County partnership sets recycling event for hazardous waste
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Nonprofit organization Keep Forsyth County Beautiful is partnering with the Forsyth County Department of Recycling & Solid Waste and the City of Cumming to hold an event for Household Hazardous Waste Recycling and Disposal.
Residents are encouraged to participate Saturday, November 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Cumming Fairgrounds’ parking lot 3 at 235 Castleberry Road, stationed across from the Fairgrounds at the Castleberry Bridge.
Pre-registration will be required in order to partake, opening October 14 on a first come, first served basis until the maximum number of materials or vehicles are registered.
Forsyth County Environmental Program Manager Tammy Keaton said “things we use every day, such as cleaning supplies and paint, can be hazardous not only to people but to the environment if not disposed of properly, I believe most people want to do the right thing, and we are so proud to be able to offer this affordable, convenient service to the community.”
The suggested donation is $5 to support Keep Forsyth County Beautiful, but it is free to drop off corrosive, ignitable, toxic, and/ or reactive household hazardous waste. The event will not be able to accept non-hazardous waste, medical waste, pharmaceuticals, needles, ammunition, or explosives.
For a full list of specific accepted materials and event details, visit https:// www.keepforsythcountybeautiful.org/ copy-of-household-hazardous-waste-e or email KFCB@forsythco.com or call (770) 205-4573.
— Annabelle Reiter
Pour Tour to showcase growing craft scene
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County will showcase its growing craft beer and distillery scene through a tour running this fall, said Stacey Gross, director of Tourism Development for Discover FOCO, which helped develop the campaign.
The Pour Tour will feature five locations, Cherry Street, NoFo, Crooked
Culture, Freedom Brew and Shine and Legends Distillery. It will offer seasonal memberships to craft beer, wine and spirit enthusiasts. The memberships give visitors special perks and rewards as they explore local breweries and distilleries.
The tour kicks off in November and is expected to run six months.
“Bring friends and family along for a fun, memorable experience, whether
you’re trying the latest offerings or enjoying your tried-and-true favorites,” Gross said.
NoFo
Beer brewing culture is alive and well in Fulton County, said Bree Sanders, marketing and events manager for NoFo brewery.
BREW, Page 23
| Roswell | Milton | Johns Creek
NoFo brewery in Cumming often looks to input from community members when deciding what brew to make next.
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Cumming man arrested on felony drug charge
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 35-year-old Cumming man was arrested Oct. 4 after deputies found him allegedly smoking methamphetamine in his vehicle.
Deputies noticed a parked Hyundai truck running with its lights on at a lot near the Whispering Lake subdivision about 2 p.m., according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report. They noticed heavy smoke in the cabin after the man, who was in the driver’s seat, rolled down his window to speak with them.
The man told them he had just finished work and lived nearby. Deputies noticed a torch lighter in his lap.
When deputies questioned him about the smoke, he said he had been using a THC vaporizer pen, retrieving it from his pocket. The deputies questioned the man’s explanation, saying a vaporizer would not produce such heavy smoke.
After the deputies asked the man to be honest, he admitted to smoking methamphetamine.
The man said, “I have a problem.”
Deputies searched the man and his vehicle, finding four bags of methamphetamine and a pipe for smoking the drug.
He was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug-related objects.
Walmart reports shoplifter tossing items over fence
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — An employee reported a shoplifting at a Walmart Oct. 4.
A loss-prevention employee told
deputies cameras recorded a man stealing food and other items at a store on Peachtree Parkway, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report.
After filling a grocery cart with items, the man pushed it into the store’s garden section and threw the items over a fence, the employee said. The man pulled his car up to the fence.
The employee confronted him just before he was about to begin loading the items into his car, she said.
The man drove off, leaving items in the parking lot. The items were valued at $403.
After reviewing other camera recordings, the employee realized the man had already loaded two full shopping carts of items into his vehicle. The employee was unable to determine a value for the items stolen earlier.
The employee said Walmart did not wish to pursue criminal charges against the man because the stolen items’ value could not be determined.
Woman cited for attack at ex-boyfriend’s property
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A Gainesville man reported an ex-girlfriend had shot at him with a BB gun Oct. 7.
Deputies were dispatched to the home on Pea Ridge, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report.
The man told deputies he had returned home to find his ex-girlfriend parked near his house. When he exited his car, she began yelling at him, and he called 911, he said. The man video recorded the incident.
The ex-girlfriend left the home but returned later.
While sitting on his front porch, the man heard a popping sound and looked up to see her drive by shooting at him with a BB gun, he said. The woman drove by and shot at him two more times, he said.
Deputies photographed damage to his vehicle, which had a crack in its windshield. They also photographed
a crack to his home’s window and a dent to his gutter.
He valued the damage at about $1,600.
The man said he had lived with the woman for more than a year but had her evicted in 2017. She also stayed with him most recently for about three weeks in May.
While deputies were speaking with the man, the woman returned to the home. She denied firing the BB gun but allowed the deputies to search her vehicle. She said the man had indicated during their argument that he had a new girlfriend.
Deputies found a Colt BB gun and BBs on the passenger-side floorboard.
The woman was arrested on charges of misdemeanor reckless conduct and felony second-degree criminal damage to property.
Police arrest man for drunken threats
MILTON, Ga. — Police arrest a 30-year-old Texas man Sept. 25 after he allegedly threatened to shoot everyone at Mazzy’s Sports Tavern off Ga. 9.
The manager told police the suspect had been drinking when he was asked to pay his tab and leave the establishment and that the suspect became agitated, threatening to shoot him and everyone in the business, using his hand in a gun-like motion, according to the incident report.
The suspect also allegedly harassed some of the women and pushed the manager several times in the back, the report says.
An employee and customer corroborated the manager’s statements.
The suspect told police he was in town for a work trip and that he was “just having a beer.” Police placed the suspect under arrest and charged him with terroristic threats and acts, then transported him to the North Fulton County Jail after getting medical clearance.
County considers adding two more pickleball courts
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Tennis courts at Midway Park could be converted for pickleball as the sport’s popularity continues to expand.
County commissioners considered a decision to convert two tennis courts at the park, 5100 Post Road, during an Oct. 8 work session. The County Commission would pay $31,500 to Signature Tennis Courts for the work.
Midway Park features baseball fields, trails, picnic pavilion and turf fields. The tennis courts up for conversion are marked with pickleball lines to facilitate the sport.
