Oxford Mills boys team wins lawn tennis title
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Oxford Mill boys were declared the 2024 Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association fall champions.
Representing Oxford Mill, the youths won the C4 division in November for the 15 and under boys division.
Coach Brian Coyle led players Preston Vu, Bar Vajima, Ben La, Liam Coyle, Mason Johnson, Caden King, Evan Coyle, Jonah Rubenstein, Bryce Kelly, Gehrig Kiser,
Mason Miller, Seth Reames, Rian Reddy and Brendan Woehler to the victory.
The association bills itself as the top local tennis league in metro Atlanta.
— Jon Wilcox
Foundation says construction delay has hobbled fundraising
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Delays in completing upgrades for the Wills Park Equestrian Center have complicated fundraising efforts to bring the project over the finish line.
In 2021, voters approved $5 million in Equestrian Center improvements as part of a $29.5 million parks bond package. Funds will go toward improving competition arenas, stormwater drainage, parking lots, driveways and other infrastructure.
The Wills Park Equestrian Foundation committed to match the city’s $5 million to overhaul the arenas. But so far, the nonprofit has raised about $2.5 million for that work and other improvements. About $1.4 million of donated funds is waiting to be allocated, Foundation President Cheryl Sims said.
CHERYL SIMS/PROVIDED
A rider and horse jump over an obstacle at the Wills Park Equestrian Center. The center is slated for improvements as part of a 2021 parks bond.
BRIAN COYLE/PROVIDED
Oxford Mill tennis players displaying their ALTA trophies are, back row, from left: Preston Vu, Bar Vajima, Ben La, Liam Coyle, and coach Brian Coyle; Front row, from left: Mason Johnson, Caden King, Evan Coyle, and Jonah Rubenstein. Not pictured are Bryce Kelly, Gehrig Kiser, Mason Miller, Seth Reames, Rian Reddy and Brendan Woehler.
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Roswell Police search for Christmas Eve murder suspect
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Police Department is searching for 49-yearold Roberto Dominguez Soto, wanted in connection with a homicide discovered on Christmas Eve.
A statement from the department says officers responded to Azalea Drive near Atlanta Street around 3:15 p.m. Dec. 24, after a passerby reported discovering a possible deceased person.
Upon arrival, officers said they located an adult female in a ditch near the roadway who was confirmed deceased at the scene.
The statement says further investigation revealed that she had suffered at least one gunshot wound before her body was discarded in the area. The victim has been identified as 47-year-old Blanca Sauer of Sandy Springs.
“This is a heartbreaking situation, especially during the holiday season, and our hearts go out to the family and loved
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.
Man cited for DUI after Ga. 9 crash
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 50-year-old Marietta man was arrested on an intoxicated driving charge after a crash Dec. 18.
Officers began an impaired driver investigation after police investigating the crash suspected the man was intoxicated, according to an Alpharetta police report. The crash, which occurred on Ga. 9 at Wills Road, injured at least one person. Further details were unavailable in the report.
Officers noted the man had slurred speech, bloodshot and glassy eyes and a sweet, alcohol smell coming from his
ones of Ms. Sauer,” Police Chief James Conroy said. “We are committed to bringing justice to those affected by this senseless act of targeted violence.”
Detectives have identified Sauer’s boyfriend, Roberto Dominguez Soto, as a suspect and secured arrest warrants for murder.
Soto is described as a 49-year-old Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds.
The Roswell Police Department says its detectives are actively working toward his apprehension in collaboration with state, federal and international authorities.
In addition to his charges in North Fulton County, the Roswell Police Department says Soto is also wanted by Interpol on firearms possession charges.
Law enforcement says Soto should be considered armed and dangerous.
breath. He denied consuming alcohol.
An evaluation of the man’s eyes and walk and turn test showed signs of impairment, according to the report. The man was unsteady on his feet, failed to follow instructions and showed erratic movement in his eyes.
The driver declined taking a breath test. He was charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol and following too closely charges.
— Jon Wilcox
Woman loses thousands in vehicle repair scam
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A scam was reported Dec. 22 after a man allegedly pocketed payments to repair a vehicle.
A 21-year-old Jonesboro woman said she was approached by a man while she and a friend were pushing their disabled vehicle off Haynes Bridge Road near South Main Street, according to an Alpharetta police report. The man, who said he was a mechanic, offered to help
Roswell Police are searching for a murder suspect, Roberto Dominguez Soto, after officers discovered the body of a deceased woman Dec. 24.
Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is asked to contact the Roswell Police Department immediately at 770-640-4100.
Anonymous information can be provided through Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www. StopCrimeATL.org.
by towing their vehicle to a nearby bank parking lot. He said he would take the vehicle to his repair shop.
The woman agreed and sent the man $275 as a deposit using a money transfer app.
Two days later, the man contacted the woman, saying he needed an additional $700 to buy parts. Later in the day, he called again and asked for another $985.
After another two days, the man requested another payment of $1,300 for repairs.
The woman complied with his requests each time.
After the last payment, the man stopped answering her calls and texts. The woman decided to contact the police.
The woman returned to the bank parking lot and found her vehicle still parked there.
The incident was classified as a misdemeanor theft by deception.
Jon Wilcox
— Hayden Sumlin
Sandy Springs to consider draft for corridor upgrades
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — With funding from the Atlanta Regional Commission, Sandy Springs is nearing a final blueprint for the Peachtree Dunwoody Road corridor, including the North Springs MARTA rail station.
The Sandy Springs City Council and Planning Commission heard the presentation of the North Springs MARTA Corridor study in mid-December, setting up approval of the transportation plan at a January meeting.
The MARTA corridor study seeks to make the North Springs station a more walkable destination. It includes improvements to multimodal safety and comfort on Peachtree Dunwoody Road with connections to the planned extension of PATH400, a regional multi-use trail along Ga. 400 connecting Atlanta’s Midtown to north of I-285.
The plan identifies opportunities to enhance walking and biking access to the station, integrate placemaking features and outline a vision for potential future development.
With grants through the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Livable Centers Initiative and Transit-Oriented Development programs, city consultants began work last March to oversee community engagement, planning, design and economic analysis.
The scope of the two-pronged plan includes Peachtree Dunwoody Road from Spalding Drive to Abernathy Road and the 27.7-acre MARTAowned property surrounding the North Springs station.
Peachtree Dunwoody Road currently features variable lane widths and sidewalks. Urban planners want a more consistent cross section throughout the corridor with a 12-foot-wide path on the west side and a 6-foot-wide sidewalk on the east.
Other proposals call for five new pedestrian crossing beacons, landscaped buffers with trees, a roundabout at Roberts Court, a center-turn lane and 11-foot-wide travel lanes.
The study found the improvements would add minor delays of from 5 to 10 seconds for drivers.
Input from residents
Lead consultant Nelson Nygaard worked with the city’s planning team, MARTA officials, residents and the Perimeter Community Improvement District to develop a vision for the area. Throughout community workshops, interviews and online surveys, residents consistently cited concerns
CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED
A map shows the North Springs MARTA Corridor study area along the Peachtree Dunwoody Road corridor with an inset showing the current conditions at the rail station. Sandy Springs is looking to approve a final plan at a January City Council meeting.
about speeding along Peachtree Dunwoody Road and potential traffic congestion.
Meghan McMullen, an urban designer with Nygaard, said two rounds of community feedback were incorporated into the final plan. She said survey results show residents are strongly in favor of proposed upgrades along Peachtree Dunwoody Road.
While Sandy Springs will take the lead on any future streetscape and roadway enhancements along Peachtree Dunwoody Road, MARTA oversees development on its property.
The 27-acre site has 13 acres of undeveloped land with a dense tree canopy and hilly terrain split in half by a floodplain and small creek.
The plan proposes stacked flats or townhomes along Peachtree Dunwoody Road with a new street and five-story multi-family building to the south. Overall, the concept includes around 500 new residential units and some ground floor retail.
