Forsyth Herald - December 28, 2023 by Appen Media Group

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Vietnam Veterans of America Cumming chapter 1030 is accepting applications from Forsyth County students for its 2024 college scholarship program. The chapter will now award six $5,000 scholarships, double the amount it previously issued. The program is open to public and private school Forsyth County students graduating in 2024. “Our organization is very pleased to be able to substantially increase the awards, thanks to the hard work of our members who raised sufficient funds to improve the amount each successful candidate will receive,” Cumming Chapter President Gary Goyette said. To receive a scholarship, students must submit an application demonstrating academic excellence and participation in school activities and community service. Applicants must also submit an original 500-word essay themed “why freedom isn’t free.” To apply, students must be a United States citizen and have a relative who served in the U.S. armed forces. Those interested can download an application at vva1030-cumming. com, pick up an application at their school guidance office or call 770500-7234.

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Vietnam vets group opens applications for ’24 scholarships

2023

Clockwise from right: Norma Castillo Malone accepts the 2023 Leadership in Education award alongside Forsyth County School District staff at the Hispanic Heritage Month reception Sept. 20; County officials celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Forsyth Community Clinic on Mary Alice Park Road May 5; Sharon Elementary School Principal Brian Nelson dances with a kindergarten drama class on the first day of school Aug. 3.

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2 | December 28, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

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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.

Deputies charge couple for fight at McDonald’s FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested two Cumming men Dec. 14 for allegedly fighting outside McDonald’s on Keith Bridge Road. A Central EMS paramedic who was entering the restaurant reported the fight around 8 p.m. He said he heard the tires of a truck squealing and saw one of the suspects park in front of the building, and he saw the second suspect leave the restaurant. Another patron told the paramedic the men were fighting, and he attempted to break up the fight, the report states. The second suspect reported the other man pulled up to the drivethru, where they argued. He said the first suspect allegedly called him racial slurs and spat on him, and they exchanged fighting words before heading to the parking lot. He reportedly swept the first suspect’s legs out from under him and punched him several times on the ground. Deputies reported confirming the incident on a witness’s cellphone. Both suspects were charged with misdemeanor fighting.

Second suspect arrested in November burglary FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 32-yearold Dawsonville man Dec. 13, the second suspect to be charged for allegedly burglarizing a vacant home on Hopewell Road. The victim reported Nov. 20 he and

PUBLIC SAFETY his sister care for the property, which belongs to his deceased parents. He said he saw a red car parked in the car port outside the home, and his sister confirmed no one was supposed to be there. He reported the screen door connecting the car port to the house had been kicked in, but there were no signs of forced entry. The victim’s sister said she may have left the door unlocked. The victim reported when he pulled into the driveway, the suspect vehicle moved to the back of the house. He encountered a male and two female suspects in the car port, and the male was carrying an old trunk from the house, the report states. The male suspect reportedly apologized, and the three suspects left in their vehicle heading north on Hopewell Road. The victim’s sister reported a set of silverware was missing from the house, and several drawers and wardrobes had been open and rummaged. One of the female suspects was later arrested and charged with felony forced residence burglary in the first degree. The male suspect was later located in the Dawson County Jail and charged with felony forced residence burglary in the first degree. He is now being held at the Forsyth County Jail with no posted bond amount. There is no arrest information available for the second female suspect.

Gainesville woman arrested for alleged threats to brother FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County deputies arrested a 26-yearold Gainesville woman Dec. 13 who allegedly threatened to kill her brother at his home on Continental Trail. The victim reported the threats around midnight after he and his sister had been drinking and arguing all day. He reported he had been letting the

suspect live with him in exchange for finding a job and helping with bills after she was released from prison in Florida. He said they were arguing because she was not fulfilling her promise, the report states. He reported going to the kitchen to get a beer when the suspect offered him one in an aggressive manner, and he said he could get his own beer. He alleged the suspect told him, “Before I leave here, I’m going to kill you,” and, “Either you’re going to kill me, or I’m going to kill you.” The victim reported the look in the suspect’s eyes and her tone convinced him the threats were real, and he went upstairs to call 911. The suspect was charged with felony terroristic threats and acts. She is being held at the Forsyth County Jail on a $11,130 bond.

Staged decor taken from for-sale home JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — An Atlanta woman reported to police Dec. 14 that someone had stolen items from her employer’s home on Royal Birkdale Court, which had been used for staging. The woman, the homeowner’s personal assistant, told police she received a notice that the house was unsecured. When she arrived at the residence, she said she found that the garage door and front door were open, according to the incident report. The woman told police she made a video call to the listing agent, who noted multiple decorative items as missing that belonged to the company that staged the residence. She also said she couldn’t close the garage door, and a repairman told police it would cost $300 to fix. The woman said the garage door had been closed and operable before the incident, the report says. The woman said the last showing was on Dec. 12 and that no other entries should have been made, but the alarm system showed that doors were opened the following day.

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2023 | 3

A LOOK AHEAD

Excitement, engagement fills every corner of Cumming City Center

TROY BRUMBALOW Mayor of Cumming

What a difference a year can make. This sentiment has probably never been truer than it has for the Cumming City Center over the past 12 months. The City of Cumming’s largest project in history has truly blossomed this past

year. At the end of 2022, none of the Center’s tenant businesses had opened yet, and we had only presented a handful of outdoor events at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. But in March of 2023, our tenant businesses began opening their doors as they completed their individual buildouts and passed inspections. Throughout the spring and summer, the majority opened their doors, and today we have 23 vibrant retailers, restaurants and offices open for business.

Another 10 occupants are slated to open in 2024: Rock N Taco, Santa Maria Tapas Bar, 21st Amendment Italian-American Restaurant, Simple Man Distillery, Wright’s on the Green British Pub, Mary Lucille’s Bakery and Tea Room, Unique Cuts Barber Shop, Monster Carts, Cumming Family Chiropractic, and Mortgage Investors Group. These businesses put the Cumming City Center at 100 percent full! We are also excited to begin a new Cumming Police and Municipal Court building on-site at the City Center. We hope to break ground on the facility sometime during the first quarter of 2024 and complete construction by the end of 2024. This new modern, two-story building is much needed as the current Cumming PD and Municipal Court building is almost 50 years old. The new facility will have an area dedicated to honoring local law enforcement officers and remembering the history of the Cumming Police Department and Forsyth County

OPINION

Year-end letter from publisher ► PAGE 18 Sheriff’s Office in a similar fashion to the City Center’s Fire Museum, which officially opened in the space adjacent to Myth & Legend Coffee House on Dec. 14, 2023. The Fire Museum, which is free and open to the public during Myth & Legend’s business hours and during some City Center events, features historic fire equipment, news articles and a memorial to three local firefighters lost in the line of duty. The museum’s centerpiece is the former City of Cumming Volunteer Fire Department’s vintage, 1980’s fire truck, which was fully restored for the museum. In addition to facilities and tenants, we were thrilled to expand

the number and variety of public events at the City Center in 2023, and we plan to add even more in 2024. Throughout 2023, the City Center provided numerous opportunities for our community to come together. These events included dozens of live concerts in various musical genres, the weekly Cumming Farmers Market, seasonal pop-up markets, wine and beer festivals, a two-day art festival, outdoor livestreams of sporting events, a UGA Dawgs autograph event, classic car cruise-ins and a Christmas tree lighting celebration, among others. No doubt, 2023 was definitely an exciting year, and 2024 will be even better! If you haven’t already, I invite you to subscribe to the Bulletin Board, the monthly e-newsletter of the Cumming City Center, at the link found at cummingcitycenter.com, and to like and follow @cummingcitycenter on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date information about everything at the Cumming City Center!

A LOOK AHEAD

Forsyth County continues its upward course Please pardon my candor. If I am completely honest, I am having a hard time pushing myself to really “take stock” of 2023 and 2024 because of the many (emphasis added) projects, JAMES MCCOY President of Forsyth County events, programs Chamber and agenda items driving the Chamber’s work. I suppose that tells me something about where things stand! Our region has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to what we have accomplished and what is yet to come. We hear repeatedly from businesses that 2023 has been a year of uncertainty, and more uncertainty is expected in 2024. Uncertainly isn’t stopping activity. It is just changing the nature of the activity. The announcement of the $2 billion destination development, The Gathering at South Forsyth, has overshadowed the other 57 commercial projects announcing relocations or expansions in Forsyth

County generating $74 million in new capital investment and over 500 jobs announced or retained. The No. 1 concern expressed by nearly every business we engage is access and retention of talent. This past year marked the first year of the Chamber’s partnership with Forsyth County Schools to hire a Director of Workforce Development to lead the FOCOWorks initiative. Some remarkable steps were taken to support employers in addressing their No. 1 problem. We are building on early success in creating solutions for employers. We are also bringing on new leadership early in 2024 to drive the Chamber’s tourism development work, DiscoverFOCO. While 2023 was a solid year of growth for tourism with the addition of a new landmark hotel at Halcyon, 2024 is expected to continue to grow with anticipated announcements of at least one new hotel property, destination restaurants, breweries, sports venues. The Chamber is leading the initiative in 2024 to create Forsyth County’s second community improvement district (CID) at Exit 14

(Ga. 20) and Marketplace Boulevard. It is an idea whose time has come! We can expect that once the CID is up and running, it will take on similar projects to the South Forsyth CID at Exit 12 (McFarland Road) and take on some much-needed beautification and landscaping with an eye toward championing congestion reduction and road safety improvements. Our community will also be welcoming a new superintendent for Forsyth County Schools. Dr. Jeff Bearden announced his retirement recently. To say that he will be missed is an understatement. He has been a stellar leader and has navigated the massive ship of our school system into even higher levels

of achievement. Dr. Bearden has championed critical initiatives to effectively address student safety, high growth, student success, increasing diversity and driving world-class outcomes. It is no accident that our graduation rate is 95.8%, the second highest score in all of Georgia on the ACT, and the highest score in Georgia on the SAT. Dr. Bearden is leaving an incredible legacy of excellence. On a personal note, Jeff has been a great friend, and I have looked to him many times for inspiration and mentoring. We have benefited greatly from Dr. Bearden’s time as our superintendent. I am optimistic about 2024! Onward!

