for next year’s festival, visit www. milton.gov or call 678-242-2500.

Facts About Me

Breed: Lab mix

Color: Blonde/Tan

Age: 5 months

Size: (When Grown) Medium 60 Lbs

Weight: (Current) 28 Lbs.

Sex: Female

My Info

Good with dogs and kids Shots current Healthy Chipped & spayed

My Story

I’m searching for you, are you coming to adopt me?

Stella was found wandering around a busy road and rescued by a wonderful lady and brought to BCAR. She is full of personality, affection and loves to play. Stella has only been with us two weeks and has won the hearts of many of the volunteers. She is the happiest when around people and treats!

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

PHOTOS BY ADAM DARBY/APPEN MEDIA

An estimated 35,000 people attended this year’s Crabapple Fest enjoying food, games, vendors and entertainment.

More than 100 local vendors were in attendance with unique items, art and antiques made available for purchase.

When guests come for the first time, and they want to know the story behind the restaurants, I usually bring them over to the pictures because the pictures tell the story more than I can.

FREDERICO “MR. C” CASTELLUCCI II, former owner, Sugo Kitchen

Sugo backs Italian, Greek food fare with more than 100 years of history

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — At Sugo, an Italian and Greek restaurant on Medlock Bridge Road, this year marked the 20th anniversary of serving up dishes that span generations of the Castellucci family.

To celebrate, some 160 guests circulated throughout the dimly lit restaurant Oct. 1 grabbing from stations with dishes like spanakopita, the way Frederico “Mr. C” Castellucci II’s grandmother handmade it, and eggplant fries. There was, of course, meatballs — a fan favorite that continues to be a staple in Sugo’s cooking classes, once featured on the Food Network.

The fusion comes from both sides of Mr. C’s family, his Italian father and Greek mother.

Walking into the business, guests see many black and white photos of Mr. C’s family hanging on the wall. One, from June 1917, shows his mother standing in the middle of her father’s restaurant. She had just served a decorated officer from the First World War.

“When guests come for the first time, and they want to know the story behind the restaurants, I usually bring them over to the pictures because the pictures tell the story more than I can,”

Mr. C said.

All the staff wore white T-shirts with the silhouette of Mr. C’s face, his daughter’s idea after the cooking classes had taken off. He recalled delivering food to a family during the pandemic, who had shouted after him once he dropped the food off at the door; he turned around, and they were all wearing the T-shirts.

“You can’t make this up,” he said.

Nancy “Mrs. C” Castellucci, Mr. C’s wife and Sugo’s general manager, has been an integral part of everyday operations. Before guests arrived, she buzzed around the space, directing staff on where to go and how to set up. Later, she would greet those entering the door with a hug.

The pair met after a calamity had struck the Castellucci family, or, as Mr. C likes to say, a “Black Swan” event that is out of anyone’s control. She was hired as a server at his father’s restaurant in Rhode Island, a place called Archie’s Tavern, after it was rebuilt following a devastating fire.

“As much as we discourage inside romances in a restaurant, we broke our own rule,” Mr. C said, laughing.

They married seven years later and have been business partners since, opening Sugo together in 2003 at its original location in Roswell.

Nancy “Mrs. C” Castellucci and Frederico “Mr. C” Castellucci II, middle, stand with Sugo staff before the doors open for the restaurant’s 20th anniversary celebration Oct. 1. Ricardo Soto, bottom right, is the executive chef of Sugo, an Italian and Greek restaurant on Medlock Bridge Road, owned by the Castellucci’s children.

Fatima Awan, Fulton Science Academy

Gemma Belfer, Cambridge High School

Nyanga Bockarie, Cambridge High School

Emerging Leaders Program Announces New Class of 2024

The Greater North Fulton Chamber is pleased to announce the members of the Emerging Leaders Class of 2024 led by Chairs Sheena Philip-Buzbee, State Farm Insurance and Julie Johnson, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

“All three of my children are ELP graduates from 2017-2019. As high school juniors facing college decisions, ELP helped expand their understanding of our North Fulton community and its structure which helped guide their career interests. The contacts made with fellow students, parents and community leaders have already proven beneficial for each of them.”

William Fazio, Roswell High School

Claudia Fether, King’s Ridge Christian School

Gabi Gavranovic, Alpharetta High School

Siddhu Jitta, Milton High School

Cole Scardina, Fellowship Christian School

Sophia Johnson, King’s Ridge Christian School

–Linda Coyle, Milton Resident and ELP Parent

Robert Snipes, Chattahoochee High School

“All three of my children are ELP graduates from 2017-2019. As high school juniors facing college decisions, ELP helped expand their understanding of our North Fulton community and its structure which helped guide their career interests. The contacts made with fellow students, parents and community leaders have already proven beneficial for each of them.”

Anika Kotakonda, Innovation Academy

Siddarth Suresh, Innovation Academy

Nilgun Cetinkaya, Fulton Science Academy

Sophie Chang, Northview High School

Sejal Chennuru, Fulton Science Academy

Ashton Copeland, Innovation Academy

Ayan Das, Northview High School

Tarun Devi, Chattahoochee High School

Lily Engel, Centennial High School

Grace Erckenbrack, King’s Ridge Christian School

Arisha Fatima, Fulton Science Academy

Lauren Giltner, Blessed Trinity Catholic High School

Macy Griffin, Roswell High School

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) offers a unique opportunity for rising sophomores and juniors from North Fulton high schools who wish to develop leadership skills, identify and address community issues and interact with local leaders. This is accomplished through a combination of interactive lectures, discussions, site visits, outside activities, community service, and networking opportunities.

Aanya Gupta, Chattahoochee High School

Jayden Hall, Innovation Academy

Jin Han, Innovation Academy

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) offers a unique opportunity for rising sophomores and juniors from North Fulton high schools who wish to develop leadership skills, identify and address community issues and interact with local leaders. This is accomplished through a combination of interactive lectures, discussions, site visits, outside activities, community service, and networking opportunities.

Elizabeth Henry, Johnson Ferry Christian Academy

Evangeline Huang, Johns Creek High School

Hamilton Jansen, King’s Ridge Christian School

Tyler Jenkins, Innovation Academy

Carson Lang, Centennial High School

–Linda Coyle, Milton Resident and ELP Parent

Aditya Thatavarty, Northview High School

Applications available at: www.GNFCC.com/business development/emerging leaders

Daniela Byer Lopez, Northview High School

Ganiv Tuteja, Fulton Science Academy

Jorah Mackey, Innovation Academy

Kai McCarley, Cambridge High School

Helen Miller, Chattahoochee High School

Sarell Tutt, The Cottage School

Applications available at: www.GNFCC.com/business development/emerging leaders

Deadline April 1. www.gnfcc.com

Nidhi Wilson, Chattahoochee High School

Deadline April 1. www.gnfcc.com

Bella Oginz, Centennial High School

Tawfiqa Padshah, Alpharetta High School

Alexander Rutten, Fulton Science Academy

Saloni Sankala, Fulton Science Academy

Rishi Yedavalli, Fulton Science Academy

Thomas Zechariah, Northview High School

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

A Sugo staff member helps a guest with food options. For the 20th anniversary event, food stations were set up around the restaurant. See SUGO, Page 9

Guests walk into Sugo for its 20th anniversary celebration Oct. 1.