For the third year in a row, pickleball was the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., growing 51.8% from 2022
to 2023, and 223.5% in three years, according to a Topline Participation Report from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
Pickleball is a sport played with paddles in which players hit a ball over a net. Similar to tennis or badminton, it is popular with seniors and offers numerous mental and physical health benefits, according to the AARP.
County Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills said she noted large crowds at Forsyth County pickleball courts during a recent evening stroll.
“It was packed,” Mills said.
Commissioners wondered whether the conversion would leave enough opportunities for tennis players. According to the county, tennis courts are available in nearby neighborhoods.
How are cities incorporating native plants in landscaping?
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
Community engagement is an essential part of Appen Media’s newsroom strategy.
That’s why reporters for the Herald and Crier newspapers seek out all sorts of reader questions. Sometimes those inquiries don’t lead to standalone stories because of time restraints or, more simply, the answers can be short.
Here are a few questions Appen has received and the answers your reporter has dug up.
What are local governments doing to incorporate native plants in landscapes?
In Alpharetta, city officials are working to bring native plants to public spaces to create natural habitats for animals.
They also work to remove invasive species, said Morgan Rodgers, director of Alpharetta’s Recreation, Parks & Culture Department
Plants native to Georgia have been incorporated in the Alpha Loop’s landscaping design, said Amanda Musilli, community services manager.
In the next couple of weeks, they will be planted for a redesign at the Wills Park Recreation Center. A land -
Have a question? Send it to newsroom@appenmedia.com or go to appenmedia.com/ask.
scaping redesign at the Alpharetta Adult Activity Center will also receive native plants.
Some of the plants include beautyberry, rabbiteye blueberry, milkweed, mountain mint, black eyed Susan, southern beardtongue, whorled coreopsis and oak leaf hydrangea.
“They provide food and habitat for our native pollinators and insects and birds,” Musilli said. “If we don’t create the habitat for the lowest part of the food chain, we don't have anything higher up.”
The native plants are visually beautiful but also sonically, she said. They attract animals like crickets, frogs and birds, which contribute a natural symphony to local communities.
“It’s essential to our life,” she said.
Anyone interested in getting involved with planting or donating local plants is encouraged to reach out to the City of Alpharetta at amusilli@ alpharetta.ga.us.
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Businesswoman Jenny Pruitt was ‘a leader worth following’
By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — Jenny Sanford Pruitt made her mark as a local business leader and mentor to others during her five decades as a Realtor.
She founded two real estate firms involved with billions of dollars of deals and guided countless young professionals. Her success in a male-dominated industry made an impression on the women who followed her lead.
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“It was really amazing to work with someone in the business world. One of the first female business owners in real estate in Atlanta was Jenny Pruitt,” Realtor and Pruitt protégé Jennifer Pino said. “She broke all kinds of glass ceilings in Atlanta.”
Pruitt passed away on Sept. 27, at age 85, following a lengthy battle with cancer.
years and considered her a personal and professional mentor. She was a shrewd negotiator and a fair, if stern, entrepreneur. Quigley noted Pruitt could answer questions effortlessly after she’d finished making a speech.
“It was like he had rehearsed to reply to the crowd,” Quigley said. “She was very polished.”
Pruitt was known as a woman of steadfast Christian faith. It guided everything she did, Pino said. She began working for Pruitt at Atlanta Fine Homes in 2011.
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She founded Jenny Pruitt and Associates in 1988, which she sold to a company owned by Warren Buffett. In 2007, she founded Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. Buffett sued her, but the lawsuit was eventually dismissed, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported.
“She was a very bold leader with incredible faith and she really epitomized the phrase, ‘servant leader.’ That was written about Jenny. She could’ve coined that phrase,” Pino said. “Everything that she did was about serving others, even when it came to her mentoring our management team. She would say, ‘Focus on supporting the agents and the bottom line will come.’”
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“She won. She was just a badass,” Atlanta Fine Homes Realtor Christine Croce said. “She’s still an inspiration to me, even though I never really got to know her one-on-one.”
Pruitt would send inspirational emails weekly to her friends and colleagues. Pino said she kept the emails and turned to them when she struggled.
Transforming the lives of homeless families. Because every child deserves a home.
Transforming the lives of homeless families. Because every child deserves a home. TO LEARN MORE: www.familypromise.org www.fpforsyth.org
Pruitt’s colleagues said she made friends quickly and gained a reputation for putting people first, while maintaining her status as a formidable businesswoman.
“She showed it was possible to be in the workplace, and be a part of the business community and live out your faith, boldly and out loud,” Pino said.
Pino said she was incredible at selling real estate, but her authenticity made her special.
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“She had never met a stranger,” Realtor and colleague Kay Quigley said. “She was probably the best dinner companion you could get, and she was also a great speaker.”
Quigley worked with Pruitt for 18
“That authenticity of caring for people first made her a leader worth following,” Pino said.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 21 at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church with a reception afterward.
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Early voting begins for November election
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Early voting is underway and runs through Nov. 1 for the general election.
Election Day is Nov. 5.
In addition to local county elections, the race for president and vice president will be on the ballot. All U.S. House and state legislators are up for election as well, and the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page will show voters who their representatives are.
Voters can check their registration status, see their sample ballot and Election Day voting precinct on the state’s My Voter Page by visiting mvp. sos.ga.gov.
Voting absentee
The last day to submit an application for an absentee ballot is Oct. 25. Absentee ballots must be returned to a ballot box by 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the latest, to a drop box or a county registrar’s office. Absentee ballots can be returned at any time before Nov. 5.
Voters are now required to provide either a Georgia driver’s license or Georgia ID card number or a copy of another form of ID when applying for an absentee ballot.
Other forms of acceptable identification are a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows a voter’s name and address.
Forsyth County
Local Forsyth County races on the ballot are Forsyth Board of Commissioners Districts 2, 4 and 5 as well as Forsyth County Board of Education
Districts 2, 3 and 4. Other uncontested county officials are also on the ballot.
In Forsyth County, advanced voting is taking place Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 20 from 8 to 5 p.m.
Absentee ballot applications can be emailed to absentee@forsythco.com. To
submit absentee ballot applications by mail or by personal delivery, send them to Forsyth County Voter Registrations and Elections, 1201 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040.
Applications may also be faxed to 770-886-2825, or requested online. Forsyth County has one drop box location at the Voter Registrations & Elections Office, 1201 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 15-18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 19-20, and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 28-Nov. 1.
Visit forsythco.com/vote for more information about the early voting locations and to see the sample ballot.