MARTA has hands full
While the North Springs MARTA station abuts Ga. 400, surrounding neighborhoods and commercial areas to the south have a separate traffic circulation.
The plan is to leave a portion of undeveloped land in the middle of the MARTA property as a forested park.
Like the corridor concept, McMullen said community feedback on the station proposal was overwhelmingly positive.
MARTA officials said they have no plans to begin development at the North Springs station because of ongoing work at others. When MARTA
ground this year on two-thirds of the regional multi-use path from Atlanta’s Loridans Drive to I-285 and Ga. 400. After the major highway intersection, the city has more plans to construct the path from Hammond Drive up to Mount Vernon Highway and the Sandy Springs MARTA station at Abernathy Road.
PATH400 is years away from reaching the North Springs MARTA station, but city officials are close on a final plan.
For more information about the MARTA Corridor study, visit www.sandyspringsga.gov/NorthSpringsStudy.
does decide to move forward, it will mostly likely be with a private developer.
A part of planning the future of the North Springs MARTA Corridor includes connections to PATH400. Sandy Springs is looking to break
6 | Johns Creek Herald | January 9, 2025
Business lets clients occupy a space before it’s built
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Mary Atchley thinks her business’s name will soon become a part of everyday language.
“We will become a verb. Everyone will walk your plans,” said Atchley, who owns Walk Your Plans in Roswell with co-owner Mark Brown.
Walk Your Plans allows clients to visualize their home, office or business by projecting the blueprints onto the floor of a 2,000 square-foot showroom. Since opening in November, the business has garnered rave reviews from those eager to get a real-life representation of their buildings before the first brick is laid.
“We didn’t open a Chick-fil-A or a McDonald's, something everyone is familiar with,” Atchley said. “People still have to wrap their minds around it, but we have been really, really pleased with the reception we’ve gotten.”
Independently owned and licensed, the Roswell location, at 3000 Northfield Place, Suite 900, is the third Walk Your Plans in the U.S. The first opened in Cleveland, Ohio, in late 2023. The concept originated from a business model introduced on the Australian version of the “Shark Tank” television show.
Atchley said she still vividly remembers watching a video of the episode on her Instagram feed on April 17. She instantly knew the idea had legs.
“I looked at Mark and said someone should do this in Atlanta,” Atchley said.
The next day, she called the founder, who told her there were already five people in line for bringing Walk Your Plans to Atlanta. She and Brown knew they had to act fast, hopped on a plane and were awarded the territory.
Walking your plans begins with booking a time slot on the business’s website. Atchley said they consult with clients before visits to explain pricing, which is by the hour, and get a feel for their specific needs.
Clients send them a PDF file of their space’s blueprints, which are then recreated in the showroom.
The plans are projected onto the floor, giving clients a trueto-scale, real-life feel for how they will come to life.
The experience provides a unique perspective on how a space will function.
The owners of a soon-to-be restaurant realized they could knock down a wall in the kitchen to give their chef some needed space.
See PLANS, Page 7
MARY ATCHLEY/PROVIDED Walk Your Plans gives clients a real-life representation of their blueprints in a 2,000-square-foot showroom in Roswell. The plans are projected onto the floor, giving a unique perspective about how a space will feel.
Business: Velvet Taco
Owners: Chewy, Inc
Description: Velvet Taco is a one-of-a-kind taco concept serving premium food in a unique & funky fast-casual setting where tacos don’t have to be associated with Tex-Mex cuisine and can
Just opened?
be made with the same care and quality fresh ingredients as fine dining.
Opened: July 2024
Phone: (470) 462-2409
Address: 100 Middle Street Dunwoody, Georgia 30346
Website: https://www.velvettaco.com/
Appen Media publishes New Business Spotlights to highlight local businesses as they get started. Submit yours for free at appenmedia.com/newbusiness.
Plans:
Continued from Page 6
The staff of a medical office came to their session with a stroller to ensure families would have easy access during visits.
Commercial project developers have unlocked unparalleled collaboration by bringing professionals from disparate backgrounds including interior designers, builders and corporate team members. Together, they may spend the day on their virtual site, making important decisions.
Atchley said her business hopes to soon partner with a local real estate agent and custom home developer to help them close sales.
The cost savings can be immense,
and decisions that might have taken two months are made in a couple of hours, she said.
“The attention to detail is high,” Atchley said. “It’s fascinating to see the time spent on the smallest details.”
Because the concept is so new, clients have flown in from around the country and continent. One customer arrived from Canada to visualize a custom home he planned to build.
Already, the custom home building community has embraced the business, she said. And the response has been so good, she and Brown are looking toward 2025 and plan to some day open a second location in Atlanta.
“It’s been a fast and furious adventure,” Atchley said.
Name: Duffy Scott Home
Owner(s): Kate Duffy & Christy Scott Spearman
Description: At Duffy Scott Home, we specialize in sourcing original objects for your home through markets, estate sales, and beyond. We collaborate with local artisans and galleries to create a unique collection of artwork tailored to your style and home.
Opened: August 2024
Phone: 404-436-6874
Address: 77 Church Street, Marietta, Ga, 30060
Website: duffyscotthome.com/
DJ TRIPLICATE
Name: DJ Triplicate - Wedding DJ
Owners: Trey Layton / Mary Layton
Business Description: We are a wedding vendor offering DJ/ MC and stage lighting services for Roswell/Alpharetta and the entire Metro Atlanta area. We are five star rated across every major vendor marketplace. We have dates available for holiday parties and 2025 weddings!
Opened: May 2024
Phone: (762) 307-3476
Address: 165 Belmont pl Roswell, ga 30076
Website: https://www.djtriplicate.com
DUFFY SCOTT HOME
New podcasts this week Podcast Everyone!
The Georgia Politics Podcast
Jimmy Carter, 39th President, Passes Away at 100
In this special episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we reflect on the extraordinary life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away today at the age of 100. From his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to becoming the 39th President of the United States, Carter’s story is one of perseverance, service, and unwavering commitment to humanity.
We explore his presidency, marked by landmark achievements and challenges, and his post-presidential years that redefined what it means to serve beyond the Oval Office. As a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, advocate for global human rights, and champion of Habitat for Humanity, Carter leaves behind a legacy that has touched millions around the world.
The Georgia Politics Podcast focuses on all things under the gold dome. Show host Preston Thompson covers the most noteworthy updates to the legislative session of Georgia’s House of Representatives and State Senate.
Join us as we discuss his impact on Georgia, the nation, and the world, and celebrate the centennial life of one of Georgia’s most beloved sons.
The GOP’s Mount Rushmore
Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! We have a fun one for you. Our panel drafts their picks for who would appear on the GOP’s Mount Rushmore, with one or two caveats.
Who would grace a GOP Mount Rushmore (no Presidents or party nominees)? In this episode, our hosts dive deep into the history and legacy of the Republican Party to spotlight the unsung heroes, influential strategists, and legislative powerhouses who have shaped the GOP outside of the Oval Office.
We debate and deliberate who deserves a spot on this hypothetical monument. Expect spirited discussions, surprising picks, and maybe even a little controversy as we make our final selections.
The Georgia Politics Podcast is part of the Appen Podcast Network. Listen on appenmedia.com/podcasts or wherever you get your shows.
How to Listen...
Go to appenmedia.com/podcasts, or
Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play the Georgia Politics Podcast”
Three authors scheduled at six events in January
By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com
January, traditionally the month of deals, is serving up a unique offering in the two-for-one category: Author appearances.
Writers Jennifer Coburn, Terri Parlato and Will Carter are doubling up on local book talks in the coming weeks. Details for those six events, as well as just one other, are below.
