Forsyth Herald - December 12, 2024 by Appen Media Group

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County Commission continues to cultivate agritourism business

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A sixth generation farming family will join a growing number of rural landowners in Forsyth County operating an agritourism business.

At its Dec. 5 meeting, the County Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Russell Farms’ 68-acre property at Westbrook and Jot Em Down roads in northeastern Forsyth County.

Agricultural tourism permits allow farms larger than 20 acres to conduct commercial business as long as it relates to farming, which must also be conducted on site. The permits allow landowners to maintain the properties’ rural character and agricultural heritage while minimizing impacts to adjacent properties.

after commissioners amended the Unified Development Code to facilitate the industry. In 2022, another five were granted permits followed by two more in 2024.

Fischer development would add 54 homes along Matt Highway

in northwest Forsyth County in 2025.

Fischer Homes plans to build the houses on about 60 acres at Old Federal Road and Matt Highway, according to Forsyth County records. Prices will begin at $700,000.

County commissioners unanimously approved a decision to rezone the tract from agricultural to single family use at a Dec. 5 meeting. The homes will sit on lots a little smaller than 1 acre.

Josh Brockman, Fischer Homes Atlanta Division manager, thanked commissioners for moving the project forward and that home construction is expected to begin early 2026.

See HOMES, Page 13

The county is home to 20 parcels zoned for agricultural tourism with a combined area of 350 acres, said Russell Brown, director for the Forsyth County Department of Communications.

The first zonings emerged in 2021

Russell Farms had previously been zoned for agricultural use. The property has been in owner Ginger Russell Wagoner’s family since the early 1900s, attorney Christopher Light said.

“Her and her son are looking at making it a little bit more of a commercial enterprise,” Light said.

See COUNTY, Page 13

FISCHER HOMES/PROVIDED Homes in the community are part of Fischer Homes’ Masterpiece Collection. The homes are to be built at Old Federal Road and Matt Highway.

RUSSELL FARMS/PROVIDED

farm, Russell Farms bills itself as a charming rural venue for weddings and other events. The property obtained a conditional use permit Dec. 5 for agricultural tourism.

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 54home community is slated for development

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Mail thief strikes at home on two consecutive days

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 40-yearold Cumming woman reported mail theft from her home’s mailbox Nov. 20.

The woman told deputies a driver in a white Jeep SUV had opened her mailbox and removed her mail at her Bentbill Crossing home, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report. The woman said she saw someone in the same vehicle take her mail the day before.

The mail stolen Nov. 20 was junk mail the woman had placed in the mailbox upon recommendation of law enforcement.

The woman provided deputies a home surveillance video showing a man wearing a light-colored, longsleeved shirt and a white boonie hat. The man reached out of his driver side window, removed the mail and drove away.

Deputies created a be-on-the-lookout advisory for the vehicle.

— Jon Wilcox

Suwanee man reports hit-and-run incident

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated a hit-and-run crash Nov. 20.

A 60-year-old Suwanee man said his vehicle was rear-ended by a gold or tan Nissan Altima while he was stopped at the intersection of Peachtree Parkway at Stoney Point Road, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report.

After the collision, the Nissan drove away, he said.

The man said the other driver appeared to be a woman in her early 20s with a medium build and curly hair.

The man said he was not injured, and his vehicle was still operable.

— Jon Wilcox

Driver reports road rage on Bethelview Road

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated a road rage incident on Bethelview Road Nov. 20.

A 65-year-old Forsyth County man told deputies the driver of a Jeep Wrangler pointed a gun at him in traffic, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report.

The driver brandished the gun after honking at him, gesturing and pulling alongside him, he said.

The Forsyth County driver said he feared for his life and attempted to pull away. After traffic began to move, the Forsyth County man found himself behind the Jeep and took a photograph of its license plate.

Deputies contacted a woman who was the registered owner of the Jeep, but she denied ever owning the vehicle.

The incident was classified as a misdemeanor pointing or aiming a gun or pistol at another.

— Jon Wilcox

Woman sought for fraud in phone contract switch

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A fraud was reported at a North Point Parkway cellular store Nov. 21.

A 40-year-old Norcross man told officers his ex-girlfriend had fraudulently transferred a cell phone from AT&T to another provider, according to an Alpharetta police report.

The woman provided a PIN for the AT&T account and accessed his account, the man said.

An AT&T employee said the woman provided a driver’s license that matched his appearance.

The man was charged $657.93 for the transfer.

The alleged crime was classified as a felony identity fraud of a person.

Jon Wilcox

Pedestrian struck, killed crossing

Ga. 9 in evening ROSWELL, Ga. — Police are investigating the death of a 38-yearold Avondale Estates woman after she was struck by multiple vehicles while crossing Alpharetta Highway (Ga. 9) near Houze Way Nov. 30.

An officer said he received word around 7:40 p.m. informing him of a pedestrian who was hit and killed by a vehicle. The victim was later identified as Amber D. Evans.

The officer said the initial collision occurred 200 feet south of the intersection in the shared center-turn lane.

