Forsyth Herald - November 16, 2023

School Board: Safety, transportation funding top list of requests N ov e m b e r 1 6 , 2 0 2 3 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 7 , N o . 4 6

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‘It is a day of action’ Cumming honors veterans at City Center observance

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Dozens of guests gathered on a rainy Nov. 10 to honor the service of veterans with a ceremony and live music at Cumming City Center.

The 11 a.m. Veterans Day service was the first to be held at the development. Previously, the commemoration was held at the Veterans War Memorial on Veterans Memorial Boulevard.

Cumming Mayor Troy Brumbalow welcomed guests, saying it was an honor to host the Veterans Day ceremony at City Center, which he had envisioned as a community gathering place since taking office in 2018.

“We know that without the efforts of each and every service member throughout history, our great nation would not be that: the land of the free,” he said. “And the remark that the United States is the land of the free because of the brave is most definitely true.”

See VETERANS, Page 20

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

The Forsyth County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office Joint Honor Guard presents the colors at the annual Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 10 at Cumming City Center.

Challenger unseats incumbent in Cumming City Council race CUMMING, Ga. — Cumming voters elected Susie Charles-Carr to the City Council Nov.

7, ousting incumbent Linda Ledbetter from the Post 5 seat after two terms.

Charles-Carr won 333 of the 503 votes cast, a 66 percent margin. Charles-Carr works as a special education teacher for

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ming city limits were eligible to vote in the election.

Incumbent Post 3 Councilman Joey Cochran and incumbent Post 4 Councilman Christopher Light both ran unopposed.

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Forsyth County Schools.

The 2023 race saw a turnout of 506 voters, or 13 percent of those registered.

Around 4,000 of Forsyth County’s 177,642 registered voters who live in Cum-

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2 | November 16, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

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Fentanyl, meth seized in Forsyth County bust 770-442-3278 AppenMedia.com 319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 HANS APPEN Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County and Johns Creek Drug Task Force seized 290 grams of fentanyl, some 117 grams of methamphetamine and a handgun at a residence on Flowery Branch Road Nov. 3.

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office officials said deputies were dispatched to the home for a medical emergency and found two people who appeared to have overdosed. After administering Narcan, the two were transported to a local hospital.

Deputies reported seeing potential illegal drugs in plain sight, and the Drug Task Force obtained a search warrant.

Officers reported finding a large bag containing 290 grams of fentanyl, as well as loose methamphetamine and marijuana around the home.

Drug Task Force officers also reported locating 105 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana and a 9 mm Sig Sauer handgun in a safe.

The suspect, a 65-year-old Cumming

man, was charged with felony trafficking of methamphetamine, trafficking of fentanyl, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, as well as misdemeanor possession of drugrelated objects.

He is being held at the Forsyth County Jail. No bond has been set.

Four suspects arrested for alleged car theft

Florida woman, was charged with 18 felony counts of identity fraud, three counts of forgery in the third degree and two counts of entering auto theft, as well as two misdemeanor counts of forgery in the fourth degree and possession of marijuana under 1 oz.

POLICE BLOTTER

Deputies arrest suspects in construction site theft

demeanor attempting to misrepresent tag in addition to theft by taking. No bond information is available.

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested two men and two women Oct. 31 who allegedly took part in stealing materials from a construction site on Browns Bridge Road.

Deputies reported seeing a pickup truck exiting the parking lot of the Popeye’s near the construction site around 3 a.m. Deputies noticed the rear of the truck was low to the ground, and its bed was filled with roof tiles and construction equipment.

Deputies stopped the vehicle, noting there had been several thefts reported at the nearby Aldi construction site, the report states.

While scanning the truck’s tag, deputies reported the plate was registered to a Tesla Model 3. Deputies contacted the owner of the Tesla and were told the tag had been stolen.

The suspects could not explain where the materials came from and said they did not know the tag was stolen, the report states.

The first suspect, a 20-year-old man from Norcross, was charged with felony and misdemeanor theft by taking, as well as misdemeanor loitering and prowling.

He is being held at the Forsyth County Jail on a $12,930 bond.

Deputies leveled the same charges against a second suspect, a 34-year-old man from Stone Mountain. He is being held at the Forsyth County Jail, with bond set at $23,930.

An 18-year-old female suspect from Sugar Hill was also charged with felony and misdemeanor theft by taking, as well as misdemeanor loitering and prowling.

Her bond is set at $18,870.

The fourth suspect, a 20-year-old Norcross woman, was charged with mis-

Deputies arrest couple for alleged wallet theft

— Shelby Israel

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested three women and a man Oct. 20 on multiple charges following an alleged vehicle breakin at Little Ridge Park.

While responding to the theft at the park, deputies reported seeing two vehicles that were flagged by the Sandy Springs Police Department for multiple entering auto thefts on Buford Dam Road around 7 p.m.

The vehicles stopped at the fuel pumps outside BJ’s Wholesale on Market Place Boulevard.

Deputies reported observing the suspects leaving their vehicles and approaching the attendant’s booth at different times.

While conducting a traffic stop on the first vehicle, the second vehicle attempted to flee.

Deputies stopped the vehicles and detained the four suspects. They reported smelling marijuana while searching one of the vehicles and finding multiple wallets, bags, cell phones, identification cards and credit cards inside.

A witness at the scene said she saw the suspects throwing items from a vehicle. Deputies reported finding a bag that was reported stolen from Little Ridge Park and other stolen items in the wood line behind the attendant’s booth.

One of the suspects, a 28-year-old Florida man, was charged with two counts of felony entering auto theft and one count of identity fraud. He is being held at the Forsyth County Jail with no posted bond amount.

A 22-year-old Alabama woman was charged with three counts of felony identity fraud and two counts of entering auto theft. She has no posted bond amount.

A 28-year-old Florida woman was charged with two felony counts of entering auto theft and one count of identity fraud. She is being held at the Forsyth County Jail with no posted bond.

The fourth suspect, a 22-year-old

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

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a Duluth couple Oct. 31 who allegedly stole a woman’s wallet at Lidl on Peachtree Parkway.

The victim reported a male suspect asked her if she spoke Spanish while she was shopping, and he asked her about a cheese she was standing nearby. She said she saw a Lidl employee running down the aisle and shouting at someone to stop.

The store manager told the victim a second male suspect stole her wallet while she was speaking with the man, the report states.

