Forsyth Herald - November 30, 2023

UGA’s Hairy Dawg packs City Springs N ov e m b e r 3 0 , 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 8

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Sheriffs enter boarding pact to ease jail overcrowding

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FILE PHOTO

The Forsyth County Jail in Cumming has arranged to board up to 70 male inmates from Fulton County.

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is housing Fulton County Jail inmates as the Atlanta facility on Rice Street struggles to manage a 100,000-case backlog and overcrowding.

Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman and Fulton County Sheriff

Pat Labat signed an agreement in April that allows up to 70 male Fulton County inmates to be boarded at the Forsyth County Jail on Veterans Memorial Boulevard.

“Fulton County’s court system is suffering a 149,200-case backlog from COVID-19 induced court closures, which, at times, has caused the Fulton County Jail to reach and exceed its maximum

capacity,” the agreement reads.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office pays $75 per inmate each day they are accommodated. The cost covers meals and medical services.

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Stacie Miller said the Forsyth County Jail housed 23 Fulton inmates in August, 26 in September and 23 in October.

County OKs study on road conditions Assessment to help identify needed upgrades

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County is commissioning a pavement study to determine which of its roads need improvements in 2024.

At its Nov. 21 work session, county commissioners unanimously approved a $210,113 contract with Roadway Asset Services to perform the study. The county will pay the company $146 for each mile analyzed.

There are 1,177 miles of paved roadways managed by Forsyth County.

County Deputy Engineering Director Tim Allen said

the study will focus on physical conditions of roadways, not traffic congestion and accident metrics.

Each roadway will receive a Pavement Condition Index, or PCI, rating, which ranks quality on a scale from zero to 100. Allen said pavement ranked below 70 points is in bad condition.

Allen said the county has always targeted roadways with the worst condition ratings for resurfacing. The county previously ranked pavement conditions in 2020 and 2021.

“This will update it for the entire county,” he said.

See ROADS, Page 13

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Forsyth County and the Georgia Department of Transportation are extending the Ga. 369 and Ga. 400 interchange project for an additional 421 days. The county opened the new overpass in April.

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2 | November 30, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

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Cumming man cited for improper passing FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 21-yearold Cumming man Nov. 11 who allegedly passed an emergency vehicle improperly while driving under the influence.

Deputies conducting a traffic stop around midnight on Bethelview Road reported the suspect passed without moving over or slowing down despite there being no traffic.

Deputies then pursued the suspect and stopped him near Luke Drive.

They reported smelling burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle, and the suspect showed multiple signs of impairment.

Deputies conducted field sobriety tests and determined the suspect to be impaired, the report states.

While searching the man’s vehicle, deputies reported finding a leafy green substance on the driver’s seat and floorboard that appeared to be marijuana.

The suspect was charged with misdemeanor DUI drugs and improper passing of an emergency vehicle.

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 70-yearold Gainesville man Nov. 15 who allegedly struck a woman’s vehicle on Ga. 400 in September.

The victim reported Sept. 17 that she was sitting in traffic on southbound Ga. 400 when a gold Kia

PUBLIC SAFETY Sportage rear-ended her. She said the suspect pulled over and offered to pay her $70 for the damage to her vehicle.

When she told the suspect she had already called the police, she said he became irritated, and she asked him to wait in his vehicle until deputies arrived, the report states.

She reported the suspect drove off, but she was able to photograph his tag, which returned to a rental vehicle.

Deputies reported observing the vehicle on Flock camera footage entering Forsyth County from Hall County multiple times.

Deputies contacted the suspect Sept. 20, and he confirmed he had rented the vehicle but denied the accident, the report states.

The suspect reportedly said he did not drive the vehicle Sept. 17 and continued to deny the accident when confronted about the camera footage.

Deputies reported asking the suspect if he would meet to complete a statement, but he refused.

He was later arrested and charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run and following too closely.

Cumming man arrested on traffic, drug offenses FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 52-yearold Cumming man Nov. 15 for multiple drug and traffic offenses following a traffic stop on Ga. 9 and Bethelview Road.

Deputies reported observing the suspect making erratic and aggressive lane changes near Sharon Road on Peachtree Parkway.

After pulling up alongside the vehicle, deputies reported seeing the suspect was not wearing a seatbelt, and they stopped the driver at a gas station.

The suspect reportedly gave deputies a fake name because his license had been suspended.

Deputies reported locating a small

plastic bag containing a white crystalline substance in the suspect’s pockets and a burnt foil that appeared to be a smoking device on the front seat of the vehicle.

The suspect reportedly told deputies he had nothing else that was illegal on his person.

During booking, Forsyth County Jail staff reported observing a “weird shaped” object on the suspect’s body, but he insisted he had nothing that was illegal.

Jail staff conducted a strip search, and when the suspect bent over and coughed, a small blue container of suspected crack cocaine fell from underneath his genitals, the report states.

Deputies reported jail staff found additional drugs in the suspect’s possession after a second strip search.

The suspect was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine and entering the guard line or jail under the influence.

He was also charged with misdemeanor failure to use seatbelts, improper lane change, driving while license suspended and giving a false name to law enforcement.

Phone chargers stolen off man’s front porch ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An Alpharetta man reported Nov. 15 someone stole a package containing two $25 cellphone chargers off his front porch on Lakeway Place.

The victim reported receiving a FedEx package around 1 p.m. Nov. 14, which he confirmed on his Ring Video Doorbell camera footage.