Fulton County
Local Fulton County races on the ballot are the District Attorney, Fulton County Board of Commissioners District 2, 4 and 6 as well as several other uncontested county officials.
In Fulton County, advance voting is open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Absentee ballot applications, attached as a .pdf or .jpg, can be emailed to elections.absentee@fultoncountyga. gov or mailed to Fulton County Registrations and Elections, 5600 Campbellton Fairburn Road, Union City,
GA 30213. They can also be requested online.
Visit fultoncountyga.gov/vote for more information about the early voting and absentee drop box locations, and to see the sample ballot.
DeKalb County
Local DeKalb County races on the ballot are the DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer, DeKalb Board of Commissioners Districts 1 and 3-7, as well as several other uncontested county officials. Decaturish’s voters guide has more information about the DeKalb County candidates. Visit decaturish.com for more information.
In DeKalb County, advance voting is held Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Absentee ballot applications can be emailed to absenteeballot@dekalbcountyga.gov or mailed to DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections, 4380 Memorial Drive, suite 300, Decatur, GA 30032. They can also be requested online.
Visit dekalbvotes.com for more information about the early voting and absentee drop box locations, and to see the sample ballot.
Reporters Amber Perry and Jon Wilcox contributed to this story.
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A voter shows off her “I voted” sticker after casting a ballot.
Just
8 | Forsyth Herald | October 17, 2024
Flowering community opens shop at Crabapple Market
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — Just four days after receiving its certificate of occupancy, Flowerfolk opened its suite doors Oct. 5 at Crabapple Market to thousands of patrons at Milton’s annual arts and antiques festival.
Flowerfolk is not just a neighborhood bouquet shop, it sports garden goods, home décor, baby gifts, plants and natural beauty products.
Kate Austin, owner of Flowerfolk, promises her customers a few things they may not find elsewhere in North Fulton County.
The shop partners with sustainable farmers, seeks out local providers, does not use any foam products or chemicals and strives to match its offerings with each season. It delivers flowers and arrangements to Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell and parts of Johns Creek, Canton and Woodstock.
“There’s an entire movement called the slow flower movement,” Austin said. “It’s locally grown flowers, not only are they rare and heirloom in style, but they’re grown in more of a single-batch style rather than mass produced.”
One of her favorite local partners, Little Flora Farm in Woodstock, is committed to the movement and Flowerfolk’s primary partner.
Austin loves dahlias, and her North Georgia partners make sure she has everyone’s favorites.
If Milton residents are looking for a floral greeting card, tea towel or some
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Kate Austin, the entrepreneur behind Crabapple Market’s Flowerfolk, works on an arrangement behind the shop’s front desk. Flowerfolk, a name chosen to reflect Austin’s desire to grow a community centered on flowers, opened Oct. 5 during Milton’s annual Crabapple Fest.
seeds to jump start their backyard garden, Flowerfolk has them all.
noses immediately.
husband and I moved to San Diego, California and we were there for 15 years.”
She said they moved right after the Great Recession hit in the late 2000s, and ironically, the COVID-19 pandemic brought Austin and her family back east.
Austin said she ended up using her college degree in communications and marketing to work for New York Times best-selling author Tony Robbins. Robbins, internationally known as a life and business strategist, gave Austin the experience and confidence she needed as a young professional far away from home.
Robbins has his detractors, skeptics and controversies, but the millions of people who say he’s changed their lives are a testament to the impact one person can make.
One of those millions is Kate Austin.
“Year after year, I would get thrown these different things in the content space,” she said. “I really got propelled into this fast-paced career traveling the world.”
The shop’s specialties are custom flower creations. It asks customers to tell them which designs speak to them and how long they want it to last.
What’s more, patrons have the option to schedule deliveries throughout the year.
Anyone with limited vision would still have no trouble knowing they are in a flower shop after walking into Suite 103 at 12620 Crabapple Road. The aromas throughout the shop hit
Someone with perfect vision may think they’re in an interior design studio or an antique store, which only complements the room’s flowerfocused atmosphere.
Austin, the entrepreneur behind downtown Milton’s new specialty flower shop, is an Atlanta native.
“We moved when I was like three or four years old, so Atlanta is technically home, and I have a lot of family here,” Austin said. “I went to college in Ohio, and shortly after, my
Robbins connects with his audiences, and Austin wants to create a community in her new home.
One of Austin’s projects for Robbins was his Business Mastery program, which sparked the desire to have her own entrepreneurial pursuit.
“It’s funny how life works … fast forward to COVID … I grow this garden and am still working for Tony,” Austin said. “My son and I would be in the garden all the time.”
See FLOWER, Page 9
FLOWERFOLK/PROVIDED
A floral arrangement hangs over the entrance to Flowerfolk at 12620 Crabapple Road, Suite 103. Flowerfolk, downtown Milton’s newest addition, sports flower-inspired gifts, gardening accessories and different flower arrangements, wraps and sage bundles.
Flower:
Continued from Page 8
She said she’s always been a flower person after growing up in her grandmother’s garden, but the pandemic allowed her slow down, get intentional and look for wholesome connections.
The mother of three said she reassessed. After a couple visits to North Fulton County, the couple moved across the country. Her kids attend Summit Hill Elementary and Northwestern Middle schools just a couple blocks north of the shop on Ga. 372.
“It’s been a year of just insane catapulting into your dreams,” Austin said. “When I think back to my childhood, there were flowers everywhere all the time.”
The love for nature is intergenerational in the family.
The pandemic had a silver lining for Austin and her family. While it uprooted American life, the pandemic also brought with some developments in flower technology.
Flowerfolk has coolers for
preserving fresh flowers, but also focuses on its dried and silk products, which have only grown in popularity since 2020.
“I think they all serve different purposes and are beautiful,” Austin said.
Starting a new business is no small feat, but Flowerfolk has great partnerships.
The next steps are the rollout of workshops for the community to get a taste of the shop’s expertise.
There are lots of new things that go along with running a flower shop, like buying flowers on mass scale, scheduling orders almost daily and juggling supply and demand.
“We haven’t had any real challenges in the process, but I think that’s partly following the path and knowing what you’re getting into,” she said. “It’s just taking baby steps every single day.”
Austin said the process of picking out furniture, designing the shop, working with the city of Milton and the building’s owners Orkin and Associates went smoothly.
“I named it Flowerfolk for a reason … [it] is the community,” she said. “That’s what I’m hoping to create.”
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Sponsored Section October 17, 2024 Forsyth Herald | 10
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Maria Montessori, Italy’s first woman doctor, invented a system of early childhood education based on her scientific observations of how the child constructs himself through interaction with his environment.