4 | December 28, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

YEAR IN REVIEW

NEWS

Forsyth County closes 2023 with major project updates By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — From reimagining one of the region’s biggest infrastructure projects to drawing new lines for voters and students, Forsyth County officials approved big changes in 2023. Moving into the new year, residents are set to see the opening of a new elementary school, new polling locations for thousands of voters and updates on The Gathering at South Forsyth. Here is a look back at some of the biggest stories from Forsyth County this year. McGinnis Ferry widening Following more than five years of planning and anticipation, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners voted to redesign the McGinnis Ferry Road widening project, one of North Atlanta’s most anticipated infrastructure projects. In December, commissioners approved a $101,209 contract with Atlas Technical Consultants to redesign the widening, which will now be pursued in two parts: one from Douglas Road to Sargent Road in Johns Creek, and another from Douglas back to the Union Hill Road and Ronald Reagan Boulevard intersection in Forsyth County. The County Commission was scheduled to vote on a $79.4 million bid to commence the widening in October, but commissioners rejected all bids because of the price tag. McGinnis Ferry, a major east-west artery connecting traffic from Cobb and Gwinnett counties to and through Fulton and Forsyth counties, currently sees some 20,000 vehicles daily, 55 percent over its designed capacity. Forsyth County is sharing costs for the project with the Fulton County cities of Johns Creek and Alpharetta and the Georgia Department of Transportation. The two cities each agreed to commit $8.9 million to the widening in 2020, with Forsyth County pitching in $23 million. The project will be revisited once the two-part redesign is completed. Clearing a path on Ga. 400 After years of backups on Ga. 400 at Browns Bridge Road (Ga. 369), commuters welcomed the April opening of a new interchange. While construction to widen Browns Bridge continues through the new year, drivers can still celebrate the end to the sometimes milelong backups on Ga. 400 during rush hour. The interchange was a joint effort between Forsyth County and the Georgia DOT.

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Forsyth and North Fulton County drivers pass through the intersection of McGinnis Ferry and Union Hill roads Oct. 12. The Forsyth County Commission approved a contract in December for the McGinnis Ferry widening to be redesigned in two parts.

FILE PHOTO

Forsyth County leaders and officials break ground for the construction of Denmark Library at a site on Fowler Road near Denmark High School July 27. The $15 million library is set to be completed in late 2024 or early 2025. The Gathering passes hurdle In late September, the Atlanta Regional Commission signed off on the highly anticipated Gathering at South Forsyth, a $2 billion development on 84 acres along Union Hill Road and Ga. 400. The Gathering staff announced Sept. 26 the ARC supported the project’s density and its associated infrastructure projects by GDOT in a development of regional impact review. The Gathering at South Forsyth is expected to be a huge economic draw for the county. At a Board of Commissioners work session in April, project staff estimated The Gathering could produce more than 12,000 long-term employment opportunities, as well as 20,000 construction jobs during its 10-year development. Final approval for the project awaits the Forsyth County Commission for formal action. Denmark Library advances Officials broke ground on Denmark Library July 27, five years after purchasing the land for the $15 million facility in southwest Forsyth County. The 22,504-square-foot building will

feature 75,000 books and materials; a quiet room for studying and reading; and personal study rooms tailored for remote working. Denmark marks the Forsyth County Public Library’s fifth branch. It follows the 2013 opening of the $7 million Post Road Library and the 2018 expansion of Sharon Forks Library, which originally opened in 2000. At the ceremony, county Commissioner Todd Levent said District 3’s other library, Post Road, is often at max capacity, and the new facility will provide much needed space for patrons in the area. The forthcoming library neighbors Denmark High School on Fowler Road and the new Midway Elementary School on Mullinax Road, which will open fall 2024. Denmark Library is estimated to be completed in late 2024 or early 2025. School redistricting passes At a formal meeting in October, the Forsyth County Board of Education unanimously approved its 2024-25 elementary school redistricting map, which had ignited pushback from patrons affected by the change. The redistricting will impact students at

Big Creek, Haw Creek, Mashburn, Sawnee, Brandywine, Kelly Mill, Vickery Creek and the current Midway elementary schools. It will not affect middle and high schools. The Board of Education first shared the redistricting plans Aug. 8, and the district solicited public feedback from mid to late September. A public forum was held Sept. 20 at West Forsyth High School. Dozens of residents attended, asking to maintain their current attendance zones to keep their children in the close communities they had developed at their schools. Following the forum, the school district shifted the redistricting lines to allow fewer than 50 students who were redistricted to Kelly Mill to remain at Sawnee Elementary School. Despite the consistent pushback, the School Board adopted the plans, which will take effect next school year. Cumming welcomes new officials Cumming residents welcomed a new police chief and a new member to the City Council in 2023. In June, the City Council hired P.J. Girvan as police chief, replacing David Marsh, who had held the position since 2019. In November, Susie Charles-Carr was elected to the Post 5 City Council seat, ousting incumbent Linda Ledbetter after two terms. Charles-Carr won with 66 percent of the vote, capturing 333 of the 503 votes cast. Post 5 was the only contested race in the 2023 municipal election. Incumbent Post 3 Councilman Joey Cochran and incumbent Post 4 Councilman Christopher Light were both reelected after running unopposed. North Forsyth’s new polling lines Some 37,000 voters in north Forsyth County will see new polling places and adjusted precinct lines in 2024 after the Board of Commissioners approved the changes in December. Residents who voted at Concord Baptist Church will now vote at Hope Fellowship Church on Matt Highway after Concord, a years-long polling place, decided not to host polling in 2024. Others who voted in Concord, precinct 27, will be distributed between the Coal Mountain and Crossroads precincts. Residents who voted at Cumming City Hall will now vote at the Cumming Recreation and Parks Event Center at 437 Pilgrim Mill Road. Residents who are affected by the changes will receive notification in the mail, and updated voting information will be reflected in early January.

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NEWS

Forsyth County Commission approves gymnasium, kennel By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners closed 2023 with approvals for two new businesses on Post Road and Ga. 20. At a formal meeting Dec. 21, the County Commission unanimously approved a new 28,800-square-foot gymnasium off Ga. 20 and Aaron Sosebee Road. The County Planning Commission recommended approval of the facility Nov. 14. At the November meeting, project attorney Ethan Underwood said the Olympic gymnasium will host classes at 10 a.m. and from 3 to 7:30 p.m., but there may be some stragglers who come for early morning or late-night practice. Underwood said the gym will draw mostly parents dropping their children off at practice, and the development will see at most between 40 and 50 vehicles at one time. The project was met with some contention from nearby residents, who worried the gym may worsen traffic conditions. Because the lot has two

addresses, GPS could redirect drivers to the primarily residential Aaron Sosebee Road. The original proposal called for a main entrance off Aaron Sosebee and a gravel overflow lot near Ga. 20, but project staff updated the plans to have a second entrance off the highway. Commissioners approved a condition that obliges developers to work in good faith with GDOT to make the gymnasium’s address on Ga. 20 only, but that decision is subject to GDOT approval. GDOT is widening Ga. 20 from Forsyth County to I-575 in Canton to improve safety and reduce congestion along the east-west connector. In other action at the meeting, commissioners approved a 9,980-square-foot The Dog Stop, a boarding, grooming and training facility, in an existing building on Post Road. The site borders Midway Park to the north. The outside play areas at the business will be surrounded by 8-foot PVC privacy fences and additional trees to limit noise. The Board of Commissioners will reconvene after the New Year at a formal meeting Jan. 4.

FORSYTH COUNTY/PROVIDED

This map shows the location of a proposed gymnasium, highlighted in blue, off Ga. 20 and Aaron Sosebee Road. The Forsyth County Commission unanimously approved the facility Dec. 21.