According to an analysis of the crash, a northbound Ford F-150 on Ga. 9 entered the center lane to turn left onto Houze Way, striking the woman. The collision threw her into the southbound lanes.

After that, officers said the victim was struck by two SUVs.

Officers said all three drivers involved in the incident checked on the victim afterward and were on scene when they arrived. There were two other witnesses who completed voluntary statements.

While no blame was assigned in the report, officers included a charge for “jaywalking,” or a pedestrian traversing a roadway outside of a crosswalk.

The report says the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and took possession of the deceased.

Writing later in a shift report, a Roswell officer said Alpharetta Highway (Ga. 9) was shut down for around three hours. The department’s Traffic Enforcement Division responded and continued the on-scene investigation.

Hayden Sumlin

Locals join effort to change state flower

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

NORTH METRO ATLANTA — The Georgia Native Plant Society is supporting an effort during the 2025 General Assembly to change Georgia’s state flower to the sweetbay magnolia.

The Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata) has been the state flower for more than a century.

Several organizations and leaders across the state are advocating to change Georgia’s state flower from the invasive species to the native sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana).

The Georgia Native Plant Society encourages all citizens to contact their state legislators and encourage them to support the change.

When state legislators and Gov. Nathaniel Harris approved the state’s official “floral emblem” in the summer of 1916, it was believed the Cherokee rose was indigenous to Georgia.

In fact, the Cherokee rose is indigenous to China and southeastern Asia. It was introduced to North America sometime in the 1700s.

Cherokee legend incorporates the flower into the 1838 Trail of Tears, where elders said the flower would grow where tears fell during the march to Oklahoma. You can still find the roses along the route the tribe took.

The Georgia Native Plant Society views the current state flower differently than Georgians did a century ago. They say Cherokee and other Native Americans relied on Georgia’s native plants to survive.

The myth that the rose was special to the Cherokee people was popularized years after the tribe was forced to leave the state during the infamous Trail of Tears and has no basis in fact, the Georgia Native Plant Society says.

Furthermore, the Georgia Cherokee

The sweetbay magnolia, common throughout the Atlantic coast in the southeastern United States, is making a push to replace the Cherokee rose as the Georgia state flower. The Georgia Native Plant Society is leading a charge to support the effort during next year’s General Assembly.

Community Alliance supports removing the rose as the state flower and encourages a native plant that was known by their people for the thousands of years they lived in Georgia.

Additional organizations are also supporting the change including Birds Georgia, the Georgia Invasive Species Council and the University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.

Statewide organizations want to rectify what they call a century-old mistake and join the 80 percent of U.S. states with an indigenous state flower.

Michael Cowan, who serves as the society’s advocacy chair, is a Dunwoody resident and a recipient of the city’s 2022 Sustainability Hero award. He helped overhaul the city’s Sustainability Plan, initiated Dunwoody’s efforts to become a Bee City USA, and established a partnership with the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper to monitor water quality for the local watershed.

Cowan said the key is to have the bill introduced early in the legislative session, so it passes amid more salient items. He said once people understand the context of the change, they get on board.

The Georgia Native Plant Society says state Rep. Deborah Silcox of Sandy Springs and Sen. Rick Williams of Milledgeville plan to introduce the required legislation in each chamber next year. The society says both recognize the symbolic importance of an indigenous state flower.

“The Cherokee rose was adopted as the state flower in 1916 under the incorrect assumption that it was native to the state and a legacy of the Cherokee people — it is neither,” Silcox said. “Georgia is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world with so many beautiful native flowers … We deserve a state flower from Georgia.”

The sweetbay magnolia is a small, evergreen understory tree with a wonderfully

fragrant and beautiful white flower. It is native to Georgia and can be found growing wild in much of the state.

The society says invasive species, like the Cherokee rose, create costly control problems for Georgia farmers and homeowners. The sweetbay magnolia is the host plant for the state butterfly — the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail — and its flower supports many other pollinators.

Ellen Honeycutt, board chair of the Georgia Native Plant Society, said indigenous plants are the keystone for the state’s ecosystem.

“Loss of native plant habitat is perhaps the biggest cause of species decline today,” she said. “Without the native host plants, we don’t have the insects like caterpillars and butterflies that support the birds and

all the other animals that are vital to sustaining a balanced ecosystem.”

While the Cherokee Rose is not sold or encouraged as a landscaping plant because of its invasive tendencies, the sweetbay magnolia is widely available and can be planted in all regions of the state.

“It would be great to have a state flower that Georgians can buy from local nurseries and feel good about planting on their property” Stuart Cofer, owner of Cofer’s Home & Garden Showplace in Athens, told the Georgia Native Plant Society.

All Georgians are encouraged to reach out to their local legislators and urge them to support a state flower from Georgia.

For more information, visit the Georgia Native Plant Society’s website at gnps.org/ conservation/advocacy.

December 24th

MARTA seeks to integrate service with I-285 express lanes

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — MARTA is in the midst of studying how to integrate its transit into the elevated express lanes planned for the northern arc of I-285.