Outside the store, deputies reported speaking to one of the suspects, a 27-year-old woman from Duluth. She reportedly refused to name who was with her or explain why they were at Lidl.

Deputies reported locating drug paraphernalia, opened bottles of beer, a window punch, a bag used to obscure theft sensors and multiple empty shopping bags in the vehicle.

Deputies located a second suspect nearby, but a third person believed to have been an accomplice, was not found, the report states.

The female suspect was charged with felony robbery and misdemeanor possession of marijuana under 1 oz., possession of drug-related objects and possession of an open alcohol container.

She is being held at the Forsyth County Jail with no posted bond.

The 26-year-old male suspect was charged with felony robbery. He is being held at the Forsyth County Jail with no posted bond amount.

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | November 16, 2023 | 3

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NEWS

Safety, transportation funding top school board request list

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

SCREENSHOT

Forsyth County Schools Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Caracciolo names the district’s legislative priorities Nov. 7 at a Board of Education work session.

The district hopes to receive additional state funding for safety, transportation and teacher training.

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County School Board has set a list of priorities it plans to push for in the 2024 Legislative Session.

The board named safety, transportation, teacher training and impact fees atop their list of issues.

The Board of Education affirmed the priorities Nov. 7 at a work session. While no formal vote was taken, staff will present the priorities to the School Board’s local legislative delegation in December.

At the heart of all the priorities is money. Board members and Schools Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Caracciolo identified funding as the catalyst for each of its goals.

Staff named school safety as its first priority to ensure students are safe to effectively learn and to ensure staff are trained to handle potential crises.

“While we greatly appreciate the money that the state gave us last year for the grants, we received $50,000 per school, we would like this to be a regular line item in the state budget,” Caracciolo said.

Staff recommended the state allocate funds for each district based on enrollment.

Caracciolo said the school district is spending $3.1 million in local funds for school resource officers and student advocacy specialists, a position dedicated to crisis prevention and intervention.

The second priority, student transportation, relates to the statewide bus driver shortage, increased fuel prices and bus maintenance and replacement.

“We’ve never had a shortage this high before in the history of Forsyth County Schools,” Caracciolo said.

At the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, the district had 62 unfilled bus driver positions.

The school district pays some $22.6 million to fund transportation.

While the state kicks in $1.8 million, Caracciolo said the district wants more help.

“Without transportation, students cannot get to and from school to instruction and supplemental services, such as meals and health services,” staff said in the report.

The professional learning goal aims to increase development opportunities for staff. Caracciolo said the state

has cut funding over the years, and district staff would like it restored to its fiscal year 2002 funding, 1.5 percent of the statewide base salary for teachers.

Currently, the funding is 0.9 percent of the base salary.

“We know that ensuring our teachers have the training and expertise necessary to educate our students is critical, especially in light of some of the recent legislation, particularly the Georgia Early Literacy Act from 2023,” Caracciolo said.

The Georgia Early Literacy Act, or House Bill 538, outlines evidencebased literacy instruction and sets guidelines for assessing student needs and literacy levels.

Schools Superintendent Jeff Bearden commended the Legislature and the governor for their support of public schools over the past several years, and he said the district’s current requests are nothing unusual.

Board Member Mike Valdes proposed a fourth priority that would allow school districts to benefit from impact fees.

“Education is the one part of, affected by growth, that is not eligible for impact fees,” Valdes said. “So, the Georgia Constitution prohibits us from seeking impact fees from developers, even though this development is exclusively causing the growth to the school system.”

Cities and counties are permitted to assess impact fees on new development, and they are often woven into permit agreements.

School Board members said they plan to meet with the County Commission and the Cumming City Council to discuss the burden of economic development on the school district.

While the Board of Education does not vote on commercial development in the county, Valdes noted the board often gets criticized for its fiscal decisions to account for growth.

“One of the things that I’m messaging to the public is, you know, this board and even prior boards have put us in a really fiscally responsible trajectory,” Valdes said. “How long can we keep that up if this county continues to grow at this rate? And then when we are forced to do something unpopular, the finger gets pointed at us. But I think really, this is a broader conversation about growth and how that affects our schools.”

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | November 16, 2023 | 5

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6 | November 16, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

NEWS

Sawnee Visitor Center approved for $2.3 million upgrade

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County officials approved a $2.3 million contract Nov. 7 to renovate the Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement with engineering firm Vertical Earth at a work session. County Public Facilities Director Dan Callahan said the renovations will expand parking at the site, add a new maintenance facility and renovate the building.

“There’s a lot of different moving parts in that renovation,” he said.

Callahan said while the Public Facilities Department is managing the project, the funding comes from the county’s Parks and Recreation budget.

The new agreement is the most recent effort to update the county’s largest park.

The 963-acre preserve on Spot Road features hiking trails, an amphitheater, outdoor amenities and a playground.

Commissioners previously approved an updated master plan to renovate the facility in 2021, which called for improved parking.

See SAWNEE, Page 7

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

The visitor center welcomes guests to the Sawnee Mountain Preserve at 4075 Spot Road. The Forsyth County Commission approved a $2.3 million contract Nov. 7 to renovate the facility.

COMMUNITY

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | November 16, 2023 | 7

City Center schedules Christmas tree lighting FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Cumming will host a Christmas tree lighting celebration from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at Cumming City Center.

Local Church Forsyth and Lou Sobh Automotive will present the ceremony,

Sawnee: Continued from Page 6 In May, the County Commission also approved a $390,574 contract for the construction of 12 educational and interactive exhibits at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center.

In other matters at the work session, commissioners voted to apply for a $3 million Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation for the upcoming fiscal year.

Jurisdictions can use the grant money to resurface local roads. Approval would mark the 14th year Forsyth County has received the GDOT assistance.

The county received funds from the program in 2023 to resurface 35 miles on some 131 roads, many in subdivisions. Other roadways included por-

which will feature live music by The Big Beyond, warm drinks and desserts from local vendors and family activities.

The tree lighting will follow the City Center Winter and Holiday Market, which includes 100 local vendors and

artisans, holiday activities, music and photos with Santa Claus.

The market will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 18.

tions of McGinnis Ferry Road, Johns Creek Parkway and connectors to Keith Bridge Road and Ga. 9.

If later approved, the 2024 grant would fund the resurfacing of roads in various subdivisions, as well as connectors to major roadways such as Ga. 20 and McGinnis Ferry, Keith Bridge and Bethelview roads.