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NEWS

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All For One offers help to orphaned children around the world By ADAM DARBY newsroom@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Devoting your life to helping and providing for underprivileged children around the world is no simple task. But for All For One founder Jeff Levitan and CEO Teressa Ruspi, it’s just another day at the office. All For One, based in Alpharetta, continues to offer services and opportunities to vulnerable children worldwide by providing them with healthcare, a stable home environment and the academic tools necessary for them to thrive in their respective communities. “The uniqueness of the All For One Foundation lies in its ability to inspire individuals with a passion for purposeful leadership and intentional giving,” Ruspi said. “The organization offers diverse avenues for giving, each making a direct and immediate impact on children's lives.” At age 30, Levitan knew he wanted to help underserved populations around the globe, planting the seeds for AFO’s initial launch. Since 2002, AFO has constructed orphanages, healthcare centers, schools and full child prosperity centers to provide children with a fighting chance to grow

PHOTOS BY TERESSA RUSPI/PROVIDED

All For One supports 71 students at St. Hellen's Primary School in Kampala, Uganda each month. and prosper. Their expansive outreach includes countries such as Costa Rica, Guinea, Uganda and Sierra Leone, among others. “Through sustainable support, it not only fulfills basic life necessities but also opens doors for underserved children to flourish, ensuring a bet-

ter future and an improved quality of life,” Ruspi said. “The feedback from those engaged with All For One has been genuinely transformative… those involved find immense joy in the daily impact All For One creates.” Headquartered on Roswell Street in Alpharetta, the organization regularly

brings awareness through fundraising events within the community. In honor of World Orphan’s Day on Nov. 13, AFO partnered with the Stars Foundation to provide funds for St. Barnabas Orthodox Mission school in Kenya in efforts to help a young family of five orphaned children. This serves as part of their annual efforts to stand and support orphans in need on the second Monday of November. Cities in Tennessee, Texas and California have offered their support for the cause. Their next major event planned for spring will feature their high school student interns from Innovation Academy and volunteer days for middle school students from local schools. “AFO aims to engage middle and high school students in the U.S., cultivating philanthropic leadership and offering youth volunteer opportunities in education, technology and healthcare,” Ruspi said. “Over the next three years, we plan to enhance educational access by establishing computer labs, libraries and providing teacher training in multiple orphanages across Africa and South America.” For more information on upcoming events or to learn how to donate, visit their website at www.AllForOne.org or send any inquries to info@allforone.org.

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When you’re in London and go for a tea with, whether it be your friends or family, we want it to kind of have that feel right here. ANGELA AVERY, Co-owner of The Ginger Room

8 | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2023

Ginger Room invites guests to traditional British teatime By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Ginger Room invites guests to experience a traditional British teatime in the oldest home in downtown Alpharetta. Roswell couple Karl Walbrook and Angela Avery opened The Ginger Room in February 2021 after two years of searching for a location to expand their hit farmers market business Ginger Yums. After COVID-19 temporarily closed the Alpharetta Farmers Market, Walbrook said their customers sought a physical location to buy Ginger Yums juice. During this process, Avery said they found the perfect spot at 61 Roswell St. The Skelton-Teasley House was built in 1856 for Dr. Oliver Skelton, a local physician and the city’s first postmaster, and his wife. “I think it all worked out divinely because space-wise, being the oldest home, it has that character and charm that we wanted,” Avery said. At The Ginger Room, guests can enjoy a traditional afternoon or high tea, with a choice from more than 50 blends, finger foods, pastries and fresh scones baked daily, with clotted cream and jam. On weekdays, The Ginger Room offers its a la carte menu, where guests can sample individual items without a reservation for afternoon or high tea. But, above all, Avery said the tea house invites its patrons to experience an intimate, unique experience. “When you’re in London and go for a tea with, whether it be your friends or family, we want it to kind of have that feel right here,” she said. A love of ginger Around 2018, Avery and Walbrook founded Ginger Yums, which promotes the natural benefits of ginger through a variety of fresh juices. The couple began selling Ginger Yums at the Alpharetta Farmers Market in 2019 to immediate success. The brand has since expanded to five markets across Metro Atlanta and a new sip room at 8465 Holcomb Bridge Road in Johns Creek. The pandemic may have paused business at the

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Angela Avery and Karl Walbrook smile outside The Ginger Room at 61 Roswell St. in Alpharetta Dec. 19. The couple co-own the authentic British tea house, which opened in the historic Skelton-Teasley House in February 2021. farmers market, but the demand for Ginger Yums never ceased. “Our customers, they wanted a place to come and get their juice, but we were like, ‘Well, we don’t want to just do

More information on reservations and menus can be found at the-gingerroom.com.

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Ginger: Continued from Page 8 a juice bar,’” Avery said. “We were like, ‘We want to do a juice and tea house, something really, really cool.’ We love tea houses, and we love experiences.” Avery and Walbrook, a London native, said they enjoyed hosting holiday high tea for their friends and family before they conceived the business. Their mutual love for hosting teatime, as well as the demand from their farmers market clientele, inspired The Ginger Room. “Well, I said, what I want to do as well is have an authentic tea house, so we could do our afternoon teas here,” Walbrook said. Now in its second year of business, The Ginger Room has been named among the state’s nine best tea rooms by Explore Georgia and sees visitors from across the United States. An authentic experience There are formal three teatime options at The Ginger Room: afternoon, high and children’s tea. Each variation is served on a traditional three-tiered tower, with the bottom level including a selection of finger sandwiches such as English egg salad and smoked pimento cheese. The second level features handmade scones from Walbrook’s recipe from his days in grammar school. “We make those scones fresh each and every day for our towers and for our guests who pop in,” Avery said. “And then you have fresh clotted cream made in house, and then you have your jams as well. We usually do strawberry, lemon curd and ginger, of course, because

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AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2023 | 9

we’re in The Ginger Room.” Avery said the top level, which highlights a rotating selection of specialty treats, is mostly sourced from local vendors at farmers markets. The towers feature The Ginger Room’s exclusive ginger mini donuts from Orchard Bakery; English shortbread crown cookies from Angel Lane in Cumming; and teacup and teapot cookies from a bakery in Vinings. Some desserts, such as Bakewell tarts and truffles, are baked in-house by Walbrook. Although the expansion of their ginger-based businesses has kept them busy, the couple still stop by The Ginger Room frequently, especially on weekends. Since many of the recipes originated from Walbrook’s expertise, he is often found in the kitchen or greeting guests. “He still makes every shepherd’s pie,” Avery said. “He’s trained them really good on the scones, so you can’t tell if he made them or one of the kitchen staff made them because they’re perfect now.” Guests can also order high tea, which is an elevated version of afternoon tea with hot savory items such as shepherd’s pie, tomato pie, quiche Lorraine or croissant sandwiches. Based on request and availability, Walbrook also cooks his chef’s special, salmon en croute. Children’s tea is a simplified version of afternoon tea for visitors 10 years old and younger. Although afternoon and high tea can be served at any sitting time, The Ginger Room seats guests for tea between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays and at 12:30 and 3 p.m. on weekends. Individual items can be served a la carte throughout the week, but Avery recommends making a reservation for any experience at The Ginger Room. “Everyone is truly welcome,” Avery said. “And we really want everyone to come and experience The Ginger Room.”

PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

The Skelton-Teasley House at 61 Roswell St. in Alpharetta was built in 1856 for local physician and postmaster Dr. Oliver Skelton.

A table is set for tea for two at The Ginger Room at 61 Roswell St. in Alpharetta Dec. 19. Guests can sample the business’s a la carte menu or enjoy a traditional afternoon or high tea during set times on weekdays and weekends.

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ARMS NOT LONG ENOUGH? Johns Creek Research Clinic is seeking contact lens wearers over the age of 40 to participate in our research program

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10 | December 28, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth PAID ADVERTISEMENT

COMMUNITY

January book events start year with a bang By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

Sawnee EMC Announces Rate Decrease for 2024 (CUMMING, GA) Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation (Sawnee EMC) announced today that its Board of Directors (Board) recently approved a retail rate decrease which will occur on energy bills sent out beginning January 2, 2024. This rate reduction will occur in the Sawnee’s Rate Schedule “R”, Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (WPCA), a billing component utilized in most Sawnee EMC rate schedules. This action will affect all Sawnee EMC residential accounts and most of its commercial accounts. The WPCA is a factor that changes periodically, either up or down, and is necessary to account for fluctuations in Sawnee EMC’s wholesale power and other costs. The use of a WPCA factor is a common practice used in setting rates by electric utilities nationwide. This billing component provides a way to account for changes in the price of the factors used to generate electricity, as well as other items within the utility, which can increase or decrease throughout the year. “As an electric cooperative, Sawnee EMC’s Board reviews the WPCA on a regular basis and adjusts it accordingly, which is an efficient practice when compared to a permanent rate change,” states Blake House, Vice President of Member Services. With the WPCA decrease, Sawnee EMC’s member-owners will see an average reduction of $16.63 per 1,000 kWh consumed, when compared to their December 2023 billing statement. As variables change within the electric utility industry, Sawnee EMC’s Board will continue to review the WPCA and adjust it as needed to continue to provide reliable, safe and affordable electricity to Sawnee EMC’s member-owners. “It is important to communicate to our member-owners, that Sawnee EMC’s Board and staff are always conscious of keeping the cost of electricity affordable and keeping the supply reliable. Many variables are considered when setting the WPCA factor, and when it is prudent to do so, we will pass these savings on to our members,” states Michael Goodroe, President and CEO. Additionally, as a trusted energy provider to its members, Sawnee EMC has several energy saving tips and information available at sawnee.com in the Energy Solutions Center. For additional information or questions regarding WPCA or any aspect of your Sawnee EMC account, please contact our Customer Call Center at 770-887-2363, via email at customerservice@sawnee.com, text 678-999-8124 or visit its website at sawnee.com. About Sawnee EMC Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. Sawnee serves electricity to approximately 173,500 members in seven (7) counties of greater north Georgia. Sawnee’s total assets exceed $881 million, with energy sales of 3.7 billion kWh and annual revenue of approximately $441 million. With a team of approximately 360 dedicated professionals and over 12,006 miles of distribution line, Sawnee stands ready at all times to meet the needs of its members/owners. SEMC strives daily to live up to their motto… “At Sawnee EMC, We’re More Than Electricity, We’re Service”. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

