Cumming service organization honors charitable member
CUMMING, Ga. — The Chestatee River Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) awarded Feb. 13 the DAR Community Service Award to Linda Jones, founder and organizer of Treat the Troops Southern Style.
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Since founding Treat the Troops (TTT) in 2012, Jones and hundreds of Cumming community volunteers have packed care packages for overseas military and even canine military. Over the years, the care packages have amounted to over 17,655 boxes and 2.1 million cookies. Most of the treats are home-baked by volunteers.
Treat the Troops also provides toiletries and includes student letters to soldiers in the packages. Jones has worked tirelessly to provide items, boxes, funds for shipping and even a postal truck to load the 300-500 boxes packed at each packing event, Chapter Regent Perrie Tucker said.
Jones has volunteered thousands of hours to organize and arrange each TTT packing night and Chestatee River DAR was honored to present her with a framed DAR Community Service Award certificate, Community Service lapel pin, and a rose bouquet.
For anyone interested in volunteering at Treat the Troops, their upcoming packing night will be on May 8 starting at 7 p.m. at the Cumming VFW Post 9143 on Dahlonega Hwy. — Carl Appen
PERRIE TUCKER/SPECIAL TO APPEN MEDIA Linda Jones , center, holds the Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award at a Feb. 13 presentation in Cumming.
Forsyth County commissioners discuss a change to the county’s alcohol ordinance that allows businesses a license if their sales are derived from entertainment activities at their Feb. 20 meeting.
Forsyth County paves way for food, fun, alcohol sales
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County has broadened its rules on alcohol licensing to include businesses specializing in food and fun.
At a public hearing Feb. 20, the County Commission amended the alcohol ordinance to provide a path for activity-based entertainment establishments to serve alcohol in the county. The amendment adds a provision that allows the businesses an alcohol license if they derive 70 percent of sales from combination of food and recreation activities.
The original ordinance restricted alcohol licenses to businesses that drew half of sales from food.
Activity-based entertainment businesses have been dubbed “eatertainment” within the hospitality industry and can include a variety of activities from ax-throwing, arcade games, pickleball, escape rooms and miniature golf.
Alex Warner, vice president of economic development for the Chamber of Commerce, said a popular venue in unincorporated Forsyth County that meets the eatertainment criteria is X-Golf at the Halcyon retail and restaurant hub.
X-Golf features a handful of finger foods from soft pretzels to
cauliflower bites, and a full bar with specialty cocktails, beer in buckets and pitchers, hard seltzers and other spirits.
Warner said he expects similar additional businesses within the county soon.
“I think we’ll see a few of them in 2025,” Warner said.
The City of Cumming, which has its own alcohol licensing ordinance, is home to Tin Cup Grill at City Center. It offers a 14-hole miniature golf course; sophisticated brunch, lunch and dinner menus; and craft cocktails, beer and wine selections.
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Community, law enforcement mourn fallen Roswell officer
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Crowds gathered along the road to watch the vehicle processional and remember the life of Roswell Police Officer Jeremy Labonte during the afternoon of Feb. 12.
Despite the cold rain, community members rallied with their umbrellas and American flags to pay their respects for Labonte.
Police cars from cities across the state drove along the route. Cities as far as Milledgeville to Ellijay were included, as well as vehicles from the United States Customs and Border Protection, National Parks Service and the Georgia State Patrol.
The processional lasted a little under an hour and consisted of over 100 vehicles, beginning their journey at Lebanon Baptist Church. They made their way down Crabapple Road, Canton Street, Atlanta Street and Mimosa Boulevard, with community members watching from the sidewalks. The processional ended at
POLICE BLOTTER
All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
Caller leaves voicemail to
discuss ‘legal matter’
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 53-yearold Suwanee woman reported a person impersonating a law enforcement officer Feb. 17.
The woman told deputies she received a voicemail from a person purporting to be a sheriff’s sergeant, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report. The person said they were Sgt. Jackson, but they left no callback or badge number.
SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA
A procession of more than 100 vehicles roll past crowds lining streets in Roswell to honor Police Officer Jeremy Labonte Feb. 12. Residents braved rain and cold temperatures to pay their respects to the officer who was shot and killed while responding to a suspicious person Feb. 7 at a Market Boulevard shopping center.
Roswell United Methodist Church, where the funeral service was held at 3 p.m.
A livestream of the funeral was provided
Sheriff’s officials confirmed there was no Sgt. Jackson on the force.
The woman told deputies the caller had phoned twice. In the voicemail, the caller asked the woman to call him back for a “time sensitive legal matter.”
Deputies attempted to contact the number, but all calls were unanswered or sent to voicemail.