Sugo:

Continued from Page 8

The Castellucci’s three children entered the restaurant business as well. Their eldest formed the Castellucci Hospitality Group, the ownership umbrella of a number of restaurants throughout Metro Atlanta and out of state, including Sugo, The Iberian Pig, Cooks & Soldiers, Double Zero and Mujo.

Mr. C remarked on “the grit factor” among his children, a virtue which carried

them through the COVID-19 pandemic. Like Edison and the lightbulb, he said failure has been a lesson more than a loss for the Castelluccis.

“There’s been so many difficult times, and that’s why it’s just incredible, the way my kids have navigated all of that,” he said.

Mr. C isn’t the owner of Sugo anymore; he’s the owner’s father. But he remembered a patron comparing him to Frank Sinatra.

“‘Frank Sinatra did not own Capitol Records, and he actually didn’t write any of the songs,’” the man told Mr. C. “‘But every time he sang, people knew he cared.’”

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Pictures and other memorabilia sit on a piano next to the front doors to Sugo. The Castellucci’s family history are shown throughout many old photographs hanging at the restaurant.

See solution Page 22

Traffic woes sting Perimeter market

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — As if the COVID-19 pandemic and six years of construction at Ga. 400 and I-285 weren’t enough, the Perimeter market faces another headache.

Mass traffic congestion has grown even worse in Sandy Springs after a tractor trailer struck a bridge over I-285 on Mt. Vernon Highway Sept. 27.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said the Georgia Department of Transportation has reported the bridge will remain closed after inspecting five damaged support beams.

Some challenges stand in the way of resuming any sort of regular traffic flow in the city. Supply chain and delivery of support beams, as well as the safe movement of water lines across the damaged bridge, complicate repairs.

Reopening the Mt. Vernon Highway bridge by next summer is not the best option due to costs and construction time, Mayor Paul said.

The Georgia DOT is proposing to accelerate completion of another bridge over I-285 to the east of Mt. Vernon Highway, called the I-285 Westbound Auxiliary Lane project.

In the wake of these headwinds, the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts are pitching a rebranding effort to recapture interest in one of the busiest commercial areas of Metro Atlanta.

The CIDs are two adjoining, self-taxing commercial districts covering areas along the northern perimeter in Fulton and DeKalb County.

CIDs Executive Director Ann Hanlon brought several rebranding ideas with her to the Oct. 3 Sandy Springs City Council meeting.

Because of the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and remote work policies, the Perimeter market has lost some commercial real estate tenants, Hanlon said.

Midtown Atlanta and the Battery in Cumberland took some of Perimeter’s corporate tenants, including Enterprise Rent-ACar.

Hanlon said many people surveyed during the PCIDs rebranding described the Perimeter market with words like “traffic, congested, clean and nice.”

Overall, the community perception of the Perimeter market is mixed, Hanlon said.

Residents and employees surveyed reported the experience of “construction fatigue” due to work underway at the Ga. 400/I-285 interchange.

For Hanlon, it’s the right time for a rebranding.

Hanlon has started pitching the rebranding to city councils and staff in Dunwoody, Brookhaven and Sandy Springs.

At the Oct. 3 council meeting, she unveiled a draft of the improvement district’s brand promise, “Where it all works.”

A brand promise is the value or experience a customer receives every time they interact with the brand. The PCIDs’ brand promise references the Perimeter market’s access to everything visitors need, and the “corporate playground” employers and employees want.

The City Council lauded the effort but had some criticisms.

“I think you’re right, there’s no real excitement around the Perimeter market today,” Mayor Paul said.

He suggested focusing on the Perimeter market’s proximity to the “best of Atlanta” and creating renewed excitement for the area.

Councilwoman Melissa Mular summarized the City Council’s remarks saying the rebranding effort seemed “more corporate, than creative,” but all agreed on the need to market the Perimeter area.

“We definitely are facing headwinds, and we do want to create excitement,” Hanlon said. “That’s precisely what we want to create, and we all agree on that.”

The plan is to launch a social media campaign for the PCIDs rebranding in December, Hanlon said.

The Georgia DOT anticipates the Ga. 400/I-285 interchange to be “significantly completed” in 2024, Hanlan says there is urgency to begin marketing Perimeter as soon as possible.

“We’re all working on it together to try cast a fresh light on what Perimeter is,” Hanlon said.

Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry told Mayor Paul that the new bridge in the I-285 Westbound Auxiliary Lane project will be completed “much earlier” than the reconstruction of the Mt. Vernon Highway Bridge, which was slated for July.

The shift of traffic to other roads — such as River Valley Road, Heards Ferry Road and Abernathy Road — is creating unprecedented levels of congestion, Paul said.

The mayor encouraged residents to remain understanding of the situation and to organize ways for students to get to and from school.

“Even that is not a solution, it’s just helping,” Paul said.

Leaving early, anticipating traffic and traveling with patience are all suggestions from the mayor.

“We are trying to do everything we can, and GDOT is trying to do everything they can to remedy the situation,” Paul said.

Prioritizing Wellness

The power of mental health screenings

In the fast-paced whirlwind of life, it’s easy to overlook our mental well-being. Just like we schedule regular checkups for our physical health, it’s equally crucial to assess our mental health. At The Summit, we believe that taking mental health screenings is a pivotal step towards holistic well-being.

These anonymous screenings serve as a compass guiding you towards the support you may need. They provide an opportunity to recognize and address potential concerns early on, preventing them from escalating into more significant challenges. By participating in these assessments, you’re taking

daunting. However, brief mental health screenings are a noninvasive, confidential way to begin that journey. They create a safe space for introspection, allowing you to reflect on recent emotions and thought patterns. Additionally, these screenings serve as a valuable tool for our dedicated counselors, enabling them to tailor their support to your unique needs.

Ready to take the first step toward a healthier, happier you? Start by taking a mental health screening at tinyurl. com/SCCScreening to gain valuable insights into your well-being. Afterward, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Summit at summitcounseling.org to schedule your first appointment with our compassionate and experienced

Brought

Staying in Motion with Joint Replacement Surgery

Brought to you by - Dr. Eric Kiskaddon, hip and knee replacement orthopedic surgeon at Wellstar Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Wellstar orthopedic specialists have a keen understanding of how bones, joints, tendons and muscles work together to keep you moving well. When a condition causes pain or keeps your body from behaving as you’d expect, you may benefit from joint replacement surgery to help correct the problem. Whenever possible, we utilize state-of-the-art technology to deliver focused care with fewer complications and less recovery time.