Thursday, Jan. 9, Terri Parlato will sign her new release, “Watch Your Back.” Free. 5 p.m. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-7975566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com
Saturday, Jan. 11, Will Carter. Atlanta Authors and Bookmiser will present the Kennesaw State University lecturer detailing his inspirational debut memoir, “Getting Better.” Carter will be in conversation with award-winning writer Christopher Martin. Both authors’ books will be available to purchase from Bookmiser. 2 p.m. Free. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., 770-594-6232. atlantaauthorsga.com
Thursday, Jan. 16, Lisa Malice discussing “Lest She Forget” with New York Times bestselling author Karen White. $20, which includes the newly released paperback. 5 p.m. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-7975566.
Saturday, Jan. 25, Will Carter detailing, “Getting Better.” Free. Noon. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again. com
Bestselling author Jennifer Coburn is one of three authors planning a pair of upcoming North Fulton appearances.
Saturday, Jan. 25, Terri Parlato. The Friends of Sandy Springs Library and Bookmiser will host Parlato and her latest thriller, “Watch Your Back.” 2 p.m. Free. Sandy Springs Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway Northeast. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/events.html
The Girls from the Glimmer Factory.” The bestselling author will be feted during an evening of cocktails and appetizers. $30, which includes the novel. 4 p.m. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore. com
Coming in February: Saturday, Feb. 1, Jennifer Coburn. The free event, presented by Roswell Reads, in partnership with the city of Roswell and Bookmiser, will spotlight Coburn’s just-released “The Girls from the Glimmer Factory.” 2 p.m. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St. RoswellReads.com
To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail.com by the 15th.
mausoleum
Revolutionizing fitness In Alpharetta and Johns Creek
The Exercise Coach’s cutting-edge approach
Brought to you by- The Exercise
Coach Alpharetta
At The Exercise Coach, we're not just changing workouts; we're redefining how people age. Our unique blend of innovative Exerbotics equipment and expert coaching creates a fitness experience like no other, specifically designed for individuals who value quality, efficiency, and personalized attention.
Innovative Exerbotics:
The Future of Fitness
Our state-of-the-art Exerbotics equipment sets us apart. This isn't your typical gym machinery. Each piece is engineered to adapt to your
strength and capabilities, ensuring the most effective and safe workout possible. With Exerbotics, we can measure your performance in real time, providing instant feedback to optimize your training. It's smart technology that evolves with you, ensuring every session is challenging yet achievable, regardless of your fitness level.
Expert Coaches: Your Personal Fitness Guides
The heart of The Exercise Coach experience is our team of expert coaches. They're not just trainers; they're your personal fitness guides, equipped with deep knowledge of our Exerbotics technology and a passion for helping you achieve your goals. They understand that every body is unique, and they specialize in creating
personalized routines that yield real results. Our coaches are your partners in fitness, dedicated to your success and well-being.
Changing the Way We Age
Our mission extends beyond fitness. We're dedicated to changing the way people age. With The Exercise Coach, aging doesn't mean slowing down; it means getting stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. Whether you're in your 30s or well into retirement, our approach is designed to improve your quality of life, boosting not just physical strength, but confidence, energy, and longevity. Join us at The Exercise Coach and experience the future of fitness – a place where technology meets expertise to transform your health and redefine aging. It's not just a workout; it's a life-changing journey.
Comprehensive wound care and hyperbaric medicine
Brought to you by - Dr. Ricardo Duran, medical director of wound care and hyperbaric medicine at Wellstar
Imagine living with a wound that doesn’t heal—days turn into weeks, then months. Every step becomes painful. You feel trapped, unsure where to turn. This is the reality for thousands in our community, especially those living with diabetes, neurologic or circulatory problems. Unfortunately, many patients stumble through emergency rooms, urgent care centers or hospital stays without finding the right help. Some even face life-altering amputations—an outcome that could often be avoided with proper care.
The Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center is transforming how chronic wounds are managed in Roswell and the surrounding areas. Chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, vascular ulcers, pressure injuries and surgical wounds, affect millions of people nationwide. Without specialized care, these wounds can lead to serious complications, including infections and amputations, that dramatically impact quality of life and increase healthcare costs.
At Wellstar North Fulton, we offer our community
one of the most advanced wound care programs in Georgia. Our center combines cutting-edge treatments with a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach to ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care.
Advanced care close to home
Our program is led by a board-certified physician specializing in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. Patients benefit from a personalized treatment plan that may include:
• Wound debridement to remove dead tissue and promote healing
• Advanced therapies such as negative pressure wound therapy and skin grafting
• In-office diagnostics like ankle-brachial index testing to evaluate blood flow and accelerate referrals for vascular care
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment using pressurized oxygen to enhance healing, fight infections and prevent amputations. We are one of the few hyperbaric facilities in Georgia certified by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. HBOT has been especially effective for patients with diabetic foot ulcers, chronic infections and radiation injuries. Studies show that HBOT can improve healing rates by over 70% and reduce amputation risk by 50%, helping patients recover faster and get back to their lives.
Why it matters to our community
Many wounds require specialized care that general practitioners or urgent care clinics simply cannot provide. Without expert attention, what begins as a small ulcer can spiral into a serious condition requiring hospital admissions—or worse, amputation.
Chronic wounds don’t only affect physical health—they can lead to emotional and financial burdens for patients and their families. Amputation is more than the loss of a limb—it’s a loss of mobility, independence and often income. The economic and emotional toll can be devastating for individuals and families. At Wellstar North Fulton, we’re dedicated to preventing these outcomes by addressing wounds early, thoroughly and with expertise. Our goal is to restore not only health but also hope and quality of life.
Take the first step toward healing
If you or a loved one has a wound that hasn’t healed, the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at Wellstar North Fulton is here to help. Let us partner with you in the process of healing and avoid hospital stays, preserve limbs and restore your quality of life.
Chronic wounds don’t have to control your life. With the right care, healing is possible. Call us today at (770) 751-2830 to schedule an appointment.
North Fulton Medical Center
DURAN
An ongoing healthcare partner means more support at every age.
At Wellstar, you’ll find lifelong primary care partners committed to every aspect of your well-being, at every stage of life.
Your primary care team knows your complete health history—with ready access to our integrated system of specialists, imaging facilities, labs and hospitals. We’ll help you get the best treatment, right when you need it. From preventative care and screenings to acute and chronic illness management, the expert clinicians at Wellstar personalize your wellness plan to your unique needs, putting you at the center of your own care. wellstar.org/primarycare
A traditional Japanese custom and its reflections in modern dentistry
Brought to you by - Destinee Hood, DMD, Roswell Dental Care
Ohaguro, the practice of blackening one’s teeth, holds a significant place in Japanese cultural history. Historically, ohaguro was a symbol of beauty, status, and marital eligibility. While the tradition has faded over time, its impact is still visible in various cultural remnants and even resonates in modern dentistry. This article explores the roots of ohaguro and delves into its connection with contemporary dental practices.
• Crowns and Bridges in a few days
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• Teeth Cleanings, Digital X-Rays and Comprehensive Oral Exams on all new patients
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Ohaguro dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), where it was initially practiced by the aristocracy and later adopted by commoners. The custom involved blackening the teeth using a solution made from iron filings and vinegar, resulting in a distinctive lacquered appearance. Ohaguro was particularly prevalent among married women, symbolizing their commitment and marital status.
As Japan modernized during the Meiji era (1868-1912), ohaguro gradually lost its significance. Influences from the Western world, changes in fashion, and evolving societal norms contributed to the decline of this centuries-old tradition. By the end of the Meiji era, ohaguro was largely abandoned, although some elderly individuals continued the practice well into the 20th century.
Ohaguro’s Influence on Modern Dentistry:
While ohaguro itself may be a relic of the past, its impact on modern dentistry is noteworthy. The quest for aesthetically pleasing smiles has always been a constant, and this is where the historical custom finds resonance in contemporary dental practices.
