Johns Creek Herald - May 9, 2024

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North Fulton Futures Summit focuses on economic growth

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A team of industry experts provided perspectives on economic development May 1 at the annual North Fulton Futures Summit. City officials and business leaders packed the Studio Theater at City Springs to hear about housing availability in the region, efforts to return to the office and the development of workforce talent.

While the 2023 summit featured a panel of the six North Fulton mayors, this year’s event heard more from the business community and educators. The summit is sponsored by The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

In his introduction of the first panel, Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin said it’s critical to have a conversation about housing when talking about economic development.

See SUMMIT, Page 11

Johns Creek, partners celebrate completion of roadway upgrades

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek city staff were joined by project partner representatives from the City of Roswell and the Georgia Department of Transportation to celebrate new intersection improvements at Barnwell and Holcomb Bridge roads April 30.

The $5.3 million project addresses a heavily trafficked and congested intersection in southwestern Johns Creek with the addition of turn lanes, reshaping and regrading of the intersection to help traffic flow, and enhanced pedestrian connectivity. Federal, state, and local transportation special local option sales tax funds were used for the project.

Substantial work for the project began in early 2022 and was expected to last 18 months. But, there had been a slip in schedule due to unmarked utility and waterline relocation issues. The City Council revisited the plan last October and approved a three-week closure to the intersection area to fast-track the work.

See UPGRADES,

OF

Johns Creek city staff as well as project partner representatives from the City of Roswell and the Georgia Department of Transportation celebrate the completion of intersection improvements at Barnwell and Holcomb Bridge roads in a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 30.

CITY

JOHNS CREEK/PROVIDED

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Fulton County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney, left, discusses workforce development with executives from Gwinnett Technical College, Ford Motor Co., Amana Academy and Fiserv at the May 1 North Fulton Futures Summit.

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Man arrested for DUI on State Bridge Road

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested a 28-year-old Lilburn man April 27 for speeding and driving under the influence on State Bridge Road.

Police clocked the driver traveling at 62 mph in a 45-mph zone in his white Ford Focus, then pulled him over and conducted a search due to the odor of marijuana. Police found an open bottle of tequila under the driver’s seat, according to the incident report, and the suspect admitted to having a few drinks.

Police conducted a field sobriety test and arrested the man for driving under the influence. Police transported the suspect to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta and charged him with speeding, open container and driving under the influence.

Assisted living employee cited with hitting senior

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The supervisor of an assisted living facility reported to police April 28 that the family of an 85-year-old client recorded a caretaker hitting her.

Police reviewed the footage, recorded on a camera the family placed in the room, showing the worker striking the client with the back of her hand while helping the client change her pants. Contact wasn’t shown, according to the incident report, but a distinct sound of contact could be heard.

The supervisor told police this was the first incident she had with the suspect, a 28-year-old Stockbridge woman.

When police met with the client, she could not recollect what happened, though it happened earlier that morning.

But, police determined that the suspect willfully inflicted physical pain on the client.

Police met with the suspect who said she tried to take the pants from the client and the client accidentally hit herself in the face.

The worker was placed under arrest and transported to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta. She was charged with abuse, neglect or exploitation of a disabled or elderly person.

Police investigate report of fraudulent gift cards

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police are investigating a fraud scheme involving gift cards following an April 19 report from an employee at the CVS on Holcomb Bridge Road.

The store operations manager told officers she saw an unidentified young man acting suspiciously, avoiding employees and looking over his shoulder.

After the man left, the employee said she reviewed security footage and saw the suspect placing more than 200 gift cards on existing displays in the store.

The fake gift cards displayed brands like Visa, American Express and Target.

An officer said the serial numbers on the packaging matched the numbers on the cards, which showed signs of wear. After removing the fraudulent cards and unpackaging them, the employee said they resembled examples of fraud from prior incidents.

An officer said the cards appear to be real, but the money is deposited into a different account once activated by the buyer.

The officer said he submitted each type of gift card as evidence at the Roswell Police Department and notified the Criminal Investigations Division.

Man seen taking items on 2 consecutive days

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police are searching for a man seen taking two sets of golf clubs from the PGA

Superstore off Holcomb Woods Parkway on back-to-back days.