Some 10 minutes later, the footage showed a man taking the package from his porch and leaving the property, the report states.

Officers reported reviewing the footage, but the suspect’s face was not visible.

No suspects have been identified.

NEWS

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | November 30, 2023 | 3

Perimeter area jewelers mark 50th anniversary

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — Although the City of Dunwoody celebrates its 15-year anniversary at Brook Run Park Dec. 1, there is a pillar of the community with its 50-year anniversary already behind them.

Jewelry Artisans, located in Ashford Lane at 4500 Olde Perimeter Way, was founded in 1973 by David Geller, a thirteenth-generation jeweler, who left his family business to strike out on his own.

Geller, with a passion for custom design, opened his first little shop on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs just north of Mount Paran Road.

After about 20 years in business, and three different locations on Roswell Road, Jamie Kresl joined the team as the store manager.

In 2000, Kresl purchased the store with aspirations to add jewelry lines and expand the showroom.

Eventually, in 2006, Jewelry Artisans moved to its current location at Ashford Lane, an outdoor mall near Perimeter Center.

The warm, inviting studio and showroom has welcomed thousands of people in the past 17 years, earning Jewelry Artisans a reputation in the community.

With over 500 five-star Google reviews, the store’s reputation in Metro Atlanta is overwhelmingly positive.

Frankie Doughtie, a customer for 20 years, said she highly recommends Jewelry Artisans.

“Wonderful people to work with and very talented and trustworthy,” she said. “I wouldn’t go anywhere else for all my jewelry needs.”

Another customer, Ronda Powell, said it only took one week to have a ring with a missing diamond repaired at the store.

“They also helped design a new ring using stones from my deceased father’s ring that I can now wear in remembrance of him,” Powell said. “Highly recommend!”

This year, Jewelry Artisans won Appen Media’s 2023 Best of Perimeter award for best jeweler in the shopping and commerce category, beating out Camelot Jewelers, Status Jewels and Dunwoody Diamonds USA. What’s more, the store placed in the top three for the Atlanta’s Best Award for jeweler, losing to Worthmore Jewelers in midtown Atlanta and Decatur.

“As we look back over the past 50 years,” Kresl said. “We feel immense gratitude for the many friendships that have been forged, and the generations

JAMIE TUCKER/JET-IMAGING

The owner of Jewelry Artisans, Jamie Kresl, stands in the middle of the Ashford Lane showroom, with his team of designers, sales professionals and consultants.

Jewelry Artisans’ 50-year anniversary sale concluded Nov. 11. of families that we have been privileged to serve.”

Success starts at the top A large part of Jewelry Artisans’ success can be attributed to the can-do attitude of owner Jamie Kresl.

Like founder David Geller, Kresl’s passion for custom design hits home with clients looking to put their own unique spin on an item or seeking an unusual, non-traditional jeweler.

“The team is so friendly and helpful,” customer Robin Adams said. “I just bought two amazing [and] very unique rings today, and they helped with my repair needs as well.”

Kresl announced Jewelry Artisans’ once-in-a-lifetime sale Oct. 13, which was inspired by the family-owned business’ anniversary.

The anniversary sale made half of the store 50 percent off, including discounts from 10 percent to 40 percent in other areas of the store from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4.

Kresl said he extended the 50-year anniversary sale to Nov. 11 because of the excitement it generated among his clients and employees.

Also, some of Jewelry Artisans’ loyal customers were not up to date on the store’s Instagram page, @jewelryartisans, and requested an extension.

While the store’s showroom typically has four or five clients perusing the selection, the anniversary sale brought dozens of people to the Jewelry Artisans’ collection of unique and traditional designs.

“It was just an overwhelming success,” Kresl said. “We were very, very busy, probably busier than we’ve ever been outside of Dec. 23.”

Kresl said Saturdays were the busiest days of the sale.

The trusted jeweler is known for resizing rings, replacing watch batteries, restringing pearls and replacing necklace clasps.

They are also skilled in transforming

heirloom family rings into new pieces and turning small diamonds into earrings.

The store is uniformly praised in the Metro Atlanta community for their ability to update pieces and reset diamonds, making them a reliable choice for those looking to revamp their jewelry.

Kresl was able to preview some new offerings on the horizon at Jewelry Artisans before the start of the holiday season.

As a part of Kresl’s passion to offer unique, unusual and custom items in the showroom, he has followed the growing trend of lab-grown diamonds.

“Lab-grown diamonds are taking off big time,” Kresl said. “I would call us one of the leading suppliers of labgrown diamonds for... everything.”

Kresl says the possibilities for labgrown diamonds are virtually endless, but they are primarily used for engagement rings and fashionable jewelry.

“Whether it is a simple solder, an extensive restoration, a watch repair, pearl restringing or appraisal, we treat all of your jewelry with the utmost level of care,” Kresl said. “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be your personal jeweler.”

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4 | November 30, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

NEWS

Kemp extends suspension NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS of Georgia motor fuels tax

By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat ATLANTA – Gov. Brian Kemp extended the temporary suspension of the state sales tax on gasoline and other motor fuels Nov. 15, citing ongoing high prices and uncertain economic conditions.

Kemp signed an executive order extending the suspension through Nov. 29, which he said will help Georgians cope with high food and travel costs during the Thanksgiving holiday.

The state can easily afford going without the tax revenue the sales tax would have brought after ending the last fiscal year in June with $5 billion in “rainy-day” reserves and $11 billion in undesignated surplus funds, according to a report released last week by the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.