Her emphasis on the importance of the “prepared” environment created by the teacher offers the child the freedom to choose his work. This freedom - which is given when the child demonstrates the responsibility to use it wisely - allows him to remain with an activity until its purpose is accomplished. Working without artificial timelines allows him to engage in the spontaneous repetition of a skill so that it is refined; this freedom also creates in him the ability to concentrate for long periods of time and to feel the satisfaction of mastery.
In a Montessori environment, the teacher serves as a guide rather than as a traditional instructor. She continually observes the child, using these observations to give the next lesson so that he steadily progresses.
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Located near the intersection of 141 and McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek, Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia provides excellence in Montessori education for infants, toddlers and children to six years old. JCMSOG provides an authentic Montessori environment, where each individual’s needs are respected, and everyone works together for the good of the community. The focus is always on helping the children to develop themselves in a caring, peaceful environment. By helping children to develop independence, we assist them in their physical and emotional development. As their sense of security in their ability to care for themselves and their environment grows, their brains have more energy or "bandwidth" for increased academic learning. Additionally, this focus on the development of muscular control is a first step in developing self-discipline. The JCMSOG Difference is best experienced in person. Please schedule a visit with your child to observe our “Montessori Magic” - www.JCMSOG. org 770-814-8001
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Saint Francis School is a SACS/SAIS accredited, independent, non-profit, nonsectarian college preparatory school founded in 1976. The mission of Saint Francis School is to provide a college preparatory program to students with diverse academic abilities in a structured environment that is challenging and supportive. Kindergarten – 8th grades are located on the 24-acre gated Roswell Campus while the High School is located on the 47-acre gated Alpharetta campus.
The school’s commitment to small class sizes, low pupil-to-teacher ratio, and a strong emphasis on structure and organization allows students to enjoy success in academic areas and develop the self-confidence necessary to be successful in college. Curriculum offerings include AP, Honors, Traditional, and Support classes.
With a 100% acceptance rate to college and with the majority of graduates qualifying for the Hope Scholarship, Saint Francis alumni attend a wide variety of programs ranging from Ivy League schools to small private colleges to prestigious Art Institutes. Saint Francis is a Google Apps for Education Classroom, utilizing laptops in grades 4 – 12. Structured Literacy programs offered include Fundations®, Wilson Reading System®, Just Words®, and supplemental support from Cars® and Stars® Reading Comprehension.
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Brought to you by – Atlanta International School Sandy Springs
1. Premier International Baccalaureate World School
We offer the full continuum of the renowned International Baccalaureate (IB):
• Middle Years Program for Grades 9-10.
• Diploma Program and Career-related Program for Grades 11-12
For students on a pre-professional pathway, we offer the AISx flexible academic schedule.
2. Exclusive Tennis Partnership with Mouratoglou Academy Atlanta (MAA)
Tennis loving students can take
advantage of our partnership with Patrick Mouratoglou (legendary coach of Serena Williams.)
3. Day and Boarding Options
• Day: Enjoy school, returning home each day.
• 5- and 7-Day Boarding: Stay in comfortable dormitories, fostering global friendships.
Co-ed boarding for 70 students with:
• On-Site Residential Life Director: Ensuring well-being and
personal growth.
• 24/7 Security and Support: A safe and nurturing environment.
• Personalized Planning: Tailored to each student’s goals.
• Test Prep and Application Assistance: Resources and guidance for every step.
• Leveraging Partnerships: Connections with colleges, including athletic programs.
9. Inclusive Community
Our unique, community includes our:
• Parent Organization: Creating belonging and engagement for families.
• Alumni Network: Nearly 2,000 alumni worldwide
• Community Service: Students participate in service, locally and globally.
10. Urban and Natural Attractions
Best of both worlds:
• Serene Setting: 25 acres of woodland
• Proximity to Atlanta: Just 30 minutes away from this vibrant city
• Thriving Local Community: access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Discover how AIS Sandy Springs can be the stepping stone to your child’s bright future.
Nurturing curiosity and growth: summer enrichment
Brought to you by – Woodward Academy
Summer is a wonderful time for relaxation and fun, but it also offers countless opportunities for students to engage in activities that stimulate their minds, foster creativity, and build essential skills. It’s essential to consider how summer can continue the educational journey. Here are some enriching summer activities for students from pre-K through 12th grade that support whole child education and make the most of the private school experience.
The Benefits of Private Schools: A Summer Perspective
Private schools are renowned for their robust and well-rounded curriculums, which can extend into the summer months through carefully selected activities. By aligning summer enrichment with the private school curriculum, students can seamlessly transition from one school year to the next while maintaining their intellectual and creative growth.
Exploring Private School Resources Over the Summer
Many private schools offer exceptional resources that families can tap into during the summer. Even if your child’s school does not provide formal summer programs, the same principles and resources can be applied to at-home activities. Here are a few ideas:
• STEM Exploration: Utilize online resources, local science museums, and DIY kits to delve into science, technology, engineering, and math projects. Engaging in hands-on experiments and problemsolving tasks can ignite a passion for STEM subjects.
• Creative Arts: Encourage participation in arts and crafts, music lessons, or drama workshops. Local community centers and online platforms often offer summer classes that can help nurture creativity and artistic skills.
• Athletics: Summer sports camps and clinics are perfect for keeping children active. Look for programs that not only focus on skill development but also emphasize teamwork, leadership, and healthy competition.
Nurturing Curiosity and Growth During the Summer
Whole child education emphasizes the importance of nurturing every aspect of a child’s development. Summer is an ideal time to focus on this holistic approach by engaging in activities that promote social, emotional, and physical growth. Here are some suggestions:
• Leadership Camps: Many organizations offer leadership programs for young
students. These camps can help build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility. tion skills, and a sense of responsibility.
• Community Service: Volunteering is a great way for students to give back and develop empathy. Look for local community service opportunities or create family projects that involve helping others.
• Mindfulness and Wellness: Introduce activities that promote mental and emotional well-being. Yoga classes, mindfulness workshops, and even family nature walks can be excellent for reducing stress and fostering a positive mindset.
Tailored Programs for Every Age Group
Choosing age-appropriate activities is crucial for maximizing summer enrichment. Here are some tailored suggestions for different age groups:
• Pre-K to 2nd Grade: Young learners thrive on playful and exploratory activities. Organize story time sessions, simple science experiments, and interactive games that build foundational skills.