Many patients whose quality of life could benefit from such a surgery are hesitant to have the procedure done because they have had friends or family members who have had a total joint replacement with a poor outcome. Understanding what to expect and how to help patients optimize their health before surgery is crucial to any successful joint replacement surgery.

Before undergoing total joint replacement surgery, it is important for patients to be as medically prepared and strong as possible. This means working on range of motion exercises for the affected joint and doing light strengthening exercises on a consistent basis. By managing diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight and stopping use of nicotine products, patients can reduce the risk

of infection after surgery and improve recovery.

Patients are often concerned about having to stay at the hospital following surgery. Many joint replacement patients can now go home on the day of surgery with home health and physical therapy services. Pain control techniques are much better than in years past and surgeons now use a variety of methods to treat pain including nerve blocks and medications. Patients walk the day of surgery with an assistive device like a walker. Most patients do not require a blood transfusion anymore because of better anesthesia techniques, as well as medications we now use to slow blood loss.

After surgery, patients will likely need to use a walker for anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Most patients don’t need an assistive device by three to four weeks after surgery, but this does vary. Total recovery time is two to three months. There are excellent resources available to patients on both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons websites. It is also important for patients to consider choosing a surgeon who has additional fellowship training in hip and knee replacement, is willing to take the time to answer their questions and who they ultimately trust to perform the surgery.

Wellstar Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offers expert joint care in North Fulton. Call (470) 267-0410 to make an appointment at our Roswell location.

KISKADDON

EXPERT ORTHO CARE

Our orthopedic specialists at Wellstar offer complete care for all types of bone, joint and soft tissue injuries and conditions. From diagnosis and treatment through rehabilitation and recovery, we’ve got your back—and all your other bones and joints too.

We provide orthopedic care for all ages, starting at birth and continuing through adulthood. Our pediatric orthopedic providers know that kids are not just little adults. Their bones and joints are still growing, and they need specialized expertise when an injury or disease slows them down.

Learn more about our comprehensive orthopedic care at wellstar.org/ortho.

Fraxel & the magic of Microtreatment

Imagine that you are ten years old, returning from recess and running up the stairs with a sharp stick you found on the playground. Your best friend Susie-Lou distracts you. You trip, and the stick pierces your arm. You are upset, but Susie shares her bubble gum, and the school nurse cleans and dresses the injury and makes you feel better. In the months that follow, you develop a scar at the site of the injury.

Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.

He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.

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

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

Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

Next, imagine you’re at the pediatrician, and you receive a shot. The same basic circumstance happened. A sharp object pierced your skin. However, in the months that follow, no scar develops where you had the shot. The tiny needle leaves no mark. Why is that?

A large injury in normal skin heals with a scar. A tiny injury in normal skin heals with no scar. But now for the twist: What do you imagine will happen if you make a tiny injury in scarred skin? Will it heal back into the same scar that it was before? Will the scar get worse? Or will magic happen?

Amazingly, if you pierce a scar with a small enough injury, your body will actually replace some of the damaged scar with normal skin. All this assumes proper sterility and technique, but you read that correctly….

Poke normal skin with a large sharp object and you get a scar. Poke a scar with a small enough sharp object, and you get normal skin.

If you just poke a scar with a single small needle, the improvement in the scar will be too small to notice. But what if you could introduce microinjuries on a larger scale? A hundred vaccine needles entering a scar? Well, if you pack those small injuries too closely together, then your body perceives the small injuries as one big injury, and you still get a scar. But if you separate the needle injuries enough in a sterile manner with no complications, then the body will perceive the injuries as separate and distinct and heal in such a way that scar gets replaced with normal skin.

This discovery underlies multiple amazing treatments in dermatology.

When I was in San Diego at my fellowship at Scripps Clinic, we participated in a collaboration with the naval hospital to treat veterans with burns. Scripps owns a very powerful laser that can cause microscopic burns to be introduced into the skin of patients with very thick burn injuries. The laser beams were “fractionated” – separated into individual beams so that the body perceives them as individual injuries instead of one large injury. Similar to

hundreds of small needles in our thought experiment, these microscopic laser beams enter the skin, create microinjury zones, and replace scars with normal skin. My mentor shared with me that beams must be separate enough that the most scarred tissue that you can hope to replace in any one session is about 5%. More aggressive treatment could actually be counterproductive because some of the beams of light would be too close together and be perceived as one large beam and worsen a scar. But 5% turns out to be enough. Veterans with burns underwent one treatment per month for ten to twenty months. I witnessed patients whose scars tethered their heads to their shoulder gradually gain mobility in their necks as the skin became soft and pliable instead of hard, rope-like and restrictive. These treatments restored not only a more normal appearance but also range of motion and function.

Fractionated lasers repair damaged/ wounded skin. Wounded skin can take on many forms such as burns and thick scars from injury but also common damage from a lived life: aesthetic attributes such as discoloration, acne scars, wrinkles, and laxity. All of these are merely visible damaged skin. Fraxel® is a brand of fractionated laser that is an effective solution for many aesthetic concerns. Fraxel® uses small laser beam injuries to replace damaged or aged skin with skin that is healed and improved. Collagen formation, skin tightening, and blemish elimination occurs during wound healing after fractionated laser treatment. The Fraxel® DUAL in our office utilizes a shallow wavelength of light to address superficial cosmetic concerns such as freckles and brown spots while simultaneously using a second wavelength to treat more deeply, reduce wrinkles and assist with skin tightening. For most cosmetic applications, one to three treatments can produce very satisfying aesthetic results.

Fractionated laser treatments really are magical. I still marvel at the fact that large injuries scar, but small enough injuries heal.

Is Fraxel® right for you?

In our practice, Kathryn Filipek, PA-C performs cosmetic treatments including Fraxel®, microneedling, Excel V laser treatments, filler, Botox®, sclerotherapy and more. If you are interested in learning more about these and other exciting treatment options, please call Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. We are a full-service dermatology practice with true expertise in Mohs surgery, general dermatology including skin exams and aesthetic treatments. We hope that you enjoyed this peek into laser technology and fractionation. It is our privilege to take care of you.

Dr. Brent Taylor

Brought to You by - Brent Taylor, MD, Premiere Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta

WIRE & WOOD

What: Enjoy live music from more than 30 performers at six outdoor stages through the streets of Downtown Alpharetta as local, regional and national artists perform original songs while interacting with the audience. Listeners will learn about the music, as artists share the stories behind their tunes at this free event.

When: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 13-14, 5-11 p.m.