“Thanks to our responsible approach in budgeting, we’re able to deliver relief to families fighting through

the disastrous effects of Bidenomics,” Kemp said, criticizing what he called “failed” economic policies coming out of the Biden administration.

“I’m proud this action has helped keep millions of dollars in hardworking Georgians’ pockets and look forward to continuing to see that impact with the Thanksgiving holiday approaching.”

Kemp suspended the gas tax for a second time in September.

The governor is calling on the General Assembly to ratify the suspension when lawmakers gather under the Gold Dome late this month for a special session aimed primarily at redrawing Georgia’s legislative and congressional district lines following a federal court ruling that boundaries the legislature approved two years ago violated the Voting Rights Act. This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

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Opened: November 2023 Phone: (678) 626-7021 Address: 4448 Tilly Mill Rd Ste G, Dunwoody, GA, United States, Georgia Website: https://www. arkcoffeehaus.com/

Name: Perimeter Beauty & Barber Institute Owner: Brian Reynolds Description: Perimeter Beauty & Barber Institute is committed to improving our student’s future by motivating and providing long-lasting experiences in the growing demand for cosmetology. Our curriculum is relevant in preparation for state licens-

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Month Opened: November 2023 Phone: (470) 299-5145 Address: 4719 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, #205 Dunwoody, GA 30338 Website: https://www.perimeter.school/

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AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | November 30, 2023 | 5

UGA’s Hairy Dawg packs City Springs

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Hundreds of families and Dawgs fans from Metro Atlanta packed into the City Springs Studio Theater Nov. 19 for Cookies & Cocoa with Hairy Dawg, an annual event put on by one of the University of Georgia Alumni Association’s affinity groups — Women of UGA. The atmosphere was overwhelmingly optimistic after the Bulldogs defeated the University of Tennessee Volunteers 38-10 in their last conference game of the 2023 season.

The annual Cookies & Cocoa event has become a tradition in many Metro Atlanta households, according to Women of UGA councilmember Mandy Rodgers.

Women of UGA have put on the event every year since 2017.

While last year’s event was held at Villa Christina in Brookhaven, this year’s event was held at City Springs for the first time.

“We do try to look at the map and make it as central as possible, which is hard because we have such a big alumni group,” Rodgers said.

The UGA Alumni Association created four affinity groups to be led by 15-person leadership councils who steer the mission

and programming for each distinct group.

The other three affinity groups are UGA Black Alumni, Young Alumni and Latino Alumni.

Rodgers said the entire alumni community is invited to the affinity group’s signature event.

Women of UGA selected a specific charitable organization for the first time in the annual event’s history.

The alumni group raised over $10,000 for Embark@UGA, a campus-based initiative for students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, according to a Women of UGA Facebook post Nov. 21.

Proceeds from donations, UGA bookstore purchases and admission fees for the event contributed to the charitable donation.

While the event was at a new venue this year, all the previous activities, including story corner with special guests, “Letters to Uga” activity station, cookie decorating and the Hairy Dawg Holiday Photo.

“We try to do the photos at the beginning because everyone wants to have their kids as clean and crisp as possible,” Rodgers said.

For each of the four time slots from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the City Springs Studio Theatre, story time began at the half-hour mark, giving everyone ample time to take a

photo with Hairy Dawg.

After gathering all the young Dawg fans in the story corner, the Alumni Redcoat Pep Band performed to conclude the event.

While author and former wide receiver Malcom Mitchell has been a special guest reader in previous years, Rennie Curran and his daughter Eleana read their book, “What Does It Take To Be a Star?”

Curran is a former professional athlete, three-time All-American at the University of Georgia and the chief executive officer of Game Changer Coaching.

The Currans were asked how it felt to be able to share their motivational children’s book at an alumni event.

“For me, it’s definitely an honor because UGA is such a big part of my life and

a big part of how I’m able to pass on my experiences to her,” Rennie Curran said.

“It felt good because I want to empower little kids,” Eleana Curran said. “…to tell them that there is a way to become what you want to become, as long as you put that work in.”

C. Lee Zell, president of the University of Georgia Alumni Association Board of Directors, was also in attendance.

Zell joined Miss UGA 2023 Sarah Park and Chuck Kinnebrew to serve as special guest readers at different time slots throughout the day.

“I came here with my daughter, and it was actually her first time meeting Hairy,” Alpharetta resident Dan Middleton said.

“We got some great Christmas photos…this is a great event and its local.”

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HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

The Women of UGA Leadership Council takes a photo with the team mascot, Hairy Dawg, Nov. 19. The alumni group raised over $10,000 for Embark@UGA, a campusbased initiative for students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

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

“When we opened this place up, I think, above all else, we wanted this to be a space where people could come and gather and spend time together and have good conversation.”

BROOKE LIBBY, barista and manager, Warm Waves Coffee House 6 | Forsyth Herald | November 30, 2023

Café serves community in downtown Alpharetta

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The family-owned Warm Waves Coffee House on North Main Street serves as a gathering place with an intentional and curated menu for the Alpharetta community.

Some 15 years ago, Milton resident Kenny Libby said his wife Shawn gifted him a coffee roaster for Father’s Day, and he began sampling different beans and coffees.

“It was just such a difference between what you buy at the grocery store and roasting fresh coffees,” Kenny Libby said. “It kind of became a personal hobby of mine. I just loved it.”