Officers said they responded April 19 to a shoplifting complaint.

An employee said a man walked out of the store with two full sets of Calloway and Taylor Made gold clubs, totaling around $2,500.

The employee also said the man had been in the day before and was seen making off with a set of the same clubs. He was reported to have later been spotted shoplifting from the PGA location in Lawrenceville.

An officer said the employee showed him security footage of a person wearing black shorts, white shoes and a red hoodie leaving the store with the merchandise.

The employee told officers that security footage showed the suspect drives a gray Honda sedan.

Police add drug charges to driver cited for texting

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested a 29-year-old Taccoa woman for trafficking methamphetamine April 19 after they spotted the woman texting while driving.

While eastbound on Holcomb Brwidge Road, an officer spotted the driver of an Audi SUV using a cell phone and pulled the car over in the La Quinta parking lot.

Officers said they detected an odor of marijuana while speaking to the driver and asked her to step out of the vehicle.

The driver said she smoked two hours before and was headed to a gas station.

Two K-9 officers arrived on scene for a search and found two bags of suspected meth under the front seat.

Officers then placed the driver in a patrol car and took the substance to the Police Department. They said the substance tested positive for meth and weighed 4.25 pounds with packaging, nearly 2,000 grams.

Officers then obtained warrants for trafficking meth and distracted driving and transported her to the North Fulton County Jail.

GDOT expects new bids for Ga. 400 express lanes

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

METRO ATLANTA — State transportation officials were set to receive a new set of bids May 7 for a project to add express lanes along a 16-mile stretch of Ga. 400 north into Forsyth County.

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Brandon Beach made the announcement May 1 at the North Fulton Futures Summit, an event hosted by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce which featured panel discussions, insights from economic development partners and input from regional mayors.

The project calls for two toll lanes in each direction from the North Springs MARTA station in Sandy Springs north to about a mile past McFarland Parkway.

Appen Media reported that the project first hit a snag in 2021 when the State Transportation Board rejected the only qualified bid for the work. MW 400 Partners’ proposal came in far higher than the $1.7 billion GDOT had budgeted.

The project was delayed again last year after one of three contractor finalists dropped out of consideration, according to Capitol Beat.

State Express Lanes Administrator Tim Matthews told Appen Media the contracting mechanism for this goaround is different, a design-buildfinance model where the private sector developer with financial equity will

maintain and operate the project for a 50-year term once it has been built.

Previously, Mathews said the Georgia Department of Transportation used the availability payment model, which operates like a home mortgage.

The bids will first be reviewed by the P3 Steering Committee then go before the State Transportation Board in August for final approval. The P3 Steering Committee provides oversight and guidance related to activities of GDOT’s Public-Private Partnership program.

Financial close on the project is slated for a year after final approval, but Matthews said the timeline may be shorter. The process, he said, is to ensure the developer team has the money in place to build and operate the project before construction.

The project has major ramifications for Alpharetta where two Ga. 400 overpasses will be replaced. The city will also inherit a new interchange just north of Webb Bridge Road exclusively for express lane traffic.

Roswell also will be affected.

The GDOT plans to add a partial express lanes interchange at Old Dogwood Road. It also will enhance the Ga. 400-Holcomb Bridge Road interchange.

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Stuti Mohan, a sophomore at Chattahoochee High School, showcases her Girl Scout Gold Award project at Halcyon’s Spring Market April 28. For the project, Mohan is working to address early childhood literacy in infants and toddlers by distributing around 400 books as well as literary guides to areas like South Fulton and impoverished villages in India.

Girl Scout fosters literacy among metro’s children

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

METRO ATLANTA — Stuti Mohan, a sophomore at Chattahoochee High School, spoke with library directors, childcare specialists and teachers in the area to arrive at her Girl Scout Gold Award project — addressing early childhood literacy.

The Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. It involves understanding the root cause of a community issue and acting to produce long-term benefits.

“A lot of them told me that, especially with the pandemic, they saw a larger gap between kids who could read and kids who couldn’t,” Mohan said. “A lot of kids were coming into kindergarten miles behind their peers because they simply weren’t offered the same education before entering the school system.”