• 3rd to 5th Grade: This age group benefits from more structured exploration. Consider enrolling them in coding camps, art workshops, or nature exploration programs that encourage curiosity and skill development.
• Middle School: Middle schoolers can start to dive deeper into specific interests. Look for academic enrichment programs, sports clinics, and creative arts camps that cater to their growing passions and talents.
• High School: High school students can use summer to prepare for their future. Encourage participation in college prep courses, internships, or advanced subject camps that align with their career interests. These experiences not only enhance their resumes but also provide valuable insights into potential career paths.
Conclusion
Enriching summer activities are a vital part of the educational journey, particularly for families who value the benefits of private schools. By focusing on whole child education, parents can ensure that their children make the most of their summer break. Whether through academic enrichment, creative exploration, physical development, or community involvement, there are countless opportunities for students of all ages to learn, grow, and thrive during the summer months.
Make this summer an enriching and memorable experience for your child by exploring the many activities available that support their overall development. Encourage your child’s growth with enriching summer activities and watch them thrive in every aspect of their life.
The importance of ‘mattering’ to teens
Brought to you by -
Bailey Smith, M.Ed, LPC at Summit Counseling Center
I recently read the book “Never Enough” by Jennifer Breheny Wallace, which dives into achievement culture among adolescents and how it contributes to mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. Through my own school-based counseling work with high school students, I have seen many of the principles in the book in real time.
Students define themselves by the grades they make, the classes they take, or the clubs they join. Each assignment is viewed as “make it or break it” and students constantly feel like they could be messing up their futures with one mistake.
Wallace’s research showed that parents tend to underestimate their children’s stress significantly, and many students report feeling that their parents add pressure to the already-intense school environment. Parents often don’t even realize they are adding to the pressure, and they certainly aren’t doing so intentionally! Several of the noted “stress adders” in the book are interactions I’ve had with my own students at times. Things as simple as asking how others in the class did on a test, or even seemingly positive actions like praising a child for their good grades, can all add to this feeling that teenagers are only valued based on their academic achievements.
In her book, Wallace posits that the antidote to toxic achievement culture comes in the form of mattering. When a teen knows that they matter, regardless of their grades, sports accolades, or social status, they can
be truly healthy even in the midst of today’s achievement culture.
So, how can we increase feelings of mattering among adolescents? For parents or other adults, highlight your teen’s interests, efforts, and displays of character over academic or athletic achievements. Think of the things you want most for your teen. Most parents I meet with tell me they want their children to be happy, to treat others well, and to feel confident in themselves. Gear your praise and encouragement toward these things.
For teens, plug into places that you will be missed. Whether this be a club at school, a faith community, or even just your lunch table, having a space where others know and value you adds to the feeling of belonging. While you can always celebrate your achievements, the goal is to get to a place where you value yourself even apart from your achievements. You matter just because you’re you.
The need to belong doesn’t disappear after adolescence. We can all foster these feelings of mattering in the way we interact with others and help counteract the toxicity of achievement culture.
“If a student can’t learn the way we teach… we should teach the way a student can learn.”
Brought to you by – Mill Springs Academy
Those are the words of Mill Springs Academy’s founder, Tweetie L. Moore, and the words that Mill Springs administration, faculty, and staff continue to live by today. Founded in 1981, Mill Springs provides a valuesbased college preparatory program for students with ADHD and learning differences. Mill Springs’ school-wide Community Structure encourages students to participate in their own education by teaching self-advocacy, social problem-solving skills, and how to forge their own path. Small class sizes allow teachers to provide each student with individualized instruction. Highly skilled faculty, specialists, and counselors provide academic and social support on all levels, from kindergarten through 12, in a supportive, nurturing environment.
Mill Springs Academy also offers students a wide variety of opportunities outside the core curriculum. Mill Springs’ fine arts program encourages students to explore their creativity through painting, sculpture, set design, music, performance, and
more. Our robust athletic programs allow students to play at a competitive level while building teamwork and confidence.
Mill Springs’ 85-acre Alpharetta campus includes indoor and outdoor classroom space, athletic facilities, and visual and performing arts facilities. We serve students from over 50 different zip codes in the Metro Atlanta area and provide four bus routes with ten stops in the morning and afternoon. To learn more about Mill Springs Academy, visit us at www.millsprings.org/visit.
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The “Dead Hand”
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This is often a topic of debate in estate planning, as overly restrictive conditions can be legally challenged or ignored. The term “dead hand” captures the idea of a deceased individual exerting control over their assets and their heirs long after their death. In the realm of estate planning, this concept is often debated as it involves setting conditions that govern how one’s estate is handled and how heirs should behave. While the intention behind such conditions may be to ensure that the estate is managed in a way that aligns with the deceased’s wishes, these stipulations can sometimes be deemed overly restrictive or impractical. This can lead to legal challenges or outright disregard by heirs, as courts often grapple with the balance between honoring the deceased’s wishes and maintaining reasonable freedom for the
living. Ultimately, the concept of the “dead hand” underscores the complex interplay between legacy, control, and the evolving needs of future generations. This underscores why you need expert attorney to balance your wishes with the need to set certain conditions and restrictions that you feel are necessary for the welfare of your beneficiaries to ensure compliance after your death.
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OPINION: GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!
‘It’s good to get ’em outside!’
STEVE HUDSON Columnist
So it’s about 9 a.m., and I’m up at Unicoi State Park getting ready to hike from the park to Helen. I’ll be walking the Unicoi-to-Helen trail, a trail I’ve hiked many times before.
I don’t know why I chose it again on this particular day, but I did – maybe because there’s that certain pre-fall whisper of “cool” in the air. After the scorching days of summer, that’s about all it takes.
My plan is to hike all the way to town, get a little snack or something there, and then hike back to the park. Round trip, it will be about six miles. I can do it!
Parts of the trail can be challenging, largely due to ascents and descents. For that reason, many hikers here don’t go quite as fast as they’re used to. But I’ve allowed plenty of time. Even if I spend an hour or two in town, I’ll still get back to the car before the shadows start getting long. In fact, I’ll be back in plenty of time to take her to dinner.
Yes, it’s nice to have the clock on your side. She reminds me of that sometimes.
And she’s right, I tell myself, though it’s hard for us free-spirit, forget-the-clock outdoor types to admit it. Sometimes it’s a good thing to mind that clock and get out the door on time.
I choose to start at the graveled day use parking area not far from Unicoi Lodge, making my way toward Smith Creek. I walk down the grassy slope, traversing the big field before crossing the creek on a little footbridge and then turning left. I’m on my way to Helen.