The grant requires a maximum $1.2 million match from the county.

Road projects have been the subject of concern from commissioners following rising construction costs and funding hurdles such as the failure of TSPLOST in 2022.

County Commission Chairman Alfred John and other local officials discussed the difficulties of funding needed transportation projects at the Forsyth County Transportation Summit Oct. 31. One solution identified was state funding, like the GDOT grant.

The Board of Commissioners will

formalize the votes at an upcoming meeting.

Commissioners also adopted a resolution to formally recognize Veterans Day, as well as a resolution recognizing the 240 hostages taken in the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. The resolution marks the County Commission’s second formal statement supporting Israel, following a previous statement issued Oct. 10.

— Shelby Israel

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I saw a variety of adult diseases and sickness, to which many were either preventable or could have lowered risk with physical activity.

MIKE VIALPANDO, owner and head coach, Forge Roswell 8 | Forsyth Herald | November 16, 2023

Gym owner touts exercise to fight effects of pandemic

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns exposed an array of health problems in America.

Health officials say a person’s risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases as the number of underlying medical conditions they have grows.

The severity of illness from contracting the virus can be influenced by a person’s age, ethnicity or economic status, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention says.

The CDC drew attention to asthma, chronic organ diseases, diabetes and several other conditions for demonstrating a conclusive increase in risk for hospitalization, admission to the intensive care unit, intubation or mechanical ventilation or death.

The CDC estimates over 1,150,000 Americans have died as a result of COVID. An article in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health argues the lockdowns were not effective in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The authors, Moshe Yanovskiy and Yehoshua Socol, found neither previous pandemics nor the coronavirus pandemic provide clear evidence that lockdowns help prevent deaths.

See GYM, Page 9

A class takes to the streets for a warmup jog at Forge Roswell gym at The Mill in Historic Roswell.

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Continued from Page 8 “It is suggested therefore that a thorough cost-benefit analysis should be performed before imposing any lockdown in the future,” Yanovskiy and Socol wrote.

On the other hand, physical activity has proven one of the most important things Americans can do to improve their health.

One man’s local solution When Mike Vialpando acquired CrossFit NBK in October 2021, membership had declined amid lockdowns.

The 6,000-square-foot gym needed a community-based revival, Vialpando said.

There was a group of five coaches from the prior gym when Vialpando acquired it in 2021.

Today, there are 10 coaches at Forge Roswell.

The start of Vialpando’s coaching journey began when he left a 10-year healthcare career at St. Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta.

“I saw a variety of adult diseases and sickness, to which many were either preventable or could have lowered risk with physical

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | November 16, 2023 | 9

activity,” Vialpando said in a 2018 interview. “What I was seeing was hindsight healthcare, healthcare after the fact.”

Prior to acquiring the gym, Vialpando was head coach and manager for several years at another gym in Metro Atlanta.

Starting young He said starting a youth fitness program was spurred by his desire to address healthcare before patients reached the hospital.

Vialpando said he thinks the cost of a gym membership is much less than the cost of healthcare later in life.

While some members joined the gym for general conditioning and a sense of community, Forge Roswell’s unique style has allowed xit to retain and expand membership.

The workout programs at Forge Roswell are geared toward the individual’s desired level of functionality.

Vialpando encourages men and women of all ages to consider a 60-minute class at Forge Roswell.

The gym also has a summer teen program, which meets three days a week starting June 5.

“We taught kids how to safely and properly lift and move weights,” Vialpando said. “The whole goal is to create an active lifestyle.”

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SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — North Metro Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), a multi-jurisdiction tactical team, provides safety and protection throughout a large five-city community.

Formed in 2009, the North Metro SWAT originally consisted of Sandy Springs, Johns Creek and Dunwoody.

Later on, Brookhaven and Chamblee became a part of the unit.

Appen Media covers the three original North Metro SWAT police department members and each reflects on being a part of the unit.

In total, there are approximately 30 specially trained officers from each cities’ police department keeping safe a large population of residents with knowledge of each city.

The team has undergone rigorous specialized training in order to respond to hostage situations, barricaded suspects, heavily armed criminal engagement, counter-terrorism, active assailants and dignitary protection.

Sandy Springs Police Department “North Metro SWAT provides additional support to our law enforcement partners. The team primarily responds to violent barricaded subjects, hostage rescue situations, serves high-risk warrants, or any other situation outside the capabilities of uniform patrol,” SWAT Commander Capt. Norm Vik of the Sandy Springs Police Department said.

Sandy Springs currently has 15 SWAT officers.

Johns Creek Police Department “The team trains together on a regular basis and each representing agency Chief and Command Staff are consistently briefed and de-briefed regarding high-risk situation “call-outs” or planned operations that occur in each jurisdiction, Johns Creek Police Chief Mark Mitchell said. “The collaborative efforts and communication of SWAT team commanders ensures each city is on the same page and actively ready to respond when needed in each represented city or other law enforcement partners who need tactical assistance.”

Johns Creek currently has three SWAT officers.

Dunwoody Police Department “The North Metro SWAT team is a multi-jurisdictional special response team serving over 300,000 citizens in Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Johns Creek, Chamblee and Sandy Springs. Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan said.

JOHNS CREEK/PROVIDED

A North Metro SWAT vehicle sits in front of Johns Creek City Hall beneath an American flag.

“Each police department contributes equipment, people, and oversight to the operations of the team. North Metro SWAT responds to high-risk calls for service, conducts high-risk search warrants and provides other services as needed. The team provides a valuable service and helps keep the citizens of all five cities safe.”

Dunwoody Police Sgt. for Administration/Public Information Officer Michael Cheek said the department has eight allotted positions on the SWAT team. Four are currently filled.

Each police agency is responsible for salaries and equipment of their officers on the team, Cheek said.

Dunwoody Police Chief Grogan was recently awarded Outstanding Chief of Police for the State of Speaking at the Aug. 14 City Council meeting, Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch said Grogan’s calm approach to situations and his ability to see the big picture in keeping the city strong in public safety, has strengthened the city’s level of safety.

Throughout the years, the SWAT unit has had public engagement and awareness with vehicle displays, and officers training exercises within the five cities.

NEWS

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | November 16, 2023 | 11

SmartMED aims to innovate health care in Metro Atlanta

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — SmartMED, a drive-thru medical clinic at 612 Holcomb Bridge Road, seeks to innovate health care for Metro Atlanta residents by providing a quick and accessible alternative to the traditional office.