After a number of conversations, Mohan said she began to research best practices to prepare infants and toddlers for kindergarten for her project, “Literary Lullabies.”

“We’re really trying to emphasize that literacy starts from in the womb, and literacy starts from the moment you’re born,” she said.

With a copy of “As I Lay Dying” by William Faulkner on-hand, Mohan set up shop at Halcyon’s Spring Market April 28 to sell homemade books and bookmarks to fundraise $2,000 to buy new books in addition to ones she plans to collect through a book drive.

Monetary donations toward “Literary Lullabies” can be done through Zelle at 224-388-2831. Books for infants and toddlers can be dropped off at 12250 Stevens Creek Drive in Johns Creek from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, contact Stuti Mohan at 770-310-8743 or literarylullabies@gmail.com.

The goal is around 400 books, which will be distributed to obstetrics clinics, nonprofit organizations and hospitals along with literary guides that list the benefits and methods of reading to a child.

Mohan also intends to host workshops to educate families on the importance of literacy and provide them with resources to obtain a library card.

South Fulton is one area Mohan is focused on. Another is in India.

She plans to distribute 100 book bags filled with books, reading calendars and guides translated to Hindi throughout maternity and pediatric wards of hospitals in Lucknow, which see more low-income patients, in addition to hosting workshops in impoverished villages.

“A lot of times people who are in lower income situations, who grew up in these lower income situations, stay in lower income situations their entire lives, and that creates a system,” Mohan said, describing the correlation between literacy and college admission. “So, by providing them with these opportunities, we can break out of that system.”

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

From left, Jim Teel, board chairman of the Greater North Fulton

Greater North Fulton Chamber awards local leaders at soiree

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A slate of local leaders were honored as recipients of the 2024 North Fulton Regional Awards, presented at the Spring Soiree hosted by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce April 25.

The awards recognize outstanding local leaders and businesses whose efforts have notably advanced the region’s economic and community development.

The soiree, held at Ameris Bank Amphitheater, marked a milestone as the largest event to date for the organization with over 550 attendees, more than 75 sponsors, and participation from 15 area restaurants. The Chamber serves Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs.

Marilyn Margolis, former CEO of Emory Johns Creek, earned the Lifetime Achievement Award. Margolis began her

career more than 35 years ago as a staff nurse in the Cardiac Care Unit at Emory University Hospital and led Emory Johns Creek for more than 12 years.

Roger Lusby, who earned the Pioneer Award, retired as a tax partner and the managing partner at Frazier & Deeter’s Alpharetta office. Lusby specialized in complex tax planning across sectors including healthcare, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and service industries.

Glen Cannon, president of Gwinnett Technical College, earned the Community Service Award. Under Cannon’s leadership, the college’s enrollment increased by 30 percent, reaching more than 22,000 students annually.

For more information about the North Fulton Chamber and other events, visit GNFCC.com.

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OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Memorial Day – Remember & Honor Monday, May 27, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Visit the Post’s “Walk of Memories”

Bring Family & Friends – Learn About the Exhibits

Meet Some of Those Who Have Served

“A Tribute to The Ed Sullivan Show“ Friday, May 31, 8 p.m.; Doors Open at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $30 per person

Visit www.legion201.org/events for Details

Summer Baseball Schedule at Post

Visit www.legion201.org/events

Open the “Baseball” Drop Down Link

Dances & Dance Instruction

For Details and Schedules Visit www.club201dance.com/calendar

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Samantha B. Benson, MD Johns Creek: Tues., Thurs. Milton: Mon., Fri.

Kaavya Chivukula, MD Johns Creek Only

GREATER NORTH FULTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/PROVIDED

Chamber of Commerce, stands with 2024 North Fulton Regional Award winners Roger Lusby, Marilyn Margolis and Glen Cannon at the Chamber’s Spring Soiree April 25. Kali Boatwright, president and CEO of the Chamber, stands at far right.

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Alpharetta calls for artists to take work to the streets

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Christopher Cleary was set up at Alpharetta’s North Main Street Park April 27, clacking away at his typewriter to create customized poetry for passersby.