Where: Downtown Alpharetta

More info: wireandwoodalpharetta.com

OPENING RECEPTION FOR ROSWELL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

What: The opening reception for Roswell Photographic Society’s 27th Annual Open Juried Exhibit will celebrate featured artists. The exhibit, held from Oct. 13 to Nov. 9, includes images in four categories: Architecture/Travel, Nature/ Landscape, People/Animals, Still Life/ Abstract.

When: Friday, Oct. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Roswell Visual Arts Center, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell

More info: roswell365.com

DUNWOODY FARMERS MARKET

What: Shop for fresh seasonal produce, honey, jams, desserts and other goods every Saturday through October.

There are also kids’ activities, wellness seminars, with tips for composting and gardening at the farmers market.

When: Saturday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody

More info: dhafarmersmarket.com

INTERACTIVE MOVIE ON THE GREEN

What: Bring a chair and snacks to watch “E.T.” Interactive kits will be provided. No outside alcohol allowed.

When: Saturday, Oct. 14, 7-9 p.m.

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

CUMMING COUNTRY FAIR & FESTIVAL

What: Fair food, amusement rides, concerts and ground acts are at the Cumming Fairgrounds. No pets, coolers or alcohol allowed.

When: Until Oct. 15, times vary

Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235

CARVIN’ IN CRABAPPLE

What: Bring a pumpkin to this carving session, which will also include other crafts, games, face painting and refreshments. Tools for carving and painting will be provided for your very own spooky or silly jack o’lantern for Halloween. Be sure to pack a container if you would like to save your seeds for roasting.

When: Sunday, Oct. 22, 2-5 p.m.

Where: Broadwell Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Road, Milton More info: miltonga.gov

Castleberry Road, Cumming

Cost: $10 admission for ages 11 and older; free for ages 10 and under More info: cummingfair.squarespace. com

‘TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE’

What: Based on the book, this play is about Mitch, who catches Morrie’s appearance on a television show 16 years after graduation. He learns that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Mitch is reunited with Morrie, and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life.

When: Until Oct. 15, times vary

Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: Adults are $28; students are $20; kids are $15 More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

WHOOOO’S THAT HOOTING: OWLS OF LOST CORNER

What: Roseanne Guerra, master birder and Audubon lecturer, will delve deep into the fascinating details of the owls

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.

that live all around us. Following the talk, she will lead the group in an owl prowl with the hopes of seeing these birds on the trails of the Preserve. Bring a flashlight.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m.

Where: Lost Corner Preserve, 7300 Brandon Mill Road, Sandy Springs

Cost: Free, but donations accepted More info: sandyspringsga.gov

JOHNS CREEK ARTS FESTIVAL

What: Returning for the 11th year, this festival in Johns Creek will feature 140 artists from around the country with work in painting, pottery, metalwork, folk art, glass, jewelry and yard art.

When: Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 2122, times vary

Where: Atlanta Athletic Club fields, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekartsfestival.com

CARVIN’ IN CRABAPPLE

What: Bring a pumpkin to this carving session, which will also include other crafts, games, face

follow these easy steps:

painting and refreshments. Tools for carving and painting will be provided for your very own spooky or silly jack o’lantern for Halloween. Be sure to pack a container if you would like to save your seeds for roasting.

When: Sunday, Oct. 22, 2-5 p.m.

Where: Broadwell Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Road, Milton More info: miltonga.gov

‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’

What: Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, “Fiddler on the Roof” is set in the little village of Anatevka and centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing antiSemitism of Czarist Russia.

When: Until Oct. 22, times vary

Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

Cost: $42 to $130

More info: cityspringstheatre.com

Wearing a permanent smile following 50-year reunion

Since returning from my 50th high school reunion, I have latched on to a malady that is becoming a real problem and would have devastating consequences if I’m ever stopped by law enforcement: I haven’t been able to wipe this silly smile off my face.

portunity.

Prior to the event, held in the hinterlands of the Kern County Museum’s grounds, I parked my rental car, waited, watched and said a little prayer: “Lord help me not to say the wrong thing. And while you’re at it, see to it that I don’t lose my balance, trip and take a tumble.”

MIKE TASOS

Never got an accurate count of how many from the North (Bakersfield) High School class of 1973 gathered. The numbers ranged from 75 to 130. The accurate head count wasn’t important. It took a backseat to interacting with classmates who hadn’t seen each other in, well, 50 years.

While it was surprising how many folks decided to sit this one out for a reported plethora of reasons, the “In Memorium” display encompassed several poster boards of classmates who had passed. Undoubtedly, their absence would have fit the “excused” bill. I’m betting a good many of those who were memorialized on those photos would have joined in the fun if given the op-

He must have listened. But, just in case He was watching the Dawgs-War Eagles scuffle, I brought my trusty walking stick and hung on to it for dear life.

As I watched many trudging to the entrance, a panic instantly overtook me. Who were all these people? I didn’t know anyone. Again, I called for some help from above. “Oh Lordy, it’s finally happened. I slept through the reunion and am here on the wrong night.”

None of those walking to the entrance looked anywhere familiar. Then Debbie McCombs handed me a name tag. My name was on it, and like “The Wizard of Oz,” when the party started in Munchkin Land, I knew I was in the right place.

Forgive me for name-dropping folks that are creaking and sneaking up on 70, but since escaping from the nastiness of Los Angeles and being grateful for not living in Bakersfield any longer,

I keep smiling at how blessed I was to spend those four years with so many special people.

Of course, longtime amigo Klint Schahrer was close by. I believe I was a clear-cut winner in the “Guess who that is” game. Most of the time, upon the answer being provided, “No way!” was the answer.

The last time I saw Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Don Schengel, it was 2013. He looked even more different this time around. I’m grateful at being able to have dinner with the doc and his longtime spouse Jonna. Their wholesomeness made me believe they are as nice as they’ve always been.

Jennifer Harwell Middleton took a step back in time. The cheerleader read a heartfelt poem that made drove home what a special group we were, doing her part to capture the spirit of all those years ago. True to her Mormon faith, it appears she is giving the Osmond family a run for its money when it comes to driving up the population. I believe it was her fault that I just had to emulate her happiness and genuine joy at being with friends.

Pam Beigay Rich hasn’t aged a bit, having lived the past 40-plus years in

Greenville. She’s a Clemson fan and now has the cutest Southern drawl. She told me I haven’t aged and marveled at my lack of wrinkles. I think her aging backwards is a result of clean Southern living.

I had the privilege of buying a beer for Fred Berger. Two weeks after graduation, he was a Marine preparing to clean up the mess in Vietnam.

It was a seemingly perfect night, with lots of smiles and hugs. I’d be lying if I said we picked up right where left off after that hot June night in 1973. Allin-all, I’d have to say that we did well to get to California and relive lots of good times.