Roswell residents Stacy and Dr. Luke Lathrop founded SmartMED in fall 2022 after operating a COVID-19 testing site at Fellowship Bible Church.

Luke Lathrop works as an emergency room physician in Kennesaw, and while Stacy Lathrop said she had no medical background, as a mother of two young children, she had plenty of experience at doctor’s offices.

Stacy Lathrop, who now serves as SmartMED’s CEO, said it was a visit to the pediatrician at the beginning of the pandemic that inspired the idea.

“What was so nice about this is that because it was COVID, everything was shut at the pediatrician, so they actually came to the door to look at their ears and listen to them and had the whole visit without them getting out of the car,” she said. “And it kind of occurred to me at that point … why is everyone being forced to go inside and wait on appointments when you could just roll up and see a physician at the car door?”

The couple conceived a similar setup but for general medical services and began surveying patients to field interest in the concept. “… when COVID testing ended, we had this huge database of maybe 24,000 people that we had tested for COVID that had really demonstrated an interest in being seen for all different types of medical conditions in the car,” Stacy Lathrop said. “And we took that feedback, and we developed a model that is completely patient centric.”

Patients approach SmartMED much the same as customers would approach a fast-food drive-thru.

Then once a patient arrives, a staff member takes their insurance information and identification and creates a medical chart.

If a patient is new, they fill out two forms before pulling ahead to the second station, where another staff member takes their vitals. Finally, the patient pulls ahead to be evaluated by the physician.

Typically, a visit takes between 10 and 15 minutes, and it is completely done at the patient’s car door.

The drive-thru clinic also includes a full-service laboratory. Luke Lathrop said all lab tests are completed onsite, but staff calls the patient when their results come in, so waiting is unnecessary.

“Patients really like the convenience factor, that they don’t have to wait,” Luke Lathrop said. “There’s no real downtime. The whole time, they’re registered, they’re getting examined, vital signs are being taken, they’re discussing with the physician. So, the whole time is quality time, and then they’re on their way.”

Insurance companies, excluding Anthem, consider SmartMED a general medicine practice, so patients pay a primary care copay. SmartMED is in-network with all major insurance providers.

“We wanted to do more than just save people time,” Stacy Lathrop said. “We wanted to provide exceptional medical care that’s convenient, thorough and fast.”

The Lathrops first began offering services at their previous location, a tent at Fellowship Bible Church, around October 2022. The clinic offers diagnoses for

SMARTMED/PROVIDED

SmartMED at 612 Holcomb Bridge Road offers a full-service laboratory and treatments ranging from in-fections to weight loss. Stacy and Dr. Luke Lathrop founded the clinic in 2022 after operating a testing site during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SMARTMED/PROVIDED

Stacy Lathtrop is the CEO and co-founder of SmartMED, a drive-thru medical clinic at 612 Holcomb Bridge Road. She previously operated the clinic at Fellowship Bible Church alongside husband and co-founder Dr. Luke Lathrop until the opening of its permanent location Oct. 2.

pink eye, ear and upper respiratory infections; flu and RSV treatments; weight management medication; IV hydration; and stitches and sutures.

SmartMED staff also treat headaches, sinusitis, rashes, seasonal allergies, abscess drainage and infections.

Taking advantage of the database they collected during their COVID testing, the couple had a list of patients to welcome to their new clinic. But, as time went on, the drive-thru cemented a loyal following for its speedy treatment and hands-on care.

“I mean, I’m on the phone with people, if they need our help, I’m on the phone with them until 9:30 at night and on weekends when we’re not open,” Stacy Lathrop said. “I mean, they know that they can always reach us, and it’s just been such a such a joy to bring this to the community and see their reaction, and it just really fills my heart.”

Visit smartmeddrivethru.com for more information on services, hours and pricing.

unwoody Crier 11/16/23 Crossword

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12 | November 16, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

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14 | November 16, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

Calendar

NOV. 16 — NOV. 26

EDDIE B’S TEACHER ONLY COMEDY TOUR

What: Teacher and comedian Eddie B. produced a series of comical videos titled “What Teachers Really Want to Say,” and now he sells out comedy clubs, theaters and arenas with his Teachers Only Comedy Tour. But the show isn’t just for teachers. It’s for everyone who knows and loves them.

When: Friday, Nov. 17, 8 p.m.

Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: $40.95-$73.25 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

‘ELF THE MUSICAL JR.’

What: Based on the beloved holiday film, Roswell Youth Theatre presents this fish-out-of-water comedy that follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity.

When: Friday & Saturday, Nov. 17-18, times vary Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell Cost: $15 More info: roswell365.com

MAD MONSTER PARTY

What: This horror, sci-fi and fantasythemed convention will bring the world’s top genre celebrities and vendors together with their fans to trade stories, attend informative panels, buy autographs and fun merchandise, and visit with old friends.

When: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 17-19, times vary Where: Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia, 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: $35 or more More info: tickets.madmonster.com/e/ mad-monster-atl-2023/tickets

CUMMING CITY CENTER WINTER MARKET

What: Presented every fall, winter and spring, the City Center Market will allow up to 100 local businesses and artisans the chance to bring in unique and highquality items in a range of categories, such as homewares and decor, fashion and accessories, and gift and food items.

There will also be live music and other entertainment.

When: Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

JOHNS CREEK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS ‘AMERICAN SOUNDSCAPES’

What: American violinist Kevin Zhu will perform with youthful spirit and vibrant sound in this Americanthemed concert, featuring Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.”

When: Saturday, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek Cost: $15-45 More info: johnscreeksymphony.org

Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming More info: cummingcitycenter.com

More info: johnscreeksymphony.org

ARTS ALPHARETTA’S ARTISTS HOLIDAY MARKET

What: Comedians from Dad’s Garage, a comedy improv theater, will perform.

When: Saturday, Nov. 18, 7:30-9 p.m.

Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: $15-28 More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

What: Artists will display and sell small works in a market or festival set up, creating a seasonal retail experience.

When: Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street, Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

JOHNS CREEK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS ‘AMERICAN SOUNDSCAPES’

What: American violinist Kevin Zhu will perform with youthful spirit and vibrant sound in this American-themed concert, featuring Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.”