At first, my hike is solitary. I like that sometimes. Hiking by yourself, you fall into a cadence. Your paces set the tempo, your stride defines the rhythm, and as your mind settles in the distance just seems to melt away.
And that’s how it goes for the first mile or so. My hiking stick, the one my friend Wayne gave me years ago, swings back and forth, back and forth, as my step count
rises. I slip into that hiker’s trance you hear about sometimes. It’s soothing. It’s good for the soul.
I push the pace a little. The trails slip by faster.
But all at once, as if I’m standing still, I am passed by a red and yellow blur.
“Mikey!” calls a voice from somewhere behind me. “Wait up!”
The sound jars me back to reality, and as the blur fades into the near distance I see that it’s not a blur at all but instead a young lad of about seven or eight. Wow. I’d thought I was walking fast. But, by golly, that kid is making some seriously good time.
“Wait up, Mikey! Wait up!” the voice shouts again, this time a little more definite.
Ahead of me, Mikey slows and then stops. I stop too. Turning to look back and see from whence came the call, I spy three figures headed my way. One, I decide, must be the mom. Another is a girl of about 12 or 13. The third is presumably dad. All look happy. All are clearly having a good time. And all are wearing some serious hiking boots.
They catch up to me in less than 20 seconds.
“Morning!” I say, adding the nearuniversal greeting of one hiker to another: “It’s a fine day for a walk!”
“It is indeed!” says the mom.
“Y’all going all the way to Helen?”
“Probably,” the dad says. “But either way, it’s just good day to hike!”
That it is.
The dad continues, “I used to hike like this with my own dad. We’d go out and just walk. It didn’t really matter if we actually went anywhere. It was just the getting out that I remember.”
“It’s way better than just doing this,” adds the girl, working her fingers like she’s punching buttons on an invisible cellphone. “It’s healthier too!”
I ask how often they get out like this, hiking together and all.
“We’ve been hiking since Emma was about a year old,” the mom adds. “Now we try to get out at least once a week.”
She continues, “You know, it’s a shame.
Most of their friends have never hiked at all. But these two, well, they’ve been doing it a while now. We want them to love it as much as we do.”
I’m betting that they will, and I say so.
“That’s the plan,” says the dad, and the mom adds, “It really is good to get ‘em outside.”
We chat for a minute more, but I can see that Mikey is chomping at the bit. Given the opportunity, I’ll bet he’d hike all the way to Macon.
They continue on down the trail, around a bend and out of sight, Helenbound.
I wait a moment so as not to crowd them. Then I resume hiking too.
After a while, the trail leaves the woods and goes on and off pavement for the last short downhill run down to Main Street and Helen proper.
I have all the time in the world, so I make my way downtown and stop at my favorite fudge shop for a little box of chocolate heaven. I stow it in my daypack.
Then I just wander, walking and watching people. I stroll through town to the bridge over the Chattahoochee, pausing to watch some kids drift by below me, carried by vivid green inner tubes. Aren’t they cold? Nah, I guess not, I tell myself. They’re tough. They’re kids. They’re young.
After watching the river for a while, I turn round and make my way back through town. Backtracking now, I come at last to the point where the trail once more takes to the woods.
Stepping off the asphalt feels good. It’s nice to feel honest, unadorned earth underfoot once again.
As I do, I hear a voice behind me –“Mikey! Wait up!” And then here he comes, passing me in another red and yellow blur.
I stop then and rummage in the daypack and dig out a piece of fudge. As I savor it, the rest of Mikey’s crew passes me too.
Sure, the fudge is mostly sugar. But it’s tasty sugar, and I’ll work it off. Besides, I need the energy for the hike back – especially if I am to have a prayer of a chance of keeping up with Mikey. He’s already out of sight, moving fast, heading on down the trail.
Continued from Page 3
What are the standards for marking bike lanes?
The Georgia Department of Transportation provides guidelines for the marking of bike lanes in the state. Bike lanes can be indicated with
an arrow or cyclist symbol on the far side of the intersection six feet beyond a crosswalk, according to the department. They also can be placed on long uninterrupted sections of roadway based on the judgment of engineers. Lines markings define the boundaries of the lane, which are recommended to be 5 feet wide. The width can increase to 6 feet when adjacent to structures like guardrails.
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OPINION
Zero sum or something with more empathy
Another fall has arrived. My backyard patch of old growth trees is starting to shed leaves already – turning yellow and preparing for winter. Summer’s heat is dissipating into coolish temperatures. The hurricane has come and gone. We got lucky here in Atlanta – at least compared to a number of South Georgia, North Florida, and other Southern cities. The wind didn’t do the damage; the water did. Water is as destructive as any bomb; nothing can withstand the hydraulics of water. The battle in Ukraine continues as well as the one just ramping up in Lebanon.
The election race of course continues – as ugly, intrusive and disruptive as it can be. Who wants to have to deal with the white noise day in and day out?
I feel like a worn-out traveler – a hiker – walking down a trail that is nothing but gaps and summits – and with no knowledge of how far in front I still have to go. It seems like we’ve all been on this trail longer than we can remember and that somehow it is now becoming a reality replacing what we knew before – if we can actually remember “before.’’
I didn’t used to think like that. Before, I saw and understood the cyclical nature of life. It didn’t matter how dark the time became, because I knew that it was temporary and that better times were somewhere down the road – around the corner. Just wait for it. But somehow that has changed. What, why? How?
We do best with order and certainty in our lives. We like to feel that we have control. We crave security, a roof over our heads, food, and order. And of course, love from others. So, what’s up? Where are we going? What does that summit look like? Or will it be a gap instead. I plan to drive down to my beach place in Florida soon. Hurricane Helena was pointed directly at my front door –literally until about 5 hours prior to land fall. It was, we knew, probably going to be a Cat 3 or 4 storm accompanied by a tidal surge that would most likely destroy everything in its path – including my house. Instead, it veered just a few degrees to the east and destroyed other people’s homes and lives instead of mine. It’s difficult to reconcile that scenario. How can one feel relieved when someone else had to pay?
A zero-sum proposition I guess; someone has to lose for someone else to win. There is something about that idea that seems to me to cut to the chase of life perhaps – zero sum or something else. If you believe the zero-sum scenario, then you don’t think about that other side too much; you just focus on me/mine. I get mine; your get your own. But what does the alternative mean?