1. Teeth Whitening Technologies:
The desire for whiter teeth in modern society is the antithesis of ohaguro. Teeth whitening procedures, ranging from over-the-counter products to professional treatments offered by dentists, reflect society’s current beauty standards. These treatments use safe and effective methods to remove stains and discoloration, enhancing the natural whiteness of teeth.
2. Orthodontics and Cosmetic Dentistry: Ohaguro was not only about color but also about the shape and arrangement of teeth. In modern dentistry, orthodontic treatments, such as braces and clear aligners, address issues related to tooth alignment and structure. Cosmetic dentistry procedures, like veneers, bonding, and contouring,
allow individuals to achieve the perfect smile they desire.
3. Dental Implants and Prosthetics: For those who have lost teeth due to various reasons, dental implants and prosthetics provide functional and aesthetic solutions. These technologies mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, helping individuals regain confidence in their smiles.
Ohaguro may be a thing of the past, but its influence on modern dentistry is undeniable. From a symbol of status and beauty to a relic of history, ohaguro has evolved, leaving a lasting impression on Japan’s cultural landscape. Today, as advancements in dentistry continue to flourish, individuals have a range of options to achieve healthy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing smiles— embracing a new era that values the preservation and enhancement of natural dental beauty.
Roswell Dental Care is nominated to win “BEST OF THE BEST” Dental Practice in North Atlanta by Appen Newspaper for the 8th year. We’ve been serving patients in the area for over 40 years.
As your cosmetic dentists, Drs. Hood, Remaley, and Urvi give your comfort and trust top priority. We assure you feel confident in any dental solution before beginning treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE conscious sedation, including nitrous oxide. Rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding. Take the first step in feeling great about your smile. Schedule your COMPLIMENTARY smile makeover consultation by calling 770-998-6736.
Dr. David Remaley
Dr. Destinee Hood
PROVIDED
Great news in Pediatric Melanoma
Brought
to you by
– Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta
Isn’t it wonderful to hear that you are making a difference? Well, you are! All that hard work that you put in with children or grandchildren getting them to protect themselves from the Sun and wear sunscreen is making a difference!
A recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) of more than 76,000 pediatric melanomas confirmed a decline in melanoma incidence over the last ten years in children ages five and older. That decrease in melanoma is likely due to the measures you and your family members have taken during those years and during the prior ten to fifteen years when you worked so hard to protect them from the Sun.
And it is hard work. I have personally braved and endured myself. We all know what it’s like: The child in question seems to morph into a wet fish wriggling out of your grasp. Your slippery sunscreen hands don’t make it any easier! The rascal gets free, and you chase him or her down. Your drink gets knocked over. Sand gets on chairs, in bags and in other places you don’t want sand to get. It’s a task somewhere between roping a calf and getting a cat to take a bath. Grueling, grasping, groaning, finally it’s complete! The child may go and play. And in an hour and a half, you get to repeat the process all over again!
We know sun safety isn’t easy. What dermatologists ask of parents and grandparents is not a simple task. Is it really all worth it?
Yes! The results are in, and they are inspiring. This very encouraging study in the JAAD strongly suggests that all our hard work is paying off.
For children ages 10-14, there was a greater than 30% drop in melanoma between 2002 and 2020.
For children ages 5-9, there was a greater than 60% drop in melanoma between 2014 and 2020.
Interestingly, a small increase in pediatric melanoma cases for children ages four and younger supports that what we are doing is making a difference. Older children who develop melanoma are much more likely to have developed skin cancer from sunburns and sun exposure. Babies and children under 4 years old who develop melanoma are NOT likely to have developed melanoma from sun exposure. (But they still need to be protected from the Sun). Instead, genetics, a chance unlucky mutation or non-sun related environmental factors are more likely to be responsible for
melanoma in the extremely young. They simply haven’t had much time to be damaged by the Sun. The fact that melanoma in those ages four and under slightly increased but melanoma in those five and older dramatically decreased makes the claim even more credible that our efforts at sun protection are working.
Good news in pediatric melanoma is likely great news for these individuals’ entire lives. Our bodies have proteins called “mismatch repair enzymes” whose job it is to fix DNA that has been damaged by ultraviolet rays from the Sun. Unfortunately, these enzymes don’t do a perfect job, and many mutations in our DNA are with us for life. Our entire lives, these mutations increase the chance that we develop skin cancer. Dermatologists have tools including prescription creams and in office treatments that kill precancers and reduce one’s sun damage, but some of the Sun damage from childhood and adulthood is always with us. The fact that pediatric melanoma has plummeted in the last ten years gives us great hope that these same individuals will develop far fewer cancers as adults as well.
When you protect your loved one as a child, you are likely helping protect him or her for life.
The next time you wonder, “is it worth it?...Should I really use that sunscreen, that UPF 50 sun shirt or take on the herculean task of wrangling a kiddo channeling his or her inner feral cat?,” the answer is YES. You are making a difference. And we only see these wonderful results at the population level in a published study because of many, many daily actions at the individual level – through the genuine care and love of many, many parents and grandparents who love their family and showed it through their actions. Keep up the great work!
Insist
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.
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Sedation dentistry: navigating anxiety for the best dentist experience
Dr. Bradley Hepler, Atlanta Center for Dental Health
Many people get nervous going to the dentist. So many people have had bad experiences in the past or just don’t like it. Fear of the dentist is common and affects people of all ages. Whether it’s the sound of the drill or fear of potential pain, dental anxiety can prevent people from seeking the oral care that they need. Sedation Dentistry allows patients to relax while undergoing dental procedures.
There is an alternative. You can have comfortable, anxiety-free visits to the dentist with Sedation Dentistry. Dental offices like the Atlanta Center for Dental Health offer comfort amenities including bottled water, snacks, courtesy Wi-Fi, a warm inviting environment, relaxing music, noise-cancelling headphones, Netflix movies, lavender eye pillows and warm neck pillows, cozy blankets, and warm face towels to make your visit as comfortable as possible. In addition to all those amazing benefits, you can also choose from a range of sedation options.
Sedation Dentistry uses medications to help patients relax during their dental procedures. The goal is to create a calm, anxiety-free environment, making it easier for individuals to receive necessary dental care. This benefits not only anxious patients, but also patients with extensive needs that may
require a longer visit, patients with a low pain threshold, or time efficiency allowing more to be done in a single visit.
Sedation Dentistry focuses on keeping the patient comfortable and relaxed while receiving much needed dental care. Some patients choose to have their mouth numb so they don’t feel anything and then just relax with their eyes closed while listening to music.
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, inhalation sedation is a popular option that relaxes you while your procedures are completed. At the end of your visit, you simply breathe pure oxygen and then can drive yourself home.
Many people choose Oral Sedation that allows you to sleep through the dental visit, have all your work completed in one visit, be easily awakened, and not remember the experience of your visit. With Oral Sedation, you simply swallow some pills prescribed for you, lay back and fall asleep, and wake up at the end with your procedures complete and your new smile. All dental procedures can be completed with Sedation Dentistry from routine preventive care to a complete Smile Makeover.
“Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life.” -Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic
A healthy mouth is part of a healthy body. Our wish for you is that you look and feel your best!
Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the most modern advances in complete dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover which of these options is best for you, please call us at 770-992-2236. Dr. Hepler is highly trained to provide you with the latest and best techniques to allow you to achieve your cosmetic and restorative goals.
ADOBE STOCK
Donations pour in for staff sacked in Roswell 2025 budget
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Since the City of Roswell laid off 16 full-time employees, the community is showing its support by way of donations.
Former City Councilwoman Nancy Diamond, who launched the “Stand by Roswell Workers This Season” GoFundMe account, said the fundraiser is a way to thank those who worked hard for the community. More than $10, 600 has been collected toward a goal of $12,000, as of Dec. 17 at 10 a.m.
It’s also an effort to change the public narrative.
“This gave an impression that we are a community that I don’t think we are,” she said. “This gives us a chance to shift that narrative to … ‘We’re not heartless people two weeks before Christmas.’”