When: Saturday, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek Cost: $15-45

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AVALON ON ICE

What: Lace up your skates and glide into the holiday spirit at Avalon on Ice. When: Nov. 19-Jan. 15, times vary Where: The Plaza at Avalon, 400 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta Cost: $18 for entry, includes skates; $14 for ages 9 and under More info: experienceavalon.com/ events/avalon-on-ice

ROSWELL DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS ‘THE NUTCRACKER’

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When: Nov. 24-Dec.3, times vary Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: $27-$50 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

AUTHENTIC CHRISTKINDLMARKET IN ROSWELL

What: The first annual Christkindlmarket will be set up for your holiday season on the front lawn of Bulloch Hall with authentic food, crafts, drink and activities.

When: Nov. 24-Dec. 24, times vary Where: Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell More info: roswell-christkindlmarket. com

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AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | November 16, 2023 | 15

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16 | November 16, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

OPINION

Our Turkey bowl meant stitches or a sling I have to look back on Thanksgiving with memories that are probably not as unique as I like to think.

When Mom married stepdad BJ, not only did I have two stepsisters and a MIKE TASOS stepbrother to tease Columnist and watch out for, I was blessed to have a whole new crew of cousins, aunts and uncles.

It was as if we became some sort of a makeshift Osmond clan.

When the fourth Thursday in November rolled around, I had earned the giddiness that consumed me. Forget about the turkey and all those corresponding side dishes and desserts, the family Turkey Bowl was born and became a white-hot event that would have justified premium scalper prices if anyone wanted to buy a ticket.

The game started while I was in high school and lasted through most of college. At first, it was our side against the cousins. I could handle things until Cousin Stephen Whisler grew. I remember one year I chased

him up and down the gridiron for hours. Later on, he was a highly lauded player for the McFarland High (yes, the McFarland High made famous in the Disney film) Cougars.

He was a gifted running back and opposing players couldn’t catch him, either.

That’s when, like they talk about in Mafia parlance, we opened up the books. It wasn’t a recruiting scandal, but the cousins had us outnumbered, so I took to recruiting. I drafted best friend Klint and there were no illegal payments, just carte blanche at the dessert table that overflowed with 50 offerings.

Owning a “Junior” in every family around these parts is no big deal. We had a Cousin Junior who was as big as the Junior made famous on “Hee Haw.” Remember, this was in California, and we made pretty good sport of him by hollering “BR549” every time we leveled him.

The game became a hotly contested affair. It had to, after months of smack talking courtesy of Ma Bell and those late-night five minutes for 85 cents rates.

I suffered a separated right shoulder that still bothers me. The local

emergency rooms did brisk business.

One year, back in college after the Thanksgiving break and my injured right wing still tethered to my body, I received several calls about checks that had bounced. Puzzled, I went to the store. Sure enough, there were returned checks with “irregular signature” stamped across them.

I was lacking in being ambidextrous. My left-handed signature was an unrecognizable scrawl, and the store owner needed his money. This was in college and all the checks were from my liquor store of choice.

Can you imagine a bank being that vigilant today? Heck, can you imagine writing a check to buy groceries and booze?

Every year, the post-game feast was a Norman Rockwell painting times 10. Granny said the blessing.

I thought about getting a PA system so we could hear her and then get to overindulgence that stayed with you for days.

Inevitably, there was a friend who had nowhere to go on Thanksgiving.

They were welcome and it was no big deal. The holiday is made to be with others, and it was no insult to a guest when they heard: “Now who are you

with again?”

My sisters and girl cousins would gather and discuss the nonsense that goes together with being girls. This was in the days of having three TV channels to choose from. Most of the cousins were raised as Pentecostals (no TV). Naturally, they beelined for the delights being beamed into that little box.

Sadly, we cousins have lost touch with one another. Maybe a phone call. Inevitably, talk circles back to all those Turkey Bowls. Lots of good memories there that are resurrected.

Brother Matt and I talk frequently.

Brother Marty died last November.

As for the stepsiblings, too many bad words and feelings have tarnished the good memories. We’ve all moved on and don’t talk.

I’ll not be alone, but Thanksgiving makes me long for our gargantuan family gathering. It is a memory that still occupies a special place.

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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OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | November 16, 2023 | 17

THE INVESTMENT COACH

The fiduciary question answered with questions sion making by someone other than yourself, become important.

As soon as a child reaches age 18 in most states, he or she is an adult, and you as a parent will need a power of attorney to make health or other decisions in your offspring’s behalf. Disability and death are not respecters of age. Are wills or trusts in place and are they current? How are investment accounts and other assets held and in whose name or names, or held in trust? Are beneficiary designations current? These are legal questions and an attorney is a key member of your advisory team.

On Oct. 19, 1987, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 22%, the biggest one-day drop in American history. On Oct. 4, 2023, the Dow closed at 33002. A similar percentage drop today would be 7,260 points down. When it comes to investment options with the potential to produce returns in excess of taxes and inflation over time, you must have a realistic conversation about risk tolerance and time frames.

Everyone is a “risk taker” until the market declines.

Is a financial advisor a fiduciary?

You may get some idea relative to the questions asked, the depth of the discussions, the thoroughness of data gathering, and your feeling about a person as a true guide and ethical counselor who has your best interest at heart.

Lewis Walker, CFP®, is a life centered financial planning strategist with Capital Insight Group (CIG); 770-441-3553; lewis@capitalinsightgrp.com. Securities & advisory services offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA), which is otherwise unaffiliated with CIG. Lewis a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).

APPE

what challenges do you see, positive or negative, relative to the accomplishment of your goals and objectives? What questions do you have about where you wish to be in ten short years? Questions precipitate deep discussions relative to determining what alternatives are available given specific challenges. What resources are available to power the best alternative relative to a challenge? They may be financial resources. Perhaps human capital related (especially as that pertains to a closely-held business venture), or appropriate to other advisory resources in fields such as law, accounting, medicine, and/or other subject areas.

What do you wish to experience?

Human beings are complex creatures, and what’s in your best interest may be very different from someone else. Who else is involved in your envisioned future? What is the role of family, spouse, children, parents and grandparents, siblings, in-laws, business partners, anyone that you love and care about? Who depends on you? What are their needs and challenges?

When it comes to marriage, opposites do attract. Your spouse is likely to have very different answers to the above questions. He or she is likely to have varying degrees of concerns about any given challenge, priorities that differ from yours. The same may go for teenage children on the cusp of adulthood and the making of important life decisions. How do family dynamics play into your planning? A closely-held business is like a family of sorts, and if that’s your source of income as an owner or key person, how do those relationships play into goal achievement and desires for financial independence?