About a dozen Central Perimeter residents gathered at the Hampton Inn in Sandy Springs Dec. 5 to offer ideas on how transit can capitalize on GDOT’s investment by enhancing regional connectivity and providing access.

MARTA is focusing on some way to implement bus rapid transit on the I-285 Express Lanes.

MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood said the study is a pivotal step to address the region’s growing need for expanded and reliable transportation services.

“By tapping into the funded Express Lanes infrastructure investments already planned for I-285, we have an opportunity to provide efficient transit solutions that benefit residents and commuters alike,” she said.

By 2050, MARTA officials say the study area population is expected to grow 42 percent, with a similar jump in job growth over the same period.

Traffic congestion has long been and continues to plague Metro Atlanta.

GDOT’s current plan calls for constructing elevated express lanes — 50 to 60 feet above the existing generalpurpose lanes. The two express lanes, running in each direction, may extend across the entire northern half of I-285 and connect into I-20.

With GDOT still searching for a private-sector financier,

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

At left, Tim Sorenson, vice president of transit and urban mobility at engineering firm CDM Smith, discusses transit options along the proposed I-285 express lanes with visitors at the Dec. 5 public input session in Sandy Springs.

changing the scope of the express lanes remains a possibility.

The scope of the MARTA study includes the entirety of the I-285 Express Lanes project and looks to expand access using the elevated lanes between the H.E. Holmes station in west Atlanta and the Indian Creek station in unincorporated DeKalb County.

The stations are the eastern and western termini of MARTA’s rapid transit Blue Line. Because MARTA’s rail lines provide solid east-west and north-south public transportation, the transit study is focused on getting MARTA

users to other places via bus rapid transit.

Natavis Eric Harris, project manager with MARTA, said his team is using models from the Federal Transit Administration to predict future demand for transit use.

Harris said he’s focused on getting MARTA service where it needs to be.

Regional transit connections – or bus stops – proposed along the northern arc of I-285 include Indian Creek, Doraville, Perimeter Center, Cumberland and H.E. Holmes, with potential other locations scattered across the east and west.

Most of the predicted bus transit involves people on the west and east sides of I-285 heading north to Central Perimeter.

MARTA Director of Federal Corridors & Hubs Marcus Arnold said construction of the project is contingent on the progress and timing of GDOT’s I-285 Express Lanes project. Without a private-sector partner, there’s no predicting when funding will be secured for MARTA’s transit.

That’s not stopping MARTA from planning potential stations along the bus corridor.

Tim Sorenson, vice president of transit and urban mobility at engineering firm CDM Smith, took attendees through access approaches at major stops like Perimeter Center.

Factors to be considered include walk time, direct connections to amenities and ride time.

With the roar of motorists along Ga. 400 at the Hampton Inn off Hammond Drive, the need for transportation diversification in north Metro Atlanta was apparent.

For those unable to attend in person, meeting materials can be viewed at www.i285expresslanestransit.com.

10 Caesar salads worth trying in north metro

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Caesar salads are a beloved and ever-present on restaurant menus. They come from a variety of backgrounds, from Italian to American to French.

Here’s 10 of the best in Appen Media Group’s coverage area, in no particular order.

1. Trattoria one 41 — 9810 Medlock Bridge Road A, Johns Creek

Designed as an appetizer, this garlicky, delicious Caesar packs enough flavor for an entrée. Trattoria one 41’s pastas are great, but Caesar salad lovers may begin flocking to Johns Creek for the crunchy, creamy scrumptiousness. My only suggested improvement would be increasing the size.

2. Colletta — 900 Third St., Alpharetta (Avalon)

Colletta in Avalon shines as one of the best Italian restaurants in Alpharetta, and its Caesar salad exceeds expectations as much as the great service. Colletta’s croutons and cheese are exquisite, leveling up already high-quality lettuce and dressing. Their crispy potatoes make an excellent side.

3. Salt Factory — 102 S. Main St., Alpharetta, Canton Street in Roswell

Anyone looking for a salad that’s not good but

great need not look further than the Salt Factory. With several locations in the area, Salt Factory makes an incredible meal very accessible. The dressing is delicious, with perfectly seasoned chicken that makes it hard to resist the upcharge.

4. North Italia — 4600 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE, Dunwoody

North Italia delivers an elevated presentation for their take on a classic dish, backing up the look in the taste department. Their Caesar features breadcrumbs as an alternative to croutons, an appreciated touch that removes the awkwardness of getting a crouton on your fork.

5. Crust — 131 S. Main St., Alpharetta

If you want a delicious but classic Caesar, Crust is the place to go. Every aspect is exquisite, from the lettuce to the high-quality cheese to the dressing and the croutons. Each bite holds the perfect amount of tang to satisfy that Caesar craving. Crust’s garlic knots are phenomenal, too.