After the book-buying bustle of the holidays, the number of author events in January may seem small, but some are certainly mighty. Karen White, Milton’s own New York Times bestseller, will be in conversation with suspense author Deborah Goodrich Royce Jan. 12 at Poe & Company Bookstore. Then, Brad Taylor, author of the blockbuster Pike Logan series, will appear at the Milton Library Jan. 27. Hosted by A Novel Idea, Taylor will be discussing and signing his latest military thriller, “Dead Man’s Hand,” available that day from Bookmiser. A 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army Infantry and Special Forces, including eight years with Delta Force, Taylor serves as a security consultant on asymmetric threats for various agencies when he isn’t writing. When he is, he’s penning intricate storylines packed with authenticity for readers

Book happenings. Thursdays, Jan. 4-25, Organizing Your Novel Workshop. Writer and teacher Brandi Bradley will lead a four-week course for writers. 6 p.m. each Thursday in January. $95. Bookmiser, 3822 Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-5095611. bookmiser.net Friday, Jan. 12, Karen White, Debra Goodrich Royce. The authors will discuss Royce’s latest release, “Reef Road.” 5 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com Saturday, Jan. 13, Paige Watts. The seasoned travel writer will sign her new book, “What’s With Atlanta: The Quirks, Personality, and Charm of the ATL.” Noon. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com Tuesday, Jan. 16, Robert Gwaltney, Andrew Diaz Winkelmann and DL Mitchell. A Novel Idea will host Gwaltney, the 2023 Georgia Author of the Year for First Novel, along with other new authors Winkelmann and Mitchell. Mitchell, a practicing small animal veterinarian, will be launching her debut title that evening. 7 p.m. Free. Brimstone Restaurant & Tavern, 10595 Old Alabama Road, Alpharetta. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/bookevents.html Saturday, Jan. 20, Lauren Walier. “The Dancing Swan,” based on the

PROVIDED

New York Times bestselling author Brad Taylor will speak at the Milton Library Jan. 27. who “love the ticking-clock action,” according to Kirkus Reviews. And, with over 3 million books in print, Taylor’s fast-paced, informed approach is a proven winner. To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail.com by the 15th.

author’s real-life story as a ballroom champion with cerebral palsy, will be the focus of a reading and CP fundraiser. 2 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com Saturday, Jan. 20, Dr. Nicole B. Hight. The local author and pediatrician will be signing her new release, “You Are Made for This!” During a discussion with parents, she’ll explore whether a chapter a day can keep the doctor away and how a love of reading in early childhood may reduce adolescent stress and boost brain and mental health in teens. 3 p.m. Free. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road, 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com Saturday, Jan. 27, Dorothy Padgett. Atlanta Authors presents Padgett discussing her nonfiction work, “Jimmy Carter: Elected President with Pocket Change & Peanuts,” with a foreword by Carter. Free, in person or online. 2 p.m. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St. 404612-9700. forl.net/atlanta-authors Saturday, Jan. 27, Brad Taylor. The New York Times bestselling author of 17 titles will celebrate the release of “Dead Man’s Hand,” the 18th installment in his Pike Logan Series. A Novel Idea will host Taylor, who will sign books sold by Bookmiser. 4 p.m. Free. Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/ book-events.html

NEWS

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2023 | 11

Sandy Springs hosts gun safety course amid rising sales in Jewish community Antisemitic threats reported around north Metro Atlanta By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Police Department offered a gun safety class for its Jewish population late last month after more than 200 people expressed interest. “Since the Israel-Hamas conflict began a couple of months ago, members in our Jewish community have inquired about the class to learn more about gun laws along with weapon safety and handling,” Sandy Springs Public Information Officer Sgt. Leon Millholland wrote in an email to Appen Media. Millholland said police offer a public handgun safety class for all Sandy Springs citizens every other month. When requested, Millholland said the department offers the course to specific groups and organizations in the city. He said there were 18 participants between two classes Nov. 22. The request for gun safety classes tracks with a rise in gun sales among Jewish people around the country,

fearing for their safety amid a rise in antisemitism after the war broke out in Israel and Gaza. From Oct. 7 to Oct. 23, the AntiDefamation League recorded a total of 312 antisemitic incidents — of those, 190 were “directly linked” to the Israel-Hamas War. The group has also reported a rise in anti-Muslim hate, listing a sampling of close to 30 incidents from early October to late November. Alex Brill, an Alpharetta gun store employee, said he saw an increase in gun sales among his Israeli and Jewish patrons right after Oct. 7. “I would say that it’s definitely connected to the rise in antisemitism in the United States,” Brill said. Brill, who said he is pro two-state solution, served in the Israel Defense Forces for more than three years and has an Israeli citizenship. He said he ends up speaking Hebrew with his clients. “I can kind of tell when somebody has Israeli-accented English,” he said. Several antisemitic incidents have been reported around north Metro Atlanta since area police departments increased patrols at places of worship following Oct. 7.

Most recently, a man in Johns Creek allegedly threatened to blow up Target on State Bridge Road and kill Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to a monthly report in Dunwoody, a man went to the Marcus Jewish Community Center and asked “odd” questions, like how to become a member and if he could speak with someone from Israel who was fluent in Hebrew, then left the location. Roswell Police were also called to an incident involving antisemitic threats, a joint effort with the FBI. Millholland declined an interview of follow-up questions Appen Media had hoped to share with readers who either own a gun or are considering buying one. “The men and women of the Sandy Springs Police Department take great pride [in] engaging and educating our citizens on such important topics,” Millholland said, before he declined any further response. But, the National Shooting Sports Foundation has the basics covered: • Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. • Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in use.

• Don’t rely on your gun’s safety. • Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it. • Use correct ammunition. • If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, handle with care. • Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting. • Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting. • Don’t alter or modify your gun, and have guns serviced regularly. • Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm you are using.

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Young innovator Heman Bekele recently won 3M’s Young Scientist Challenge by creating a bar of soap that might be able to treat skin cancer. Starting out, he wanted to invent a treatment for skin cancer that could be used in developing countries. Such a treatment would need to be inexpensive and stable outside of air -conditioned environments. He wondered if medicated soap could fit the bill. Heman’s soap combines four ingredients: salicylic acid, glycolic acid, tretinoin and a medication called imidazoquinoline. Tretinoin is commonly known as Retin-A® and is the main ingredient in many anti-acne and anti-wrinkle creams. Salicyclic acid and glycolic acid are common anti-wart treatments. Together, tretinoin, salicyclic acid and glycolic acid can disrupt a person’s skin barrier so that other medicines can better penetrate the skin. This strategy could allow imidazoquinoline to better enter the skin and perform its job. Imidazoquinoline is an activator or “agonist” of toll like receptor (TLR) number 7. TLR’s are a family of proteins on the surface of many cells of our immune system. When these proteins are activated, the immune system becomes more active. TLR7, the protein targeted by Heman Bekele’s soap, is normally activated by certain viruses. TLR7 stimulates a part of the immune system that is important for fighting infections and cancer. Given that some skin diseases such as HPV-related squamous cell carcinoma are both an infection and a cancer, targeting TLR7 has been a winning strategy for fighting certain cancers. In fact, Aldara® (generic name “imiquimod”) is a toll like receptor 7 agonist (activator) that has been FDA approved since 1997 and is used for the treatment of superficial basal cell skin cancers, certain types of warts, and pre-cancers called actinic keratoses. Aldara®’s clearance rates for superficial basal cell carcinoma are reasonable at approximately 75%. Unfortunately, Aldara® is known

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to be a relatively fragile cream. It is supplied in boxes of 12 or 24 singleuse packets. Common wisdom is that a partially used packet may be refrigerated overnight and used the next day. However, the package insert says that they are single use and must be stored at 39 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be frozen. These restrictions are reasonable in the United States but are not conducive to use in developing countries without access to refrigeration and temperature-controlled transportation. Heman Bekele’s soap could be ground-breaking if clinical trials take place and if they prove that imidazoquinoline can stand up to acids, heat, cold, water and repetitive use. Fur thermore, potency with short application time might be an issue – how long would someone need to leave the soap on their skin for it to work? If successful, a hardy soap could be a useful vehicle as a topical cancer treatment. His research is likely at an early stage, but regardless, it is encouraging to read about young innovators problem-solving, thinking globally and trying to make the world a better place. Congratulations Heman! We hope that you enjoyed this article. If you or a loved one has skin cancer or any dermatologic or aesthetic need, please consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta.

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AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2023 | 13

Getting ready for the new year!

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Healing together: understanding and supporting those with PTSD Brought to you by - Alexa Mellman, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Summit Counseling Center

Understanding the biological effects of PTSD can help loved ones provide appropriate support.

