Forsyth Herald - December 8, 2022

Holding a note

Forsyth County pitches sales tax split with Cumming

Proposal includes rules governing city annexations

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County has finalized its proposal for splitting revenue with the City of Cumming from a local option sales that is expected to generate nearly $60 million over the next decade.

But beyond negotiations over how to share sales tax revenue, county officials have attached other provisions to the agreement meant to resolve ongoing disputes with the city over recent annexations.

The sales tax distribution proposal, approved by county commissioners Dec. 1, would keep sales tax distributions fairly consistent with the current agreement approved in 2012 that gives 87 percent of revenues to the county and 13 percent to the City of Cumming.

However, there is a four-year period, from 2026-30, when the county’s share would increase by 1 percent.

The proposal also lays out five other agreements between the city and county that would be part of the deal, including a new way for the two parties to negotiate proposed city annexations, which have proven hostile in recent years.

Players with the Sounds of Sawnee Concert Band perform at their annual Christmas concert held at the Cumming City Center Dec. 2. Event organizers said this year was the band’s 29th year performing.

MUSE CABIN/PROVIDED

HANS APPEN Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus

POLICE BLOTTER

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.

Texas man arrested for bank ATM theft

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County authorities have arrested a 31-year-old Houston, Texas, man in connection with an ATM burglary ear lier this year.

Sheriff’s Office incident reports said deputies responded to the First IC Bank on Peachtree Parkway after receiving an ATM alarm call at about 5 a.m. Feb. 11.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Home Depot on Peachtree Parkway, filled shopping carts with $7,590 worth of copper wire and left without paying.

Deputies were told the woman and “a crew” of other thieves had previ ously been arrested at a Cobb County Home Depot for a similar theft.

Fraudulent vehicle sale reported to local police

MILTON, Ga. — Milton police say a Forsyth County man was scammed out of $40,000 in a vehicle sale fraud involving a South Carolina company.

LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADVERTISING

Arriving on scene, deputies found the ATM had been damaged and pried open with a crowbar that was left at the scene. Witnesses in the area reported seeing a white pickup with a chain attached to it’s back, but no suspect was identified at the time of the report.

Police were contacted Nov. 15 by a Cumming man, who reported that he had attempted to purchase a 2020 Dodge Ram truck in June from a representative from a South Carolina, who was later found to have given a fake name and ID card.

CIRCULATION

Authorities eventually arrested the Texas man Nov. 15, charging him with burglary, theft and criminal damage to property. Jail records show the man is also wanted in Bartow, Cherokee and Douglas counties.

He is being held in jail under a bond of $38,560.

Stockbridge woman charged in

copper thefts

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A Stock bridge woman has been arrested in connection with a string of copper wire thefts reported at Home Depots in Forsyth and Cobb counties.

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested the 20-year-old woman Nov. 16, charging her with multiple counts for an incident that occurred in May. Reports stated that on May 14, two people entered the

The victim secured a $56,000 loan from the Navy Federal Credit Union to purchase the truck and sent the representative $40,000 in three incre ments to pay off the truck, so the vehicle and title could be released to him.

“He refused to send the rest with out proof it was paid off,” the report said. “The subject gave him the ‘run around’ and finally cut off all contact.”

South Carolina police later told the victim that an individual matching the suspect’s description had been arrest ed in Charlotte, but the Milton Police Department reports did not confirm that information.

County approves demolishing Polo Fields equestrian building

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — It’s probably not going to go up in smoke for training of local firefighters and amusement of bystanders, but one thing is certain, the equestrian center at Forsyth County’s Polo Fields is coming down one way or another.

Speaking at the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners meeting Nov. 22, Parks Director Jim Pryor said they are making progress at the 39-acre Polo Fields property, which is split into athletic and equestrian areas.

Pryor said that since closing on the property in July, they have secured a lease agreement with the United Futbol Academy (UFA), which is already bringing in a steady stream of revenue and happy soccer fans.

“Everything is going well out there, that contract generates $80,000 a year for us, and they are doing the maintenance,” Pryor said. “So far, things are back to normal a lot of soccer is happening there.”

But things aren’t looking so hot for the equestrian side of the park. Pryor said that only a handful of equestrian companies showed any interest in taking on the property and only one company put forward a bid for the lease.

To make matters worse, a facility assessment completed of the equestrian building revealed extensive water damage and black mold that makes the property basically unusable without extensive renovations.

Pryor said an assessment has shown that it would take between $600,000 and $800,000 to renovate the building and bring the 35-year-old building up to code.

“Those are some pretty expensive, substantial improvements to make for a facility of that might not be there forever

when we master plan the park longterm,” he said.

With that cost in mind, Pryor said they have three options; pay for the repairs, board up the building until a later date or demolish the building immediately.

But District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills proposed a fourth option: turning the building into a training opportunity for the Forsyth County Fire Department.

“Could we let Fire have a project out there and then burn it down,” Mills asked.

“That thought crossed my mind also,” District 1 Commissioner Alfred John said. “A controlled burn.”

Pryor didn’t comment on whether a controlled burn project at the building would be possible but said demolishing the building will cost the county $175,000. Boarding up the building would cost slightly less, $20,000, he said.

In the opinion of county staff and the Parks Board, Pryor said the best option would be to demolish the building.

District 3 Commissioner and other officials seemed to agree with Pryor’s assessment that boarding the building up would just be throwing money away.

“Financially, if you board it up, you’re wasting $20,000,” Commissioner Todd Levent said. “I guess in the long run, the smartest thing to do would be to demolish the building and just move along.”

The Parks Department did not have funding budgeted to demolish the equestrian building, but their contingency account would be able to cover the expense, he said.

Commissioners voted 5-0 to start the demolition process for the property and put it out for bid. The item will be brought back for final approval at a future meeting.

Proposal:

As part of the agreement, county officials have proposed a system to require a “good faith” meeting between the two parties whenever an annexation from the city is proposed.