6. Marlow’s Tavern — 1317 Dunwoody Village Parkway, Dunwoody

A slightly unique take on a Caesar with mixed romaine lettuce and kale for a base. Highly suggest adding blackened chicken to add a kick that compliments the tang of the dressing. With so many locations, a great Caesar is rarely more than a 20-minute drive away in metro Atlanta.

7. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill — 2665 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta

A Caesar for the table — fair warning, don’t order as your appetizer with an entrée later unless you plan on taking it home: this salad could feed a whole family. The lettuce and cheese are highquality, the dressing is delicious, Firebirds’ Caesar has every element for a great salad.

8. Salata — 2560 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta

When a business’s whole shtick is salads, the Caesar has to pack a punch. Salata’s Caesar lives up to the hype, a perfectly tangy and garlicky dressing with a healthy scoop of chicken. The more casual atmosphere is great for a lunch on the go or a quick sit-down.

9. Campania — 12635 Crabapple Road, Milton

Campania delivers a classic Caesar, with highquality lettuce and a lighter dressing. An Italian take on a Caesar is not complete without first-rate parmesan, and Campania meets the mark on that aspect. Their Rosetta bread is a great complement to the meal.

10. La Madeleine — Perimeter Center

Last but not least, for a more on-the-go feel that deposits you in Paris in the France-themed restaurant, visit La Madeleine and try their Caesar. Watch as the salad is made in front of you and enjoy the meal to-go or sit down. High-quality ingredients meet great service here.

Just opened?

6 | Forsyth Herald | December 12, 2024

Owner wants to bring seaside to downtown Alpharetta

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Rob Schryver wants to bring the seashore to Alpharetta.

Oyster bars and seafood houses were always some of Schryver’s favorite experiences while vacationing in Florida. The Alpharetta resident said the bounty of fresh seafood he enjoyed during visits to the shore have inspired him to replicate the experience.

“We got thinking it would be nice to find a place like this up here without having to travel down to Florida to get it,” he said.

Schryver plans to open a Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar at 9 S. Main St. in January in the heart of Alpharetta’s downtown at a space once occupied by South Main Kitchen. The location will be one of 18 franchise restaurants with locations in Cumming, North and South Carolina, Florida, Maryland and Illinois.

Fresh seafood, particularly raw oysters, will be at the heart of the restaurant’s menu, Schryver said. He plans on sourcing oysters from East Coast waters, such as Chesapeake, Georgia and Canada and others from the Gulf and West Coast.

Schryver said he would love to feature a rotating selection of four to six seasonal oysters on top of a couple house varieties.

There’s something special about a raw oyster, although the restaurant will offer plenty of cooked variations like Oysters Rockefeller, he said.

See SHUCK, Page 7

Shuckin’ Shack aims to provide a seashore experience inland with beach decor and

already has more than a dozen locations in the U.S.

SHUCKIN’ SHACK/PROVIDED

fresh seafood daily. The restaurant chain

BUSINESSPOSTS

SHACK/PROVIDED

Raw oysters are a centerpiece of Shuckin’ Shack’s menu, but the restaurant also will offer fresh fish, shrimp, crab and other seafood.

Shuck:

Continued from Page 6

Schryver’s lifelong love for the delicacy began as a child when his father used to cook them up.

“I’ve been eating them since I was 5 years old,” he said. “I’ve never had a bad one.”

On top of oysters, the Shuckin’ Shack will offer a full seafood menu, including clams, crab legs, mussels, peel and eat and fried shrimp, Alfredo, scampi, lobster rolls, fresh fish, crab cakes and more.

“Anything on the coast, you’ll find here,” Schryver said.

With a full-service bar, capacity for about 100 diners and plenty of outdoor seating, Schryer said the restaurant will be an ideal spot for individual dining and large and small gatherings like parties, meet-ups and date nights.

Low lighting and beach decor like surfboards, fishing nets, crab traps and beach vacation photos will create an ambience that transports customers to the seashore. A passthrough entrance will allow easy access to the street and an open, outdoorsy vibe during nice weather.

With many entrees priced in the $15-$20 range, Shuckin’ Shack’s menu will balance affordability and quality, he said.

Schryver said he envisions an ideal experience would be on a night when the restaurant is hosting live music.

A group of friends might start off with a dozen raw oysters with a beer before veering off into bourbon or mixed drinks. After drinks, the group might settle in for more filling entrees of fresh fish.

Schryver said his goal is for patrons to think, “If I didn’t know better, I’d have said we were down in the Gulf right now.”

Savvy about

Store posting (Abbr.)

Sound of relief

Turturro of “The Sopranos”

It may be pitched

Geologists’ studies

SHUCKIN’

Comprehensive neurological and neurosurgical care

Brought to you by - Dr. Arthur Grigorian, neurosurgeon at Wellstar

The neurosurgery program at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center has grown significantly in recent years, adding three neurosurgeons and one interventional neurologist, as well as three physician assistants and one nurse practitioner over the past six years. We’ve been able to build one of the most comprehensive neuro care programs in the Atlanta area. Wellstar North Fulton is also a Level II Trauma Center and Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center—the highest level of stroke treatment recognized.