Understanding the far -reaching impacts of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is crucial for both those directly affected by it and their support networks. When a person experiences trauma (through experiences such as military combat, accidents, abuse, or assault), their body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. In individuals with PTSD, this stress response can become dysregulated, resulting in disproportionate reactions even in safe situations. PTSD’s effects on the brain can lead to heightened alertness or edginess, sleep issues, difficulty controlling emotions, and more. Beyond mental health, PTSD affects the body, increasing the risk of health issues including heart problems, immune and stomach issues, and chronic pain.

Here are a few additional tips if your loved one is experiencing PTSD: • Practice open communication. Assure your loved one you’re ready to listen when they’re ready, and try to remember that it’s often not personal when someone suffering with PTSD lashes out or becomes depressed (setting boundaries where necessary). • Prioritize self-care and seek support if needed. Engage in activities that promote your well-being, allowing you to be more resilient and supportive to your loved one. • Encourage your loved one to seek professional help from mental health experts who specialize in trauma and PTSD. For expert assistance and guidance, consider reaching out to Summit Counseling Center at summitcounseling.org.

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for help. We can easily get a new ID card ordered for you.

With the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period behind us, you have already chosen to either stay on your current plan and allow it to auto-renew, or you are about to embark on a new chosen plan. Either way, we want to offer up a few recommendations before the 2024 plan year arrives!

Don’t be surprised with deductibles: Every January, I receive at least a few phone calls asking, “Why are my brandname prescription drugs so expensive?!” Whether you are on a Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan, many insurance companies will require you to pay up to the first $545 (for 2024) of your brand-name drug cost. This is your annual deductible on prescriptions. Remember, this is usually only for higher-cost prescription drugs (brandname medicines) and is a one-time per year dollar amount. It accounts for all your brand-name medicines and is not a perprescription deductible. The information above gives you a few things to think about, but you may have questions when your Medicare plan starts fresh in 2024. We are here to help!

Get a new insurance ID card: Every November or early December, you should receive a new plan ID card. It is important that you have the most up-todate ID card for the upcoming year. Why, you ask? Doctor copay dollar amounts (Primary Care and Specialist) are listed on your Insurance ID card, if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. For many 2024 Medicare Advantage plans, these flat-dollar copays have lowered. I’ve seen too often where Medicare Advantage clients hold onto their previous year’s ID cards and end up paying too much when showing older ID cards to the front desk at a doctor’s office. Save more money by having the most up-to-date ID card! If you need help getting a new ID card for your plan, I recommend either calling your insurance carrier or contacting us

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14 | December 28, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

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Join your neighbors in support of local journalism CHARTER MEMBER Big Sky Franchise Team David & Michelle Bertany Amour & Duane Carthy

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Calendar

DEC. 28 — JAN. 7

ELLA BETH AT THE VELVET NOTE What: Ella Beth, an Australian jazz-soul singer/songwriter and previous finalist on The Voice Vietnam, will perform. When: Friday, Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. Where: The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta Cost: $39 More info: thevelvetnote.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

What: Make unforgettable memories with a concert of favorites by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The program includes the “Waltz” from Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” Mendelssohn’s “Nocturne” from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Rossini’s “Overture” from “La gazza ladra,” Offenbach’s “Can-Can” and Strauss waltzes. When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: Starting at $53.50 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

RING IN THE NEW

What: Ring in the new year with a party in Studio Theatre, including DJ Newk playing dancing favorites, a buffet of light bites, coffee and desserts, and a glass of sparkling beverage to toast the new year at midnight. When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m. Where: Studio Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: $65 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT BROOK RUN PARK

Square to indulge in the holiday spirit by checking out a display of 45 community-decorated Christmas Trees. When: Until Jan. 2 Where: Town Square, 610 Atlanta Street, Roswell More info: roswell365.com

TOMMY STINSON AT FROM THE EARTH

What: Holiday Lights returns for a 4th year with a self-guided walkable display. When: Until Dec. 31, 5-10 p.m. Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody More info: dunwoodyga.gov

What: Tommy Stinson, renowned for his role in The Replacements, will perform solo. When: Wednesday, Jan. 3, 7 p.m. Where: From the Earth Brewing Company, 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell Cost: $25 More info: ftebrewing.com

DECK THE SQUARE

PUPPET PALOOZA SATURDAYS

What: Visit the historic Town

What: Stage Door Theatre is

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT! It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people, whether online, through our newsletters or in the Crier and Herald newspapers.

teaming up with Piccadilly Puppets for a Saturday morning puppet show, one of five for the season. When: Saturday, Jan. 6, 10:3011:15 a.m. Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: $10 More: stagedoortheatrega.org

EXPLORING THE FREEDOM OF WHOLENESS

What: Fredrika Mele Stillwater Scruggs, a healing arts practitioner, will lead a free event about self-healing. When: Sunday, Jan. 7, 11:15 a.m. Where: Fredrika Healing Art Practitioner, 11420 Crabapple Road, Roswell More info: fredrikahealing.com To promote your event, follow these easy steps:

1. 2. 3. 4.

TONY THOMAS: ‘SCENES FROM MY TRAVELS’

What: See original drawings and paintings by local artist Tony Thomas, including of the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Multnomah Falls and Devils Tower National Monument. When: Until Jan. 12, business hours Where: Community Gallery at City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

PORTRAIT SOCIETY OF ATLANTA EXHIBITION

What: The Portrait Society of Atlanta presents its annual member exhibition. When: Until Jan. 20, business hours Where: Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street, Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

Visit AppenMedia.com/Calendar Provide the details for your event including title, description, location and date Click the red button that reads “Create event” That’s it! Submissions are free, though there are paid opportunities to promote your event in print and online.

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Dunwoody Crier 12/28/23 Crossword Across

Delivering Readers Award-Winning Newspapers 2023 Georgia Press Association 1st Place – News Photograph 1st Place – Feature Writing 1st Place – Business Writing 1st Place – Serious Column 1st Place – Food Ad 1st Place – Newspaper Promotion Ad 1st Place – Classifieds Section/page 2nd Place – Page One 2nd Place – Lifestyle Coverage 2nd Place – News Photograph 2nd Place – Local News Coverage 2nd Place – Business Writing 2nd Place – Lifestyle/Feature Column 2nd Place – Food Ad 2nd Place – Newspaper Promotion

2nd Place – Signature Page 2nd Place – General Excellence 3rd Place – Page One 3rd Place – Lifestyle Coverage 3rd Place – Feature Writing 3rd Place – Breaking News Writing 3rd Place – Local News Coverage 3rd Place – Serious Column 3rd Place – Humorous Column 2023 Association of Community Publishers 1st Place – Feature Article Layout 1st Place – Self Promotion Classifieds 2nd Place – Educational Column 2nd Place – Entertaining Column 2nd Place – Self Promotion Own Publication

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1 Science rooms 5 Ancient Greek sophist 9 Fall flower 14 Cockeyed 15 Small price to pay 16 Outpouring 17 Legal prefix 18 Rousing cheers 19 Threesome 20 Four gills 21 Furrow 22 Warbles 23 Chinese dynasty 25 Dust remover 26 Also-ran 29 Monastery 32 Spending limit 35 Oomph 37 Criminal charge 38 Tree trunk 39 Mah-jongg piece 40 Waikiki welcome 42 Rainbow goddess 43 Olympian’s quest 44 Just out 45 Prospector’s find 47 Switch positions 48 Smelly mammal 50 Zoo heavyweight 51 Rightful 52 Supreme Court count 54 Hair dressing 57 Landscaper’s need 58 Churchill’s “___ Country”

21 23

29 36

42 45

51 55

46 50

62 Oxlike antelope 63 Pigeon’s home 64 Full gainer 65 Wonderland girl 66 Ionian gulf 67 Chimp in space 68 Weighed down 69 Ottoman Empire figures 70 Fender blemish Down 1 Reindeer herder 2 Part of a court game name 3 Hatched 4 Splashed 5 Squirrel’s stash

6 Caviar source 7 Turn ___ profit 8 Ave. crossers 9 Off the mark 10 Bit of parsley 11 Kite part 12 Footnote abbr. 13 Cold war group 22 Boring tool 24 Dot follower 26 “Unhand me!” 27 Gibson garnish 28 Hawks 30 Burnt sienna 31 Scrooge’s cry 32 Short-legged dog 33 Little green man 34 Tortellini topping 36 Bronx Bomber

38 Overly conceited 41 Moldovan cash 46 Samovar 48 Without warning 49 Pine type 51 Social 53 Think tank output 54 Toll 55 Cantina cooker 56 Domestic 57 Achy 59 Dandy’s pal 60 Bath’s county 61 Musical interval 63 Subway alternative

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18 | December 28, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

OPINION

2024 marks renewed effort for great community journalism What motivates a person to identify a problem and resolve to be a part of the solution? What makes someone read a troublesome news article or see something that HANS APPEN bothers them in their Publisher community and say, “You know what? I can fix that.” These are questions I’ve thought about and discussed in conversations with many of you in 2023. The constant is that we have no problem identifying the problems: Food is too expensive. Government doesn’t seem to work. Housing, what inventory there is to be had, is unaffordable and unattainable. Our kids are inheriting a world full of boogey men of our own creation.