Former employees who spoke to Appen Media say the layoffs were effective immediately, on Dec. 10, following budget approval the night before.
They say their layoffs are the result of operational restructuring, the dissolution of positions whose responsibilities will be handed off onto the staff still around.
Timing of layoffs
Sean Hamby, one of “the Roswell 16,” a term dubbed to those laid off, primarily supported the Community Development Department as a GIS technician.
His separation letter explained that his position was being “eliminated due to a reduction in force,” offering words of “regret” and various forms of support, such as references and employment verification.
Hamby had been with the city for 37plus years.
He expects the rest of the GIS division to be trained in his area of expertise, parcel editing, or assimilating new survey information into the city’s GIS system.
“It’ll be a learning curve,” Hamby said. “It’ll be a little bit of a change.”
The layoffs came at the worst time for Hamby, right before the holidays, but also, in his case, before a back surgery.
He had planned to use more than 800 hours of sick leave he built up over the years to help him through physical therapy and recovery. Soon, he’s going to set up his pension to begin drawing from it.
“I will be able to continue my insurance through COBRA, but that’s going to be expensive,” Hamby said.
The fundraiser will be helpful, he said, getting him through surgery and then back to work. The 60-year-old isn’t quite ready to retire, and he wants to
make the decision on his own terms.
Hamby said this is not only a stressful time, but as someone who dedicated his whole working life to Roswell local government, it’s also “humiliating.”
“It just it sends a really bad message to the current employees that they’re not appreciated,” he said.
The unexpected
Former Roswell Area Parks Coordinator Joel St. Vrain was another employee let go.
With around 20 years at the city, St. Vrain said it was unexpected. He started working part time for Roswell when he was 14 years old.
“There was no heads-up,” St. Vrain said. “There was no forewarning … One hour you’re employed, one hour you’re not.”
He went into work that Tuesday, business as usual to complete work under a looming deadline, then was called in for a meeting with the Human Resources Department. He was told his position was being dissolved.
In late November, when he heard about the impending rift, he was told the city was looking to cut “low performers.”
“I was definitely not a low performer for them,” he said. “Whether I made people mad or was confrontational sometimes — that’s one thing. I’m not a ‘yes’ man … I never had anything less than successful or exceeds expectations on any evaluation for 20 years.”
St. Vrain said it feels like the city is regressing, adding parks but not adding staff.
The city had just completed Phase I of the Ace Sand site, a $2.2 million
compensation for every year worked as well as any accrued PTO. However, it also caps severance pay at 12 weeks.
Reevaluating priorities
Diamond, who created the fundraiser, served during a time that saw the ramifications of the Great Recession, from 2010 to 2017. Yet, she said she never saw city layoffs like this before.
One series of layoffs comes to mind, Diamond said, when the city outsourced its Inspections and Permitting Department. But, she said those employees were eligible for hire by the third party.
“If we were in a bad situation financially and we needed to cut back on spending … To me, you cut people when you’re having to cut across the board. We’re spending a lot of money in other places,” Diamond said. “I think this is more of a priority shift than a financial hardship.”
project in an area St. Vrain oversaw. The new park space, to the west of Don White Memorial Park, is the first project of the city’s River Parks Master Plan.
“They’ve added an entire park, maybe six acres of area, to maintain, beautify, keep up, because it’s brand new,” St. Vrain said. “Yet, we don’t have any extra staff to take on those loads.”
Cuts to ‘enhance’ services
At the Dec. 9 City Council meeting, where the second and final public hearing on the 2025 budget was held, Chief Financial Officer Bill Godshall said the staff cuts were intended to “realign the organization to meet … current, future needs of the city in an effort to enhance city services.”
Given two weeks to review and provide feedback, Godshall was able to reduce the number of proposed staff cuts.
“With a lot of work from the senior leadership team as well as department heads … we’ve been able to reduce that number from 23 to 16,” Godshall said. “We feel this will continue to better align our services to meet obligations and to enhance efficiency in meeting those obligations.”
According to his Nov. 8 offer letter, Godshall will be collecting $250,000 a year. His counterpart in the C-suite, COO Don Stephens, makes $340,000.
As of press time, an Appen Media open records request which asks for names of those who were laid off, their positions, length of service and severance pay, has not been filled.
The city’s HR Policy says employees designated for a layoff due to a reduction in force would receive one week of
She said half a dozen employees were cut from the Recreation, Parks, Historic & Cultural Affairs Department. In her tenure, that department had always been a priority.
“We want Rec and Parks,” Diamond said. “That’s a priority. That’s one of the things we do best. It’s one of our differentiators. It’s our reputation.”
Service level
City Administrator Randy Knighton has said department heads are committed to ensuring level of service wouldn’t be compromised as a result of the staff cuts.
But, Diamond considers the jobs the employees had that weren’t on paper.
“It’s such a family group,” she said. “They not only look out for each other, but they pick up the slack for each other … Everybody there is a web of service, and you don’t know what all you’re going to miss.”
Diamond said the city’s grants manager in the Finance Department is one of the 16 who were laid off. The staffer had been with the city for 25 years.
“I’ve watched him in the arena … He’s so widely known and so widely respected that he’s a voice in that area, and to let that person go, not with a retirement party, but with an escort out the door, is where it kind of hit me in a different way,” Diamond said.
The news is particularly difficult for a few. Diamond said one former employee left a job to join Roswell city staff in October.
“I hope that some of this getting out there will help, because I think there’s a perceived stigma attached to being let go, even though it has nothing to do with your job performance,” she said.
SPECIAL TO APPEN MEDIA
Sean Hamby is one of “the Roswell 16,” a group of former city employees laid off in December. Hamby had been with the city for 37 years.
New Year’s resolutions
Are they made to be broken?
During this year’s holiday season, as in seasons past, people throughout the world celebrated many traditions. One of the oldest and most observed is making resolutions at the start of each new year.
For many people, the start of a new year is the time to launch new habits and set new goals. New Year’s resolutions are a way of understanding what’s truly important in our lives.
Experience teaches us that many of those resolutions become history by March or April or even sooner. Ben Blascz, a sales manager at One Life Fitness in Crabapple, estimates that there is a 30 to 45 percent increase in new members at the start of each new year. By the end of February, some have already fallen off, but fortunately about 35 percent of the newcomers continue their memberships.
Ancient Babylonia, a city in southern Mesopotamia in today’s Iraq, is credited with being the first to make New Year’s resolutions some 4,000 years ago. The new year began in March at the beginning of the farming season when Babylonians made promises to return borrowed farm equipment. They also made promises and possibly sacrifices to their pagan gods in hopes that the gods would favor them.
The ancient Romans adopted the Babylonian calendar and customs, but thanks to Julius Caesar, they changed to the Julian calendar in 46. B.C. January 1 was the start of the new year, and Romans made promises each year to the god Janus, after whom the month of January is named. Janus is depicted with two faces because he looks to the past and to the future.
In modern times, sweet foods are sometimes associated with good fortune in the new year, while champagne is common in Western Europe and the United States to toast the new year. In some denominations, resolutions have been and continue to be religious in nature. In others, festivities are the general rule.
Various theories exist about the first use of the word “resolutions” in print. One version is that a diary
PUBLIC DOMAIN PHOTOS
In ancient Roman mythology and religion, Janus was the god of transitions, doors and gates. He represented the midpoint between beginning and end, youth and adulthood, war and peace and life and death. He has two faces, one facing the past and the other facing the future. January, the first month of a new year, was named after Janus as the god of beginnings and transitions.
entry dated Jan. 2,1671 by Scottish writer of religious texts Anne Halkett (1623-1699) made pledges based on Biblical references. She titled the page “Resolutions” and included pledges such as “I will not offend anyone.”