There are only three states of life. You’re okay, you’re not okay, or you’re dead. How do the realities of death, disability, divorce, disagreement, or dissolution play into your financial life planning? Such matters involve adequate cash reserves to take you through rough spots. Prudent and tax-wise uses of debt. All forms of insurance planning involving health coverage, disability insur ance, life insurance, liability cover age that includes separate umbrella liability coverage appropriate to your net worth. Given that at some point you are likely to be disabled or impaired in some fashion, especially as you age, legal documents such as powers of attorney for assets and health care, advance directives, and other considerations that allow deci-

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In discussing my career as a financial planner with a gentleman, he asked, “Are you a fiduciary?”

Since money managers and adviLEWIS J. WALKER, CFP financial sors increasColumnist ingly are assertThe Investment Coach ing that they are fiduciaries, what does that mean to you as a consumer of financial services?

Per Dictionary.com, as a noun a fiduciary is “a person to whom property is entrusted for the benefit of another.” As an adjective, fiduciary means “of or relating to the relationship of trust and good faith between a fiduciary and the person for whom the fiduciary acts.” In short, a fiduciary is morally, ethically and legally bound to render services and act in a manner that is in your best interest.

How does any professional in financial services, whether banker, insurance agent, stockbroker, or financial advisor, know what’s in your best interest?

You have a challenge as a consumer since “financial services” covers a wide range of disciplines, and money management offers far more options than existed 50 years ago when the first credentialed Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) graduated from the College for Financial Planning in 1973. Realizing that planning and the achievement of financial independence was about far more than the purchase and holding of bank products, stocks, bonds, other securities or insurance vehicles, the term “financial life planning” ultimately became fashionable. What impact have life events, joyful and tragic, had on your planning and long-term wellbeing, and by extension, financial strategies?

Ultimately, it’s the conversations that you have with an advisor about your life, past, present, and your potential future, and the depth of data gathered, that will form the basis for comprehensive financial life planning. What is your story? How did you get to where you are? How did family influences and life experiences shape your ideas and strategies regarding purpose in life, values, personal achievement, the earning of money, spending, saving, and risk taking? Where are you in terms of goal achievement?

As you ponder the next 10 years,

appenmedia.com/join

Road trip features interesting details of ’62 showdown For the past 15 years or so our Florida neighbor on the Island Virginia, has been telling us to come visit her in the fall in Nova Scotia – Cape Bretton Island to be specific.

“Come hang out RAY APPEN in my old cabin out Publisher Emeritus in the woods,” she would say. Since we have already spent time in her “hippie shack” in Vermont as well as her home base “third oldest frame house in Brookline (Boston suburb), we decided to take her up on her offer.

Cape Bretton Island here we come.

We flew into Boston where we met up with Christina’s best friend Elaine, and then everyone piled into Virginia’s Toyota van for the 14-hour drive into Northeast Canada.

Before we departed Boston, we visited the Kennedy Library/Museum as well as the Museum of Fine Art for two afternoons of pure joy. The Kennedy Library was stunning for anyone interested in the times of the Kennedy Administration.

I was especially struck by the Cuban Missile Crisis exhibit where I learned how literally close we came to a nuclear Armageddon. I didn’t know this specific chapter of the crisis.

It turns out that the Russians had two subs in the waters around Cuba during the crisis. As hostilities mounted, both maintained radio silence and were thus cut off from news about the confrontation. Our navy – which was blockading Cuba – knew they were there and began to drop depth charges designed not to destroy the subs but to put them on alert that we knew they were there. In the documentary, we are told that one of the Russian sub captains assumed that hostilities had started and armed his torpedoes to begin the attack on our fleet. His attack was ready to launch when the sub’s second in command persuaded him not to begin the attack and to surface instead.

Were it not for the second in command on the sub, the torpedoes would have been launched. That in and of itself was bad, but what was worse was that the torpedoes had nuclear warheads – nuclear warheads. That is how close we came to a nuclear Armageddon – one single guy.

Yes, it was just like in the movie but, the movie wasn’t fiction; it really happened.

More about Cape Bretton Island later!

I love New York pizza.

18 | November 16, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

PAST TENSE

OPINION

Jordon home on Spalding Drive served longer than intended

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

The old home that once sat along Spalding Drive just west of where Spalding crosses Ga. 400 was the home of Elon Mosley Jordon and Sarah Elizabeth Spruill Jordon. Driving along Spalding Drive toward Roswell Road, the home was on the

right.

Elon Jordon was born in Rex, Georgia, in 1897 and came to Dunwoody with his parents James D. and Lula Jordon in 1917. His family lived in a home along Roberts Drive that was previously owned by Larkin Martin. Elon and Sarah Elizabeth (Lizzie) married in 1924. Lizzie was the daughter of John Milton Spruill and Hattie Ann Hardin, who already lived in the area.

Elon and Lizzie built their home on land given to them by her greatuncle John W Ball. Elon started out by building a one-room home to live in while he built a larger home. The

materials for both homes came from the land.

Elon and Lizzie had three children, Mary Pauline, John David and Betty.

The 1930 and 1940 census records show the family living on their property in the Oak Grove district of Fulton County in what is now Sandy Springs.

They were making their living as farmers.

In 1967, the construction of Ga. 400 forced the family out of their old home and into a newer brick home moved to the property. The family moved, but the old home continued standing and Lizzie sometimes returned to it for cooking.

She preferred using the wood stove in the old home. The old farmhouse remained standing until 1986.

Elon and his son John David, known as J.D., were both skilled carpenters.

Elon became known for his birdhouses, made from poplar tree bark. They were sold at Hastings Nursery in Atlanta between the 1930s and 1960s. Elon also used his carpentry skills to make toys and rocking chairs for the students at Dunwoody School. When Elon Jordon passed away, he was referred to as Elon

PROVIDED

Elon Jordon and his dog in front of the family home on Spalding Drive, built around 1924.

M. “Birdhouse” Jordon in his obituary.

Elon and Lizzie’s son J. D. continued the tradition of building birdhouses and children’s rocking chairs. J.D.’s son, Larry Jordon, continued the tradition of making rocking chairs.

Larry Jordon graduated from Dunwoody Elementary School in 1962 and attended Chamblee High School.