Since 2019, Cumming has extended its city limits by almost 500 acres through more than a dozen separate annexations, according to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. These annexations have almost always been challenged by the county.

Under the annexation provision included in the LOST agreement, county and city representatives would be required to meet within 45 days of a formal annexation request to discuss the reasoning behind the application, the proposed land use, potential impacts of the proposal, and whether the annexation fits Forsyth County’s comprehensive plan and code.

The agreement would also include a bulk sewer sale from the city to the county, would require the city to modify its impact fee ordinance and comprehensive plan design standards, and would de-annex Mary Alice Park out of the City of Cumming and back into Forsyth County.

At their Dec. 1 meeting,

commissioners didn’t discuss the sales tax agreement openly, but did share their thoughts on the process thus far and how they believe the City of Cumming will react.

“I think we’re going to be fairly successful when they the city looks at this proposal,” District 3 County Commissioner Todd Levent said. “I think it’s more than generous from our side and very fair, they may have a couple little tweaks.”

City and county officials have until Dec. 31 to file their sales tax distribution agreement with the state or the tax will be discontinued.

Informal talks between the two parties began in mid-summer, and the County Commission voted Aug. 9 to move the talks to formal mediation.

Commissioners unanimously approved the proposal, voting to send it on to the Cumming City Council for its approval.

Before casting his vote, Commission Chairman Alfred John called the arrangement “a very modest proposal,” that involved the input of both city and county leaders.

“What’s presented here is really an amalgamation of ideas,” John said.

Cumming city officials were expected to discuss the proposed LOST agreement at the Dec. 6 Cumming City Council work session. Results from that meeting were not available as of press time.

Sounds of Sawnee ensemble continues seasonal tradition

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — For nearly three decades, Forsyth County has ushered in the holiday season with the festive songs played by the Sounds of Sawnee Concert Band.

No different than when they first performed in 1993, the Sounds of Sawnee Concert Band took the stage at the Cumming City Center amphitheater Dec. 2 and played a selection of Christmas favorites for the Cumming community.

This year’s concert was produced in partnership with Muse Cabin, an art and music studio soon to open at Cumming City Center. Susan Barton, co-owner of Muse Cabin, said that they were proud to be a part of the historic annual concert series.

“Christmas so beautifully draws us all together with a warm sense of community,” Barton said. “How fitting for the band which first performed in Cumming the Christmas of 1993 to again bring us together this first Christmas at City Center.”

“We treasure the longstanding history of the band, which still includes two original members, and are honored to be a part of their exciting growth,” she added.

Barton said that this year’s concert

series also included a brand-new director, Rick Forbus, who “shares the band’s heart for community.”

Forbus, who served for over 30 years as music director for a church in Greenville, Miss., said he was honored to

lead the legendary North Georgia concert band.

“I love music and musicians of all ages,” he said. “Community bands have been a part of the fabric of smalltown USA and music history. I want to

Players with the Sounds of Sawnee Concert Band perform at their annual Christmas concert held at the Cumming City Center Dec. 2. Organizers said this was the band’s 29th year performing the holiday concert.

contribute to the success of Cumming and the arts community.”

For more information about the Sounds of Sawnee Concert Band and scheduled performances, visit soundsofsawnee.org.

PHOTOS BY MUSE CABIN/PROVIDED

Led by its newly installed director Rick Forbus, the Sounds of Sawnee Concert Band performed a selection of holiday favorites Dec. 2 at the Cumming City Center amphitheater.

Volunteers clean fields used by Miracle League

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Members of the North Fulton Young Men’s Service League partnered with the North Metro Miracle League across two weekends in November to clean up the Miracle League Sports Complex in Alpharetta’s North Park on Cogburn Road.

The Young Men’s Service League is a national volunteer organization for mothers and their teenage sons. During the four-year program, members perform volunteer work focused on service, learning and leadership.

The North Fulton chapter has over 140 members. Every year, they hold the Young Men’s Service League Ultimate Gift, a multi-day philanthropic event dedicated to a

different partner each year.

The 2022 partner, North Metro Miracle League, promotes active lifestyles for children, youth and adults with disabilities. The organization runs an annual adapted softball season at two fields in North Park.

During the weekends of Nov. 5 and Nov. 12, about 60 Young Men’s Service League members cleaned the two North Park softball fields and the surrounding park grounds. They sorted through and discarded old equipment as well. The volunteers, along with Atlanta-based sporting goods store Play it Again Sports, donated gently used gloves and bats.

Local Girl Scouts launch food drive

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — “Make the world a better place” is part of the Girl Scout pledge, and it’s something the more than 50 Girl Scouts at Wilson Creek Elementary School take seriously.

As the girls looked for a meaningful community project, they learned about the North Fulton Community Charities Food Pantry, which serves more than 125 households in need each day.

One fifth grader received permission from the principal to launch a schoolwide Thanksgiving food drive. With homemade flyers and videos for morning announcements, the girls appealed to

the school’s families for support.

They had no idea the response they’d get.

By delivery day, the Girl Scouts collected more than 1,000 nonperishable food items like canned sweet potatoes and green beans, bread mixes and desserts perfect for Thanksgiving meals.

“You’re never too young to make a difference,” said Leslie Gilliam, of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. “We couldn’t be prouder that these girls identified a need in their community and figured out a way they could help.”

YOUNG MEN’S SERVICE LEAGUE/PROVIDED

Members of the Young Men’s Service League stand at the softball fields at North Park in Alpharetta during the Ultimate Gift volunteer service event. The group cleaned the fields and donated new equipment to athletes with disabilities.

LESLIE GILLIAM/PROVIDED

Girl Scouts from Wilson Creek Elementary School load up a car with nonperishable food items for a school-wide food drive.