The former Cambridge High School English teacher is one of a number of permitted applicants in a new city arts program.

“I think poetry is an art and to get people involved in it that way, instead of looking at their phones, and looking at a piece of paper instead — I think it’s a great thing,” Cleary said.

He was working on his 60th-ever customized poem.

The program, which went through a trial run last year, received updates in February, and since then, several new Public Performance Permits have been processed.

Earlier, Cleary had written a few poems during the Alpharetta Library Storytelling Festival and was scheduled to set up again the following day at the Oliver Waters/McCollum Warehouse Historical Marker. His first time writing on the spot for the public was at the Imagine Festival.

The temperature was moderate that Saturday evening, and music could be heard from nearby establishments, laughter from Mercantile Social. Cleary’s entourage of friends were there for support as he allowed strangers’ prompts to guide his writing, like Nina Skiles’ request for two poems, one for each of her young grandsons.

Cleary commented on the energy street performers provide, like musicians.

“I think just being able to have that out here just helps bring the city alive,” said Cleary, who has lived in Alpharetta for more than 20 years.

While 14-year-old Tripp Wilkinson has graced the stages of local venues in Metro Atlanta like MadLife, Smith’s Olde Bar, the Masquerade and Hard Rock Cafe, he performed on the streets of Alpharetta for the first time April 20.

Wilkinson, proficient in vocals, guitar and bass, said he is accustomed to having a band behind him but appreciated the way performing on his own in public allowed him to connect with businesses and the people.

“I like connecting with the audience a little more intimately,” Wilkinson said. “It’s just also a really amazing exposure for a 14-year-old … It’s a lot

of fun on the street.”

He has more performances on the docket.

Sought-after performing arts sets are expansive, though. Alpharetta Cultural Arts Commissioner Michael Barsky said they could also be comedy routines, drama, acrobatics, magic.

“It’s a full arts agenda,” Barsky said.

Efforts to get performing arts on the streets started around two years ago, Barsky said, involving work with a city ordinance that prohibited busking.

“Downtown Alpharetta has flourished in terms of diversity, in terms of restaurants and retail and all kinds of other stuff,” Barsky said. “In terms of actual arts being done in the street, it’s fairly limited to events.”

Last year, the program was in a beta test phase. Alpharetta Cultural Services Manager Kim Manning said the process was a little too restrictive, which prompted tweaks approved at the Alpharetta Cultural Arts Commission meeting in February.

Changes include a city-issued tip jar, which doubles as the permit, as well as allowing up to two performers at any given location. Now, there are a total of six locations, mostly pocket parks around downtown.

“We want to be Alpharetta Music City, and this is one of the programs that supports that,” Manning said.

The application fee is $60, half of it nonrefundable. To apply, visit www. eventeny.com/events/temporary-publicperformance-permit-2024-10805.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA Christopher Cleary recites a customized poem to a woman April 27.

Annual Roswell Moves Festival keeps Canton Street humming

By LUKE GARDNER newsroom@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Throngs of people gathered at Roswell Moves Festival April 28 to celebrate the 22nd annual Mayor’s Ride presented by Bike Roswell.

The Mayor’s Ride is a cycling extravaganza featuring three routes and is followed by the Roswell Moves Festival on Canton Street.

“We had over 400 riders this morning,” said Lise Walker, Bike Roswell board member. “The mayor and City Council did the 20-mile ride this morning at the same time as the 5-mile family ride.”

Bike Roswell is an organization composed of cyclists of varying ages seeking to educate people about cycling and advocate for its use for travel and fun.

The Mayor’s Ride is open to any biker, from veteran cyclists to those brand new to the sport. A wide range of cyclists were represented for the Sunday morning ride, some who use it as a mode of transportation, others as a sport or hobby.

Kicking off at 8 a.m., cyclists choose between an 18-mile, 42-mile and 60mile route. The 18-mile challenge is designed to avoid strenuous routes and big hills, while the 42 and 60 miles are more intense. Each route included rest stops, and bikers were offered a complementary lunch of grilled hotdogs and hamburgers at the festival.