Later, a legitimate sergeant with the department received a call back from the number. The person calling identified himself as Sgt. Jackson.
The caller sounded like a man in his 30s or 40s, according to the report. — Jon Wilcox
Gainesville man claims man pointed gun at him
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated a report of a man pointing
to the public on www.roswellgov.com/ FuneralService.
Roswell Police Chief James Conroy spoke at the funeral where he provided words to those in attendance about the impact Ofc. Labonte made.
“If you look around you are surrounded by love,” Conroy said.
Community members, which have “overwhelmed” the police department with support, are encouraged to donate to the Labonte family on the Friends of Roswell Police Foundation PayPal.
At a press briefing on Monday, Feb. 10, Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson addressed the public about the city’s efforts to honor Ofc. Labonte.
“Officer Labonte dedicated his life to serving and protecting the people of Roswell, and now we come together to honor him,” Wilson said.
A private burial service for friends and family will take place on Thursday, Feb. 13.
“What we’re doing, I think is small really, in comparison to the sacrifice that this young man made for our city,” Wilson said.
a gun at another person Feb. 3.
Deputies were dispatched to a Jot Em Down Road home after a 42-year-old Gainesville man said another man pointed a pistol at him there, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report.
The man said he had asked a 45-year-old Cumming man parked outside his home to leave.
The vehicle occupant allegedly responded with an expletive and pointed a black pistol at him, the Gainesville man said.
When interviewed by deputies, the Cumming man denied pointing a gun but admitted they had argued. He allowed deputies to search the vehicle, but no firearm was found.
The incident was classified as a misdemeanor pointing or aiming a gun or pistol at another.
Deputies made no arrests. — Jon Wilcox
ASK APPEN
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm, re-imagining how bath & kitchen remodels are done.
healthcare and recent
Efficiency..
Constituents grill congressman on intentions to check Trump
By AMRITHA JOSEPH newsroom@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — An overflow of Roswell residents stretched down the steps of City Hall Feb. 20, eager to address U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., about the Trump administration’s policies.
They came armed with queries on foreign policy, federal employee cuts and how presidential powers will be restrained.
McCormick, a decorated United States Marine Corps veteran and physician, shared where his views veered from that of the commander-in-chief and other Republicans.
However, he was also met at times during the 90-minute session with booing and cries of “Shame!” from residents who felt he was deflecting questions.
Cumming resident Claudia GamlienCastro asked McCormick his stance on President Trump’s most recent declaration that Ukraine is responsible for the war that has ravaged its people. McCormick said the Trump administration wants to investigate how Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has used the $175 billion in aid that the U.S. has provided Ukraine. About 67 percent of the congressionally approved funds were for defense-related priorities and 33 percent for nondefense
priorities, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
The congressman said the war could have ended sooner if the European Union and U.S. had been more forceful. Given the cumulative European-U.S. GDP of roughly $47 trillion versus Russia’s GDP of $2 trillion, he said a Russian defeat could be realized rapidly through sanctions, undermining Russia’s energy production, and by overwhelming weapon systems.
“I want Ukraine to win, and President Trump says he wants Ukraine to win… and by the way, this splits the Republican party down the middle,” McCormick said. “I voted for Ukraine support every single time.”
Given his ties to healthcare, the congressman fielded several questions about recent cuts executed by the Department of Government Efficiency, which has eliminated thousands of federal employee jobs since Trump’s inauguration. Specifically, the Associated Press reported the jobs of more than 5,000 probationary employees will be nixed at the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the Centers for Disease Control and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. HHS has not released a final number.
See McCORMICK, Page 15
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm
AMRITHA JOSEPH/APPEN MEDIA
U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga. fields questions from constituents during a town hall at Roswell City Hall on Thursday, Feb. 20. McCormick was asked about his stance on foreign policy,
workforce cuts by the Department of
Northern Ridge announces Eagle Scouts
NORTH METRO ATLANTA, Ga. — The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District (cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton) announced its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Board of Review at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.
Eagle Scouts announced Dec. 30, pictured, from top left, are:
Ian Hirsch, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of an outdoor classroom for Temple Kehillat Chaim, consisting of creating a level bed with pebbles and then placing AstroTurf on top, constructing benches and building a picket fence around the area.
Miller Payne, of Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church, whose project was the renovation of the campfire area by building six benches and a podium, painting the bell, gluing the fireplace back together and cleaning the fireplace area in the backwoods for Birmingham United Methodist Church.
Collin Scheffel, of Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church, whose project was to create a picnic area at Providence Park by clearing out an area, removing two old picnic tables and planters, and designing and constructing three picnic tables, and then mulching the area.