Groups speak out at hearings in opposition to utility rate hike

By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat

ATLANTA — Georgia Power customers can ill afford a nearly 12 percent rate increase at a time rampant inflation is making it harder to buy food and fuel, more than a dozen witnesses told state energy regulators Nov. 29.

“I’m tired of seeing companies mak ing record profits … when good people working every day are not getting in creases in their wages,” Linda Pritchett, a city council candidate in South Ful ton, told members of the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC}. “People simply cannot afford this rate hike.”

Pritchett was among several current and former politicians to address the commission at the start of two days of hearings on Georgia Power’s request to raise the average residential customer’s bill by $16.29 a month starting Jan. 1.

Former state Sen. Vincent Fort, DAtlanta, said the rate hike is only the first of several the company is expected to bring before the commission in the next two to three years. Together, those increases could drive up rates as much as 45 percent, he said.

“If you vote for this, you’re about to send working people in Georgia into a crisis,” Fort told commissioners. “Don’t raise these rates on Georgia working people.”

After the public witnesses gave their testimony, representatives of Geor gia Power defended the utility’s rate increase request as necessary to make the capital investments required to strengthen the electric grid and main tain quality customer service.

“We operate a capital-intensive busi ness,” said Aaron Abramovitz, Georgia Power’s chief financial officer.

Abramovitz pushed back against recommendations by the PSC’s Public

Interest Advocacy Staff to reduce the size of the proposed rate hike. Among other things, the staff is asking the commission to lower the return on equity (ROE) Georgia Power is seeking from 11 percent to 9.5 percent.

“Any radical reduction of the com pany’s requested ROE … would be unprecedented and unwarranted, with such severe changes significantly im pairing the company’s financial integ rity and its ability to raise capital at a reasonable cost upon reasonable terms for the benefit of customers,” the CFO testified.

The PSC staff also has recommended the commission order Georgia Power to reduce the operation and maintenance costs it can recover from ratepayers and reduce its electrical transmission and distribution investments.

Michael Robinson, vice president of planning, operations, and policy at Georgia Power, said the company needs to make major investments in its trans mission and distribution systems to replace aging infrastructure that is up to 70 years old.

“The company cannot delay or take shortcuts in implementing these grid investments,” Abramovitz added.

Dan Walsh, a lawyer representing the PSC staff, objected to Abramovitz’s use of the word “radical” in describing the staff’s proposal to reduce the ROE requested by the company. Walsh said the average ROE awarded to utilities across the industry since 2020 is less than 9.5 percent.

The PSC, which held two rounds of hearings on the rate hike request earlier this fall, is scheduled to vote on the rates Dec. 20.

This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

Newspaper Delivery Route

Openings

with Appen Media Group

We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas.

Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude.

For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant back ground/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”

Economic crisis doesn’t wait for the holidays

LAURA DEUPREE, Communications Manager, Community Assistance Center

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

Charity assists needy near Perimeter

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — If there were ever a “Jack-of-all trades” charity in Metro Atlanta, it would almost certainly be the Community Assistance Center off Roswell Road in Sandy Springs.

But far from being “a master of none,” the Community Assistance Center has spent the last three decades building a dedicated network of community resources and partnerships to help people during their darkest days, no matter what they might need.

It all started in 1987 when five church congregations came together to form a simple food pantry for community members who were having a hard time making ends meet. Just a small group of neighbors helping neighbors, the charity’s Communications Manager Laura Deupree said.

“These neighbors were just not able to put food on the table,” Deupree said. “So, these five congregations came together, took over the Boy Scout shack at Mount Vernon Presbyterian, and turned it into a food pantry.”

Since then, the organization’s services and reach has grown dramatically, helping thousands of families with food, clothing, financial assistance and education each year. But what hasn’t changed, is the community-led mission that first launched the group.

While the organization only has 18 staff members, Deupree said they see 250 to 450 volunteers each month to

Community Assistance Center volunteers mark donations that will

group’s food pantries.

help run a number of food pantries in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody, the Community Assistance Center thrift store and offices for financial assistance, adult education and career center.

“That spirit has completely stayed

at the core of what CAC is,” she said. “It’s going from an all-volunteer organization to what we like to call a volunteer-led organization.”

No big crisis spurred the creation of the Community Assistance Center, but throughout the years the charity

has faced every sort of challenge imaginable, from recessions and the housing crisis of 2008 to the COVID-19 pandemic. In each time of crisis, the community stepped forward to make ensure the nonprofit could fulfill it’s

PHOTOS BY COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE CENTER/PROVIDED

be distributed to Sandy Springs and Dunwoody through the

Neighbors:

mission in the community.

Right now, Deupree said the North Fulton community is facing an “insidious” threat from across-theboard increases in the prices of rent, gas, food, which is pushing people to a breaking point.

Rent increases have had the greatest impact, she said, because many of their most vulnerable clients are already living on the edge of what they can afford. Any shift in that balance can be devastating.

“It’s never one thing that goes wrong that completely derails your life,” she said. “It is often a series of things that just keep piling up until you can’t sustain it financially anymore.”

To combat that threat and put clients back on their feet and in a better position from when they started, Deupree said they were able to launch a Career Center last year.

At the CAC Career Center, clients and anyone in the community who needs help, can find higher paying job opportunities, learn new marketable skills, and get resume and interview help. In the short time the career center has been open, the organization has assisted more than 150 people

Clients of the Community Assistance Center in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs are able to shop and make their own choices about food at the group’s client choice food pantries.

either find a new job, or progress in their career.

“About 80 percent of the clients at the Career Center already have a full-time job,” she said. “This year just has been really tough on people who normally do not need help.”

One example of the charity’s mission of allowing neighbors to help neighbors is its annual holiday program, which pairs donors with children and families in need to provide

Community Assistance Center volunteers inventory gift donations for the group’s Holiday Adopt-a-Family program. During the holidays CAC pairs donors and recipi ents to make sure that children in need get presents for Christmas.

personalized Christmas presents.