He grew up in a home on Chamblee Dunwoody Road where St. Andrews subdivision is today. The home was built in 1948 on 12 acres.

One of Larry’s vivid memories is of a family trip made in the 1960s to visit his mother’s parents in Marietta. His family drove from Chamblee Dunwoody Road to Mount Vernon Road, through Roswell Road and on to either the Johnson Ferry Bridge or Powers Ferry Bridge over the Chattahoochee River. The two bridges were both one-lane steel structures then. Back in those days, there was only one traffic light along the entire route.

Elon Jordon died in 1972, and Lizzie Spruill Jordon died in 1985. They are buried together at Greenlawn Cemetery in Roswell.

Much of this history was provided

by Larry Jordon, grandson of Elon and Lizzie Jordon.

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.

INK PENN

From Long Island to London, mysteries that are ‘unputdownable’ As you search for your next great read, you’ll see the phrase, “an unputdownable mystery” or thriller or whatever genre the book falls into. I suspect the books fall short of KATHY MANOS PENN that hype all too Columnist often. For different reasons, the last two books I read truly were unputdownable, at least for me.

Both have witty, snappy dialogue, though one takes place on Long Island and the other in London. Both are contemporary novels with strong women characters. The Long Island story seems slightly less serious early on, but as it progresses, the stakes become higher—as in life and death for the protagonist.

The London tale focuses on lifechanging circumstances — how life can change in a flash for better or worse. In both books, it’s how the women shift their perspectives and handle what’s thrown at them that will keep you turning the pages.

“Takes One to Know One” by Susan Isaacs I recall reading Isaacs’ 1978 novel, “Compromising Positions” and finding it hilarious. I may or may not have seen the movie version, “Positions,” with Susan Sarandon, Judith Ivey and Raul Julia. I certainly don’t recall seeing Joe Mantegna as the murder victim.

But I digress (not unusual for me!).

I picked up this 2019 book when I saw a blurb about a second book featuring Corie Geller, a former FBI agent turned suburban housewife. Naturally, I went in search of the first one so I could start at the beginning of what may turn into a series.

I knew I’d made a good choice when I saw this “Wall Street Journal” review: “Ms. Isaacs is a witty author, but comedy gives way to terror as Corie’s inevitable confrontation with her dangerous quarry nears. All the foreshadowing and presaging pays off in spades, and the scenes that tie up loose ends are a pleasure to read.”

The WSJ nailed it. It’s the snappy and snarky dialogue that makes the book, though the mystery is wellplotted, too. The dynamics between Corie and her handsome husband,

Judge Josh Geller, and the cover story she lives so that her Long Island friends don’t find out about her past, lay a fascinating foundation for the mystery.

I recommend reading it for the laugh-out-loud moments, the family dynamics, and the twists and turns.

I’m off to find “Bad, Bad Seymour Brown,” the sequel.

“Someone Else’s Shoes” by Jojo Moyes What a story! We women certainly know the power of a good pair of shoes, whether it’s the heels that make us feel like a million dollars (until we walk in them for more than 10 minutes) or the go-to, practical and comfy flats that allow us to accomplish the endless tasks we tend to everyday.

This tale captures both as we get to know several strong women – strong in different ways, but in the end, strong. Nisha, the original owner of a pair of red Louboutin heels, is a glamorous woman wed to a powerful but controlling man. Sam, the hardworking career woman who unwittingly picks up the wrong gym bag, has little sense of style. She’s too busy

supporting her family in the wake of her husband’s job loss and depression.

She’s too busy dealing with the condescending boss who treats her as though she’s an idiot.

Then there are Jasmine and Andrea, friends – often saviors – of the two main characters. Nisha and Sam literally walk in each other’s shoes, and the plot showcases how doing so can change how you act, how you see yourself and what you can accomplish. Just when you think the story is over, the author throws in a twist you never saw coming. This is a book you don’t want to miss.

The only downside to reading two unputdownable books in one week is the lack of sleep. Fortunately, I’m retired and can indulge in my go-to cure for late nights, an afternoon nap.

Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her cozy mysteries on Amazon or locally at The Enchanted Forest, Bookmiser, Tall Tales, and Johns Creek Books. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ KathyManosPennAuthor/.

OPINION

GARDEN BUZZ

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | November 16, 2023 | 19

Another round of top gardening jobs for the fall

MARLYSA RAYE-JACOBUS Guest Columnist

If you’ve missed my fall gardening tips in my previous column, you can read them online at https://www. appenmedia.com/ opinion/columnists/ garden_buzz/. Here are more of my fall gardening tips.

Perennials Many people enjoy making a perennial garden or border to supplant the larger shrubs and trees. Annuals generally must be replaced every year, then die whenever a hard frost arrives. These more tender plants can sometimes return after a mild winter season. Generally, perennials may last as little as three years, or sometimes up to 25 years.

There is a perk with perennials: You may discover year-to-year that the patch of black-eyed Susans or hostas, or even lamb’s ears develop more plants. Fall is the ideal time to thin out your perennials, move them to another proper growing environment, and/or share your cuttings and divisions with fellow gardeners and neighbors.

Remember when selecting the perennials that you want to purchase from a reputable garden center or nursery, you should consider where the plant will be planted. Your garden needs diversity of pollinator plants, interesting foliage as well as their flowers, and diversity in texture, height, and color compatibility with surrounding trees, groundcovers, vines, shrubs and ornamental grasses.

Initially drawing a plan helps solidify where plants look best. Planning saves money and time. Space plants appropriately according to their eventual mature height and width.

Proper soil, good planting techniques and watering appropriately to successfully establish your garden are the keys to enjoyment and longevity of perennials.

Ornamental grasses This is an often-neglected group of plants that generally do not require much maintenance throughout the year. Some behave like annuals, such as purple fountain grass (pennisetum alopecuroides), and are beautiful in containers as the “thriller.” Ornamental grasses are easy to grow and their flowers, or fronds, appear in the fall. When the winter arrives, resist chopping the decorative seed heads off. Allow the nonmigrating birds to obtain food when it is scarce.

Ornamental grasses are generally sun-loving, and their clumps may widen

as they age. They also tolerate a large range of growing conditions, especially drought when they are well-established.

Mother Nature has mimicked certain plants to resemble perennials and grasses, causing weedy beds. Take the time to often inspect your beds for weeds (pull them out by hand; refrain from applying sprays or pesticides), insect damage, too-dry or too-wet soil areas, and plant diseases, such as powdery mildew.