But what are the solutions? What, if anything, can we do to move the needle? The Appen Press Club hosted an event last week at Olde Blind Dog in Milton. We lined up our reporting staff, stood them in front of microphones, and discussed the work of our newsroom in 2023 and some of the projects on the horizon for next year. Afterward, all of them stuck around to have individual conversations with attendees, answer questions, and listen to story ideas. I was approached by one young woman, a college student, would told me she would be graduating in May with a degree in journalism. She’d come to the event to network and given the opportunity, she wanted to ask me for my thoughts on the future of the industry I love and work in every day. She is still a true believer and loves what she is studying, but the reality of graduating and growing up was sinking in.

“I want to make a difference in people’s lives. Can you still do that in journalism? I am worried that despite journalists’ best efforts to inform, people don’t take it seriously anymore, or just don’t care.” She told me about important stories she had written for her college newspaper that seemed to disappear into the void. That many of her peers confessed they hadn’t even known their school has a student run newspaper. What makes someone read a troublesome news article or see something that bothers them in their community and say, “You know what? I can fix that.” “Just keep showing up,” I told her. “How we report the news and where we report the news may change, but people do care. Look around you.” Dozens of people were lined up to talk to our reporters, from all over metro Atlanta. Young and old, black and white, rich and poor. They were given

an opportunity to be heard, in their community, and they showed up. We heard from people discussing veterans’ issues, protecting local arts, government transparency, civic engagement and much more. For an hour after the event had officially ended people wanted to contribute to their local newspaper because they cared about the stories that were being told – and the stories that needed to be told. I continue to believe that showing up is half the battle. Meet people where they are and listen. They will tell you what is important to them, what inspires them to action and to service, but you have to put in the work. My commitment to you in 2024 is to continue to put in the work. We are proudly your local newspaper and are ready and willing to be a part of the solution. Merry Christmas to all, and Happy New Year.

Christmas 2023 − Letter from Ray Appen Well. Well, what? Been a very hard year in too many ways with too many people we loved. But there was some good as well. I never cease to be surprised when ideas, experiences, or things you read years ago RAY APPEN return from the back Publisher Emeritus side of memory after having been lost for so long. Like the dark side of the moon – always unseen, until there is light – and then boom, back front and center, so close you can touch it: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” Charles Dickens, “A Tale of Two Cities” – 1859. (10th grade literature class) One problem of growing old is memory. I may have used Dickens in a prior Christmas letter; I suspect this. Hmmmm. Apologies if I did. Things don’t seem to have changed much since 1859 though, have they? That one sentence covers a lot of ground – like miles and miles perhaps. It will suffice as a multi-faceted description of 2023. I will however, side with just one part of the description – “seasons” – “season of light” as well as “spring of hope.” The rest of the description does fit but we must pick our

battles, which mountains we want to climb or the destinations to pursue. I choose “light.” Our children brought light to us this year as they almost always do. If we can’t find light with them, where can we find it? All three of our kids and our three grandchildren live close to us now and shared a ton of time with us this year – here in Alpharetta and on Dog Island. We get to participate in their story often – priceless. Time and light. Time and light. Time – the only true constant. What we do with it; how we use it; who we help with it; what picture we paint with it; what images we create and then see in the mirror, we can only see with light. Our reflection in the mirror is only darkness without light. If we are not using our time wisely – to nurture our soul, to feed it and sustain it – what are we thinking? Early this morning before the day starts, I sit next to our Christmas tree, full of light and ornaments as I ponder 2023. Many of the ornaments are mini-picture frames with photos of us and our kids from a long time ago – memories – memories hanging from wire hooks in a field of green and wrapped in scent. If I close my eyes, I can time-travel back; it doesn’t take much. If I open my eyes, I see the light – symbols of hope for the future. We have a Douglas fir this year. I think next year we will buy a live tree so we can plant it after the season. Why haven’t we done that before? My writing chair next to our Douglas fir is in front of several large windows. Outside, a stand of old growth trees – which is our backyard – has almost finished shedding its leaves. A few burnt orange, yellow and

brown leaves remain and tremble in the getting-colder-by-the-hour wind, then fall randomly and unhurriedly float to the ground to start to become soil again. Like watching time pass, minute by minute in the form of falling leaves. Wasn’t it just yesterday we were so excited to see those same trees starting to bud? Memory of the past and what is “memory of the future?” We cling to what we know, to what has made us happy, to what made us feel safe, secure and loved. We watch it, nurture it, seek it, covet it, guard it, embrace it, until, until it begins to slip away just outside of our grasp, like the shadow of a train passing farther and farther away from us down a track until it disappears completely, out of sight, from light into darkness. But if we slow down enough, we can find an even richer, more secure place in-between the past and the future – here, now, in this very moment – a place which can produce all the light and hope we need for tomorrow. Christina and I, along with Amelia and a friend went to see a play, “Annie,” last night at the Fox Theater. The Fox is magical. It is a restored historic theater in downtown Atlanta on Peachtree Street, a theater that Margaret Mitchell might have attended while she was writing “Gone with the Wind” in the ’30s. The Fox opened on Dec. 25, 1929 – Christmas Day – just two months after the stock market crash and the start of the Great Depression. Just sitting in the Fox and experiencing it is worth the trip. It is a living, breathing, tribute to humanity – something we almost lost years ago – something we magically

created and something we collectively saved from the wrecker’s ball. “Save the Fox” was a sign I’ll always remember that hung on a wall in my friend Bill Greenwood’s restaurant, a really old sign. We need to do more stuff like that – work together to build – to save and preserve things that give our lives meaning and light – things that nurture our souls. And how ironic that we saw “Annie” at the Fox – in December no less. “Annie” was set during the depth of the Great Depression and portrays the misery and hopelessness that so many people experienced in those dark days. But it was not a play about giving up; it was about hope – and light – something we desperately need today. In “Annie,” orphan children were rescued. The good guys won. The bad guys lost. Love prevailed and darkness and despair turned to light and hope. I suspect that no one felt the chill in the air as they left the Fox last night. Instead, they felt warm, happy, safe and secure if only for a few precious magic moments. Paraphrased below are a few of the lyrics from “Annie” which should give us all hope and comfort this Christmas season and into 2024. Tomorrow, tomorrow The sun’ll come out tomorrow Tomorrow, You’re always A day away! Merry Christmas to all of you with hope, light, and best wishes. — The Appens

OPINION

THE INK PENN

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2023 | 19

Take your choice — scenic Wales or coastal Maine

KATHY MANOS PENN

“When I read a good book, it’s like traveling the world without ever leaving my chair.” That quote from Richard Peck perfectly fits this week’s books, one set in Wales and the other on the coast of Maine.

Columnist

“Murder in the Valleys” by Pippa McCathie This is my first Pippa McCathie mystery, and I am so glad I found it. I downloaded her boxset, and I'm looking forward to books 2 & 3 in the series. Fabia Havard and Matt Lambert are the leads, and I particularly like how McCathie allows their back stories to unfold slowly. You know that Fabia took a lengthy sick leave from the police department and has now retired, but something isn't quite right about the situation. The whys and wherefores come in bits as the book progresses, as do the details about her relationship with Matt Lambert,

a close colleague who is now a DCI. Meanwhile, Matt is investigating the murder of a young girl. Not only did the story have plenty of twists and turns, the descriptions of the countryside in Wales transported me across the pond. I could easily imagine the river, the mountains in the distance, the village, and the church. If you want to be engrossed in a mystery with well-developed characters and descriptions that bring the setting to life, this book's for you. “The Spy Coast” by Tess Gerritsen You may recall Tess Gerritsen as the author of the Rizzoli & Isles mysteries, which were turned into a TNT series. I thoroughly enjoyed the show, but I never read the books. It’s her medical thriller, “Harvest,” that sticks out in my mind. Now, the author has turned her attention to a spy thriller. The seaside village of Purity, Maine is home to a group of government retirees, but don’t expect needlepoint and knitting from this gang of former CIA operatives. Unlike the characters in the Thursday

Murder Club mysteries, these retirees have no interest in chasing killers and solving crimes—until their past comes calling. Maggie Bird, the main character, is happy raising her chickens and chasing off the occasional fox. Haunted by memories of her last mission and what it cost her, revisiting the career that took her around the globe is something she wants to avoid. When a dead body shows up in her driveway, though, she is forced into action. The local police are called in to investigate and soon the state police join in too. And, of course, the authorities are always one step behind the former spies. The last thing they are going to do is share information with the police. Do they know who’s responsible? No, but they have a few candidates in mind. Will Maggie go on the run? Not if she can help it. She and her friends, who’ve dubbed themselves “The Martini Club,” employ their wellhoned skills and call in favors from their old network. Identifying the puppet master will require all their combined skills. Not only must Maggie fend off questions from Jo Thibodeau, the local police chief, she’s

now involved in an international search. The shift between the past and the present will keep you guessing, and you’ll be glad to know it’s labeled “The Martini Club Book I.” A second book is already listed on Amazon, though it won’t be published until 2025. Meanwhile, Book I has been optioned by Amazon Studios for a television series. I visited Bangkok, Istanbul, and London in this book, and I can’t wait to see where the next one will take me. Until then, I may return to the lush green scenery of Wales in the Pippa McCathie series. But first, I need to tear myself away from the Australian outback in the latest book I’m reading. Stay tuned. I’m sure I’ll write about that one soon. Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her cozy mysteries on Amazon or locally at The Enchanted Forest, Bookmiser, Tall Tales, and Johns Creek Books. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/KathyManosPennAuthor/.