In that question lies the rub. It may mean that not accepting the zero-sum enlarges our own world and opens new doors for ourselves and those around us. It may mean that there is a better way out of the chaos and uncertainty that surrounds us all. It may mean that we all count, and we all lose when just one of us suffers. It may mean that we see a sunrise more clearly and feel the warmth in an otherwise chillingly cold world.
Specific units a potential relief for housing crisis
By KATHY SWAHN, NANCY DIAMOND, JACK MURPHY
North Fulton County, Georgia, is one of the most vibrant areas in the Atlanta metro region, known for its excellent schools, job opportunities, and high quality of life. However, the escalating housing crisis is creating a barrier for recent graduates and young adults, forcing them to seek homes outside of the community. The scarcity of affordable housing, paired with restrictive zoning regulations, is exacerbating this issue. Introducing auxiliary dwelling units (ADUs) could help retain younger generations and provide a more flexible housing market.
Community at a crossroads
Our cities have seen rapid growth in population and development over the past decade, driven by the area’s economic strength and desirable living conditions. But this growth has come at a price: rising home prices and limited affordable housing options. Many families who have lived here for years are now faced with the reality that their children, upon graduating from high school or college, are unable to afford to live nearby.
The median home price in North Fulton is significantly higher than in surrounding areas, pushing young people out of the market. Apartment rents are also rising, and new developments often target higher-income earners. For recent graduates or young professionals just starting their careers, the costs are
Affordable housing continues to be a serious issue across North Metro Atlanta. Groups like the North Fulton Improvement Network are trying to help, and Appen Media is dedicated to covering the process. Send ideas, questions and feedback to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
simply too high, forcing them to relocate to more affordable areas farther from their families, workplaces, and support networks.
This exodus of young people can have a lasting impact on the community. As these young adults leave, they take with them potential contributions to the local economy, culture, and workforce. Moreover, families are fragmented, with parents and grandparents no longer able to enjoy close proximity to their children and grandchildren.
Potential relief
One possible solution to this issue is the development of ADUs, which are smaller, self-contained housing units that exist on the same lot as a larger primary residence. These units, also referred to as in-law suites, granny flats, or carriage houses, and can offer a more affordable housing option for recent graduates or young professionals while staying close to home.
ADUs can take many forms—such as converted garages, basement apartments, or standalone small houses in a backyard. These units could help address the housing crisis by increasing the housing
supply without requiring new, large-scale developments. Here’s how they could be part of the solution:
1. Affordability: ADUs are typically more affordable to build and rent than larger homes or new apartment complexes. They offer an opportunity for younger residents to live independently but within their financial means, especially in expensive areas like North Fulton.
2. Multigenerational Living: ADUs allow for multigenerational living, where recent graduates can live near or with their families without crowding the main household. This can help maintain family bonds while providing younger adults with the independence they seek.
3. Efficient Use of Space: In areas where zoning laws restrict high-density housing, ADUs provide a way to increase the housing supply without changing the character of the neighborhood. Many suburban areas in North Fulton have the land available to accommodate ADUs, making them a practical solution.
4. Sustainability: Because ADUs are smaller and often share utilities with the main house, they tend to be more energyefficient and environmentally friendly than building new, large single-family homes or sprawling apartment complexes.
Barriers
While ADUs present an intriguing solution, they are not without their challenges. Zoning laws in North Fulton County can be restrictive, often limiting or prohibiting the construction of ADUs. Many neighborhoods and local govern-
ments are resistant to changes that could increase density, citing concerns over parking, traffic, or altering the neighborhood’s character. Additionally, financing and construction costs can still be prohibitive for some homeowners looking to add ADUs to their property.
To make ADUs a viable part of the solution to North Fulton’s housing crisis, local governments would need to consider revising zoning ordinances, providing incentives for homeowners to build ADUs, and developing clear guidelines to address community concerns.
Moving forward
As North Fulton County continues to grow, finding solutions to the housing crisis will be critical to keeping communities intact and vibrant. Auxiliary dwelling units, if properly supported, could offer one way to bridge the gap between high housing costs and the needs of young adults entering the housing market or grandparents wanting to downsize. By allowing our children to live nearby after graduation, ADUs could help maintain family connections, support the local economy, and provide a more sustainable, inclusive community for everyone.
It’s time for North Fulton to explore creative solutions like ADUs to ensure that future generations can continue to call this area home.
Kathy Swahn, Nancy Diamond and Jack Murphy are members of North Fulton Improvement Network. Learn more at www.improvenorthfulton.org.
RAY APPEN
Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
Dawson County endeavor ushers in Christmas spirit
MIKE TASOS Columnist
That chill in the air, coupled with being part of something so very worthwhile, trumped sleeping in on a recent Saturday morning.
I ignored the alarm a few times, hoping the “snooze” feature would malfunction and I could return to the land of sweet dreams. But it was my duty to be rational.
The kids needed their Christmas presents.
Before you worry and say: “Maxine, the boy’s done lost it. He’s talking about Christmas presents in October. His kids are grown, and he’ll not go near Walmart’s toy display.”
All that would be correct, except I did do something, albeit miniscule, to help some well-deserving kids have some Christmas magic materialize where there might be none.
Upon hearing the term “Shop With A Cop,” I supposed that a buying spree with Buford T. Justice and a Diablo sandwich/ Dr. Pepper condo would be a terrible way to get a little Christmas. But the folks from the Dawson County Sherriff’s Department did their part to see to it that holiday despair and angst will give way to visions of sugar plums dancing around in some youngsters’ heads.
As one who has made it a point to steer clear of motorcycle rides that include more than six bikes, I found myself in the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame parking lot with a seemingly endless sea of motorcycles, trikes and even a motorcycle that looked like a jet ski.
The final tally of participating vehicles was 147 and the event raised $6,100 that will make some magic for some Dawson County students who will experience an early Christmas.
According to Sandra Evans, who oversaw this wonderful event, school resource officers will help provide names of potential
children who will get a pizza lunch and a trip to Walmart where, at least for an afternoon, money is no object. Imagine having carte blanche and no one saying “I can’t afford that. Put it back.”
When describing the joy that comes from this endeavor, Evans becomes a bit weepy. Inevitably the kids won’t want to buy only for themselves, instead choosing to share the wealth and buy gifts for family members. Evans said it could be a small thing like a bottle of Mountain Dew, but the kids get in the spirit of the season.
I thoroughly enjoyed the nearly two hours on the road. The scenery was breathtaking, the weather perfect, the camaraderie contagious. It was well worth the $25 entry fee. I forked over $100 for raffle tickets.