Initially, Kenny Libby shared the coffee he roasted at home with friends and family. But, when his daughter Brooke needed to fundraise for a World Race gap year mission trip, she thanked those who donated with coffee.

The Libbys then set up shop at the Alpharetta Farmers Market in 2018 and soon found success.

“The next year, we signed up, and we built an espresso bar and then stepped it up and started making espresso drinks and more offerings, and it just became really popular,” Kenny Libby said.

With a proof of concept, he said the family purchased a commercial coffee roaster that year to be housed in a building he owns in Norcross.

Throughout 2019, he was trained through the Specialty Coffee Association and received his professional roasting certification.

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Warm Waves Coffee House borders North Main Street in Alpharetta Nov. 17. The family-owned coffee shop serves espresso, tea, seasonal drinks and fresh pastries.

Coffee:

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Menus, hours and more information can be found at warmwavescoffee.com.

Continued from Page 6 “Our goal when we started this was to become wholesale coffee roasters,” Kenny Libby said. ”Our plan wasn’t to open a coffee shop. At the end of 2019, we felt pretty good about the quality of our coffee that we were roasting, and we felt comfortable starting moving past just friends and family with the coffee and start selling it to the general public.”

The new business venture hit a hurdle when the COVID-19 pandemic forced Warm Waves to close its existing accounts.

But, on the way home from the last Alpharetta Farmers Market of the season, Kenny Libby said he and daughters Brooke and McKinley spotted a former day spa for lease at 52-A N. Main St. “We signed the lease in December of 2020 and then built out the place and opened up in August of 2021,” Kenny Libby said.

Warm Waves serves the standard fare of tea and espresso in traditional sizes, but guests can also sample seasonal drinks crafted by the shop’s baristas, including bourbon butterscotch, sweet potato pie and fall spice.

“I think, in general, we are just

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

McKinley, Shawn, Kenny, Woods and Brooke Libby smile outside Warm Waves Coffee House Nov. 17 on North Main Street in Alpharetta. The family-owned coffee shop opened its doors in 2021 after testing the waters at the Alpharetta Farmers Market. really proud of our sauces and our syrups, and I think that sets our menu and our coffee apart in a lot of ways,” Brooke Libby said.

Brooke Libby now works as a barista and manager at the Alpharetta coffee shop. She is also set to become manager of Warm Waves’ forthcoming

second location in Suwanee.

She said the shop’s fan favorite flavor is the beehive, a combination of cinnamon, vanilla and honey, but its lavender and vanilla flavor is a popular summertime choice.

“When we opened this place up, I think, above all else, we wanted this

to be a space where people could come and gather and spend time together and have good conversation,” Brooke Libby said.

The sourcing of Warm Waves’ coffee is also a priority. Kenny Libby said the shop works with small farmers to cut the middleman and maximize profits for the small-scale operations.

The coffee shop works with an eighth-generation Honduran coffee farming family, a boutique partner in Nicaragua and a family-operated Ethiopian company.

Beyond the coffee, Shawn Libby said Warm Waves serves a variety of fresh pastries in partnership with St. Germain Bakery in Atlanta.

The shop also employs an in-house chef who prepares blueberry muffins, orange cardamom cake, quiches and egg bites.

“We try to incorporate a little bit of everything so people can have something nice to eat, excellent coffee, great atmosphere, positive vibes, good community,” Shawn Libby said. “And our goal is, really, to partner with local, family-owned businesses as well.

That’s really important to us because we’re a family-owned business.”

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Local News Is Growing This year, even more than ever before, the news is in crisis.

More than 17,000 news media jobs were cut just by June, at national and local outlets including at some of the biggest names like NPR, The Texas Tribune and Gannett. In fact, newsroom layoffs are up 20% from last year. Some of these outlets laid off more than 10% of their staff in the last few months — even as we head into a critical election year.

These are devastating numbers. But all is not lost.

Many local and independent newsrooms continue to launch across the country. Small newsrooms like ours continue to grow, adding new journalists and expanding reporting and investigations.

How is that possible? It’s all thanks to readers like you. Local news is different from other outlets: we’re strengthened by supporters who believe in the power of journalism that cares about its community.

Today, during our end-of-year campaign, consider supporting us. Our newsroom — and our community — will be stronger because of you.

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OPINION

Clean MRI: Now, it’s my turn to give I have tried to not make a big deal of it, but I can count myself, I’m sure many of you do, as a cancer survivor.

It has a nice ring to it. Yet, the “Big C” is always there in my mind.

MIKE TASOS Mine was an Columnist encounter with kidney cancer. We had a tiff and kidney cancer won.

Sort of.

I’ve become a believer in Al Michaels’ “Do you believe in Miracles!!??” line. I spent in the Northside Forsyth ER in mid-October 2020. Everyone from the doctors to the custodian swore I had a whopper of a kidney stone on my right side. They all guessed wrong.

It turned out to be a whopper of a tumor on my left kidney. Try to figure that one out!

When anyone who can make such a proclamation says “cancer” you hear

nothing else for a few minutes. There are words like “removal,” “robot,” and “survival rate.” It’s a surreal experience with thoughts of taking a “dirt nap” at the forefront of your thoughts.

I had come to grips that I was going to succumb to “Lefty” leaving the building, with the help of Dr. Adam Mellis and a robot.

I had my priorities straight, making sure I could enjoy Christmas and the national championship game. The surgery was a piece of cake. I was delirious as I was being wheeled out of surgery. I swore to those used to listening to postanesthesia ramblings that the robot winked at me and gave me a steel fist bump.