Like nearly everywhere else, Deupree said they’ve seen a spike in the number of families that need help during the holidays. Out of 1,600 kids registered to receive presents, they’ve been able to pair up about 1,450.

“The need is just up, especially for things that are considered luxuries like holiday gifts, which is a little heartbreaking to think about,” she said.

If you want to help with the Community Assistance Center’s

Holiday Adopt-a-Family program, email adoptafamily@ourcac.org.

But beyond the holidays, Deupree said they need help and donations year-round, especially during the summer and other major holidays when people go on vacation and things get lean.

“Economic crisis doesn’t wait for the holidays,” she said.

For details on how donate and learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Community Assistance Center, visit www.ourcac.org.

Hello

Frank Paras Home Depot Installation Services Local Team Leader

Tara Tucker

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

Business: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Owners: Jeni Britton

Description: We build ice creams completely from scratch using a unique recipe honed and perfected over more than 20 years. Our ice creams have a uniquely smooth texture and butter

cream body, with bright flavor and clean finish. We’re here to set new standards for ice cream and to create our own.

Opened: October 2022

Address: 1230 Ashford Crossing Dun woody, GA 30346

Phone: 470-391-2869

Business:

Lean Kitchen

Owner: Jay Johnson

Description: Lean Kitchen provides convenient, delicious meals for on-thego. Our mission is to save you time and money by offering you prepared meals that are healthy, fresh, and never frozen. Your diet is the most important part of achieving your goals.

Opened: October 2022

Address: 4905 Alabama Rd #140, Ro swell, GA, 30075

Phone: 770-609-6747

Website: https://leankitchenroswell. bottle.com

Just opened?

Appen Media publishes New Busi ness Spotlights to highlight local businesses as they get started. Submit yours for free at appenme dia.com/newbusiness.

Taking time to reflect

Year-end holidays and the coming New Year bring back memories of fam ily times, and the opportunity to make new ones. We can all take a moment to reflect on what we are grateful for and take stock of what life has bought our way. It’s a good time to stop and consider changes that may have oc curred within our family structure due to the advancing needs, health or recuperative challenges of older loved ones.

Life can get complicated as we age, and the impact on a spouse, siblings, children or family members can also be life changing. Perhaps you live in another state and are worried about your loved one’s well-being but aren’t close enough to help. Alternatively, you live nearby and find yourself in the midst of filling a caregiving role that can be extremely hard to man age both mentally and physically. Balancing parental or spousal needs and your own needs can often have compelling and competing emotions and commitments. The relationships and family dynamics we knew are forever altered, and without a plan of care that is thoughtfully created it can be difficult and stressful for both you and your loved ones.

The best gift you can give your family and you is to consider the im pact professional care can have on all

your lives. We know that being able to age in place is the desire of the vast majority of seniors, whether home is a private residence, an assisted or independent living community. That means more than just having a caregiver to help with tasks. At Home Helpers we take a holistic approach that goes much further than helping with the activities of daily living. We consider the physical, safety, mental, social and emotional needs of your loved one. Most importantly, we let family go back to being family.

Care that makes a difference is based on a wonderful match of a screened, trained, heart centered care giver and the hands on attention of a dedicated team with depth and skill. It’s the commitment to providing the best quality of life for our clients and their families that brings our care to the next level. We respect our clients and listen to their unique needs, con stantly fine tuning to help make each day the best it can be.

Your caregiver is a professional who can assist with all personal care, help around the house, safely manage a quicker recover from surgery, or pro vide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Dementia or Parkinson’s, etc.

We’re here to help – from six hours a day several days a week to 24/7 and live-in care. For a free consultation please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs today at (770) 681-0323.

ISTOCK

Brought to you by - Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs

Early symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Brought to you by - Dr. Jack Shen Jr., movement disorders neurologist at Wellstar Health System

First described in 1817 as the “shak ing palsy,” Parkinson’s disease (PD) is now recognized as the second most common neurodegenerative condition. Researchers estimate that about 10 mil lion people worldwide are living with the disease. Americans comprise approximately 1 million of these individuals, with 60,000 more in the United States an ticipated to receive the diagno sis each year. These harrowing numbers are expected to in crease over the current decade. Moreover, with the subsequent greater need for specialized PD care to address these popula tions, only 54 neurologists per year successfully “match” into a U.S. movement disorders training program to become PD experts, based on training data spanning the past five years.

Because people living with PD experi ence the disease in unique ways, it may be difficult for them, their loved ones and even physicians to come to the diagno sis. People with PD, despite their distinct underlying neurobiologies, may manifest certain early symptoms. Below is a nonexhaustive list of common symptoms that may occur intermittently, progres sively, persistently, in isolation or in combination.

1. Tremor at rest — involuntary shaking movements of a limb when muscles are relaxed, usually on one side

of the body

2. Shuffling gait — shorter, some times dragging steps while walking; may be accompanied by the reduced swinging of an arm or a stooped, slumping posture

3. Rigidity — stiffness of muscles (with or without tremor) causing discom fort, difficulty arising from the seated position and sometimes reduced range of motion

4. Micrographia — handwriting that has become smaller or trails off by the end of a written sentence

5. Hypomimia — re duced facial expressions, less frequent blinking resulting in a “masked” or “poker” face

6. Anosmia — the com plete inability to smell

7. Hypophonia — a softer or less loud voice

At Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, neurologists, physical therapists, occupational thera pists and speech language pathologists offer a team-based approach in evaluat ing and caring for people living with PD. Helping these individuals arrive to their diagnosis sooner leads to better symptom control and, ultimately, a greater quality of life as they navigate their journey with PD.

Dr. Jack Shen Jr. is a board-certified, fellowship-trained movement disorders neurologist at Wellstar North Fulton Medi cal Center. To make an appointment with Dr. Shen at his office on the campus of Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, call (770) 663-4649.