Our team treats the most complex pathologies of the spine, including trauma and degenerative disease, with expert care. Physicians can address concerns including herniated discs, stenosis, radiculopathy and other chronic or acute problems of the spine.

The neurosurgeons, neurocritical care physicians and neurologists at Wellstar North Fulton work together to perform the most complex neuro care procedures, including aneurysm clipping and coiling, embolizations and resections of arteriovenous malformations of the brain and spine, surgical bypasses for patients with a chronic cerebral ischemia or moyamoya disease, and treatment of carotid artery diseases. Our hybrid neurovascular suite is equipped with innovative biplane technology. This allows neurosurgeons to view

highly detailed images of brain vessels, so we can customize treatments for each patient in real-time.

Before we expanded our neurological care at Wellstar North Fulton, patients had to travel either to different healthcare facilities or outside the state to receive this kind of care.

In addition, Wellstar North Fulton opened a state-of-the-art oncology center last year. The cancer center houses CyberKnife technology and opens a new horizon for treatment of complex oncological problems, including tumors of the brain or spinal cord.

To learn more about care at Wellstar North Fulton, visit wellstar.org/northfulton. Call (770) 664-9600 to schedule an appointment with a neurosurgeon in Roswell.

Great news in treating Pediatric Melanoma

Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist

Insist on the BEST

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

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

Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 22 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.

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

Isn’t it wonderful to hear that you are making a difference? Well, you are! All that hard work that you put in with children or grandchildren getting them to protect themselves from the Sun and wear sunscreen is making a difference!

A recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) of more than 76,000 pediatric melanomas confirmed a decline in melanoma incidence over the last ten years in children ages five and older. That decrease in melanoma is likely due to the measures you and your family members have taken during those years and during the prior ten to fifteen years when you worked so hard to protect them from the Sun. And it is hard work. I have personally braved and endured myself. We all know what it’s like: The child in question seems to morph into a wet fish wriggling out of your grasp. Your slippery sunscreen hands don’t make it any easier! The rascal gets free, and you chase him or her down. Your drink gets knocked over. Sand gets on chairs, in bags and in other places you don’t want sand to get. It’s a task somewhere between roping a calf and getting a cat to take a bath. Grueling, grasping, groaning, finally it’s complete! The child may go and play. And in an hour and a half, you get to repeat the process all over again!

We know sun safety isn’t easy. What dermatologists ask of parents and grandparents is not a simple task. Is it really all worth it?

Yes! The results are in, and they are inspiring. This very encouraging study in the JAAD strongly suggests that all our hard work is paying off.

For children ages 10-14, there was a greater than 30% drop in melanoma between 2002 and 2020.

For children ages 5-9, there was a greater than 60% drop in melanoma between 2014 and 2020.

more likely to have developed skin cancer from sunburns and sun exposure. Babies and children under 4 years old who develop melanoma are NOT likely to have developed melanoma from sun exposure. (But they still need to be protected from the Sun). Instead, genetics, a chance unlucky mutation or non-sun related environmental factors are more likely to be responsible for melanoma in the extremely young. They simply haven’t had much time to be damaged by the Sun. The fact that melanoma in those ages four and under slightly increased but melanoma in those five and older dramatically decreased makes the claim even more credible that our efforts at sun protection are working.

Good news in pediatric melanoma is likely great news for these individuals’ entire lives. Our bodies have proteins called “mismatch repair enzymes” whose job it is to fix DNA that has been damaged by ultraviolet rays from the Sun. Unfortunately, these enzymes don’t do a perfect job, and many mutations in our DNA are with us for life. Our entire lives, these mutations increase the chance that we develop skin cancer. Dermatologists have tools including prescription creams and in office treatments that kill pre-cancers and reduce one’s sun damage, but some of the Sun damage from childhood and adulthood is always with us. The fact that pediatric melanoma has plummeted in the last ten years gives us great hope that these same individuals will develop far fewer cancers as adults as well.

When you protect your loved one as a child, you are likely helping protect him or her for life.

Accepting

Interestingly, a small increase in pediatric melanoma cases for children ages four and younger supports that what we are doing is making a difference. Older children who develop melanoma are much

The next time you wonder, “is it worth it?...Should I really use that sunscreen, that UPF 50 sun shirt or take on the herculean task of wrangling a kiddo channeling his or her inner feral cat?,” the answer is YES. You are making a difference. And we only see these wonderful results at the population level in a published study because of many, many daily actions at the individual level – through the genuine care and love of many, many parents and grandparents who love their family and showed it through their actions. Keep up the great work!

Dr. Brent Taylor

Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta

How to strengthen your relationship during the holidays

Brought to you by - Summit Counseling Center

The holidays bring all the joyful chaos: crowded schedules, too much food, and family members giving unsolicited advice. With all this added pressure, it’s easy to feel like you and your partner are more “survival teammates” than “seasoned soulmates.” But here’s the good news—these holiday challenges can be opportunities to grow closer, connect, and yes, even have some fun together. Here are four practical ways to help strengthen your relationship this holiday season.