I know Dr. Mellis reassured me by saying: “We got this!” And we did! At least he and the robot did.

Ever the skeptic, all the armchair quarterbacks tried to assure me as well. “You’ll be fine with one kidney.”

My retort seemed logical, clarifying that the person telling me this hadn’t been winked at by that robot. “Why

is it that everyone telling me that has both a Lefty and a Righty?”

But by golly, everyone has been right, so far.

I began Thanksgiving week by returning to Northside once again for my regular MRI/chest X-ray parlay. Then it was nervous time until I received the call that all is well, and that Lefty deserves some extra love this Christmas. He should be on Santa’s “good” list. I’ll reward his good behavior but sending him lots of water.

I see Dr. Mellis regularly and it doesn’t seem like nearly enough, but I make sure to thank him for saving my life. I wish I could give him the gift of a nap. He has two young boys and I’ll bet sleep is at a premium.

This is a perfect time of the year to “pay it forward.” I experience real joy in rewarding those who truly appreciate getting a little something extra.

I’m not real good about tipping for takeout food, figuring there’s little ”service” involved.

Find a waitress who’s working her

feet to be like hamburger but fighting through it with a smile on her face.

But put a $50 or $100 in her hand and watch that smile illuminate like Rudolph’s nose.

I can’t help but think gestures like that will reinforce there’s still good in the world and help someone appreciate that others have taken note and want to say “thank you.”

With a mailbox that is positively crammed with catalogs asking you to buy and random charities asking you to stroke a check, I have found snatching a card or two off the giving tree at church has more meaning. I have a personal prejudice in not wanting others to not be happy at Christmas.

Here’s betting many of you feel the same way.

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.

Balancing needs, wants and stuff These times are interesting.

Sometimes – well actually, often – I catch myself feeling overwhelmed with “stuff.”

Much of the “stuff” seems out of my control which is frustrating. However, perhaps RAY APPEN an equal amount Publisher Emeritus usually is within my control because I am the one who created it.

Sometimes I try to step back and organize what all this “stuff” is really. So, we have “obligations” – like, for example, promises I have committed to like doing work or paying a bill, attending a meeting, or working in the yard etc. Then there are “needs” – stuff that might include going to the dentist or getting that 5-year colonoscopy. These differ from those “wants” though and while “wants” one would think should not be stressors, if you comingle those with the promises, obligations, and needs, collectively they usually create the big “S” – stress.

My sister’s 16-year-old daughter has recently been having health issues; she can’t hold food down and gets excruciating pain in her gut area. Like, she hasn’t really eaten in the last three weeks and has been

in the ER at least three times but possibly four times or more. They still can’t identify with any degree of confidence what the problem is. Mind you – she lives in Boston and is being treated in one of the best hospitals in the country.

So where is the connection between all “my stuff” and the health problems of my niece? Well, which connection should I throw out there?

The default “connection” is going to have to be that we all struggle with life and that today’s “life” may just be the most difficult ever. All it takes is to turn on the TV or go to your news-source online and experience a tidal wave of datapoints all converging on your brain and body simultaneously. Nothing is static. Everything is changing / evolving – continuously. You don’t know what is true. You don’t know who is honest. You don’t know who to trust.

We-are-drowning in information that we cannot process.

And this is even before that other tidal wave has arrived at scale – AI. In 1971 – over 50 years ago - social scientist Herbert Simon (who would win the Nobel prize in economics in 1978) wrote the following: “In an information-rich world, the wealth of information means a dearth of something else: a scarcity of whatever it is that information consumes. What informa-

tion consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention."

He also observed (in 1971) this: "Even before television, we lived in an environment of information conveyed mostly by our neighbors, including some pretty tall tales. We acquired a variety of techniques for dealing with information overload. We know that there are people who can talk faster than we can and give us an argument on almost any topic. We listen patiently, because we cannot process information fast enough to refute them; that is, until the next day, when we find the hole in their argument. A relevant rule that my father taught me was, "Never sign in the presence of a salesman." By adopting such rules and their extensions, we allow ourselves the extra processing time needed to deal with the information overload. ... I think that all levels of intelligence, human beings have common sense protecting them from the worst features of their information environment. If information overload ever really gets the best of me, my last resort is to follow the advice of Gertrude Stein in the opening pages of The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas: `I like a view, but I like to sit with my back turned to it.'

I wrote my niece a letter telling her how

much we loved her and how much she was on our mind. I tried to say that in a world where there was so much “stuff” that she needed to listen to her body first because so much of everything else was not trustworthy; she could, however, trust her own body and her own instincts.

I wanted to tell her that if she would put down her phone – and computer- for 30 days and avoided any and all social media during those 30 days and, at the same time, reconnected with her body through exercise, meditation, and walks in the woods and such, that I was sure that the impact could be staggering.

We need to create space for ourselves and for each other – space where context has the time to grow and be appreciated.

We need to recognize the toxic nature of unrestricted data and unrestricted access. We need to slow down and touch things and people – and feel drops of rain. Data is not people; it is not alive, nor does it nurture.

People nurture: we need each other, face to face.

“Not even the rain has such small hands” – EE Cummings, “Somewhere I have never traveled, gladly beyond” “Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore” – Dorothy, Wizard of Oz

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12 | November 30, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!

OPINION

Trout on Tenkara: adventures continue We are ankle-deep in a small stream somewhere up in northern Georgia, and we are fishing for trout with tenkara.