The bash was still going when I headed for the exit. There was a lot for to remember and I wanted to process. All that remembering was challenging. At least I was better off than the couple not doing so well with remembering where they’d parked their car.

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.

Outdoor breakfast: potatoes and onions and trout

If you’re an outdoor writer, there are certain expectations.

Outdoor writers are expected to be masters of all things wild, adept purveyors of various sorts of backcountry arts, experts in the ways of taking on nature and coming out on top armed with nothing more than your wits. Oh, and maybe a copy of somebodyor-other’s guide to living off the land with nothing more than a pocketknife, seven toothpicks and 3 feet of rope.

should be sweet but not too sweet, and which must be applied at just the right moment and in just the right amount, carefully, delicately, and then allowed to cook for an instant or two as the shrimp come to that certain point –

But I digress. No, I’m not thinking about barbecued shrimp today. But yes, I am thinking about eating, here in the wilderness.

STEVE HUDSON

Yeah, that’s me. Hudson’s my name, and wilderness is my game.

I can take on the wilderness just fine. But sooner or later one has to eat. Sooner or later the culinary side of things has to make itself known. Sooner or later one has to cook.

Uh-oh.

At home, I do a pretty good job in the kitchen sometimes. I make a mean crabcake, thick with crab and seasoned just so, and I can prepare grilled barbecued shrimp that would make any four-star restaurant’s chef bow in humble adoration. They’re that good. The secret is the barbecue sauce, which

I suppose, in the interest of fair and complete reporting, that I should tell you that this particular wilderness is marked by a large statue of Yogi Bear. I know, I know. But it’s nice to have a hot shower close at hand at day’s end. And it really is out in the woods. That qualifies, right? Home is a tent, and not 20 feet from the door the bounding waters of Raven Fork provide the perfect counterpoint to the melody of the day.

Today, that melody will be in the key of F, as in “Fishing.” Trout fishing, to be precise. In the car is an entire arsenal of fly rods (you’ve got to be prepared for whatever comes your way) along with all the myriad accessories it takes to match wits with whatever denizens might lurk in that pool over there by the fallen log.

It should be glorious. But first must come breakfast.

Judging from the aromas wafting among the trees, breakfast today will involve sweet onions and tender potatoes

and – wait – is that a note of sausage in the air?

I look toward the little propane stove, and I see that I am right. Potatoes, onions, sausage.

I mosey over for a closer look.

“Is it hard to prepare?” I ask.

“Not at all,” she says. But I know this already, for since we wed she has fixed this very dish many times.

Still, I inquire anyway.

“Any tricks of the trade?” I ask. “Any secret culinary techniques?

“Well, I use a nonstick skillet,” she says. “That can be important. And I add just a little bit of oil.”

“How much oil?”

“Just enough to cover the bottom,” she says. “And most any kind of oil. Use what you have – olive oil or vegetable oil are fine.”

Then you heat it up, she adds, but not so much that it starts to smoke, and when the oil is good and hot you dump in sliced onions and some thinly sliced potatoes.

“Red potatoes are best,” she adds.

And then you stir. Stir frequently. The onions kind of take care of themselves, but you want to continue cooking till the potatoes are tender and lightly browned.

If you want to get fancy, she says, you can add some smoked sausage, sliced thin and sauteed along with the potatoes.

That’s what she has done, and it looks so good. Or try some ham. You can even go with bacon, she adds, but prepare it separately before you start all the rest.

And then you just cook it till it’s ready.

While she fixes the food, I sit 5 feet away, comfortable at the picnic table, its wood bench still damp from the morning dew, and we talk, effortlessly and easy. We talk about potatoes and onions, and about fishing later on (“What’s the name of that creek?” she asks). We talk about all that is good, and I sip the coffee that she fixed for me, strong and sweet and warm, its aroma filling my head with every sip.

Then for a few minutes we just listen, comfortable in one of those exquisitely compatible moments of silence. The aroma of the soon-to-be-breakfast floats through the air. She stirs the skillet, and I drift with the soft, sweet music of the river.

Some minutes pass. And then -I hear her voice, and I come back to where we are.

“It’s about ready,” she says. “Can you hand me the plates there?”

And we eat.

Later, we will fish. She will probably catch more fish and bigger fish, as has become the norm, but that’s okay.

I don’t mind at all.

Columnist

Columnist

PRESERVING THE PAST

The colorful history of quilting in Georgia and a few other places

Quilting, or quilt making, is the art of sewing layers of fabric together to create warm bed covers. Typically, soft padding is placed between two fabric layers and sewn in place with stitched designs.

Quilting dates back 5,000 years to ancient Egypt, but one of the oldest surviving quilts was made around 1360. The Tristan Quilt, sewn in Sicily, depicts scenes from the story of “Tristan and Isolde,” a famous medieval romance. One section of the quilt is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and another section is in the Palazzo del Bargello in Florence.

One of the most famous quilts in the world is the linen and cotton Dear Jane quilt made by Jane Stickle (1817-1896) in 1863, now housed in the Bennington Museum in Vermont. It consists of 169 5-inch squares or blocks, each with different patterns, containing a total of 5,602 pieces of cloth. Jane embroidered the words “in War Time 1863” into the quilt.

The most expensive quilt in the world is the Reconciliation Quilt, a Civil War-era quilt that sold at auction in 1991 at Sotheby’s for $264,000. It was made by Lucinda Ward Honstain (1820–1904) and has 40 blocks depicting scenes of domestic life in the 1860s. It is now at the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska.

The 1991 novel “How to Make an American Quilt” by Whitney Otto and subsequent 1995 film starring Winona Ryder, Ellen Burstyn, Maya Angelou and Anne Bancroft tells the story of a young bride-to-be who listens to family stories told by her elders as they make a quilt. The beautiful film can be viewed on several on-line services.

Lynn Tinley, a PhD from Emory University in American studies with an emphasis on textiles, reports that pieced quilts, made of small pieces of cloth sewn together, became very popular beginning in the 19th century. Before the general availability of cotton and the invention of the sewing machine, many quilts were made from large, uncut lengths of fabric, usually wool or linen with designs made visible by stitches pierced through two layers of fabric with wool in between. Lynn is a board member of the Milton Historical Society.

FAMILY/PROVIDED

This portrait quilt of jazz great Oscar Peterson is one of Ben Hollingsworth’s favorite jazz musicians. It uses pieces of fabric fused rather than sewn together. It is a common technique today, one that Ben frequently uses. He made the quilt for a class he taught.

Amy Walsh owns a quilt store in Alpharetta, the Shirt Off Your Back Quilts, where she sells equipment and supplies and offers classes. Amy, who has a fine arts degree in textile design from UMass Dartmouth, says that during the pandemic, as people made masks at home, a love of sewing was rekindled. According to Amy, “Today modern quilt designers use larger designs and more vibrant colors. The upsurge in technology including advanced digital sewing machines has attracted people of all ages.”