Davis Cantrell, of Troop 629, sponsored by Mount Pisgah Church, whose project was the design and construction of five large outdoor racks to hold the harness for the climbing tower and zipline located at Perimeter Church.
Pictured on bottom row, from left are; Carter Murphy, of Troop 69,
sponsored by Alpharetta Methodist Church, whose project was disassembling an outdoor classroom and creating a full size 8’ by 8’ outdoor chess game along with containers to hold the pieces for New Prospect Elementary School.
Ahmad Tauha, of Troop 12, sponsored by the Muslim American Society Youth Center, whose project was the design and construction of three wooden recycling stations for the Roswell Community Masjid.
Kaylee Henry, of Troop 100, sponsored by Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, whose project was the design and construction of a wooden poster showing the fish in the pond, creating a fishing pole stringing station, constructing a fishing pole rack, and constructing two tackle boxes to increase fishing awareness and activity at Mayfield Park pond.
Madison Burch, of Troop 432, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of five benches for the outdoor stage at Roswell North Elementary School and painting an existing wall in the playground, mulching the area and adding soil to the garden beds by the porch of the school.
David Delk, of Troop 3143, sponsored by The American Legion Post 25, whose project was the design, construction and delivery of a large outdoor wooden cabinet to hold dog food for Out Of The Way Community Corp. in Lakehills, Texas. This charity provides pet food for the homeless who have pets. David also collected pet food, pet bowls and blankets to stock the cabinet.
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6 | Forsyth Herald | February 27, 2025
Red Seal Craft Studio focuses on people behind the art
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Red Seal Craft Studio in Roswell offers an escape for those eager to explore their inner creativity.
Crafters can enjoy do-it-yourself projects, like charm necklaces, bracelets, candles, charcuterie boards, custom hats and glass and shell art. Private workshops are also available for businesses, clubs and parties.
Owner Jeanie Pipitone says her personal favorite is the hand-woven chunky blanket workshop.
“They’re so soft and cuddly, and anybody can do it,” Pipitone said.
Pipitone left her corporate career behind to take over the craft studio. Although she had never been to the studio, she decided to go out on a whim and become the new owner on Jan. 2.
“I admired it from afar,” Pipitone said.
Previous owner, Christy Jones, sent out an email to her subscribers asking if anyone would like to take over the gig, Pipitone took the chance,
You can now find Pipitone, along with her staff, greeting and helping visitors channel their inner crafter. A common theme among the staff is the love for people.
Employee Becky Williams said her favorite part of the job is learning about the people she meets.
“You always know how small this world is,” she said. “You really realize it when you interact with people, and you find out your interconnections.”
The craft studio allows for friends and families to gather and connect in a creative outlet.
“People come here, and they have fun, they feel good,” Pipitone said.
Katherine and Vivi Stoll visit the studio frequently to have their “mother-daughter dates.”
“Our favorite part is spending time together,” Katherine said.
Employees help facilitate the process from start to end, so that no matter the guest’s experience level, they can create something.
See STUDIO, Page 7
SARAH COYNE/ APPEN MEDIA
Jeanie Pipitone began her journey as owner of the Red Seal Craft Studio on Jan. 2. Since then, she has learned that the people are her favorite part about the job.
Studio:
Continued from Page 6
“You don’t need any experience, anybody can do it,” Pipitone said. “We provide all the materials, we provide all the instruction, so everybody can come, have fun and leave with something beautiful.”
As new owner, Pipitone’s visions for the craft studio incorporates ways to encourage friends and family to spend time together. She said almost no one comes in alone.
To help facilitate Pipitone’s visions, the craft studio will begin to bring in outside artists and specialty workshops. She wants her guests to have access to “workshops that
More information
The Red Seals Craft Studio’s hours vary each week, to book a session visit: redsealcraftstudio.com/ craftingsessions.
people might not have a chance to do otherwise.”
First up is a four-week Mahjong workshop to be held every Wednesday beginning March 5 from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn how to play and the skills behind the game.
She also plans to “build retail,” by selling premade art.
“It brings people together to have fun, so if the people want it, I’ll give it,” Pipitone said.
NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Business Name: American Pride Bank Key team members: Erik Bykat, chief lending officer; Doug Fountain, commercial relationship manager; Richie Perez, business development officer; and Jennifer Overton, customer service manager. Description: American Pride Bank is a community bank that specializes in high-touch, friendly, and flexible banking and lending for small
business owners and individuals. We partner with people and places to build wealth, grow wealth and ensure customers can pass it on for future generations.
Month Opened: October 2024Ribbon cutting March 27, 2025 Phone: 678-233-2700
Address: 6503 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, Ga Website: americanpride.bank
Visitors Katherine Stoll helps her daughter, Vivi, pick out a hat to customize at the Red Seal Craft Studio in Roswell.