“It’s my first time, and I did the 60mile route, Ron Knezevich said. “It was difficult but fun. I cycle for my mode of transportation most days and race on occasion.”

Others have been coming for years and see the event as a tradition.

“I live in Roswell and it’s my fourth time coming,” said Bacardi Rahdar. “I’m a member of Bike Roswell. I did the 43-mile ride and it was awesome.”

Roswell Moves featured live music, chalk muralists, games, vendors, and refreshments for sale by the restaurants on Canton Street. Childfriendly activities included a family bike parade and Roswell Kiwanis’ bicycle safety video and obstacle course.

“It’s a cool event to bring the kids to walk around and get some energy out,” Patrick Bennings said. “We’ve been about three times. I’m not a cyclist, but I do own a bike and want to do more now that my kids have bikes.”

Festivalgoers consisted of passionate cyclists and others who just came to experience the food, beer and music. Several people mentioned coming because they live nearby.

“I was just going to get coffee,” Carter Amccamy said. “I’m just here for the vibes.”

For some members of Bike Roswell, the festival exemplifies what a modern space can look like without cars.

“I want the street closed to car traffic,” Rahdar said. “It would bring a lot more people to the businesses here.”

While the Mayor’s Ride has been going on for 22 years, the Roswell Moves Festival was launched in 2018, heralded as a way to transform a busy street into a park for one day.

“We’ve been coming to the Mayor’s Ride since it started,” said Mary Means. “It’s a pretty day outside and walking distance for us. It’s a lot of fun.”

LUKE GARDNER/APPEN MEDIA

Bikers participating in the 22nd annual Mayor’s Ride pass by a line of hungry racers.

Notes from Ireland: Things that change your life

This time of year, hiking in the great outdoors usually means one of two things.

If the day is unseasonably warm, it can mean you’re sweating before you’re even a quarter mile into your hike. All those layers that once seemed like such a good idea are now conspiring to cook your pitiful self, kind of like you’d steam an ear of corn. Ugh. Should you hike back to the car and shed a few, or should you (in the interest of the total hiking experience) suffer silently and soldier on?

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On the other hand, if it’s one of those days when the thermometer unexpectedly drops, getting outside may mean you freeze. You know how it is. Your world is in the mid 80s one minute and in the mid 30s the next. Oh, how you wish for the sweaters! That’s just the way it is with springtime in the South.

But this temperature thing is not limited to north Georgia. Apparently, it is a worldwide phenomenon.

I am thinking about that as we walk down the main street in Kenmare, a lovely little town in southwestern Ireland. Now we step into to the woolen goods store in search of a couple of wool sweaters. She likes sweaters because they keep her warm in the winter, and I like sweaters

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because they keep me warm 11 months of the year. We figure that made-in-Ireland sweaters made from wool from Irish sheep would be ideal souvenirs, practically perfect in every way. I pick a green one. Hers is a subtle shade somewhere in the neighborhood of light blue. It matches her eyes.

And I get gloves too. You may remember the gloves I picked up a few weeks ago, high-tech insulated gloves with no fingertips on the index finger and thumb. Perfect fishing gloves! But (yep) I left those in Georgia. We’re going fishing tomorrow, and I need gloves to keep my hands warm, and what should I find in that very same store but hand-knitted fingertip-less wool gloves? And they fit.

I have to have a pair, and so I add them to the pile.

We pay for the sweaters and the gloves and step back into the clear, clean light of the Irish afternoon. The day is on the cool side. I put my hands in my jacket pockets. That helps a little. I think of digging my new gloves out of the bag to see if that will help more –

And then I see it: a bold sign proclaiming hot chocolate. But not just any hot chocolate.

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“Life-changing hot chocolate!” I say, reading the sign and the message it proclaims in vivid white letters against a chalkboard-gray background. An arrow points the way to the door, which is framed by electric orange-painted trim. Who am I to say no to something like that?

“How about it?” I ask.

She looks at me, hesitates an instant, and says, “Sure.”

I open the door for her, and we step into a tiny chocolate shop. There are packages of fudge and bars of flavored chocolate and confections behind glass by the check-out. I linger over some of chocolate bars. Have you ever tried orange chocolate? You should.