SHEN

Unhitch the itch!

A revolution has been taking place in dermatology in recent years.

Previously incurable diseases are being cured.

Previously uncontrollable diseases are being controlled.

Previously itchy conditions are now being…de-itched. Un-itched? Unhitched? Scratched?

No, definitely not scratched. You should cure a disease, but you should not scratch an itch. It feels so gratifying in the moment but scratching just leads to more itching later and usually to more suffering, scratching, itching and before you know it, your skin either has chronically itchy spots, bumps, nodules, thickened areas or worse: areas that are now painful and itchy.

You see, fixing itching is so new that there isn’t even a good word for it yet. But de-itchifying the itchy is exactly what some of the newest, latest and greatest medications are doing.

One of the most recent examples of this exciting forward march of medical progress is the use of Dupixent to treat eczema and prurigo nodularis.

Dupixent is a medicine that works by blocking a pathway in our body that involves interleukin 4 (IL-4) and immunoglobulin E. These proteins are involved in conditions that itch such as eczema and many allergic reactions. By blocking the IL-4 pathway, Dupixent stops these proteins from activating cells such as eosinophils that are responsible for inflammation and itching in many cases. Many dermatologists were not surprised that a medication like Dupixent would help eczema. But the exciting news is that Dupixent appears to be effective in many other itchy conditions. It recently gained approval for treating “prurigo nodularis” – a condition characterized by itchy bumps or nodules that previously would often persist for years with little hope of resolving.

Even more remarkable, a clinical

trial is underway because Dupixent has shown potential for causing keloids to improve. Keloids are scars that grow with time and often are larger than the size of the wound that caused the scar. Keloids are often itchy and painful.

A new treatment for prurigo nodularis and possibly keloids may not seem like a medical breakthrough, but there is such a deficit of other effective treatments for these conditions that this is actually very exciting news.

What’s the catch? Don’t we need IL-4 and immunoglobulin E? Is it safe to block them from working? Don’t most pathways in our body exist for a reason? These are reasonable questions to ask before going on a new medication –especially one that someone might be on for years.

The fascinating background to why modern Americans suffer from many skin diseases is that our ancestors likely developed weaponized immune responses against parasites that used to be a problem and are now rarely encountered in the United States. Many medications that treat psoriasis block a protein called TNF-alpha that is important in fighting off tuberculosis. Medications such as Dupixent that block IL-4 likely impair our ability to fight off certain types of parasitic worms such as hookworm. Remember from above that IL-4 activates eosinophils. Well, eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that is important in fighting off “helminth” or parasitic worm infections. Likewise, many believe that keloid scars developed as an ability to wall off parasites with scar tissue.

The package insert for Dupixent mentions that this medicine may interfere with our body’s ability to fight off these parasitic worms. If you regularly come in contact with parasitic worms, Dupixent might not be right for you!

If you avoid parasitic worms and suffer from atopic dermatitis or prurigo nodules and are interested in learning about treatment options including Dupixent, contact Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta.

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

‘Tis the season

understanding seasonal depression

carbohydrates or sugar • Weight gain

• Social withdrawal (feeling like “hi bernating”)

ALPHARETTA-ROSWELL HERALD | FORSYTH HERALD | JOHNS CREEK HERALD MILTON HERALD | DUNWOODY CRIER | SANDY SPRINGS CRIER

Serving Metro Atlanta Since 1977 | Hello@AppenMedia.com | 770.442.3278

Delivering Readers Award-Winning Newspapers

Each year, about five percent of Americans experience seasonal depres sion. Also referred to as Seasonal Affec tive Disorder (SAD), seasonal depression can cause those affected to experience feelings of sadness, low energy, or just not feeling like their regular selves as days become shorter in the winter months, often subsiding in spring when days become longer and warmer.

Considered just as devastating as clinical depression, seasonal depression can be accented with more issues when accompanied by traumatic events - not only is one depressed, but memories of events or experiences of current events add additional weight to the season.

Additionally, when the days are shorter and darker, the production of melatonin increases. Melatonin can af fect an individual’s “biological clock,” re sulting in unusual sleep/wake rhythms. In addition to the typical signs of major depression, symptoms typically more common in seasonal depression include:

• Oversleeping

• Overeating, particularly craving

Seasonable Affective Disorder is treatable, with success found in the fol lowing treatments:

• Light therapy (exposure to artificial sunlight to make up for the loss during darker winter months)

• Antidepressant medications

• Talk therapy

I would add that being in commu nity, having a support system, devel oping systems of accountability, hav ing healthy coping skills, and making healthy lifestyle choices work yearround to assist anyone working to con front and combat depression regularly.

Seasonal depression is a recognized mental illness that can impact those af fected by it emotionally, spiritually, and physically. If you are struggling with signs of seasonal depression, Summit Counseling is here to help. We have a team of trained and experienced thera pists available to walk alongside you this season. Visit our website to view our services, meet our therapists, and schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one at www.summitcounseling. org!

2022 Georgia Press Association

1st – Health Care Advertising

1st – Serious Column

1st – Investigative Reporting

1st – Food Advertising

1st – Signature Page

2nd – News Photograph

2nd – Feature Writing

2nd – Food Advertising

2nd – Service Advertising

2nd – Special Issues/Sections

2nd – Business Writing

3rd – Business Writing

3rd – Page One

3rd – Locals News Coverage

3rd – Spot News Photograph

3rd – Breaking News Writing

3rd – Lifestyle Feature Column

2022 Association of Community Publishers

1st – Orig. Editorial Photo Sports

1st – Orig. Writing Opinion

1st – Orig. Writing Sports

2nd – Feature Article Layout

2nd – Front Page Special Section

3rd – Orig. Editorial Photo Feature

3rd – Food & Drink Single Ad Color

3rd – Grocery/Liquor Single Ad Color

3rd – Special Promotion/Section Stand-Alone Gloss

Brought to you by - Darrick Brown, Mental Health Awareness Program Co ordinator at Summit Counseling Center

THE INK PENN

OPINION

Books and bookshops and writers, oh my!