I heard one guy mutter “I didn’t win a damn thing.” I wanted to tell him that even though he didn’t win a prize, there was lots of good that came out of this Saturday sojourn through north Georgia.
It was mesmerizing to spy the train of all those participants. Residents along the route were on their porches, making sure to wave and further warm the hearts of riders and passengers, driving home the point that everyone was doing something truly good. I couldn’t stop myself from smiling and waving.
Evans says there are plans to build on this year’s success by getting a corporate sponsor to increase the reality of more funds.
I sure hope it grows. I can’t wait to do it again.
There’s something that made me feel all “biker” at being able to blow through stop signs and red lights with the blessing of law enforcement personnel. It was the only time in my life where seeing flashing blue lights in my rear-view mirror and hearing a siren didn’t ruin my day.
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.
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Brew:
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“This Pour Tour shows how community driven we are,” Sanders said. “We really like that the breweries all are about 15-20 minutes away from each other. We spent a lot of time collaborating with like-minded brands. It’s a really cool and unique experience if you love the craft industry.”
Celebrating five years in business, NoFo, 6150 Ga. 400 Suite A/B, loves to craft new beers based on feedback from local drinkers. The company often looks to the many direct messages it receives through social media when deciding which flavor and style to go after next.
They also believe in the idea of collaboration, routinely working with other local craft brewers. For its fiveyear anniversary, NoFo partnered with five local beermakers to make five new beers together.
Their beer, and merchandise, are even enjoyed abroad through a sponsorship with a soccer club in the UK.
In their free time, NoFo’s team seeks out adventure through hiking, skiiing, snowboarding or other extreme sports. Their motto is “tap your adventurous side,” and beer names reflect that mentality.
NoFo’s current best seller, Collateral, is a Mexican-style lager with a low alcohol content and high drinkability. It has a clean finish and light earthy notes and is perfect with a squeeze of lime.
Snow Ghost, named after the snowcovered pines often seen by skiers and alpinists, features citrus and tropical aromatics and is the brewery’s flagship beer.
Bluebird Day is a light and crisp pilsner style best enjoyed after a day outdoors.
Cherry Street
Cherry Street owner Alisa TannerWall said her brewery works hard to offer a fun experience for the entire family.
“It’s all about intentional time with your kid,” said Tanner-Wall, a mother who cares for a 2-year-old son. “We are very family driven. We also try to host a lot of family events. We try to really hone in on the family aspect.”
The Cumming brewery, 5810 Bond St., strives to offer delicious brews for adults while also giving their kids a special experience. The company also prides itself in supporting local organizations, like Forsyth County’s Parks & Rec Foundation.
During the holidays, Cherry Street brings in Santa and the Easter Bunny for high-quality family photos. They also offer a special Jurassic kids plate
PROVIDED BY CHERRY STREET Cherry Street seeks to offer a fun time for entire families with special events like Santa and Easter Bunny holiday photoshoots.
that includes mashed potatoes and gravy resembling an erupting volcano inhabited by dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets and gravy and broccoli as trees.
“As a mom, I want to do things with my kid that are enjoyable for me while making core memories for him,” she said.
For adults, Cherry Street offers a porter brewed from real toasted coconuts for a smooth and fruity flavor and texture. They also are proud of their selection of fruity sours.
The brewery offers themed pop-up bars with cocktail menus.
“It’s really fun and whimsical and experience-driven,” Tanner-Wall said
Legends Distillery
This Cumming distillery prides itself in making unique, smooth bourbons, whiskeys and other spirits.
Their Cumming location is at 210 Industrial Park Drive, Suite A.
Their line of liquors incorporates a patented distilling process known as Quantum Distillation Refinement Technology. The process was developed in 2017 by a self-taught, fifth-generation moonshiner.
According to Legends, the process allows their bourbons to mature and interact with oak better, creating a rich, nuanced flavor.
In 2023, they won nine medals at the London International Spirits Competition, including four gold, two silver and three bronze.
Their single barrel bourbon is a winner of the double platinum and 96 gold awards at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. The spirit is aged more than four years.
Freedom Brew and Shine
With a firing range and gun store on premises, Freedom Brew and Shine offers a unique experience that goes well beyond beer.
“People get a kick out of getting to shoot a gun and getting a drink afterward,” General Manager J.B. King said.
Owned by a Forsyth County family, the Freedom brewery, 2730 Spot Road, Suite B, also boasts a host of live events that range from music to comedy at their Cumming location.
The brewery has hosted comedic acts like the Micro Wrestling Federation, Sean Patton and Lace Larrabee and local musicians such as Manorism and No Diggity. Shows are featured in a space dubbed the Barrel Room.
The brewery offers seasonal and flagship favorites like Sweet Heat, a watermelon-jalapeno wheat style; the Gunsmoke, a hazy IPA; and 1776, a blonde golden ale.
“We do some killer styles of brew,” King said.
Crooked Culture
Crooked Culture makes beer for amateur and professional drinkers.
“(We cater to) people who definitely know their beer and folks who are honestly totally new to beer and breweries,” General Manger Lucy Teusink said.
The Cumming City Center brewery’s founder and Chamblee native, Patrick Leonard, got his start in home brewing more than 20 years ago, specializing in East Coast-style India pale ales. The company’s name is a reference to yeast, which they see is a flavor-defining element of their brews.
Crooked Culture is at 421 Vision Drive.
“At some breweries the yeast isn’t as interesting,” Teusink said. “You can brew every beer with the same yeast, but at Crooked culture, we go to lengths to pick a different yeast for every beer.”
Crooked Culture’s flagship hazy IPA, Everybody Has a Tractor, is brewed from Citra, Mosaic, and Columbus hops. It offers fruity, citrus and tropical notes with light bitterness.
“People love the name, but it also has a great flavor to it,” Teusink said. Hippies from the 1800s is a pilsner celebrating Czech and Bohemian brewing culture made from all-German hops that is perfect for easy drinking.
“We like to say that’s what the brewers drink,” Teusink said.
With a name that references the Mortal Kombat video game franchise, Ken vs. Ryu is a tart but refreshing cherry-lime sour with a “huge fan club,” Teusink said.
Every beer at Crooked Culture is served in a unique glass emphasizing the brewery’s focus on specialty beers. The company is working to partner with Dominic’s Wood-fired Grill to offer specialty eats, like tacos, gyros, giant pretzels and burgers.
“Every time you come back, Crooked Culture will be even better,” Teusink said. “The comm has noticed how obsessive we are about our products.”