According to local historian and serious quilter Ben Hollingsworth, it was customary for each early American pioneer who traveled west in a covered wagon in the 19th century to make three quilts. One was used to cushion wagon seats, one was hung to keep dust out of the wagon and a third was for general use including as a shroud since so many travelers perished en route. Pioneers included missionaries who taught native women to sew and to make quilts rather than use animal furs for warmth.

Ben, who is a retired Fulton County art teacher and board member of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society, describes

himself as a painter but says “I can do the same thing with fabric. I love the challenge of working with quilts.”

Each quilt can take between 10 days and several months to make, because unlike most quilters today, Ben does not use purchased patterns. Making a compelling design can take several weeks. He comes from a family of quilters, and his wife Kathleen is also an avid quilter. Ben says that there are 10-12 million quilters in the U.S. and that the quilting market is expected to approach $5 billion by 2026-2027.

The early Puritans first brought quilts to America in the 17th century to serve as warm bed covers and as window and door covers in the cold northern climate. Early settlers in Georgia made quilts from printed chintz cotton fabrics imported from India or Europe. During the Civil War, women made quilts for soldiers because the government did not provide for the military like it does today. Soldiers’ quilts were generally quickly and crudely made with simple block patterns from feed sacks and old clothing, sometimes wardrobes of fallen soldiers. Many soldiers were buried in their quilts, hence so few

FAMILY/PROVIDED Harriet Powers was a talented quilter who was born a slave in Georgia in 1837. Only two of her quilts have survived, one in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the other in the Smithsonian Institution. Powers is considered the mother of the African American story quilt tradition.

wartime quilts remain.

Slaves in the South became quilters to supplement meager covers provided by their owners. Harriet Powers (1837-1910) is one of the best-known. She was born a slave in Clarke County, Georgia. One of her early quilts consisted of 299 pieces of fabric, depicting biblical scenes and stories that she had heard since she could not read or write. It is in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Her second quilt was acquired by wives of faculty members of Atlanta University, now Clark Atlanta University, in 1898. It consists of 15 panels, and illustrates Bible stories and natural events, such as the Leonid meteor storms of 1866/1867. It resides in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. These are the only two quilts she made that survive today.

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

My thankfulness has grown over time

We have a grace that we sometimes say at dinner. It is this question: “Are we thankful.” It is a simple and elegant prayer.

“Grace” always seems to literally pass over and through us when we say that prayer as we sit at the table – quietly enveloping us like the cool mist that rises over the river early in the morning – mist that coats our skin, our hair, and forms drops on our eyebrows with its cold wet fingers.

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus

The older I get, the more thankful I am, I think. Time has a way of teaching that thankfulness. People get sick. Others die. Bad things happen to good people for no apparent reason. Some folks are unlucky, while others are the opposite. You just never know when that chilled invisible finger will tap you or someone you know on the shoulder.

So, I got that tap this past week. It came out of the blue. It was not a tap for someone else; it was a tap for me. Now a week later, I think I am still shaken; I can still feel that cold finger on my shoulder and the feeling of absolute certainty that I was without recourse. My time was up.

PAST TENSE

This shoulder tap was not the most common one – the one that happens to you randomly – one upon which you have zero control. No, this one was perhaps the second most common tap – the kind where you do something stupid – make an illadvised decision that puts you, as my friend Ivan says “at the tip of the spear.” Ivan, ironically, uses that line at the end of a grace that he says but, in his case, he is blessing our soldiers who are in harm’s way – “at the tip of the spear.”

I have placed myself in harm’s way more than a few times. Prior to last week’s incident, my most recent faux pas involved trying to step back down from a roof onto a ladder – a ladder that decided it would start sliding the second it felt my foot on the first rung. In that instance, unlike this week’s one, I recall I immediately became aware I was in trouble and had maybe 3-4 seconds to try to do something to prevent my ankles or neck from being broken when I landed.

Last week, however, I had no warning; the incident happened instantly – almost independent of time. One moment I was OK. The next blink of an eye, I was not. I suspect that is often how these things play out.

I had promised a friend I would give him a ride across the bay in my

boat so he could get to his car and drive back to the airport in Atlanta. It was early in the morning, and I had gone down to the harbor docks about an hour early. I enjoy early mornings on the bay, and I was looking forward to sitting on the boat and just thinking and taking in a quiet, solitary sunrise. The docks were deserted –not a soul in sight – nor would there be for at least another hour.

I decided to start unmooring the boat – something I have done hundreds of times. I untied the first cleat and picked up the mooring line to loop it over the hook on the piling by the stern of my boat. The boat had drawn away from the piling, so I was going to have to stand on the railing of the boat and reach out to secure the line.

I stepped up and leaned toward the piling. The next thing I remember was the shock from the impact of landing on my back in the cold water and the air being knocked out of my lungs. The water enveloped me – covered me like that mist – but heavier. I remember tasting salt. I didn’t know where I was, why, or when. Time – or my awareness of time – had ceased.

The potential danger of slipping from the dock or the boat and drowning was never far away all these years. It would be so easy to slip, fall and hit your head on the

way down, and then never wake up. It was a thought I usually had when I visualized my older island friends trying to get into their boat and slipping – but not something I was overly concerned about myself.

I had stepped onto oil that was on the railing of my boat. My feet instantly flew out from under me and projected my body into the air with my head passing inches from the hard fiberglass railing of the boat. Why and how my head did not hit the boat on the way down I cannot understand; it should have.

Long ago, after surviving so many situations from which I should not have been able to recover, I decided that the only logical explanation had to be that there had been an angel sitting on my shoulder protecting me, all this time – literally. It was the only explanation that made any sense. I stopped making bad decisions long ago however and had forgotten that angel or assumed that she had moved on to protect someone else.

Not so, it turns out. She never left.

I am so thankful.

“Somewhere I have never traveled, gladly beyond”

“Nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands.”

– ee cummings

Author of untold Pearl Harbor history to speak at gathering

VALERIE

BIGGERSTAFF

On Saturday, Oct. 21, Lew Paper will speak at the Atlanta World War II Round Table meeting at Dunwoody United Methodist Church. Paper will talk about his book, “In the Cauldron: Terror, Tension and the American Ambassador’s Struggle to Avoid Pearl Harbor.”

While researching U.S. events and history of 1941 for an upcoming book, Paper changed his focus to U.S. Ambassador to Japan Joseph Grew and the days leading to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Paper discovered Grew’s efforts to orchestrate an agreement to avoid the war, a war that Grew could see coming. It was a story that had not been told.