What is it about books about bookshops? Or books? No, not all of them are engaging, witty, and informative, but these three are.

“The Mayfair Bookshop” by Eliza Knight

This is the second book I’ve read that shifts between the story of Nancy Mitford and that of a modern-day character who is visiting the Heywood Hill bookshop in London where Nancy worked during WW II. The first was “The Bookseller’s Secret.”

This time, curator Lucy St. Clair is in search of books for a client’s library and is also seeking the answer to a family mystery involving Nancy Mitford.

This book added additional detail to what I’d learned about Mitford’s life in the earlier book, and I was fascinated by all of it. The two tales are carefully intertwined and the mystery is satisfactorily resolved. All in all, a delightful read, one I highly recommend.

“The Lost for Words Bookshop” by Stephanie Butland

Another book set in a bookshop? Of course, I loved it. Yes, I reveled in the books mentioned, but I was also fascinated by the main characters: Loveday, Nathan, and Archie. Loveday, whose story it is, has worked in the Lost for Words bookshop for six years. It is a refuge, a hideaway, and her world is books, so much so that she has first lines of novels she loves tattoed on her skin. The tale of how she emerges from her shell drew me in. The why behind her pesonality, her need not to engage with others, is slowly revealed. Ultimately it is a story of love and loss, not only in the romantic sense, but in the family sense. I predict you’ll find yourself rooting for Loveday, Nathan, and Archie as I did. I tried to savor the book, but instead I stayed up late several nights because I couldn’t put it down.

“The Bar Harbor Retirement Home for Famous Writers (and Their Muses)” by Terri-Lynne DeFino

I loved this book for its tale of writers, the writing process, and more! I expected it to be a cozy mystery, perhaps along the lines of the “Thursday Murder Club.” Silly for me to think one retirement home

would be like another. A cozy mystery it is not! If you don’t care for sex and cursing, this is not the book for you, but if you want a view into writers’ lives, you’ll be fascinated. It’s a “ ... whimsical, moving novel about a retirement home for literary legends who spar, conjure up new stories, and almost magically change the lives of the people around them.” As an author, I treasured insights into the writing process. When one writer comments, “You made him Polish?” and hears back, “It just happened. Surprised the hell out of me too,” I laughed aloud. It confirmed for me that I’m not the only one who doesn’t always know where my work is headed. Things DO just spring to mind. It’s a beautifully written story that has stayed with me even as I’ve begun another book. I highly recommend it.

Now, I must turn my attention to writing my next book. I wonder what surprises my characters will have in store for me as the story unfolds.

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

KATHY MANOS PENN The Ink Penn, inkpenn119@gmail.com

Thank You!

Our local news is free to read but not to produce. Forsyth Herald relies on advertisers to keep the lights on, pay our reporters and publish your news. That’s why we want to say thank you to all the advertisers, large and small, who have stuck by us through thick and thin. Consider giving them your business, just as they have done with us.

Buy local, eat local, read local.

1978 Crier holds treasured memories

Charlie and Myr tice Lee Lloyd married on Christmas Eve, 1922. The story of their life and mar riage were preserved in a Dec. 21, 1978, Dunwoody Crier when Arden Strabane interviewed and wrote about the couple in “A Life Shared and Times Remembered.” Archives of the Dunwoody Crier going back to 1977 are maintained by Dunwoody Preservation Trust at Donaldson-Bannister Farm.

In 1978, the couple had been married 56 years, but Charlie remembered well the day they met. It was 1920, and he was walking down Winters Chapel Road when he ran into two cousins and a brownhaired young woman named Myrtice Lee Loyd. His family owned a farm on Winters Chapel Road where North Atlanta Memo rial Park is now located. Her family lived in the Grogan’s District of Milton County.

Charlie immediately thought this was the woman he would marry. The couple married two years later. Myrtice wore a brown dress with an embroidered cape for

the small ceremony which took place at the Dunwoody Methodist Church parson age. The parsonage sat where Dunwoody United Methodist Church is now located, and the church was across the road.

That night the couple stayed at the home of Charlie’s parents, Jesse and Eliza Spruill Blackburn. Charlie’s friend Calvin Eidson decided to play a trick on the newlyweds, setting off two sticks of dynamite outside their window and shout ing, “I’m shot.” When Charlie went outside to investigate, Eidson and other friends took Charlie down the road half a mile. He had to walk home barefoot on that freezing December night.

Charlie’s grandparents were Franklin Blackburn and Malinda Rudisill Black burn, who moved from Dawson County, Georgia, to Cross Keys in DeKalb County. They lived near Silver Lake at Oglethorpe University. Their house was on land where an old jug factory was located. Pots and other clay products were manufactured there.

His maternal grandparents were Mary Jane Copeland Spruill and Calhoun Spruill. They owned a farm on Chamblee Dunwoody Road, across the road and south of Dunwoody Elementary School.

Charlie and Myrtice Blackburn had

PROVIDED

Charlie and Myrtice Blackburn as they appeared in a December 1978 issue of the Dunwoody Crier. They had been mar ried almost 56 years.

many happy memories, but they also told of the hard work involved in operating the farm. There was plowing, digging ditches, picking and bailing cotton, tending the veg etable garden and feeding livestock. They worked not only on the farm of Charlie’s parents, but also at his grandparents, Cal houn and Mary Jane Spruill.

In addition to keeping the house clean, Myrtice did the laundry, which involved standing outside over a pot of boiling water, washing, wringing and hanging clothes up to dry. Myrtice was the oldest of five chil dren and only 5 years old when her mother died. She was accustomed to hard work.