PAST TENSE

Searching for the path of the Roswell Railroad In the mid-1990s, Jim Perkins was riding around Chamblee looking for where the Roswell Railroad might have crossed Nancy Creek. In “The Story of Dunwoody,” by Elizabeth L. Davis Ethel W. Spruill, VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF and he read that a trestle Columnist bridge still stood at Nancy Creek on the property of Dr. and Mrs. Schreeder on Chamblee Dunwoody Road near Chamblee United Methodist Church. The trestle is described as covered in kudzu and 20 feet high. In search of the path for Buck and Dinkey on Roswell Railroad Jim Perkins wrote the Past Tense column for the Dunwoody Crier for several years before passing the baton to me in 2006 due to health issues. We met several times to talk history and he shared his stories, history books and other resources. While looking for railroad or trestle remains, Perkins saw Gordon Wallace riding a tractor and cutting the grass of Chamblee Methodist near Nancy Creek. Perkins walked over and approached Wallace to ask if he knew anyone who had lived in the area for a long time. Wallace answered “Well, I’m 88 years old and I was born here. I guess I

PHOTO FROM COLLECTION OF KEN ANDERSON

From 1881 until 1921, the engine Buck of the Roswell Railroad traveled from Chamblee through Dunwoody to just south of the Chattahoochee River near Roswell. could talk to you.” Wallace was a descendant of the family that owned the land where Fischer Mansion, D’Youville Condominiums and Chamblee Methodist are located. The early Wallace family owned a sawmill on Nancy Creek. They made and sold furniture. Gordon Wallace told Perkins he remembered the railroad coming downhill from Chamblee. The tracks came through where Chamblee Plaza is today, through Huntley Hills, and across the property of Chamblee United Methodist Church. Perkins recalled seeing a railroad structure from the bridge across the creek which

connected to the patio of Dr. Schreeder’s home. Schreeder’s home was later demolished for new development. Perkins also saw railroad supports at Little Nancy Creek in Huntley Hills. From there, the train went up toward I-285. It crossed through what became the Gainsborough neighborhood, which was where Gordon Wallace was living at the time. Perkins found a ravine in the woods behind a former Arby’s restaurant on Savoy Drive, identifying the continued path of the railroad. The railroad went to the right of the apartments on the southwest corner where

Peeler Road, N. Shallowford Road, and Chamblee Dunwoody Road meet, according to Perkins. It passed Donaldson-Bannister Farm, crossing from the left side of Chamblee Dunwoody Road to the right side at the intersection with Buckline Crossing. The engines of the Roswell Railroad were Buck and Dinkey. The train tracks continued to the left of Chamblee Dunwoody Road, through the Roy Head property, past the home of Calhoun Spruill and toward the Dunwoody Depot, which sat between where CVS and Chevron are today on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. For the train to cross Mt. Vernon, a deep cut was made in the road, which blocked off Mt. Vernon during the years the Roswell Railroad ran, 1881 to 1921. Buggy drivers and later automobiles had to take Nandina Lane to go around the intersection. This history comes from an interview with Jim Perkins, conducted by Lynne Byrd. It can be found in the second edition of “The Story of Dunwoody, 1921-2001,” by Elizabeth L. Davis, Ethel W. Spruill, Joyce Amacher and Lynne Byrd. Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

20 | December 28, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

OPINION

PRESERVING THE PAST

Frank Dailey − Alpharetta resident and war hero Since starting my weekly column on local history for Appen Media nearly two years ago, I have met many noteworthy and fascinating individuals who have contributed much to the North Fulton story. BOB MEYERS One overly modest Columnist Alpharetta resident stands out in my mind as being worthy of special attention. At 102 years of age, Franklyn Dailey is one of the few remaining members of the Greatest Generation of World War ll combat veterans. He is living proof of the adage that age is just a number. His mind is sharp, he lives alone and gets around with or without a walker. He has a wonderful story to tell. Born of Irish descent Feb. 5, 1921 in Brockport, a village near Rochester, New York, Daily was a teenager when the worst of the Great Depression panicked the nation. A gifted student, he had the good fortune of attending Catholic schools, graduating from high school with a near 4-point average at the age of 14. He then worked briefly at Eastman Kodak Company until he enrolled in Niagara University where he remained until Caroline O’Day, Congresswoman at Large for New York State, nominated him in 1939 for appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. Daily graduated from the academy as an honor student in 1942 in the first accelerated three-year class of World War ll. Dailey served as the gunnery officer aboard the USS Edison, a Gleaves-class destroyer, one of 66 destroyers of that class built between 1938--42. They were still being constructed when the U.S. entered the war and were among the earliest destroyers to see action. Dailey was one of 16 officers and 260 enlisted men on the ship. Later in the war the upgraded Fletcher Class destroyer was introduced. Most Annapolis graduates were assigned as gunnery officers because of their extensive training. Civilian sailors were assigned to navigation and seamanship tasks, according to Dailey. Gleaves class destroyers had four 5-inch 38 caliber guns. The gun could shoot a 55-pound projectile 18,000 yards and was a workhorse weapon throughout the war. The Edison patrolled the Atlantic Ocean protecting commercial shipping from German air, sea and submarine attacks and took part in five major landing operations, Casablanca, Sicily, Anzio, Salerno and southern France, all part of a plan leading to the invasion of Normandy in June

FAMILY PROVIDED

Frank and Peggy Dailey were married in 1944 in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Here they are at a party given for Frank in the 1940s in New York.

U.S. NAVY

The USS Edison was the first warship in WW Il named after inventor Thomas Alva Edison, who received the Navy’s Distinguished Service Medal for his contributions to the Navy during WW l. The ship escorted merchant and other ships transiting the Atlantic and provided support to troops during WW ll invasions in Europe. The ship was launched in November 1940 and commissioned in January 1941. Frank Dailey was gunnery officer aboard the ship following his graduation with honors from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

Frank Dailey at home in Alpharetta. Frank is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and served aboard the destroyer USS Edison in World War ll. He is the author of three books. 1944. The objective of Dailey’s ship was to support infantry landings by destroying German defensive guns. The Battle of Anzio was the most difficult of the five landings, says Dailey. It took place between January and June 1944 when some 50,000 Allied troops staged an amphibious landing about 30 miles south of Rome near the town of Anzio. The Joint U.S.--Royal Navy Task Force 81 included some 400 ships of all kinds, including 28 destroyers to support the landings. Following the initial invasion, the Germans counterattacked and forced larger ships to move farther offshore, increasing the pressure on the

smaller, more nimble destroyers. The Edison provided fire support to troops on the beachhead and escorted cargo ships and transports bringing supplies to the beachhead. The Allies prevailed at a high cost. American casualties in the Anzio battle amounted to 24,000 killed and wounded plus thousands of cases of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases common in the marshes close to the beachhead. While in the Navy Frank undertook flight training in Pensacola on multiengine aircraft and obtained his wings in 1945. After training, he was assigned to a squadron based in Kodiak Alaska where he was a co-pilot. Later he flew missions as a pilot in the Aleutian Islands in a Lockheed P2V Neptune aircraft monitoring enemy radio transmissions and submarines. He spent more than 20 years in the Navy, and was active in the Naval Air Reserve for 20 years after the war where he commanded a squadron and advanced to Captain. On April 1 1944, Frank married Marguerite Virginia Parker (1920-2017) at St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Known as Peggy, she and Frank had eight

children, 18 grandchildren, 23 greatgrandchildren and two great great-grandchildren. Several years ago, they moved to Alpharetta to be near some of their children who live in town and surrounding communities. Frank is the author of three books, all of which are available on Amazon. “My Times with the Sisters and Other Events,” published in 2000, is a personal story of growing up as a student in Catholic schools. “The Triumph of Instrument Flight: A Retrospective in the Century of U.S. Aviation” was published in 2004 and “A Destroyer’s Role in World War II Naval Convoys and Invasion Landings” was published in 2009. He still maintains a website with additional stories, www. daileyint.com. Frank Dailey is a warrior hero who deserves a prominent place in our local history. 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.