PHOTOS BY: SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA
Crafters gather to create art on a busy Saturday at the Red Seal Craft Studio in Roswell. Guests can choose from projects like charm necklaces, bracelets, candles, charcuterie boards, custom hats and glass and shell art.
As seen on TV – What is GentleCure™
Brought to you by –
Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta
In the last few months, I have received a lot of questions about GentleCure™ — a skin cancer radiation treatment that has been heavily advertised on television. In the past, most discussions about radiation treatments for skin cancer were initiated by me, the physician. GentleCure™’s marketing campaign has been so effective that even patients who do not have skin cancer are asking me about the treatment that they have seen on TV.
I wanted to like GentleCure™. I enjoy the part of my job that is presenting different treatment options for my patients. When radiation is preferable over surgery, I get excited to bring it up. Some skin cancers such as superficial basal cell carcinoma are better treated with Mohs surgery in some instances, radiation therapy in others, cautery and scraping treatments at times and even creams such as Aldara™ or other treatments depending on numerous factors. The exact location, local anatomy, immune system status, details on the pathology report, and individual patient goals all factor into recommendations about what treatments to consider. Multiple excellent treatments are available, and one of the joys of my job is assisting patients in selecting the treatments that are right for them. As a Mohs surgeon, I take pride in discussing alternatives to Mohs surgery. I recognize the potential for conflicts of interest, and I cherish the times when patients and I have decided together on a nonsurgical treatment. The motto of my Mohs surgery fellowship was, “Put the patient first” and doing so is what makes me feel whole.
Unfortunately, I find myself very disappointed in GentleCure™. This superficial radiation therapy (SRT) treatment likely takes the technology a step farther than previous types of SRT by adding ultrasound imaging to help define the size and depth of the cancer and adjust treatment energies and settings. Technologically, GentleCure™ is likely a step forward compared with some prior radiation treatment devices. However, the way
that the company has chosen to represent their technology is mercenary and misleading.
The name GentleCure™ introduces bias and attempts to sway patients towards this treatment in a way that the names “Mohs micrographic surgery,” “excision,” Aldara™ cream, Levulan® Keratick® and other treatments do not.
GentleCure™ has engaged in direct to consumer (DTC) marketing. The United States is one of the only countries in the world to allow DTC marketing of pharmaceuticals, and many physicians and I believe this is a mistake, often to the detriment of society and the patient. DTC is ethically questionable, foremost because of the potential to misrepresent a product and create a false first impression.
In my professional opinion, the GentleCure™ website misrepresents their technology, misleadingly contrasts it with Mohs surgery, and inadequately compares GentleCure™ with other alternative treatments. A few examples:
1. The website gentlecure.com states that “low amounts of x-ray energy” are used, but a typical dose is 50 gray. In contrast, a typical chest x-ray delivers less than a thousandth (<1/1000) of a gray of radiation. Fifty (50) gray is no small amount. It typically permanently kills adnexal struc -
tures (hair follicles and sweat glands), permanently changes the area’s ability to heal and carries the risk of actually causing cancer.
2. The website further states that surgery leaves wounds that result in “not doing normal activities” whereas with radiation “you do not need to skip normal daily activities.” However, GentleCure™ treatments are, according to their own website, delivered in separate sessions of typically 18 to 25 visits on 18 to 25 different days. Twenty separate doctor’s appointments for the treatment of a single cancer has the potential to interfere with normal daily activities, I would think.
3. I believe that most people’s primary interest in radiation is the potential to avoid a surgical scar. Again, the website is misleading. Instead of a statement in line with my clinical experience that the scarring after Mohs surgery is typically minimal and inconspicuous, the website focuses on the outliers stating, “scarring may need to be fixed with reconstructive surgery.” And for GentleCure™, the website states “There is no scarring.” This is not completely true. Yes, by definition, there is no surgical scar, but radiated skin is never the same. Post-radiation changes can include permanently lightening the treated
area, causing noticeable redness or dilated blood vessels to develop, causing an abnormal texture as all hair follicles and sweat glands are eliminated, and sometimes leading to chronically irritated areas and even sometimes post-radiation ulcers that never heal. The website contrasts the unusual case of Mohs surgery with the best case scenario after radiation.
I could go on, as I disagree with much of how this company has decided to represent its product. I love doing research myself, and it saddens me when I learn that the patient trying his or her best to do their own research online is set up to fail by misleading websites and faulty information.
What is the verdict, and what is one to do?