A fun childhood memory for both

Charlie and Myrtice was playing town ball. Children could play town ball year-round after their chores were completed. The ball was a tightly wound yarn ball, some times made from an old, unraveled sock. A wooden plank served as the bat. Charlie explained the game, saying you had to hit the runner with the ball to get them out. “After that ball had laid out in the rain for a while, it sure did get hard, and it hurt when you got hit.”

The couple later bought their own home on Chamblee Dunwoody Road and lived there for 25 years before moving to Pitts Road. After they sold the property, Black burn was sad to see the house torn down to make way for a Southern Bell office.

He worked for the Chamblee Fire Department for many years and at Thomp son’s Grocery at the southwest corner of Mount Vernon Road and Chamblee Dun woody Road.

In the next Past Tense, I’ll share Charlie and Myrtice Blackburn’s memories of Christmas in Dunwoody.

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media. She lives in Sandy Springs. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com

VALERIE

BIGGERSTAFF

Why social media is (still) not your friend

How many of us, when we were growing up, did stupid stuff even though people who cared about us tried to warn us? I know I did a lot of stupid stuff – more than I care to remember – and it took a long time to learn my lessons enough to stop being stupid – but that is another story.

and out of the dorm), occasionally reaching out to the police, and sometimes, talk –conversations and simply listening to the kids.

Doing that job was sort of like stepping into a “live” time machine looking backward because I was watching firsthand the very same behavior in the kids that I did only a few years prior. Time makes one so clairvoyant.

parent, but of course I didn’t know that at the time!

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

How many of us who took music lessons when we were kids quit, and now we wish we had listened to our parents and kept taking lessons? I know that would be me. I wish I had listened to my parents and stayed the course.

For the record though, I am only 68 and there is still time to learn to play really well – and I intend to – but that is another story.

I remember stories about growing up that relate to these things.

The first one took place when I was in college at FSU in the ’70s and ’80s and managing a private student dorm (Cash Hall). At the time, I was still half an idiot, but I was starting to figure some things out. Most of the dorm management thing meant trying to set in some way bumpers/ safety nets around the kids living in the dorm so they didn’t get drunk and hurt themselves or others. Those “bumpers” included rules (which almost never worked very well), visibility (walking the halls constantly and monitoring who came in

I remember taking one kid aside –Derick – and sitting him down and giving him my crystal ball heads-up talk. I told him he was a smart kid and that he had a lot going for him. I also shared that he was not on a good path at the moment –drinking partying, not studying and the like, and that that he was probably going to flunk out and have to go home and that his parents would stop being willing to pay his tuition, room and board, and he probably would have to work his butt off to recover and get a second chance to come back to school. I told him that school was a whole lot easier and more fun than having to climb that “recovery mountain,” and maybe it would be in his best interest to chill out, moderate the partying some, study a bit more and avoid all that hardship heading his way. That is, “figure it out and behave. “

Six or seven years later I ran into him again on campus. He came up to me and shared that everything that I had warned him about happened and that he wished he had listened to me. He also thanked me for trying. He had come around and was in a good place, but it cost him a lot.

Ha, looking back, managing that dorm actually was my training in becoming a

The other story was similar but instead of involving Derick, it involved me in my freshman year in that same dorm. I was on the same path as Derick had been, but probably worse. My suitemate who was maybe five years older than I was, one night left a scrap of paper on my desk. It was a quote from a song that was popular at the time: “Stop, hey, what’s that sound? Everybody look what’s goin’ down… Stop now.” Of course, I ignored the note, and at the end of my freshman year flunked out and worse. But that’s another story.

I did save that scrap of paper though for decades and ultimately passed it forward.

So, I had you labor through all this for a reason. Recently the teenage daughter of a good friend made a national sports team. It was her dream. Before practice started, the decision was reversed, and she was told she would not be able to play on the team. Why? She had posted some stupid stuff on social media about herself and someone sent a screen shot of some of her posts to the coach. She was heartbroken; she had worked so hard to make that team.

Mother used to tell my sisters and me that “nothing good happens after midnight.” She was, as usual, right. If she were still alive today, she would probably slightly alter her little lesson to the following: “Nothing good comes from posting stuff on social media – nothing.” I would probably modify that to say that “actually, nothing good – nothing – comes from posting on social media or even having a social media account.”

I recall a scene from the movie “Absence of Malice” when the DA (played by Wilford Brimley) is reading everyone the riot act at the end of the movie and is talking to Paul Newman.

“I want to ask you if you set all this up, but you’re not going to tell me. I’ll tell you something, you’re a smart fellow. Don’t get too smart.”

Listen to your elders. They aren’t nearly as stupid as you think they are. And nine times out of ten, listening to them will save you a lot of heartache, disappointment and frustration from having to learn the hard way.

As I did with Derick, I offer you my crystal ball advice. I want to hopefully and sincerely ask anyone in school anywhere to at least consider that you don’t really “need” social media; it’s a trap that you don’t need.

Once your posts are out there, they never go away. Your posts are forever, like an ugly tattoo on your face or something.

College admission people, coaches, potential employers, would-be boyfriends or girlfriends, fake friends, people competing with you and others can and often will use one or some of your posts in some way to hurt you. Who needs that? Honestly, you don’t need – really “need” – social media in any form. You are better than that, a lot better.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” – Dr. Seuss.

You are enough, way more than enough. You don’t need social media to validate who you are. Let it go. Just be you – in person – face-to-face. Life is hard enough as it is. Don’t make it harder.

The Georgia Politics Podcast focuses on all things under the gold dome. Show host Preston Thompson covers the most noteworthy updates to the legislative session of Georgia’s House of Representatives and State Senate.

Around and around we continue to go

PAT FOX Managing Editor pat@appenmedia.com

It hardly seems possible, but little over a decade ago, there were no roundabouts in Metro Atlanta. Today, you can’t gather a head of steam without coming across one. They’re everywhere. I have one in my driveway.