You may cut back spring-blooming perennials. Continuous-blooming perennials do not like a “haircut” and will suffer if our winds and cold temperatures persist.

Learn more

Roses Roses are one of the most energyconsuming plants in your garden, other than veggie gardens and lawns/turf grasses. When you begin planting roses, you may become obsessed with caring for them. The key to success with roses is to provide the best environment for them from the start. Use well-prepared soil and choose a plant site with an abundance of sunshine. “Putting the right rose in the right place” is important. October happens to be the best time to transplant roses. March is the best time to plant. There are so many classifications of roses: hybrid tea, shrub roses, climbing roses, floribunda, old garden roses, grandifloras and modern roses.

About the author

Trees Our trees, both deciduous and evergreen, help homeowners define their property’s space. Planting a tree is always a valuable investment in the future. Trees are sold as “B&B,”or balled-and-burlapped, bare-root or container-grown. To correctly plant your tree, first dig a hole that is three times wider than it is deep. The hole should be at least twice as wide as the root ball. I usually fill the hole with a half-and-half mixture of native soil and amended soil.

The sooner the tree becomes adapted to its soil, the quicker it will be established.

Please consider the ultimate height and width when siting a tree on your property. Deciduous trees can be either formal or informal, and evergreens are used more in formal gardens. Just like other plant classifications, trees have several requirements: fertilizers, water needs, staking the tree correctly and pruning at the proper time of the year. You may begin planting B&B trees from mid-November to the end of January.

Shrubs This type of plant often doesn't stand alone in gardens. Shrubs become the

• Landscape Basics: Success with Herbaceous Perennials https://extension. uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1424&title=landscape-basicssuccess-with-herbaceous-perennials • Pampas grass - https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail. html?number=C983&title=pampas-grass • Roses in Georgia: Selecting and Growing Techniques - https://extension. uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1001&title=roses-in-georgia-selecting-and-growing-techniques • Native Plants for Georgia Part !: Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B987&title=native-plantsfor-georgia-part-i-trees-shrubs-and-woody-vines • Soil testing - https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/fulton/agricultureand-natural-resources/testing-services/soil-testing.html

This week’s guest Master Gardener “Garden Buzz” columnist is Marlysa RayeJacobus. Raised on the coast of southern New Jersey, Marlysa arrived in the Atlanta area in 1997 after five corporate moves. Initially, she became a Master Gardener through Ohio State University’s program in 1996 and interned in 1997-98 in North Fulton County. She is an active member of several horticultural organizations in addition to NFMG. Her passions are her seven grandchildren, traveling, playing tennis, reading and attending cultural events in the ATL area with her husband and friends. middle ground for the areas between herbaceous annuals, perennials and foundation trees. Just like trees, there are evergreen and deciduous shrubs, and here in North Georgia, there are also semi-evergreen or semi-deciduous shrubs. Siting shrubs based on the conditions of your property (wet or dry soil? small or large-sized specimens? textured versus smooth leaves? native or non-native?). October and November are the best times for planting shrubs. Use starter fertilizers and proper watering techniques for newly planted shrubs.

Ground covers and vines These two groups of plants are often the easiest to grow and require gardeners to patiently wait for their plants to get growing. By the 3rd year, these plants are really root-established and will prove it to you by their many types of flowers. Planting container-grown vines and ground covers requires that you mix good soil with loamy compost.

Rake up any leaves that conceal your ground covers because they need sunlight to continually develop strong root systems. Once a hard freeze happens, you should pull down annual vines and dispose of them. Insects love to overwinter within vines. Prune to remove any dead, diseased or broken sections of the vines.

If you have specific questions about how to take care of your plants this fall, call the UGA Extension Service of Fulton County located in the North Fulton

Service Center (7741 Roswell Road NE, Room 248, Sandy Springs 30350-4845) at 404-613-7670, or send an e-mail: northfulton.extension@uga.edu Happy fall 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. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/.

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20 | November 16, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

Veterans:

COMMUNITY

Continued from Page 1 Brumbalow said the new Veterans War Memorial at Cumming City Center reflects the city’s recognition of veterans’ contributions.

The program featured music by the Forsyth Central High School Flash of Crimson Band; prayer; performances by local students; a presentation of colors by the Forsyth County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office Joint Honor Guard; and a rifle salute by the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.

American Legion District 9 Commander Gary Ely said one of the Legion’s priorities is to advocate for health care, education and employment opportunities for veterans.

He said there are more than 6,000 veterans who commit suicide each year, and he encouraged the crowd to offer support.

“But Veterans Day is not just a day of celebration and remembrance,” Ely said. “It is a day of action. It is a day when we must recommit ourselves to the wellbeing of veterans and their families.”

Former Strategic Weapons Submarine Officer Bob Ravener delivered the keynote remarks of the morning. Ravener serves as a trustee on the Naval Academy Athletic Foundation for Athletic Scholarships and Programs and is a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 215.

While all speakers honored the service of veterans, some highlighted more specific experiences.

Gainesville Theatre Alliance at Brenau University freshman Maighen Parke recognized the history of women in the armed forces.

This year marked the 75th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which allowed women to serve in all four military branches.

“In the last 75 years, women have made great strides in serving their country,” Parke said. “… Today, women are taking on leadership roles, rising through the ranks and helping to shape the future of the U.S. military.”

The program concluded with a rifle salute, “Taps” and benediction by First Baptist Cumming High School Pastor Scott Carpenter.

“In this era of uncertainty and division, it is our veterans who serve as a unifying force,” Ely said. “They come from all walks of life, representing a rich tapestry of our nation. Yet, when they put on the uniform, they become an even greater power, the embodiment of the American spirit. Our debt to these heroes can never be repaid, but our gratitude and respect must last forever.”

PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

The Christian Fine Arts of Forsyth middle school choir performs “You’re a Grand Old Flag” at the annual Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 10 at Cumming City Center. Local students provided the musical selections at the service.

Cumming Mayor Troy Brumbalow welcomes guests to the annual Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 10 at Cumming City Center. Brumbalow said the service fulfilled his vision of City Center becoming a community gathering place.

Guests shelter from the rain at the annual Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 10 at Cumming City Center. The program featured music, prayer, a presentation of colors and a rifle salute.

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | November 16, 2023 | 21

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