Most patients prefer Mohs surgery over radiation treatments for most skin cancers because of the confidence of clear surgical margins, the avoidance of numerous appointments for radiation, and the generally excellent cosmetic results achievable with Mohs surgery. However, individual factors such as cancer subtype, body location, tumor size, and personal goals may tip the scales toward one treatment or another. Moreover, Mohs surgery and radiation are just two of multiple options to be considered on a case by case basis. And, yes, despite my disagreement with how the technology is being marketed, I will absolutely continue to recommend it when it is the optimal treatment for my patients.
The key to making the best decision is to receive recommendations from a doctor who you trust, and to seek second opinions when needed. You should sense that your doctor is faithfully helping you navigate your current skin cancer, is happy to discuss alternatives and is also proactively discussing preventative options to decrease the incidence of future cancers. At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, I pride myself on providing patients with alternative treatment options even if provided by different physicians or specialties and will always answer a patient’s questions with honesty and integrity.
Insist on the BEST
Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.
He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.
Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 22 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.
Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.
I’m turning 65. What do I do now?
There can be a little anxiety around the choices you have when turning 65. Friends and family will give you their advice on what they know (or think they know) about the “best choice”, but your situation can be different from theirs. All these different opinions can make it hard to find clarity. I can’t provide a full training session on Medicare insurance in this short newspaper article, but here are a few MUST-DO steps to take when approaching the traditional Medicare age of 65-years old- or young:).
Important Step #1: To add or not to add Part B: If you are on group health insurance through the company you are working for and you plan on working past age 65, then you should consider delaying your Part B enrollment. When working for a larger employer (20 or more employees), the group health insurance is the primary payor and there are very few reasons to add Part B. In most of these cases, delay enrolling into Part B!
Important Step #2: Understand your Medicare insurance monthly cost: For most beneficiaries, Medicare Part A is premium-free by virtue of paying into
the tax system during your time of working. The standard premium for Medicare Part B in 2025 is $185 per month, but may be more based on your recent income. Use your search engine to look up Medicare IRMAA, which stands for Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. This is the increased amount the government charges beneficiaries who make beyond the standard thresholds. It can greatly impact your monthly budget and is something to pay attention to when entering into Medicare.
Important Step #3: Work with a Medicare Insurance Broker: It’s hard to know all the ins and outs on your own. A trusted licensed insurance broker, like SeniorSource Medicare Solutions, will educate you on how Parts A, B, C, and D work together and can help you know what to expect from the insurance option you choose. Also, brokers don’t work for just one company, but many. We are able to look at all the options available for your solution.
If you have questions about these important steps or would like to request our assistance, please contact us at (770) 913-6464 or reach out on our contact web page at www. SeniorSourceMedicare.com/ contact-seniorsource.
Paige Gorman Agent
GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!
Encountering ‘lagniappe’ on a lonely Ireland trail
We writer types live in a world made of words. Some are strong and utilitarian. Others are prosaic. And then there are those precious few which are simultaneously lyrical, musical, and even romantic in their promise and potential.
One of those is “lagniappe,” a word with ties to Cajun French culture in (among other places) the Louisiana Gulf Coast region. I like the word a lot.
Mark Twain talks about the word “lagniappe” in “Life on the Mississippi¬¬,” where he calls it “a word worth travelling to New Orleans to get; a nice limber, expressive, handy word…”
But what does it mean?
Some say it refers to what happens when you buy a dozen donuts but end up¬ with 13 – in other words, it’s the unexpected surprise that just comes to you out of the blue.
That’s pretty good. But let me take it a little further.
It’s stumbling across something unexpected but wonderful…maybe that one certain backroad which fate just meant for you to take, no matter what you (or your GPS) think you should do instead.
There’s a lot of lagniappe hereabouts, especially if you like to hike. I think of things like the floodplain-carpeting expanse of ferns that suddenly appears partway along the trail from Buford Dam to the Buford Fish Hatchery… or perhaps the bamboo forest that surprises you near the end of that trail in the Whitewater Creek area of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The fact is that lagniappe is all over the place. You’ve just got to be open to the possibilities.
For instance:
We are about five days into Ireland, and on this day the plan is to drive along the coast to the town of Allihies. I’ve told you about the driving-in-Ireland thing, and since I’m here telling you even more, then you know that I did manage to survive.
Anyway, on this day, Allihies is the plan. There are old copper mines in Allihies, and I do love old mines.
GPS says it’s an easy trip. It tells us to turn left and then right and then… “TRUCKS!” I say. She’s driving and I’m shot-gunning, which means I’m the traffic lookout while she tries to avoid heart attacks and cars and… “TRUCKS” I say again. “TWO of them!
Big! BIG!!!”
…and trucks approach from where they shouldn’t, and your heart stops (or you just know it will), and you grip the wheel so hard you’re sure you’ll crush it to smithereens. I don’t know the Irish word for “smithereens,” but I’ll bet it’s a good one.