Governments love roundabouts because they save on the cost of traffic signals which can run anywhere between $80,000 to half a million dollars. That doesn’t include the expense of signal maintenance and diverting police to run traffic control when a light malfunctions.

For a roundabout, all you need is someone who can draw a circle, perform some engineering, a bit of land, and bam!

Traffic experts praise roundabouts for safety.

A 2020 report from the Georgia Department of Transportation reported that where roundabouts have replaced traditional intersections, accidents of all types declined 35 percent, while accidents resulting in injuries fell 60 percent.

Outside the safety and cost benefits, roundabouts also provide a donut hole, a sort of island refuge filled with pretty flowers, trees or other interesting things

you can enjoy as you drive by.

Down in Sandersville, Ga., you can actually see a freight train running through the middle of the roundabout, and you can orbit a bronzed horse on the Mayfield Road roundabout in Milton.

A groggy introduction

My first encounter with roundabouts came some 30 years ago. Following an overnight flight overseas, in which I enjoyed no sleep, I rented a car at the Shannon, Ireland, airport. The car had a steering wheel on the right and a fouron-the-floor gear shift on the left.

I am right-handed.

After a quick run-through in the parking lot, I pulled out onto the freeway and settled in. Then, in less than a few miles, there it was – like that monster wave in “The Perfect Storm” – a two-lane roundabout. I had no idea what it was. Nothing I could do but dive headfirst into it.

I went around and around and around before figuring out how to extricate myself. I pulled into a gas station to collect my wits and surveil the anomaly.

After a while, I figured it out and continued my journey.

The first roundabout in North Fulton County opened in Roswell in 2012, and it created a furor. I was there at the ribbon cutting, and it’s an interesting story.

Roswell Transportation Director Steve Acenbrak introduced the project

DEATH NOTICES

Robert Cichocki, 64, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 26, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Robert Clifton, 90, of Roswell, passed away on November 26, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Betsy Coble, 77, of Dunwoody, passed away on November 18, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Chad Jason Fields, 49, of Cumming, passed away November 15, 2022. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral & Crematory.

Marlene Joiner, 87, of Roswell, passed away on November 19, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Theresa Lenich, 87, of Roswell, passed away on November 26, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Garland Loudermilk, 91, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 15, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Marlene Mahotiere, 82, of Roswell, passed away on November 19, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

as a way of relieving the ghastly rushhour gridlock at Grimes Bridge Road and Norcross Street, which up till then had been a four-way stop.

Acenbrak told me later he faced a storm of criticism from residents opposed to the contraption, and I have no doubt there were some on the City Council who felt the same. A petition with 100 names was presented to the City Council opposing the project.

It’s important to note, though, how the city went about completing the project.

Listening to residents

One of the most strident opponents was 104-year-old Mattie Smith, who had lived on the southwest corner of the intersection for 30 years. Smith’s son, Gary, who lived in Cumming, took up his mother’s fight, arguing the project would lower nearby property values and lower his mother’s quality of life.

After weeks of negotiations, the city decided to buy the home for $180,000 and let the elderly Smith rent for as long as she liked. It also offered to extend a berm along the corner and install a privacy fence.

Throughout the negotiations, Acenbrak told me he and the city were committed to avoiding imposing eminent domain to obtain use of the Smith property through litigation.

Two weeks into construction, Mattie Smith died.

Another resident with property at

stake was Barney Burroughs, who told me at the time that he worried construction would damage several historic willow oaks on his lot and impede access to his driveway.

The matter was settled when the city agreed to pay $55,000 to move his driveway and modify the house to reorient the garage. It also hired an arborist to prepare the trees for the construction.

Not long after traffic began flowing through the roundabout, public sentiment changed, and Acenbrak became known on the street as “The Roundabout Man.”

“I’ve never gotten a thank-you note before,” he told me at the time. “People stop me in the grocery store and tell me how much they like it.”

Maybe that’s because of how Roswell treated its residents.

The city originally budgeted $1.4 million for the project, but it came in at about $771,000, counting a $200,000 water line relocation paid for through grant money.

Sometimes, paying extra for some good will can be a bargain.

Opinions

Appen Media aims to present a variety of views in its opinion pages. Send your thoughts, questions and letters to pat@ appenmedia.com.

Lena McGuyer, 87, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 26, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Mariellen Naegele, 95, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 18, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Paul Scholfield, 81, of Milton, passed away on November 16, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Michael Smith, 62, of Johns Creek, passed away on November 17, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Brian Spandau, 32, of Roswell, passed away on November 22, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Harold Vogel, 79, of Roswell, passed away on November 22, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Barbara Whalley, 86, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 19, 2022.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Reba Wright, 90, of Milton, passed away on November 14, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS!

50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928

Hablamos Español

Dental insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www. dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-7294998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ ads

Put on your TV Ears & hear TV w/unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original - originally $129.95 - now w/this special offer only $59.95 w/code MCB59! 1-888-805-0840

DISH TV $64.99 For 190

Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866479-1516

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services.

MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936

FREE $10 Cash App Everyone! Yes It’s Real. Very Limited supply until we run out! Text “Real Cash” to 706-761-1745

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC,

Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-758-3892

Caring for an aging loved one? Wondering about options like senior-living communities and in-home care? Caring.com’s Family Advisors help take the guesswork out of senior care for your family. Free, no-obligation consult: 1-855-759-1407

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

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833610-1936

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

HughesNet - Finally, superfast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/ mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

$0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-877-539-0299

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Pest, rodent, termite and mosquito control. Call for a quote or inspection today 844-394-9278

Switch and save up to $250/yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time get $50 off any new account. Use code GIFT50. 1-855-903-3048

Attention Homeowners! If you have water damage and need cleanup services, call us! We’ll get in & work with your insurance agency to get your home repaired and your life back to normal ASAP! 855-767-7031

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:

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.

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.