An article in 1802 appeared in the Irish publication Walker’s Hibernian Magazine satirizing the practice by proposing obviously fictitious resolutions. Examples are “The Physicians have determined to prescribe no more than is necessary and to be very moderate in their fees.” and “The Statesmen have resolved to have no other object in view than the good of their country.” and “The Clergy have resolved to preach short sermons and to avoid all unnecessary repetitions.”
Possibly the first recorded use of the phrase “New Year’s resolution” appeared in an article in a Boston newspaper on Jan. 1, 1813. The article stated, “And yet, I believe there are multitudes of people who will sin all the month of December, with a serious determination of beginning the new year with new resolutions and new behavior, and with the full belief that they shall thus expiate and wipe away all their former faults.”
Even cities have New Year’s resolutions. Rusty Paul, Mayor of Sandy Springs, has three resolutions for 2025 for his city. He is a firm believer
An article from the Irish Walker’s Hibernian Magazine in 1802 satirized New Year’s resolutions by listing a series of humorous pledges made by different societal groups such as politicians, the clergy and doctors. The magazine was published from the 1770s to 1812.
in reasonable resolutions.
“If you try to do too much, you end up doing nothing,” he says.
His first resolution is to make measurable progress on expanding the City Springs district, which now consists of a 14-acre area which includes a central park, City Hall, retail and restaurant space, a residential development, and a 1,000-seat Performing Arts Center. The entire project should take more than two years.
His second resolution is to improve the Johnson Ferry/Mt. Vernon Highway project. Third is to improve Hammond Drive by making it four lanes from end to end.
According to a Statista survey of 1,050 U.S. residents, the five most common resolutions are to save more money, to eat healthier, to exercise more, to lose weight and to spend more time with family and friends. A Forbes study puts physical fitness at the top of the list. Zippia Magazine says that in Georgia the most popular resolution is to read more, which is good news for bookstores. WalletHub lists Atlanta as the 11th best city for keeping your New Year’s resolutions.
If you are among those who set lofty goals for the new year and fall off the wagon within a few weeks, rest assured you are not alone. Forbes says the average resolution lasts less than four months. The website BetKentucky says Georgians stick with our resolutions better than most, five months versus the average three months.
So, don’t lose heart. Settle on one or two realistic goals that are measurable and keep trying. Make the process simple and reasonable.
BOB MEYERS Columnist
GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!
Sometimes, you never know exactly where you are going
Where are you going, my friend?
Right now, at this very minute, I’m going east. To Germany.
Yep. I’m in a plane somewhere over the Atlantic. Home and hearth and Canton, Ga., are way behind me now, while way down below (wa-a-a-a-ay down below) there’s nothing for miles but the good ol’ Atlantic Ocean. It’ll be that way for a while. Sometimes that thought is soothing.
Ahead of me, somewhere out there beyond the curved horizon, is the airport at Munich. And beyond that?
I don’t know. I have hopes, but I’m only sure that it will be new to me, completely new, and I’ll just have to see where the storyline goes.
It will be new like London was new when we went there a couple of years ago. I had never been, but she had, and she loves it, and she loves me, and so we chose it for our honeymoon. I’d seen some documentaries and read some old National Geographic articles. I had planned where I was going. I thought I knew what to expect.
I was wrong. It was so much better.
Yeah. That trip, like all the best ones, just kind of unfolded on its own. I like it when that happens. Don’t you? Like a good drama, you never know where such trips are going to take you. You never know what the actors in the play are going to have to say.
I remember a place a thousand miles west of where I was just then, a place in north Georgia far off any beaten track where a one-act drama unfolded one cold November Saturday maybe 30 years ago. Here’s how it came to be.
I’d planned a trip to Dahlonega to interview a gold prospector that a friend of a friend had introduced me to. “You’ve got to go talk to this guy,” my friend had told me. “He’s something.”
“Something?” I inquired?
“Yeah,” my friend said. “Just… something.”
See HUDSON, Page 22
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STEVE HUDSON Columnist
Gardening may heal trauma, restore wholeness
BY LAURA VACCARO Guest Columnist
Whether caring for a houseplant, arranging flowers or pruning rose bushes to prepare them for the coming spring, numerous studies have shown that gardening is healthy for the body, mind and spirit.
An abundance of scientific research correlates gardening with improved physical fitness, reduced cortisol levels, a greater sense of wellbeing and stronger connection with community.
In her article, “The Spiritual Practice of Gardening,” Gretchen Champoux, a psychotherapist and ordained minister, points out that gardening requires the same traits as many spiritual practices do, such as patience, attentiveness, diligence and self-control, and in turn, helps us to cultivate qualities that draw us closer to the divine, like mindfulness, creativity and curiosity.
Whether people are suffering loss, illness, victimization from a violent crime, or a history of childhood abuse, in my work as a trauma therapist I have observed that they often feel alone and disconnected from themselves and the world around them. It’s no wonder that the calm greenery of a garden can be so healing!
Garden as a place of refuge: Traumatic events cause people to feel vulnerable and unsafe in the world, and the garden can provide a place of “refuge,” where one can begin to experience safety. Spending time in a garden naturally brings about a sense of belonging to the natural world and develops the ability to feel “grounded” from within. In this place of stillness and beauty surrounded by nature, there is nothing to prove. The plants are wonderful companions who don’t judge or criticize us. They can help us to gain trust in our environment and begin to find our inner strength again.
Gardening restores our ability to live in the present moment: Traumatic events can keep our nervous system locked in states of fight, flight and freeze responses. Experiencing events that we are unprepared for overwhelms our nervous system and makes it impossible to enjoy life. Gardening tasks require our focused attention and naturally bring us into the present moment. Engaging in moderate physical exercise in the tranquility of surrounding nature stimulates the senses and calms the mind. Activities like planting seeds, raking leaves, weeding, admiring the beauty of flow -
ers and harvesting vegetables brings our attention to the present. Enjoying the fruits of one’s labor is deeply satisfying and produces a sense of well-being.
The resilience of plants heals despair and inspires us to live: Caring for a plant allows us to nurture something when we feel incapable of nurturing ourselves. It gives us hope, especially when we see the growth that we have helped to create. Plants want to live, and their resilience is inspiring. My mom recently shared with me that after her divorce, she didn’t know how to keep living, and sometimes didn’t want to. However, one spring morning while standing out in her garden, the sight of emerging daffodils touched something deep within her, and a small voice inside whispered, “if they can come back, so can I.”
Horticulture therapy is a timeproven practice with therapeutic benefits that are well-documented. Below are three horticulture therapy programs that work with specific populations in our area.
• Trellis Horticulture Therapy Alliance in Decatur uses the power of
About the author
gardening and nature to enrich the lives of people living with disabilities. Primarily, they serve adults 18 years and older diagnosed with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. However they also provide services for war veterans and the incarcerated.
• Hillside Horticultural Therapy program is located in Atlanta. They work with children and adolescents, ages 11-17 who struggle with mental health challenges, and are unable to function in regular home/community settings. Activities such as planting gardens, making compost, raising butterflies and feeding birds benefit students’ physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.
• A.G. Rhodes offers horticulture therapy to seniors and has centers in Atlanta, Marietta and Wesley Woods. Their website describes the numerous therapeutic benefits that gardening activities provide to older adults. These benefits include increased opportunities for sensory stimulation, help with reaching, standing and balancing and improved cognitive functioning. In addition, group gardening
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Master Gardener intern Laura Vaccaro, a native New Yorker who discovered a passion for gardening four years ago when she moved to Roswell with her husband and bought a home. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, meditating, cycling and travel. Laura looks forward to volunteering with the Fulton County UGA Extension service. In addition, Laura is a licensed psychotherapist and recently became a Kripalu Mindfulness Outdoor Guide.
helps seniors to combat isolation and depression.
Happy Gardening!
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. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https:// appenmedia.com/opinion/columists/garden buzz/.
Save the dates for NFMG’s 2025 signature events: Garden Faire on April 12 and Garden Tour on June 7. Learn more at nfmg.net.