The U.S. had imposed sanctions on

PROVIDED

Lew Paper will speak about his book, “In the Cauldron: Terror, Tension and the American Ambassador’s Struggle to Avoid Pearl Harbor,” at the Atlanta WW II Round Table meeting on Saturday, October 21 at Dunwoody United Methodist Church.

Japan to curb their military aggression towards China. Ambassador Grew spoke with President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Secretary of State Cordell Hull to help them see the point of view of Japan. Grew saw that Japan would rather launch a suicidal war against the U.S. rather than endure the humiliation of U.S. pressure.

This discovery led to Paper’s next

book.

“It was an exhilarating experience for me to recount the untold story of Joseph Grew, America’s ambassador to Japan in the months before the Pearl Harbor attack,” he said. “‘In the Cauldron’ provides new insight into why Japan made that attack and what could have been done to avoid it.”

The U.S. thought Japan would attack somewhere else and did not think the U.S. was in danger. Grew sent two telegrams only weeks before the attack on Pearl Harbor. No action was taken by the U.S. because no one believed the theories Grew suggested.

Lew Paper’s research for “In the Cauldron” included interviews with Joseph Grew’s family members and staff. He also used Grew’s diaries, letters and memos.

“In the Cauldron: Terror, Tension and the American Ambassador’s Struggle to Avoid Pearl Harbor” will

be available for purchase at the WWII Round Table meeting, signed by Lew Paper.

Critically acclaimed author Paper has written six books. His articles and book reviews have appeared in several newspapers and magazines. He is a former adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center and a former teaching fellow in government at Harvard College.

The Atlanta WW II Round Table meets regularly in the Fellowship Hall of Dunwoody United Methodist Church at 1548 Mt. Vernon Road. Visit atlantawwiiroundtable.org/cauldron for more information and to sign up to hear this amazing history on Oct. 21.

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.

Columnist

Blue-winged wasps protect our gardens one grub at a time

Several emails have come to the UGA Extension Fulton County help desk reporting “swarms of wasps” in clients’ yards, “flying quite low to the ground.”

One Fulton County resident said, “They seem to be in constant motion, never landing or stopping. Their flight pattern gives the impression that they are actively searching for something.” Well, they were right! But what are they searching for?

The mysterious swarming wasps in question are blue-winged wasps, also called digger wasps or Scolia dubia. Blue-winged wasps are about ½-1 inch long and cloaked in black from the tips of their antennae to the top third of their abdomen. They give the impression of a film noir character wearing a black leather trench coat. The rest of the abdomen is a rusty, reddish brown with two bright yellow spots. Their powerful wings are a deep navy blue with an iridescent sheen in the sunlight.

Blue-winged wasps are what we call “solitary wasps”—they live, build their nests and feed their offspring alone. This lifestyle is different than paper wasps and bald-faced hornets, which are social wasps, living in one large colony where groups of wasps have designated jobs. Because the whole colony lives in one place, social wasps can be more aggressive and will defend their family unit at all costs. On the other hand, solitary wasps, like the bluewinged wasp and many others, are not aggressive. Because they’re on their own, they can’t risk stinging you and getting squashed, as no one else will step in to feed their offspring.

Many solitary wasps specialize on a certain type of prey, and the bluewinged wasp is no exception. Scolia dubia are predators of June bugs and Japanese beetles. The female wasp digs to find the larval form of the beetles, also known as “white grubs,” stings the grub to paralyze it, then lays her egg on the grub’s body. Once the wasp egg hatches, the larva feeds on the body

About the author

of the paralyzed grub. The wasp larva eventually pupates in the fall, rests in its pupa throughout the winter, then molts into an adult in the spring. Thus, the cycle continues.

You might be saying to yourself, “Hey, Japanese beetles destroy my flowers every year!” or “White grubs are the bane of my lawn!” If you’re in this camp, you will be happy to see blue-winged wasps in your landscape. These insect predators help keep beetle populations low and are considered our garden allies. They begin foraging for beetles once the white grubs are numerous, generally around August in north-central Georgia.

Blue-winged wasps are also great pollinators of garden plants and native flora! Searching and digging for grubs is no easy feat, so wasps visit flowers for a quick “snack” of pollen and nectar, which are high in protein and carbs, respectively. Visiting flowers gives them the energy they need to continue their search for prey, and they unwittingly pollinate our plants in the process. According to Penn State University Extension, they are especially fond of goldenrod!

So don’t fret if you see these insect allies patrolling the ground in your yard. These gentle wasps are helping keep Japanese beetle and June bug populations under control, and they pollinate our native plants in the process.

Thank you to our Fulton County clients who reached out about these beautiful wasps. Luckily, these clients sent great photos I could use to make an identification. If you’ve seen an interesting or strange insect in your yard, send some photos to me at gabrielle.latora@uga.edu or to any of our Agriculture and Natural Resources team.

Happy Gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative. Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net.

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Gabrielle LaTora, agriculture agent in Fulton County’s Extension office. An entomologist by training, Gabrielle is interested in insects on farms and in gardens and is passionate about closing the gap between people and their food. In

Learn more

PROVIDED

• Blue-winged wasp factsheet - https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/blue-wingedwasp

• Blue Winged Wasp, Scolia dubia—is a Real Asset! - https://extension. psu.edu/blue-winged-wasp-scolia-dubia-is-a-real-asset

• Garden Wasps – Where is the Love? - https://ugaurbanag.com/gardenwasps-where-is-the-love/

• UGA Extension Fulton County - https://extension.uga.edu/countyoffices/fulton.html

addition to helping coordinate Fulton’s Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, Gabrielle oversees the North Fulton Community Garden, answers clients’ questions about gardening and natural resources, works with urban farmers, and delivers educational programs

for Fulton County residents. Gabrielle presented “Insect Allies: Predators and Parasitoids in the Garden” in the spring 2023 Gardening Lecture Series presented by the North Fulton Master Gardeners - https://youtu.be/ NZ3um6QXXKc.

GABRIELLE LATORA

Guest Columnist

Left: Blue-winged wasps on flowers; Ansel Oommen, Bugwood.org

Top right: Japanese beetle; open access photo

Bottom right: Blue-winged wasp; Photo by Royal Tyler, Pro Pest and Lawn Store, Bugwood.org

County:

Continued from Page 1

“… Family Promise has more than 400 volunteers of all ages that work to change the lives of the children of our community by empowering families and making their transitions from homelessness to sustainable independence, creating stability for children while working with parents to gain skills and habits needed to achieve and maintain a safe and stable home,” Mills said in the proclamation.