Tenkara, you may remember, is that traditional Japanese fixed-line approach to STEVE HUDSON flyfishing that doesn’t Columnist use a reel. It’s kind of like high-tech cane pole fishing, in a way, but with high-tech rods and with flies. It’s clean and sweet and elegant, and we are both becoming real fans.

Anyway, we’re on a small stream, about ten feet across, and the fish are sized accordingly. There are plenty of them, too, and she is catching her share.

But despite her success, there is a look in her eyes that I recognize. I’ve seen it before. I wait patiently for her to put the thought into words.

“So,” she says at last. “These little ones are fun. But could somebody land a BIG trout on tenkara?”

That made me wonder: What would it be like to take on one of those giant trouty leviathans on a fixed-line tenkara rod?

The idea is intriguing, and the prospect seems feasible. In fact, there are a number of trophy trout fisheries hereabouts where it might possibly happen too.

So where and when?

She takes a look at the calendar, and I make a couple of calls. And that’s how we find ourselves one brisk November day at The Retreat at Hiawassee River, standing

knee-deep in clear and icy cold water and thinking of big ol’ trout.

The Retreat at Hiawassee River is a popular wedding and event venue near the north Georgia town of Hiawassee. Good wedding venues are always nice to visit.

But for flyfishers, there’s another big draw here. A section of the Hiawassee flows through the property, and lurking in that lovely stretch of water are some trout of (how to put it) thought-provoking proportions.

Trout like that one there – “Did you see that?” she says.

I turn toward where she’s looking, toward a patch of water where ripples like small tidal waves are slowly spreading across the surface.

“Was that a trout?” she asks in disbelief.

Yes it was. And a very, very good trout too.

“Okay,” she says, opening the rear hatch on the car. “Where is the rod?”

A moment later she’s ready.

“No waders?” I ask, seeing that she’s still got on her hiking shoes.

“I think I’ll just fish from that little gravel bar,” she says, calling to me over her shoulder, for she’s already on her way to the water.

In seconds she’s in position, up close to water’s edge within easy range of a run on the far side of the flow.

In her hand is a Kyojin II tenkara rod from Zen Tenkara, a purpose-built big fish rod. It should handle these trout with ease, and it proves to be an accurate casting tool, too. In addition, with a

length of just 12 feet, it’s short enough to handle relatively tight conditions should they occur – and on a stream like this, they might.

I ease up and join her at water’s edge, far enough back so as not to spook fish.

“Try it over there by the bank,” I suggest helpfully, but she’s already making the cast and drops the little nymph rig about an inch from the very spot I was eyeballing.

The current is smooth, and the strike indicator (that’s flyfishing talk for “bobber”) begins to drift downstream.

Drift…drift…nothing…

She casts again…another drift…still nothing…

But she is patient and focused and casts yet again. I can tell that she senses that the run has something to offer…

Cast…drift…

This time the indicator stops, bobs, and suddenly disappears.

She sets the hook. Something happens under the water. The line goes tight, and the rod bends like we’ve never seen it bend, like there might be something profound on the other end of the line.

And there is. Several minutes later we get our first glimpse of what’s happening below as a swirl breaks the surface. A shape begins to materialize. It grows more distinct.

“It is HUGE!” she says.

She handles the rod adroitly, holding the upper part of the grip with her rod hand and bracing the lower grip on her forearm, using the fingers of her other

hand to touch the rod above the grip for greater control. She works the rod back and forth, keeping it low, controlling the fish. The rod does its work. She does hers too.

The fish flashes at the surface.

“Oh my,” she says, her voice intense, low, and still the battle goes on.

After a while, the fish tires. She moves it toward the shore. I net it for her, as proud of her fish as I have ever been of anything, as proud of her as I have ever been of anyone.

And the fish is really, truly, absolutely huge. How big? Almost too big for the net! Sometimes inches and pounds lose their meaning, and “big” is all that matters. This is one of those times.

This fish cooperates. We get a photo, and we get a picture of the two of us as well. We ease the fish back into the water, and with a single flick of its tail it disappears into the depths it calls home.

It’s the first of many big fish that day.

All on tenkara.

And we have our answer.

Big fish on tenkara? You bet – and there’s a kiss too right there by the river as the big one swims away.

“Now move,” she says, grinning. “I want to make another cast. I think there might be one more…right…there…”

She casts. The indicator begins its drift…

For info on the Zen Kyojin II, visit zentenkara.com For info on The Retreat at Hiawassee River, visit hiawasseeretreat.com

THE INVESTMENT COACH

Home from war and adjusting to a new normal This column was written on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2023. Fiftynine years ago, in 1964, I was a young Air Force officer stationed at Tan Son Nhut Base in Saigon, LEWIS J. WALKER, CFP Air Vietnam. The Columnist day before this The Investment Coach Veterans Day, a special mass was held at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Johns Creek to honor veterans. A reception followed at Holy Redeemer Catholic Elementary School. At the reception, a little girl handed me an adorable handmade card as she said, “Thank you for

your service.” Inside a note read, “Thank you for protecting our schools, neighbors, and most of all, us!” The card is a keeper; the sentiment, much appreciated.

On Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article entitled “Your New Co-Worker Is a Total Drill Sergeant,” subtitled, “Companies hungry for new recruits line up to hire military veterans,” commanded my attention. Callum Borchers, the writer of the piece noted, “Veterans and companies that recruit from the armed forces say vets’ appeal is rooted in hard work, humility and attention to detail. Many a manager has complained to me that such qualities are hard to find in the age of quiet quitting and “coffee badging.” The “coffee badging” trend is a way that workers use to get away from returning to office mandates. A piece on

forbes.com noted that employees show up at the office to have a cup of coffee, be seen, and “earn an imaginary badge for it, then go home to do their work.”

This writer serves as vice-chairman of the board of a financial services company headquartered in Atlanta. The CEO has been wrestling with how to get folks back into the office in our post-pandemic era where “what was” does not seem to be “what is” currently. While adjusting to new realities post-COVID is not the same as “coming back into the world” after a tour of duty in a war zone, there are parallels.

Out of college less than two years, and a transportation officer in the U.S. Air Force at Lincoln Air Force Base, Nebraska, in late November 1963, I left for Vietnam. After some training in the

Philippines on the realities of guerrilla warfare and the ever-present threat of terrorism, what the Israelis are dealing with today, by the way, I was stationed at Saigon’s Tan Son Nhut Air Base, the gateway to South Vietnam at that time.

The base shared runways with the civilian airport and was the headquarters for the Vietnamese Air Force and Military Assistance Command Vietnam. While not a pilot, I flew trips each month on C-123 aircraft to supervise deliveries to bases in the delta to the south and to the north, many of which were composed of dirt and clay air strips. Because we lived under the constant threat of bombings in town, attacks by the Viet Cong, and aircraft being shot at, I received hazardous duty pay.

See WALKER, Page 13

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | November 30, 2023 | 13

THE INK PENN

In one way or another, all books are mysteries I’m a huge fan of mystery novels, and you can always find at least one in the stack of books on my nightstand. Not all of them, however, are murder mysteries. You’ll find the occasional art heist crime caper in the KATHY MANOS PENN or mix, and, on occaColumnist sion, a mystery of an entirely different nature.

“Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett I’ve delayed writing a review of this amazing book because I’ve found it difficult to find words to describe it.

Engrossing, moving, a story I haven’t stopped thinking about since I finished the book a week ago--none of that quite captures how I feel about it.

It’s the tale of a family living on their Michigan cherry farm during the pandemic. The two younger adult daughters have returned to the farm their parents run and are sleeping in their childhood rooms. One is still a college student taking classes long distance. Another is a would-be actor worried her career opportunities may be passing her by. The eldest, who never left, will one day take on the family farm.

Lara, their mother, was once an actor who was renowned for her portrayal of Emily in “Our Town.” She embodied Emily, especially when she played the role at Tom Lake, a regional theater in

Roads: Continued from Page 1 The study employs automated data collection vehicles that scan lanes to create 2D and 3D images of pavement distresses.

Roadway Asset Services will present annual findings to the Board of Commissioners at formal meetings. The study will run through 2026.

Funding for infrastructure improvements remains an ongoing concern this year for Forsyth County officials.

Earlier in November, commissioners voted to apply for a $3 million

Michigan.

The daughters turn their confinement together into an opportunity to learn the full story of their mother’s romance with a famous actor. Do we ever think of our parents as having romantic lives? Or do we see them merely as parents? In this book, the girls delve into the romance, perhaps learning more than they bargained for. At the same time, Lara and her husband reflect on their life together.

I’m fond of saying that all books are mysteries at heart. This magical book unveils the mystery behind relationships. As one review says, it “enfolds the nature of storytelling, the evolving dynamics of a family, and the complex interaction between destiny and choice.”

I highly recommend this latest Ann Patchett masterpiece. Don’t just put it on your TBR list. Put it on your “mustread now” list. Can you hear me saying in my command voice, “Get thee to the nearest bookshop and start reading it today?”

“The Curse of Braeburn Castle: A Scottish Castle Murder Mystery”

by Karen Baugh Menuhin Now, for a murder mystery. This is the third book in Karen Menuhin’s Heathcliff Lennox series, and I found it every bit as entertaining as the first two.

Lennox, who detests the first name his mother saddled him with, served as a pilot in WW I. He’s 30ish, good looking and a trifle shy and awkward with the ladies.

Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation for 2024. Jurisdictions can use the grant money to resurface local roads.

The county also hosted a Transportation Summit in October that focused on financing road projects that have been held back by rising construction costs and local funding hurdles such as the failure of TSPLOST in 2022.

The 2024 PCI ratings could help officials identify areas to prioritize for funding in the future.

In other matters at the work session, commissioners voted to extend the length of the Browns Bridge Road and Ga. 400 interchange project for an

As do many amateur sleuths, he stumbles into a murder investigation in Book One and runs afoul of the law.

In this installment, he’s developed an uneasy relationship with the Scotland Yard inspector from the first adventure and been called into help.

Enter a team of archaeologists, a ghost, a castle, and a murder, of course, and you have the perfect ingredients for a murder or two or three. You never know.

His adorable pets — Mr. Fogg the dog and the kitten, Mr. Tubbs — accompany him everywhere and add a delightful dimension to his personality.

Read this cozy mystery for the atmospheric Scottish island setting, the well-plotted mystery and characters you’ll grow to love. I’m adding “Death in Damascus,” Book Four in the series, to my TBR list, and I’m happy to report there are 11 books in the series.

There you have it, two mysteries.

One about the choices we make in life and how they shape us, the other about a dashing WW I veteran on a sleuthing adventure on a remote Scottish island. Both are entertaining in their own ways.