The thing about this, though, is that amidst the excitement of dodging trucks on a road barely wide enough for one car, we manage to miss a turn.
That gets the GPS all excited. It starts to reroute us…
“Go one-tenth of a mile,” the evercheerful voice says, “and turn right.”
Who are we to argue with technology? We don’t know where we’re going anyway, so we turn as directed. But…
“This is not a road,” she says. “This is a sheep trail. Through a field.”
True enough. And it’s getting smaller…and smaller…
“Should we turn around?” she asks.
“Not at all!” I say. “Let’s keep going for a little while!” You see, the secret that you don’t know about me is that I love this kind of thing…exploring unknown roads just to see where they go. But she is less wild about that approach.
“Are you sure?” she says.
“Of course!” I reply helpfully,
encouragingly.
And then we come to a gate.
“That,” she observes, bringing the car to a slow stop, “is a gate. It’s blocking our way.” And then, again, “Perhaps we should turn around?”
“Never!” I proclaim. “I shall simply open it!”
“Can we do that?” she asks.
We consult Google, Knower of All Things. Google says that it’s okay to open gates on roads if you close ’em back after you pass.
That’s good enough for me. I open the car door and hop out and make my way to the gate.
On this side of the gate is us. On the other side of the gate there are sheep. One of them (possibly the Head Sheep) is looking at me.
“Hi, Sheep!” I say, greeting the creature by name. “Sheep” is the universal name of all sheep, at least in my experience, and this one bleats a cheery response which means, in Sheep, “Well, hello to you too!”
I open the gate, and she drives through, and I close the gate behind the car and climb back in. There is still nowhere to turn around. We are, it would appear, committed.
According to the map, we are on a two-track road (“A sheep trail,” she says
by way of clarification) that goes upup-up and over the mountain and then down through the copper mines and on to the town of Allihies.
“Are you sure about this?” she asks.
“Of course! See? The map shows it!” I point to a faint line printed on the map, a line much fainter than all the other lines which indicate barely-wide-enough roads. “We are about…here!” I point with my finger, indicating a spot on the page. “See? We’re near the spot where the mapmaker has drawn in sea monsters and penciled in the words ‘ABANDON ALL HOPE, YE WHO ENTER HERE.’ ”
Actually, I made up that last part, but you get the idea.
“We’re just fine!” I add helpfully. “Right, Sheep?”
“Baa-a-a-a-a!”
We inch along. There is mountain on one side and not much of anything on the other. The path, by this point, is barely wide enough for the car, and every sheep we pass turns its head to watch. They seem to be talking softly among themselves with sidelong glances in our direction.
“I’m really not sure about this,” she says.
“Baa-a-a-a-a!” says another sheep.
And the road starts to get steeper. As in much steeper. It’s climbing toward the pass, toward the top of the high ridge. She keeps the car moving…up and up and upward still. For an instant the tires spin on gravel, then grab hold again… still up, steeper, hemmed in between rock and wide-open air…
“Don’t you think we should turn around? Don’t you think we need to find a place to –”
Suddenly, just like that, we are at the top.
And there it is.
The world is instantly silent. She slowly brings the car to a stop, right there in the middle of the road, for there is nowhere else to stop and nowhere else to go. We climb out of the car and just stand there, side by side, dumbstruck by the scene that unrolls itself before us. I follow her gaze. Her eyes are locked on the distance, and beyond that on the water, and beyond even that on adventures and futures and lifetimes yet unknown.
That’s lagniappe. It can hit hard. She turns and looks at me.
“I think,” she says, “that this may turn out to be my favorite part of this trip.”
We stand there a while longer, just soaking it all in. We don’t need to say a word.
Lagniappe, Ireland style, can be a pretty good thing. Don’t you think?
STEVE HUDSON Columnist
STEVE HUDSON/APPEN MEDIA
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Eatertainment venues have seen a rapid rise in popularity, according to Emerging, a growth equity firm specializing in the restaurant sector. It says visits to eatertainment establishments increased by 23 percent year over year in 2023 as the industry takes the restaurant industry “by storm.”
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Fueled by the stay-at-home restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the businesses are capitalizing on patrons’ desires for shared experiences often while providing alcohol and gourmet menus.
County Commissioner Laura Semanson said the amended alcohol ordinance balances a desire to welcome businesses while reflecting the community’s pro-family values.
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Playing blind man’s bluff with no bumper guards
RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
I used to play a game when I was growing up – most of us did – blind man’s bluff. We played it among friends, sometimes at sleepovers. The game is sometimes called blind man’s buff, but either title is pretty much the same.