1. Make communication a (quick and daily) habit

It’s the season of merry madness, and in the rush, it’s easy to let communication slip. A few minutes to connect each day can make a huge difference. Think of this as your “holiday huddle”—a quick check-in where you both take turns sharing a high and a low from the day. Keep it light, and maybe even trade a funny story from the day. One great question I have couples I work with ask is, “What is one thing I’ve said or done recently that let you know I love you (or care about you, support you, etc.)?” Instead of waiting for holiday stress to hit the boiling point, a quick check-in each day helps keep each other in the loop and on the same team. It’s like a secret weapon to dodge any “You never told me about that!” drama.

2. Have each other’s back with family boundaries

Family gatherings during the holidays bring all the love, and often, all the opinions. Your partner might want to spend hours with family; you might need more breaks. Or maybe you have to make an appearance at three different houses on the same day. Discuss ahead of time what’s realistic and what isn’t.

I also recommend couples define what is a core need for each person, and then figure out how to compromise on the small stuff while supporting each other’s core need. Doing so may mean supporting each other’s “hard limits.” If Aunt Susan wants to know why you’re not married yet (or if you’re going to have kids, or what you really think about the election), some good-natured tag-teaming and interference running that is planned out ahead of time can work wonders.

3. Keep your expectations low but your spirits high

Even at the “most wonderful time of year,” things go wrong. It’s practically tradition. Events run late, flights get delayed, and maybe the turkey burns. Embrace a sense of humor, roll with the punches, and focus on what actually matters. Instead of stressing over and judging every detail, mindfully commit

to seeing each moment for what it is. If something doesn’t go to plan, try to laugh about it. A year from now, will it really matter, or will you have a great story to tell? A sense of humor and a touch of gratitude can take the edge off holiday frustrations and keep your spirits high, even when the lights are a little too bright and the family a little too loud.

4. Make some “us time” nonnegotiable

Finally, in all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to let quality time slip. Make it a rule to steal away at least a little time, just the two of you—even if it’s just a 15-minute walk or a coffee date away from the action. It’s your chance to reconnect, decompress, and remind each other why you’re partners in the first place. These little check-ins can be as simple as a quiet breakfast together or even a quick getaway to a favorite

spot nearby. Whatever it is, make it about unwinding and recharging as a couple.

The holidays can bring a lot of cheer—and a fair share of tension. These tips can help you and your significant other turn common challenges into connecting opportunities. Keep the humor going, support each other, and make time to enjoy the season together. Cheers to a season filled with love, laughter, and maybe a few more inside jokes that’ll keep you both smiling into the new year!

If you would like more tools to deal with family stress, or to improve the quality of your relationship, reach out to our amazing admin team at www. summitcounseling.org or 678-893-5300 to schedule a free consultation call with myself or any of our expertly trained clinicians.

PEXELS

Sgt. Maj. Paul Hershey – a U.S. Marine, Part 2

BOB MEYERS Columnist

In an earlier column I wrote about Sergeant Major Paul Hershey’s Vietnam experiences. In this column I will discuss some of the events in his career after Vietnam.

Following the closure of the American Embassy in late 1974 and his assignment as a trainer of Marines in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Japan and the rescue of the crew of the Mayaguez, Hershey left Vietnam for good in 1976 and went to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendelton in California. There, he again served as an instructor.

In 1978, he was promoted to first sergeant and in 1979 was selected for the Marine Corps Advanced Degree Program (ADP). He obtained a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern California.

At end of 1981, Hershey was assigned to train a Marine Corps FAST company (Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team) in Rota, Spain. FAST is a quick reaction force that can be deployed as rapidly as needed.

He returned to Camp Pendelton in 1982 to be sergeant major of Marine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG-13), MAG-70 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121). These elite units provide close air support for ground troops, reconnaissance and logistical support in operations such as the defense of Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War. Hershey recalls joint exercises in Turkey working with multinational forces.

He became the sergeant major of the 5th Marine Regiment at Camp Pendelton and the most decorated regiment in the Marine Corps. Later, he became sergeant major of the 1st Marine Division, the oldest and largest Marine division with 20,000 men and women, also headquartered at Camp Pendelton.

In August 1990, Hershey was assigned to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield when the U.S. built up forces and defended Saudi Arabia in a short precursor to Desert Storm. Ground operations started in February 1991 after the Army and more Marines arrived. The 1st Marine Division liberated Kuwait City, and the Iraqis set fire to the oil fields.

“You could not see your hand in from of your face due to the air

U.S. Marine Corps recruits march in formation at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendelton, California. Sgt. Maj. Paul Hershey spent approximately nine years off and on at Camp Pendelton during his career with the Marine Corps.

pollution from the fires,” Hershey says, adding that the Marines were the only ones there and ready to fight at the beginning of Desert Storm because they had prepositioned ships and supplies to last for six months.