OPINION

GARDEN BUZZ

AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2023 | 21

The what, why and how of composting Would you like a garden that requires less labor, produces stronger and healthier plants with less chemicals and other pest management treatments, and uses less water and fertilizer? If so, you GEORGE SCESNEY need to change the Guest Columnist fertility and physical condition of your soil from the natural hard pack Georgia red clay (commonly known as “dirt”) to a wonderfully loose crumbly lightweight bio-system known as “soil”—full of the microorganisms that assist all our plants to thrive. To do this, we must add compost, a soil conditioner and wonder food for these microorganisms that create the soil bio-system. What is compost? It is nothing more than organic matter – leaves, grass trimmings, kitchen peelings, shredded paper and chopped up plants that assist microorganisms to “eat.” Compost is made by mixing organic matter together in an optimum ratio of four parts carbon sources (leaves, grass clippings paper, cardboard) to one part nitrogen sources (kitchen peelings,) chopping it all up into small particles, wetting it down to provide water for the microorganisms that come from the small amount of soil we add, and putting it into a pile big enough to retain the heat generated by the growth of the microorganisms (heat helps speed the process along). Flipping the pile every couple of weeks helps speed the decomposition of the organic matter into a loose, crumbly, earthy-smelling material we call compost. How does compost do all these great things for our garden? First, as a soil conditioner, its small particles break up hard pack clay when mixed in, either by the action of earthworms or by the actions of humans with tools. Clay particles are like little plates that can pack tightly together. Compost particles, once they get between these “plates,” keep open spaces between them, allowing air and water (up to 50% by volume) to freely enter and leave. The increased air space allows more water to penetrate deeper into the soil, reducing the evaporation that would happen if it were on the surface. These air spaces also get more water to the root zone of the plant for its use. And since water heats/cools more slowly than soil, the added water reduces the temperature swings in the soil that are harmful to plant growth. But more importantly, compost, as the remnants of the food microorganisms have eaten to grow and reproduce, contains many of the minerals that plants need. As they feed on and break down the organic

Homemade compost bins. matter, the microorganisms release carbon and nitrogen – two major minerals required by plants. In addition, the weak acids produced by the microorganisms by feeding on the organic matter help break down sand, rock and clay, releasing many other required minerals. Further, all of these minerals are changed from their solid forms into simpler forms of ions in a water-based

AARON HABER/FLICKR.COM

solution, which is the only way plants can take them in through their root systems. So, compost is a good way to have a healthy, productive, low-labor garden. It is up to you to decide how much compost you want and the scale, effort and science you want to invest to reach healthy soil. There are many ways to scale your composting needs: a two-gallon compost

About the author This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Roswell resident George Scesney. George has been a Master Gardener since 2008 and has been gardening for over 50 years. George enjoys doing his own composting, landscaping and vegetable gardening, including growing food for the local food bank. Originally from New York, he has been in Georgia since 1976 and has mastered the art of gardening in the south.

Learn more •Composting and Mulching https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C816&title=com posting-and-mulching •Composting: Recycling Landscape Trimmings https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C981&title=com posting-recycling-landscape-trimmings •Composting for Kids https://extension.uga.edu/content/dam/extension-county-offices/jeff-daviscounty/4h/Composting%20with%20Kids.pdf

container that sits on your kitchen counter, a five-gallon container that fits under your sink or lives in the garage, tumblers that reside outside from 5 to 20 gallons, and bins made of wood or wire that can be any size you need depending on how much raw material you have. Or you can go low tech and simply put the organic matter on your garden surface and cover it with soil. You can mix the organic matter in small to large batches; you can turn it regularly or tumble it daily to speed the process, or go low tech and put it on the ground, cover it with soil and let nature do the job. The more work you do, the faster the result. You can mix organic matter in precise carbon/nitrogen ratios, monitor its breakdown by tracking temperatures, adjust the results by varying raw materials, or just go low tech and pile it up and let it rot at a slower pace. There can be as little or as much scale, effort and science in your compost production as you want. All of the details about composting are readily available in the UGA Publications cited in the resources, but here is the important thing - organic matter feeds the microorganisms that create the compost and the soil bio-system that depends on the compost. If you stop feeding these microorganisms, the soil bio-system and its benefits slowly deteriorate along with the garden that depends on it. To learn more about the value of compost for your garden, the steps involved in making compost at home, and how to best use it in your garden, check out “Composting at Home”, my presentation on the NFMG YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/ WumXZnvo9aM. Happy composting! North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https:// appenmedia.com/opinion/columnists/ garden_buzz/.

DEATH NOTICES Harry Robinson, 79, of Alpharetta, passed away on December 18, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Wayne Shaffer, 95, of Roswell, passed away on December 18, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

George Wilson, Jr., 82, of Milton, passed away on December 14, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

22 | December 28, 2023 | Forsyth Herald | AppenMedia.com/Forsyth

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Office Space for Lease Close to Downtown Alpharetta Small private office space (unfurnished) available in Appen Media Office close to Downtown Alpharetta (319 North Main Street, Alpharetta). All utilities included, Internet included (within reason), 24/7 access. Space is upstairs in area of Appen Newsroom. Private, quiet, and open. Approximately 200 sq. ft. (14’ x 14’). $/600 per month, first/last/security deposit required as well as solid reliable references. Space would be perfect for a bookkeeper or a self-employed person. Contact via text or email: Ray Appen at 770-527-4042 or RayAppen@Gmail.com

COMPLETE TREE SERVICES Appen-Rated 98 Text or Call us for a FREE quote appointment. Tree removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Free mulch. Fully insured. Emergency 24/7. 770-450-8188

RESS NP

UB CL

IT Professionals: (Johns Creek, GA) Application Engineers, Software Developers, Business Analysts, Computer Programmers, IT Project Managers, Software Engineers, Software QA Engineers, Systems Engineers. Multiple Positions. Various worksites. May require travel to unanticipated client sites nationally. Mail resume to Altplus LLC, Attn: HRGC, 11024 Taconic Way, Johns Creek, GA 30097

Software Engineer Specialist (Alpharetta, GA): Build a wide variety of solutions from automated infrastructure and cloud-based systems to machine learning and user experiences for web, mobile and IoT. Collaborate with engineers across the Platform and Product Engineering team to create technical designs, develop, test, and solve complex problems that drive the solution from initial concept to production. Transcend the traditional boundaries of Frontend and Backend, designing and delivering performant, maintainable, and scalable features. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Associate Director, HR Risk and Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus GA 31901. Ref #BH943380

APPE

Full-time

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AppenMedia.com/Forsyth | Forsyth Herald | December 28, 2023 | 23

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Miscellaneous

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LOCAL HOME SERVICES GUIDE CONCRETE

CONCRETE

ELECTRICAL

CONCRETE DRIVEWAY SPECIALIST 30 Years Experience

NEW DRIVEWAYS

McKemey concrete

Driveways • Patios • Walls • More Call or Text to

678.648.2010

$150 OFF

Any service over $1500

$250 OFF*

Mention ad for $250 Off. New Driveway. Cannot combine coupons.

Call Us For A FREE Quote

Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs

Competitive Pricing Many Local References

BBB A+ Rating

FREE ESTIMATE

TREE SERVICE

Call Us For A FREE Quote

• Highest customer rated

• Lifetime warranty

• Same day service

$30 OFF

Call 678-250-4546 Minimum job is $5,000

678.648.2011

ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC.

TREE SERVICE

ROOF WE

ROOF REPAIR & REPLACE

LEAKS

Call for a FREE Estimate! 770-284-3123

STOP

$200 Leak Repairs or 10% OFF New Roof

$200 leak repair. Up to 8 penetrations. (1-story house, up to 7/12 pitch). Some restrictions apply

Any Electrical Work

Serving North Atlanta Since 1983. Affordable Quality Roofing. Based in Roswell.

Cannot combine with any other coupon.

*Offer expires 10 days after publication

LANDSCAPING

ATTENTION - Double check ad for ALL content. Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. Assume nothing Reply back that ad is approved once ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY.

ELECTRICAL

FREE ESTIMATES Call 770-771-5432

Call now for a FREE estimate for any of your lawn/home needs!

Call or Text to

770.450.8188

770.744.2200

Call Us For A FREE Quote

99 • Highest rated by customers • Tree removal and tree trimming

• We save trees too • Certified arborist • Licensed/insured

• Tree Removal • Tree Pruning • Stump Grinding

• Full Insured • Free Mulch • Emergency 24/7

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2011 thru 2017

QUALITY MULCH / COMPOST DELIVERED! Wholesale Price - Order your mulch or compost at wholesale bulk price delivered to your home. Black, Brown, Natural colors. See our website for details. Save $1 per yard by calling the “special order phone number:” 770-766-5566 for your order! Thank you for buying local – Bob Delbridge, Owner. Playground Brown Black Chips Mulch Mulch

Wholesale Wood Products Finestmulch.com

• Landscaping Residential & Commercial • Tree Services • Sprikler Systems • Maintenance & Installation Pine Straw & Mulch

Master Licensed

Residential & Commercial Services

Electrician Call for a FREE Estimate

• Over 25 Years of Experience • Many Local References • Fair Prices for Professional Work • Maintenance & Installation Pine Straw & Mulch • Reliable, Punctual, Honest

$150 OFF jobs $1500 or more

Bobby Albritton

Master Licensed Electrician Bobby Albritton

770-771-5432

Let Us Connect You Alpharetta-Roswell Herald 28,000 households every Thursday Forsyth Herald 17,000 households every Thursday Johns Creek Herald 20,000 households every Thursday Milton Herald 10,000 households every Thursday Dunwoody Crier 18,000 households every Thursday Sandy Springs Crier 12,000 households every Thursday p: 770-442-3278 | f: 770-475-1216 e: advertising@appenmediagroup.com 319 North Main Street | Alpharetta, GA 30009

404-519-8635 Residential & bgalbritton@live.com Commercial Services

10% OFF Any job $500 or more.

678.506.0006

Call for a FREE Estimate!

CLEANING

Leave cleaning, to us... enjoy life’s precious moments!

• Housekeeping • Spring Cleaning •One-time Cleans • Move-in/out Cleaning • After-party Cleaning • Basement Cleaning Reliable & Professional Fully Bonded & Insured Environmentally Friendly Products

678.648.2012

contact@EasyBreezynet.com • EasyBreezyNet.com