One person put on a blindfold so he or she couldn’t see, and then walked around the room and tried to find the other people. Putting on that blindfold was an act of faith and trust – trust that no one would take advantage of you and faith that you could “see” with your hands, waving them in front of you like Robot in “Lost in Space,” back and forth “looking” for walls, doors, furniture and other obstacles in your path.
I’ll never forget how abusive Mr. Smith was to poor Robot; I always wished that Robot would turn around and cold-cock him.
Anyway, sometimes you navigated fine. Sometimes you bumped your head on a door frame. Occasionally you tripped and fell, but since you were being careful and moving slowly, rarely did you hurt yourself. I remember that there was always a lot of giggling and whispers.
Since you could not use your eyes, you could only use your sense of hearing and, once you found someone, your sense of touch to divine who it was. As I said it was a fun game – at least for a while – and it had no consequences; there were no winners, no losers. No one got hurt. The blindfold came off after the game was over. No big deal.
No so, today.
This morning, I got up, practiced my piano, then sat on the couch with my laptop open and waited – waited for some idea – something to write about , something to poke me in the ribs or jump up and say “hi.” It didn’t take long – about 15 seconds – a bit faster than usual. It plopped down on my lap and said “write me.”
“Blind man’s bluff” is the who/what that came and visited from those very old files buried deep in memory.
Today, it feels like we are in a giant game of blind man’s bluff, only this time, instead of just a game among a few
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Wallace Berry, age 90, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on February 11, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
friends, it is a game among countries.
Some of the players are friends.
Some are not. Instead of a small, connected circle of players in a living room, this game is played across oceans, in the air, underground and in the clouds – and, of course, in the cloud. Instead of individuals, this bluff is played among armies and navies, led by generals and admirals, presidents and premiers, dictators and tyrants. There are no parents around. There are no adults in the room, no supervision. The floor is not carpeted.
Instead of walking around waving our hands in front of us to protect us – like Robot – we instead use sonar, radar, iron shields, air defense systems, B52s, MAD systems, listening systems, monitoring systems, cyber systems, early warning systems and more – all waving around in front of us, over our heads, behind us, under us, through us, just like Robot
waving his robot hands in front of him shouting “Danger Will Robinson! Danger Will Robinson!” Indeed.
I remember when I was a kid, we also played another game called “I dare you.” It was usually not one of the parents’ favorites because it frequently did not end well. One day, I remember we were playing with our friends who lived way up the River Road in north Cocoa. It was dusk, and we had been playing army in the orange groves most of the day, then by the river. We were tired and hungry, and it was dusk when my friend Carl Jeter said let’s play I dare you – which we did.
We did a few dares; I think there were five of us when Carl’s older brother Mark did a dare: “I dare you to run across the road in front of a car and see how close you can come to it.” Mind you, the River
In Memoriam
Charles Howard Battin
Charles was born in Columbus, IN on January 13, 1938 and passed away on February 13, 2025 in Cumming, GA.
He graduated from Columbus High School and entered the Air Force shortly after graduation. He served 20 years. His Air Force career took him to Okinawa Japan, Ankara, Turkey and Washington D.C.
Charles met his wife in Columbus, IN and they got married Dec. 30, 1961.
He also had a career with Prudential selling life, and property and casualty insurance. His success enabled him to retire at the young age of 50.
After retirement he loved working for and selling See’s Candy as a seasonal employee starting in 1994, for over 15 years. Every 5 years Charles and wife Pamela were flown out to San Francisco, CA and honored with other tenured employees.
In his earlier years he was an elder at Church of Christ at Manor Woods, in
Maryland as well as serving at Antioch Christian Church. He lived a life to serve God, provide for and spend time with family. He was a Godly man that took care of his family with integrity, compassion, gentleness and love. He enjoyed traveling, playing games, and watching sports. The Indy 500 race was a highlight each year. Charles was a huge fan of the Washington Redskins later named the Commanders. Preceded in death by his parents Howard & Charlotte Battin, sister Dottie Taggart and loving wife Pamela Battin.
He is survived by his son Brian Battin, his wife Connie, daughter Jane Brown, her husband David, grandsons Dane Battin and Sean Brown, and granddaughter Brittany Brown.
A celebration of life service will be held March 16 at 3pm at Antioch Christian Church. He will be interred at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.
Road had no streetlights, was curvy because it followed the contours of the Indian River, and was lined with palms, palmettos, oak trees and sawgrass. That is, it was really easy to hide beside the road, never be seen and wait for a car to approach and then dash out in front of it and across the road.
Mark went first, but he wasn’t very close to the passing car. Then it was my turn. It didn’t matter what game I was playing back then, I wanted to win. It was dark. I heard the car approach. Then I saw the headlights. I waited. And I waited and I waited.