At the end of his assignment in the Middle East in May,1991, Hershey was among the armed forces that boarded ships for their return home. On the way, they were diverted to Bangladesh after a powerful tropical cyclone caused a 20-foot storm surge which killed 140,000 people and made up to 10 million people homeless. Under Operation Sea Angel, Marine forces delivered 340 metric tons of food per day and provided 289 medical teams over a period of six weeks.

After returning to Camp Pendleton

Beginning in February 1991, during the latter stages of the Gulf War, Iraqi forces were withdrawing from Kuwait. As they retreated, they set fire to more than 750 Kuwaiti oil fields. The fires lasted for several months. The first fires were extinguished in April. The last well was capped in November 1991. Sgt. Maj. Hershey says the smoke was so thick that you could not see your hand in front of your face.

MASTER SGT KIT THOMPSON/PROVIDED

Hershey was reassigned to Camp Smith Hawaii. He was there when the Marines led relief efforts to combat starvation in Somalia under Operation Provide Relief. The Marines served as the command element that supervised the relief efforts.

In Hawaii, Hershey’s final assignment in 1992 was as sergeant major, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific (FMFPAC), the largest maritime landing force in the world, where he was responsible for thousands of Marines for two years. He oversaw Marine operations throughout the Pacific before retiring in 1994.

Among his fascinating postVietnam assignments was a tour at the Fort Sherman Jungle Operations Training Center on the Caribbean side of Panama adjacent to the Panama

Canal. As sergeant major of the 5th Marine Regiment at that time, he took part in the successful effort to capture former Panamanian president Manuel Noriega who was wanted by the United States for trafficking in drugs. Noriega later died in prison.

Hershey was in the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut in 1983 when a terrorist bombing killed 220 Marines, 18 sailors and three soldiers.

While in Hawaii, he started a program called Last Look to bring missing MIAs back home to the United States for burial and to provide closure for their families. Last Look continues to this day.

In the early 1990s, Hershey spent two months doing drug interdiction on the Mexican border. He led a battalion that operated along the Rio Grande from Presidio, to El Paso, to Arizona.

Hershey has returned to Vietnam four times since the war. He likes to visit museums and is amazed at the beauty of the country and its sense of freedom and commerce. He is going back again in March 2025.

When asked what we have learned from Vietnam and Desert Storm, Hershey said, “Our military is the crux of our freedom. Their strength and dedication to duty are what makes our freedom possible.”

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

SGTMAJ HERSHEY

This portrait of Sergeant Major Paul Hershey was taken in 1992 following his tour in Vietnam when he was serving in Hawaii.

LACE CPL. JANELL ALVAREZ/MARINE CORPS

Holidays a time for giving and getting sick

MIKE TASOS

The Christmas season is upon us.

We’re smack-dabbed in the middle of Secret Santas, a December cold snap and saying the final good-byes to leftover turkey, ham and stuffing.

Such a special time of year, one that is synonymous with shopping and giving. I’m fully aligned with the latter, albeit not too happy about it.

I want to flog whoever gave me this Covid/flu/cold trifecta, beat them with one of those gigantic candy canes that we used to receive but never ate.

I haven’t a clue how this nasty little bugger came to enter my life. I haven’t been near any wet markets and Publix always seems to be perfectly dry.

A Wuhan lab, perhaps you might say. Not a chance. Heck, I haven’t even eaten Chinese food since the Year of The

County:

Continued from Page 1

In recent years, family and friends have asked to hold events on the property, Light said. The farm boasts tree canopied driveways, rolling hills, picturesque barns and green pastures girded by split rail fences.

Russell Farms bills itself as a charming venue with modern conveniences for weddings, birthdays and other celebrations, but the property also functions as a hay farm, Wagoner said.

“Our hope for the future is to have a venue that people can come to and enjoy,” she said. “The land has been safeguarded and passed through generations ever since, which is a testament to our love and commitment to Forsyth County.”

Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills attested to the farm’s beauty and noted its location to a similar property, Kinsey Family Farm, which commis -

Homes:

Continued from Page 1

"During the planning and approval process, Fischer Homes worked closely with Forsyth County officials and residents to answer questions, provide information and give assurances that Fischer will develop a residential com-

Sprint to the commode, which is what I am enjoying as I write this.

It seems like it’s taking longer to write this, it’s because it is. “Frequent breaks” may be acceptable when completing a work project, but for me, it’s destroying any train of thought. But I’ll suck it before my next download and give you, dear readers, a chuckle at my expense.

As a people, our propensity for giving and generosity know no bounds. Think of all the charitable gestures that marked Thanksgiving giving. With all the turkeys being meted out to so many, it is almost unfathomable that anyone went hungry. Tales of folks enjoying a meeting with strangers who have the gift of sharing a meal, despite there being unfortunate family and economic circumstances.

Personally, I can’t stomach the thought of someone, especially kids, going without on Christmas. It tugs at my heart to think of nothing to open. But the harsh reality is that some neighbors, no matter the root cause of their unfortunate circumstances, need help.

sioners also approved for agricultural tourism zoning.