TRELLIS HORTICULTURAL THERAPY ALLIANCE/PROVIDED Proud man with his flower arrangement
TRELLIS HORTICULTURAL THERAPY ALLIANCE/PROVIDED
Planting seeds and arranging flower bouquets
OPINION
Camp Gordon soldiers had holiday invitations
In November of 1917, The Atlanta Georgian newspaper suggested local families invite soldiers from Camp Gordon to their homes for Christmas dinner. “The Georgian’s idea is that we should make this Christmas a ‘Soldier’s Christmas’ by taking the boys in brown into our homes and closer to our firesides and into our hearts on Christmas Day.”
The World War I training camp was in Chamblee, on land that is now DeKalb Peachtree Airport and beyond. In December 1917, 25% of the men were given passes to leave Camp Gordon for 38 hours during Christmas. Many were able to enjoy Christmas dinner with generous Atlanta families. Those who received a longer pass due to unusual circumstances traveled by train to visit family.
At 4 p.m. December 24, 1917, the bugle sounded and marches, drills, and rifle training paused until December 26 at 7 a.m. Eight thousand men headed to downtown Atlanta on the trolley or in cars. Other soldiers stayed on base where entertainment and a Christmas feast was planned.
The camp was decorated with multiple Christmas trees provided by women’s church and social groups. Religious services and celebrations took place at the YMCA and Knights of Columbus buildings, the base hospital and the infirmaries.
A building for Jewish soldiers was
completed in October 1918 and became known as the Little White House. The Jewish Welfare Board began work to improve the social and religious life of Jewish soldiers in early 1918. All soldiers were welcome at the Little White House.
Christmas dinner was served December 24, 1917, and featured roast turkey and boiled ham as the entrees. The side dishes were cranberry sauce, dressing, rice and gravy, green peas, corn and candied sweet potatoes. Dessert included lemon, apple and mince pie. Fruit, layer and mince cake were served. Plenty of fresh fruit, celery, olives and nuts were also included on the menu.
According to historian Franklin Garrett’s “Atlanta and Environs,” soldiers who did not have an invitation to stay with a family or a hotel room spent Christmas Eve night at the downtown YMCA. It was so crowded, some had to sleep on the floor. Christmas Day 1917 in Atlanta did not offer much entertainment for visiting soldiers, because stores, offices, and public buildings were closed. By Christmas 1918, WWI had ended. Many soldiers were given ten-day furloughs. Those who remained were entertained with Christmas dinner, music and dancing. They were also invited to gather at the YWCA Hostess House.
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.
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF/APPEN MEDIA
This World War I Camp Gordon postcard depicts the YWCA Hostess House, meant to be a place where soldiers could feel at home.
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist
Feeling the need for some feel-good books
What prompted the need for some feelgood books? It was an exceptional book, but one that left me with a feeling of distress. Perhaps that’s the mark of a good thriller. Whatever it was, I followed it with two feel-good books to put me back on an even keel.
“The Fury” by
Alex Michaelides
This plot was particularly twisted. That’s something I should have remembered from reading “The Silent Patient,” several years ago. This acclaim from author David Baldacci is the first line in the Amazon description. “Alex Michaelides hits the trifecta with his third novel, ‘The Fury’. The highly original story presents the reader with the king of all
unreliable narrators, enough twists and turns to power two novels, and a host of characters that bleed right on the page.”
It starts in London and moves to a private Greek island — I loved the setting. The characters? Not so much. And the twist? I never saw it coming until very, very close to the end. The roller coaster of emotions evoked by this tale sent me in search of something happy to read.
“The Bookish Life of Nina Hill” by Abbi Waxman
Nina Hill, as you might guess from the title, loves books. “The only child of a single mother, Nina has her life just as she wants it: a job in a bookstore, a kick-butt trivia team, a world-class planner and a cat named Phil. If she sometimes suspects there might be more to life than reading, she just shrugs and picks up a new book.”
She’s not a total introvert. After all, she regularly visits a bar to play trivia, and she leads the children’s book club at the shop. But beyond that, she avoids speaking
to strangers. Just not her cup of tea. What disrupts her life is the unwelcome discovery that the father she never knew about has died. Now, she has a family she also never knew about. And that means talking to strangers.
How she works through this turmoil makes for a delightfully witty tale that includes romance and, of course, books. The dialogue made me laugh aloud, and the happy ending warmed my heart. It was a welcome relief from murder and manipulation.
“Counting Miracles” by Nicholas Sparks
Before returning to my usual fare of murder mysteries, I read a review of Sparks’s latest books and couldn’t resist checking it out. I smiled at the reviewer’s admission that he didn’t usually read romance novels, but it was just what he needed after the unpleasantness of the presidential campaign. You may wish to replace “unpleasantness” with a more
fitting adjective. This book has everything you could want in a well-written romance: intriguing subplots that come together in a comforting way; interesting historical context for life in a real-life small town —Asheboro, North Carolina; and a chance encounter between a small-town doctor and a former army ranger who now travels the world on aid missions. And, yes, it includes the must-have in a romance novel — a happy ending. It was exactly what I needed. Now, I’m trying to decide what genre to dive into next. Time will tell.
Happy reading!
Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her Dickens & Christie cozy mysteries on Amazon or locally at The Enchanted Forest, Bookmiser, and Johns Creek Books. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ KathyManosPennAuthor/.
Is the Fed tipping its hand to underlying difficulties?
My inspiration for this week’s article is Kenny Loggins’ 1986 hit “Danger Zone” and how the Fed may very well be flying us into an economic danger zone.
Several weeks ago, the Federal Reserve once again cut the Federal Funds Rate by another .25 percent for a total of 1 percent in cuts since September, despite stating they were not going
to make cuts until inflation reached the 2 percent mark (currently, we are at 2.7 percent for the year).
I stated at the beginning of the year that a 2 percent target was virtually mathematically impossible to accomplish in 2024, and I guess our friends at the Federal Reserve agreed, and thus the cuts (on a side note…mortgage rates have surged higher by almost 1 full percent during the same time frame).
But at the same time, according to some macro-economic data recently released, the economy continues to jug along at a reasonable pace? So, why the cuts?
Maybe it is that they are finally looking at some parts of the economy that are not doing so well that tend to have a major impact on the overall economy.
Things like:
1. Consumer spending continues to grow, but so does their debt which is currently at record levels.
2. The U.S. deficit continues to grow at record levels.
3. Housing sales are running at 30-year lows (considered a huge part of a growing economy).
The classic economic thought is lowering rates tends to stimulate the economy,
and thus prices rise, which adds to overall inflation. However, the Fed has made some significant cuts in a relatively short period of time. Do they know something we do not, or are they flying us into the Danger Zone?
D.C. Aiken is vice president, producing production manager for BankSouth Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com.
The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of BankSouth Mortgage or its affiliates.
KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist
Equestrian:
Continued from Page 1
“The foundation has the dollars for the next phase, but we have been put on hold for 12 months for no fault of our own,” she said.
Sims said fundraising has slowed substantially as donors wonder whether the project will ever become a reality.
“I’m constantly being asked by people, ‘What’s going on?’” she said. “And I’m having to say, ‘We are on a hold because of the city.’”
Alpharetta City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom said the project’s complexity has made setting a construction timeline difficult.
“There’s a lot of moving pieces,” he said.
The city’s draft agreement proposed to the Equestrian Foundation estimates a completion date in 2025 for the project’s second phase. This includes upgrades for two arenas and center infrastructure. Sims said the foundation received the proposed agreement Dec. 24.
A completion date for the horse stalls is yet to be determined.
Lagerbloom said the City Council could approve the new agreement in January.
In late summer, the City Council agreed to hire a construction manager who would be responsible for selecting subcontractors for the project’s various parts.
Sims said the foundation found out about the plan to hire a manager only after the decision was made. As yet, no manager has been hired.