I heard the horn and the brakes. But I won. I won, but only by the grace of that fraction of a second, there would have been no winners and only losers that night on the River Road.
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Robert Kelly, age 80, of Roswell, GA passed away on February 8, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Gregory Lefler, age 73, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on February 15, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Georgia Rigg, age 100, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on February 15, 2025. Arrangements by Northside
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Communications and Marketing Manager
NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Communications and Marketing Manager position. The Communications and Marketing Manager is responsible for helping raise awareness of North Fulton Community Charities and its programs and services. One of the primary responsibilities of this role is to create internal and external communications and marketing materials to promote NFCC’s overall mission.
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CEO (position in Cumming, GA 30041): Direct the distribution and technical support of HVAC units for commercial use, including controlling and budgeting, technical human resources and training, logistics / customs clearance and reporting.
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Rspnsbl for dvlpng stndrd practcs & rules to trnsfrm & maintn busins data into trustd singl versn of accurate data to facilitate best dcsions end users can make for future of their busins. Will work in prtnrshp w/ busins & cstmrs to ensr qualty, consistncy, & accessblty of all busins data. Req: either (i) BS degree (or equiv foreign degree) in Analytics, Computer Science or closely relatd field & 7 yrs exp as Data Engineer or (ii) MS degree (or equiv foreign degree) in Analytics, Computer Science or closely relatd field & 5 years of pre- or post-MS degree exp as Data Engineer. Hybrid position workng 3 days/week at co’s office in Alpharetta, Georgia, 2 days/week workng from home office. Review full job descr. & reqs. & apply at https://www.ukg.com/about-us/careers under “Principal Architect,” [REF: PRINC011777].
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Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, March 7, 2025. Apply online: www.sawnee. coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.
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McCormick:
Continued from Page 4
“Why is a supposedly conservative party taking such a radical and extremist and sloppy approach to this?” one Canton resident asked.
McCormick said 10 percent of the CDC’s employees are probationary, and recent developments in AI will handle healthcare administrative tasks more efficiently at several health departments.
“The fact of the matter is there’s going to be a downsizing of government,” he said.
Just as the Biden administration made dramatic cuts to other aspects of federal spending, so too, the Trump administration is slicing through the budget, McCormick said.
No question garnered more audience applause than one posed by a Roswell resident, who said she was shocked when President Trump declared himself “king” in a recent social media post.
“Tyranny is rising in the White House, and a man has declared himself our king. So, I would like to know, rather, the people would like to know what you, congressman, and your fellow congressmen are going to do to rein in the megalomaniac in the White House?”
The Regulations from the Executive in
Continued from Page 13
That angel who has protected me all these years, saved me oh so many times, I just now realize may have first landed on my shoulder that night by the river.
The blind man’s bluff I see being played out today – in our world, yours and mine and our children’s – is a hybrid of I dare you and blind man’s bluff. Every-
U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., fields questions from constituents during a town hall Feb. 20 at Roswell City Hall. McCormick was asked about his stance on foreign policy, healthcare and recent workforce cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency.
Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act would check presidential power by mandating Congressional approval of any new rule that impacts the economy by at least $100 million. However, it has yet to be passed, even by the previous Biden administration, McCormick said.
thing is a dare; everything is a gambit; everything is a deal, and everything involves running out in front of cars to see how close you can come to being hit. And it’s truly being played with a blindfold on, because the blindfold is the fact that only one person is making up the dares, and it doesn’t matter to him if someone gets hit or is hurt or fails. He just wants to win the game. That’s all he cares about – to win – and yes, in this hybrid game, everyone probably loses.
McCormick said he doesn’t think executive privilege should be as strong as it is, and he serves as the district’s direct representation in Congress.
“I don’t want to see the president make all the decisions I don’t. I don’t want to see any president be too powerful,” he said.
Several lines from near the end of the movie “Apocalypse Now” come to mind: Colonel Kurtz: “Are my methods unsound?”
Captain Willard: I don’t see any method at all, sir.”
Colonel Kurtz: “I expected someone like you. What did you expect? Are you an assassin?”
Captain Willard: “I’m a soldier.”
Colonel Kurtz: “You’re neither. You’re an errand boy, sent by grocery clerks, to collect a bill.”
PHOTOS BY: AMRITHA JOSEPH/APPEN MEDIA
Georgia District 7 residents applaud one constituents’ question during a town hall hosted by U.S. Representative Rich McCormick at Roswell City Hall on Thursday. A Roswell resident asked the congressman how he plans to challenge the power of President Donald Trump, who recently declared himself “king” in a social media post.