Kinsey Family Farm, another familyowned farm that lies across Jot Em Down Farm Road from Russell Farms, operates as a plant nursery and garden center.

During the holidays, Kinsey Family Farm allows visitors to choose and cut down their own Christmas trees. In the fall, they feature harvest crops and pumpkins as well as a myriad of other plants during the rest of the season.

The Kinsey and Russell farms are two of many in the county, Mills said.

In the past five years, the demand for event spaces on agricultural settings has increased exponentially, she said.

For Mills, who grew up in Forsyth County when the area was still rural, the permits are a way of protecting the county’s identity and promoting commerce.

“It used to be a county that was just rural,” she said. “You could ride your bikes on the road as a 10-year-old.”

The permits offer farmers an alter -

munity that the county will welcome and be proud of," Brockman said.

The community will feature production homes from Fischer’s Masterpiece Collection, according to the company. Sales could begin in early 2026, and community amenities are expected to be announced later.

Fischer Homes is a national builder that has created more than 40,000 homes in more than 200 communities

Kick starting Christmas for the kids occurred in mid-November when some 394 bikes, 66 Jeep drivers and others took a frosty ride from Cumming to Dawsonville on a picture-perfect Sunday afternoon.

It was mass chaos at the Cumming Fairgrounds for the start of the annual Buck Jones Toy Ride. The requirement for the ride was three unwrapped toys. Upon arriving, the toys were stuffed into several trailers. The volunteers were smiling, the bikers were grinning, and the first responders did a whale of a job keeping everyone safe on the route.

There’s a giving tree at our church and it seems like it is no sooner put up in the narthex that all the tags have been picked clean like a turkey carcass at the Culhane’s (random Hee-Haw reference).

Youngest son Greg is our designated gift-buyer. He always makes sure that no matter what is requested on a child’s gift tag, the reality is that he always goes a little further. I think when one is raised on giving, it’s a habit that fortunately is tough to break.

native to selling land to create residential subdivisions.

“I wish we could keep all of our farms,” MIlls said.

Forsyth County’s population has experienced explosive population growth, increasing 57.5% since 2010, according to USA Facts.

The county’s balance between metropolitan and rural attractions makes it a unique destination for visitors, said Stacey Gross, director of tourism development for the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce.

In the southern part of the county, multimillion-dollar mixed-use developments like Halcyon and Cumming City Center offer a huge variety of shopping and dining options.

In north Forsyth County, the less developed land maintains a rural charm that attracts many to its bounty of farms, orchards, venues, wineries and breweries, she said.

Although Gross said she has compiled a list of at about 50 agricultural tourism destinations throughout the county, the industry still has plenty of

throughout Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri and Florida. Prices have ranged from $200,000 to more than $1.5 million.

"Fischer Homes has successfully developed homes in the community and we look forward to continuing to work with the residents and officials of Forsyth County,” Brockman said.

— Jon Wilcox

It’s shaping up to be a banner Christmas. Christopher returns on the 21st of December after spending a week here at Thanksgiving. He becomes more “New York” every time he’s home, informing me he would be “taking a few meetings” in my office. If you’re keeping score, he takes my car, my office and if he has any designs on the 85-inch Sony in the man cave, he and I will have a meeting of our own.

But lordy, I loved it when we were all home for the big turkey/ham/fixings/ desserts feast.

I’m getting ready after shelling out serious green to Big John’s. We have a beautiful tree. And the world’s best tamales have been ordered from Father Rey’s mom.

Never mind the wrapping paper, I’ve already received plenty of gifts.

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.

potential to grow.

Part of tapping that potential is about marketing and coordination between businesses, she said. An agricultural tourism trail could give visitors an idea about how to visit multiple locations in a single day or weekend. Better coordination could help businesses cross-promote and magnify their business.

“It’s something I love about this county, and it hasn't been tapped into,” she said.

In other business at the Dec. 5 meeting, commissioners delayed a second public hearing to review commercial impact fees to Jan. 23, 2025. Local business leaders have criticized a proposed ordinance that would increase fees for commercial developments, saying it would harm the county’s economy.

Solution

Columnist

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TIP YOUR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON

Your local community newspaper lands in your driveway every week—rain or shine—bringing you the stories, events, and updates that matter most. But did you know that the person delivering it is often a dedicated individual who goes the extra mile (literally) to ensure you stay connected?

Why Tip?

• Show Appreciation: Your delivery person is out there early in the morning or late at night, navigating all kinds of weather, so you can enjoy the news with your morning coffee.

• Support Local Efforts: While the paper might be free, the effort behind it isn’t. Tipping helps reward those who keep this vital community service running smoothly.

• Brighten Their Day: A small tip can make a big difference in someone’s day, showing gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

If you enjoy receiving your free community newspaper, consider giving a small token of appreciation to the person who brings it to your driveway. A little kindness can go a long way!

Thank you for supporting your local delivery heroes!

How to give your delivery person a tip:

Give via the online portal at appenmedia.com/deliverytip or scan this QR Code

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

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. 1 2

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