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/.

additional 421 days.

Previously, drivers entered and exited Ga. 400 from Browns Bridge at a signalized intersection, which was removed in April when the new overpass opened.

“There’s no cost associated with this, and this is updating the agreement between the county and GDOT to recognize weather-day time extensions and time extensions that we’ve already granted to our contractor in other change orders that have been brought to the board,” Capital Projects Director John Jefferson said.

The Board of Commissioners will formalize the votes at upcoming meetings.

Walker: Continued from Page 12 In short, I learned quickly that the world was not one big cocktail party.

I had to show up, do my job, and stay at the base for long hours if need be. I learned to make quick decisions, often under pressure, and perform as if lives depended on it, because they did. When given an order by a superior officer, the only answer was, “yes, sir.” When I gave an order, I expected the same response.

Salute and be saluted. If I had told my superior officer that “I really don’t think I want to show up for the war today,” I’d have received a response totally unprintable in this newspaper. Between December 1963 and December 1964, I grew up. Fast. I did not see it then, but my military experience was a gift that was of incalculable value after I returned to civilian life.

When you’re in a war zone, all you think about is survival and getting home. While I won’t get into details, there were times in Vietnam when I seriously faced the reality that “I could die today.” There are some reading this that faced the threat of death from COVID, and/or who had loved ones or dear friends plauged by the disease. Some of you had loved ones on ventilators in hospitals. Those who recovered are just glad to be alive, appreciative of the gift of life. All of us that went through COVID have had to adjust to a new normal of some kind. While going back to the office or job site post-COVID is not the same as coming back from a war zone, there are similarities.

Adjusting to a “new normal” of any kind, post-war zone, or post-COVID, is new, yes, but it isn’t normal. It’s hard to go back to “what was.” But for many, going back to the office or other workplace is important. It’s where you learn teamwork. It’s where you grow and learn from others. It’s where you get noticed, important when promotions are considered.

Employers should look for ex-military recruits. Many are glad to be home. They are proud of their service, proud of our country, proud of their families, and proud to be a breadwinner in the greatest country in the world. Don’t believe we are the greatest country in the world?

Spend some time in a war zone, or in a third world country.

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).

14 | November 30, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

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Director – Technology, OT423 (Opus Technologies Inc., Alpharetta, GA): Mnge all phases of Agile sw dvlpt prjcts usng Agile procsses, concepts, & principles. Anlyze bus procsses, detrmne bus needs, & gathr reqmnts. Excute prjcts usng methodgies like Agile Scrum & Watrfll. Mgne all prjct-rltd info such as status rprts, issues & risks, chnge mgmt., schdle mgmt, milestones, qualty assurnce, prjct metrics data, & prjct budget. Mnge multple Scrum teams in sw dvlpmt. Drive process imprvmnt (continuous imprvmnt) of sw dvlpmt procsses. Direct ops rltd to resource plnng, hiring, procurmnt, finances, & prioritizing wrkld for team membrs. May trvl & relocate to various unanticpt locs thru/out US. Requires Bachelor’s in Science, Technlgy, Engg (any), or rltd, + 5 yrs exp in job offrd or rltd occptn. Refer to job code & email resume to hrusa@opustechglobal.com

North Fulton Community Charities is seeking a Director of Finance and Administration. Full time/Salary.

APPE

North Fulton Community Charities Mission has been serving individuals and families in the North Fulton area for over 40 years. Our Mission to ease hardship and foster financial stability in our community and our purpose is to provide opportunities for the whole community to thrive. Full Time employees receive benefits on the 1st day following working 30 days.

Benefits include: Medical, dental and vision insurance after 30 days of employment. 403b retirement plan matching offered, Paid Time Off. Short and Long Term insurance and life insurance are provided by employer.

STAFF ACCOUNTANT - FINANCIAL SERVICES: Sawnee EMC is seeking a Staff Accountant – Financial Services to provide financial and accounting services in compliance with RUS accounting requirements and standards, coordinate budgeting and financial planning functions, compile and analyze financial information, prepare financial statements, statistical analyses, balance sheet and financial position statements, make recommendations on reserves, collect appropriate data to prepare tax returns, and prepare related reports to management. Requires: Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in accounting with a minimum of two years progressively responsible work experience; high level of competency in MS Office, Accounting, Spreadsheet and Database Software; knowledge of RUS System of Accounts preferred.

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AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | November 30, 2023 | 15

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16 | November 30, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TIP YOUR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON This holiday season, consider giving your newspaper delivery person a tip for their weekly delivery of the free community newspaper to your driveway. These folks work hard to make sure you are informed of all the local happenings, rain or shine, week in and week out.

Importantly, at Appen Media, we have always been intentional about our desire to keep delivery of our newspapers free. That said, it would mean the world to us if you would consider tipping your newspaper delivery person so that they will have a little extra money for the holiday season.

If you can help us help these amazing people, we promise to keep delivering high quality news to your driveway, for free, every week. Free home delivery of 105,000 homes is hard work – and we couldn’t do it without our amazing delivery folks.

How you can give your delivery person a tip: 1 We have created an online portal at www.appenmedia.com/deliverytip.

100% of every dollar you contribute will be spread out evenly between the 24 newspaper delivery people that Appen Media employs. Whether you give $5 or $50, they will greatly appreciate it.

2 If you prefer, you can also mail a check made out to “Appen Media Group C/O Newspaper Delivery Tip” to 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.