The nonprofit helps adults in its traditional 30- to 120-day

DEATH NOTICES

Mary Abernathy, 76, of Roswell, passed away on October 1, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Frances Alston, 98, of Roswell, passed away on September 27, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel

Hi, I’m Shelby Israel and I report on all things in and around Forsyth County. If you have any story tips or ideas please contact me at shelby@appenmedia.com

program find work. Host churches and volunteers provide families with meals and shelter, and Family Promise provides childcare and transportation to allow them to save money. Its community-based services program also offers community engagement opportunities; connection to available local resources; life skills training; rent, deposit and eviction assistance in partnership with Help Us Move In, another nonprofit; and case

management.

In April, Forsyth County Schools Homeless Education Liaison Kim Pluhar said there were 941 students in the district’s McKinney Vento Homeless Education Program during the 2022-23 school year, an increase of 85 students from the previous year.

Pluhar’s presentation at the work session showed 39 students were living in a shelter; 813 were living in accommodations with other families; 17 were unsheltered; and 72 were living in hotels or motels as of March.

Those interested in donating to Family Promise of Forsyth County can visit fpforsyth.org/donate-1.

AAPPEN PRESSCLU B

Dr. Jan Hines, 84, of Alpharetta, passed away on September 28, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Sharon Newman, 90, of Milton, passed away on September 25, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jennifer Tatum Fredette, 36, of Alpharetta, passed away on September 30, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Patricia McGarry, 79, of Alpharetta, passed away on September 30, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Mabel Scott, 91, of Roswell, passed away on September 29, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Full-time

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.

VETERINARY TECHNICIANS & ASSISTANTS: Dunwoody Animal Medical Center is hiring! Send resume to office@dunwoodyamc.com

Technology Resource Solutions, Inc. DBA Synergis seeks an Application Packager in Alpharetta, GA. Complete software packaging per the information listed in the package requirements form, and activities to required timelines. Telecommuting permitted. Apply at https://www.jobpostingtoday.com/ Ref # 95926

Part-time

PART-TIME CATERING, DELIVERY, AND SETUP

• Flexible hours – mostly mid day

• Need own transportation

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

• Located in Johns Creek

MATH TUTORS

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

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Home Improvement

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

Cemetery

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

Garage Sale

CUMMING-30040: Fieldstone multi-family; Elder Field Lane, Azurite Street, Balas Street, Preserve Crossing Lane, Delano Drive. Along Drew Campground and Hyde Roads. Saturday 10/14, 8am-3pm

RAIN OR SHINE!

Tree Services

24 hour emergency service. Licensed, insured. Workers Comp, insurance claims. 25+ years experience. Family business. Free estimates. We Love Challenges!

Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts 770-512-8733 • www.yellowribbontree.com

COMPLETE TREE SERVICES

Appen-Rated 98

Text or Call us for a FREE quote appointment.

Tree removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Free mulch. Fully insured. Emergency 24/7. 770-450-8188

Flooring

PHILLIPS FLOORING

Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen back-splashes. Re-grouting is also available. Call 678887-1868 for free estimate.

Deadline to place a Classified ad is Thursday at 4 pm

Driveway

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

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.

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

AAPPEN PRESSCLU B

Miscellaneous

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call

1-800-245-0398

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.

1-866-479-1516

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!

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!

Fi-nancing available.

1-855-417-1306

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

Some restrictions apply. Call IVS

1-866-859-0405

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

A Community of Advocates For Local Journalism

In 2022, Appen Media Group created the Appen Press Club, its mission driven news division dedicated to creating a sustainable infrastructure for local journalism in the north metro Atlanta area. Residents of that community, like you, join the Press Club by committing to small monthly or annual dues, 100% of which is dedicated to producing reliable, professional journalism on local issues that affect your lives.

Big Sky Franchise Team

David & Michelle Bertany

CHARTER MEMBER

Bob Meyers

Ross & Lori Ramsey

MEMBER+

Kerry Arias

Scott Baynton

James Bennett

Rita

Mark

MEMBER

Vickie McElroy

Anne Peer

Robert Popp

Carol Williams

Alpharetta Lions Club

Omar Altalib

Ron Altman

American Legion Post 201

Barbara Anderson

Mary Asbury

Barbara Bauschka

Kathy Beck

Bill Bentley

Leslie Berry

Tom Billings

Ron Boddicker

Jodi Bogen

Debra Bowen

DutchCrafters Amish Furniture

Joe Bowen

Erendira Brumley

Mike & Theresa Buscher

Mary Busman

Gary Butterfield

Clea Calloway

Carla Campbell

Kirk Canaday

James Carr

Bridgette Carter

William Cartwright

Pat Check

Christopher Cleary

Ann Coaloa

Evelyn Collazo

Michael Mackenzie

Communications

Joan Compton

Terri Coons

David Davis

Rebecca Donlan

Tom Driscoll

Michael Dudgeon

Mim Eisenberg

Danny Elkins

Martha Fasse

Lee Fleck

Cathy Flynn

Nanci Foster

Amy Frederick

Kelly Frommer

Carol Fry

Tracey Ganesh

John Gilberto

Leslie Gilliam

Michelle Glotzbach

Harvey Goldberg

Christopher Goodrich

Marilee Hamilton

Susan Hanna

Joe Hirsch

Penn Hodge

Dianne & Steffan Holmquist

Joan Hostetter

Lynn Johnson

Tyler Jones

Arthur Kebanli

Mark Kelly

Allison Kloster

Larry Krueger

Jess & Chris Kysar

Malinda Lackey

Ken Leffingwell

Carol Lehan

Bonnie Lind

Francia Lindon

Harlan Little

Ross Long

Rita Loventhal

Momma Nature Madan

Karen Magill

Kyile Marshall

Valerie Matthews

Rachel McCord

Austin McCully

Lynn McIntyre

Mike McLoughlin

Jennifer Mendoza

Al Merrill

Chris Miller

Christine Miller

Fred Moeller

Carol Morgan

Kathy Morgan

Stu Moring

Jack Murphy

Tricia Novarro

Bob O’Brien

Joy Pooler

Debra Powell

Righteous PR

Chuck Pugh

Ashwin Ramaswami

Cheryl Rand

Jan Satterfield

Stephanie Schuette

Susan Searles

Tina Shelton

Lisa Shippel

Joanne Simmons

Cindy Simpson

Faye Sklar

Judith Slaughter

Andy Smith

Wesley Stewart

Cathryn Stovall

Celeste Strohl

Mike Tasos

Candice Teichert

Lisa Tilt

Michael Townes

Matthew Tyser

Ollie Wagner

Lewis Walker

Jonathan Washburn

Sally White

Jamie Wimberly

Nancy & Dave Wistrand

Amour & Duane Carthy Adam Corder

Robert Flint Robin Fricton

Amy Bergin

Brown

Casas

David Conti Charlcie Forehand

Roderick Liptrot

Tom McMurrain

Marie Gualtiere

Kim Truett

Roger Wise Jr.

Mark Rundle