Although construction of the other Wills Park amenities are expected to begin in 2025, the city has no estimate for when the Equestrian Center will be finished.
Already, two rings have been completed, with about $1 million contributed to each by the city and foundation.
The Equestrian Center
Donated about 50 years ago, the Equestrian Center sits on 50 acres and features a covered arena, four outdoor
rings and almost 300 horse stalls, which are slated for an overhaul.
The parks bond likely will provide no funds for stall renovations, but the city could allocate money for that work through other means, Lagerbloom said.
Riders of all ages use the center to train horses, compete and learn the intricacies of equestrian sports, like dressage, hunter/jumper and Western riding disciplines.
The center also hosts shows sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation, the national governing body for most equestrian sports.
Hosting those sanctioned shows requires complying with strict Federation standards.
Improvements included in the parks bond package would allow the center to upgrade its arenas within those standards and increase the number of participants in competitions, Sims said.
In November, the center hosted shows featuring about 200 horses and riders from around the region.
With upgraded facilities, Sims thinks that number could increase. They would also allow the center to host national final competitions, which would attract riders from all over the eastern U.S.
“There are riders who do not attend because of the condition of the rings and barns,” she said. “The whole Southeast area is rich with riders. There are plenty of people who would like to come because of Alpharetta’s amenities.”
That kind of interest provides a significant benefit to the city and local economy, Sims said. “With 200 horses, that’s 2.5 people per horse sitting here in Alpharetta,” Sims said. “They are shopping in the shops. They are eating in the restaurants … It’s a large asset for the city.”
The center also serves as a valuable resource for the city’s residents, she said.
Riders of all ages, from 4 to 70, have discovered the magic of horses at the center, she said. Older adults have gotten into equestrian sports after retiring, and families have watched youths flourish while working with the animals.
“This touches everybody,” Sims said. “In the 22 years I have done this, I can’t tell you the amount of leaders or impressive adults that this sport has created.”
There’s something special about communing with a 1,200-pound intelligent animal that can sense a rider’s emotions, she said.
“That bond between a horse and a rider is very, very significant,” Sims said.
Nine-year process
Improving the equestrian center has been a nine-year process, and the foundation is looking forward to its completion, Sims said.
“The frustration is very high,” she said. “We’re sitting here with funds donated, waiting.”
Sims, who works at the center regularly, said she is inundated with questions about the center’s construction. She said she is unable to offer any answers.
That lack of information has made fundraising difficult, she said.
In 2023, the foundation contributed funds for work on a second outdoor arena. Sims said the foundation is disappointed with the city’s communication since then.
“Since March 2024, I have heard little to none from the City of Alpharetta,” she said.
Continued from Page 17
And so I went, expecting to do my interview thing and take some notes and shoot some pictures for the magazine. It would be interesting. But I figured it would be just like all the other interviews, hello-and-questionsand-goodbye.
I was wrong.
I met my source (that’s what we writer types call the people we talk to, though I really do not like the term) in front of an unpainted shack that must have been old long before Moses was even a pup.
Three creaky steps led from the yard up to the porch. They played musically as I climbed.
We settled into old wood rocking chairs that had once been some shade of green.
I wrote down the right spelling of his name. Then, according to plan, I asked questions and notated answers. Finally, having what I needed, I made to excuse myself. That was my plan –to head on home and write the story and sent it to the magazine straightaway.
But he said, “What’s your hurry?”
He added, “Sit a spell.”
Why not? So, we sat and chatted and sipped a few things, some perhaps from mason jars. We talked about people (characters distant and local) and places (small ones, mostly) and politics (what can one really say?).
The more we talked, the easier it became.
Inevitably, conversation turned again to gold. Were folks still finding it? Yep. Right around there, right around that very shack? Uh-huh.
Were they finding very much?
Well…
“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” he said all of a sudden, rising from the rocker. He walked around back behind the cabin and disappeared into the woods. He was gone for a while but was back in 15 minutes, his coveralls a little muddier than I remembered.
He was carrying something wrapped in a dirty brown piece of tattered, moss-flecked, mud-stained burlap. That something looked heavy, though it was not very large.
He unwrapped his burden carefully and handed it to me. It was an ancient mayonnaise jar.
It was a mayonnaise jar full of gold, so heavy that I very nearly dropped it.
“Somethin’, huh?” he said after a
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK
Medlock Bridge Road at McGinnis Ferry Road Intersection Improvement Project
Public Information Open House January 23, 2025 6:00 PM
The community is invited to provide input on the Medlock Bridge Road (SR 141) at McGinnis Ferry Road intersection improvement project at a Public Information Open House on Thursday, January 23 at 6:00 PM at City of Johns Creek, 11360 Lakefield Drive Johns Creek, GA 30097. City staff will discuss recommendations for improvements to address traffic operations, pedestrian accommodations, and safety needs along Medlock Bridge Road at McGinnis Ferry Road intersection. Residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the project. For those not able to attend in-person or online, meeting materials and an online comment form will be available on the city website.
Allison Tarpley, City Clerk
bit, and I allowed as to how it really, really was.
I turned the jar slowly in my hands. Its contents shifted, revealing a dynamic universe painted in tones of sun-kissed yellow. There was fine gold by the tablespoon, some like sand and some as sifty as flour. There were larger bits – small nuggets, actually –up to the size of a couple of grains of rice. There were bigger pieces the size and shape of raisins or small peanuts or perhaps phantasmagoric jellybeans. And there were a half-dozen of big ones (“Them’s the super-nuggets,” he said) that clonked softly together as the jar, like the universe itself, rotated before my eyes.
“More where that came from,” he said. “Maybe more of them supers too.”
He let me hold the treasure (what must have been its value!) and, after a while, he reached out and took the jar and its softly glowing contents from my hands. Yeah, it was a little hard to let it go.
But I did. And when I did, he held it closely and wrapped it again everso-lovingly in its battered burlap gown, then cradled it in the crook of his right arm before clump-clump-clumping
down the porch steps and turning at last back towards the woods.
He stopped at the bottom of the steps.
“So that’s what it is,” he said to me. “That’s what comes to be. Eh?” He departed then, disappearing into the trees, leaving me to wait on that porch for his return.
I waited a while, then a bit longer, then longer still.
After a while it started getting dark. Finally, I went home.
“…and that’s how it happened,” I said to her, but she only nestled her head on my shoulder, no doubt lulled to blissful rest by the purring of those two massive engines roaring silently a few yards beyond the window.
I turned to look out that window. There was a faint hint of light from somewhere out in front of us, and I knew that after while we’d be once more wheels-down on the good earth.
Where was I going? Germany and Austria.
What would I find? I had not a clue. But it would be new. It would be fresh. Like life itself, it would enrich and enhance and enlighten, and it would be good.
I’ll let you know what I find.
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC ART APPLICATION PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 AT 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 11360 LAKEFIELD DRIVE, JOHNS CREEK, GEORGIA 30097
The following Public Art Application is scheduled for Public Hearing as stated above:
PROPOSED LOCATION: Newtown Park
ADDRESS: 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022
APPLICANT: Johns Creek Beautification, Inc.
ARTIST: Jim Collins
ARTWORK: “JC Paws”
Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 678-512-3212 should you have any questions.
Allison Tarpley, City Clerk
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The Client Services Specialist (Part-time) serves as the first point of contact at NFCC, welcoming clients and managing the intake process. This role connects clients with NFCC’s programs and services while maintaining accurate records through data entry and application updates. The Specialist also keeps clients informed about program enhancements and available services.
The Food Pantry Supervisor supports all aspects of the Food Pantry including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, supervising and managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports and supporting client intake. The Supervisor is the primary backup support to the Food Pantry Manager.
The Supervisor must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Good interpersonal communications skills are required and MS Office (Excel) experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends, lift up to 42lbs, use a pallet jack, push and pull items, and be on your feet for several hours.
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If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
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