But what’s really on my mind is the kind of chocolate that comes in a cup, the kind of chocolate designed for sipping. Hot chocolate.

Life-changing hot chocolate!

There’s a tiny, little kitchen behind the counter, and the shop’s proprietor is seated there near a small stove. I see a pot atop one of the burners.

“Is this the place for life-changing hot chocolate?” I ask.

The proprietor looks up and says, “Well, yes it is.” I have to ask.

“Does it change your life for the better?”

The proprietor looks directly at me then and says, “What? Oh. Well, It might.”

“We will have one then!” I say. “She and I will share it!” For one can never have too much betterness in one’s life, can one?

The proprietor turns to fixing our drink. A moment later it’s ready. I take a sip. It’s hot and warming and sweet and smooth.

“Mmmm!” I say.

She takes a sip too.

“Not bad,” she says.

“How is your chocolate?” the proprietor asks.

“It is good,” I say. “And warm. But I still wonder what changes to expect?”

The proprietor looks at me quizzically.

“You know,” I say. “When the hot chocolate changes my life. Like on the sign.”

“Oh, that bloody sign,” says the proprietor. “It’s been there for years. I hate that sign!”

We sip some more hot chocolate, she and I do, and then step back through the door and onto the street. The warm drink knocks the edge off the cool afternoon air, and we stroll slowly down the line of shops back towards our car.

“Do you feel any changes?” I ask her. “You know, from the life-changing hot chocolate.”

“Not yet,” she replies. “But it was very good.”

And she adds:

“I don’t think I want any changes.” She leans into me a little. “I don’t think I want anything to change.”

We visit another shop or two, looking, perusing, savoring the day.

She buys some wool yarn. It is the color of my new sweater.

“I will crochet you a scarf,” she says. “To match.”

And she adds, “You do like scarves, you know.”

STEVE HUDSON

Columnist

STEVE HUDSON

A Kenmare, Ireland, shop touts an offer too good to pass

Summit:

Continued from Page 1

“We’re living at a time when the entire Metro Atlanta area is growing faster than we can keep up with,” Gilvin said. “The levels of housing … just too much demand.”

The mayor touted his city’s April 29 approval of two projects from residential developers on the panel, Paul Corely with Empire Communities and Warren Jolly with The Providence Group.

Gilvin said Alpharetta is doing its part to make housing attainable in the region.

John Hunt, housing expert and principal at MarketNsights, traced the shortage in housing supply to the Great Recession, which began in December 2007.

After economic recovery and a revamp of construction, the COVID-19 pandemic created a housing boom, decreasing an already low supply.

With inflation and interest rates at a 23-year high, the costs of borrowing and building limit developers’ ability to increase supply.

Hunt said housing availability is measured in months of supply, or the amount of time it takes for the existing inventory to sell, with 6 months as a target to meet demand.

Metro Atlanta has a 2 and a-half months’ supply, and North Fulton’s inventory is a month less than that. Hunt said the housing shortage is worse in the region because of the high demand for schools, amenities and public safety.

Affordability is another issue that Hunt identified in the region’s housing market, with the average home price during resale at $800,000.

A potential solution is to change zoning and restrictions to allow more apartments and homes with a smaller square footage. Without a diversity of housing options, the housing market freeze is unlikely to disappear soon, he said.

Corely struck a slightly different tone, discussing the effects of regulation and cost escalation on building attainable housing units in a timely manner.

He and Jolly agreed that local governments need to consider land use planning and where density works.

Corely said he doesn’t do much business in Roswell, he hopes Mayor Kurt Wilson listens to a recording of the summit and decides its time to build more residences in the city.

Milton Mayor Petyon Jamison joked that $800,000 couldn’t buy a dirt lot in his city.

Fulton County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney led the next panel which focused on attracting talent to the region and retaining its young people.

Glen Cannon, president of Gwinnett Technical College, and Anthony Davis, a recruiter at Ford Motor Company,

BUSINESSPOSTS

Kennedy Hicks, chief investment officer at Cousins Properties, talks about back-to-office trends with representatives from the engineering, transportation and commercial real estate industry. Hicks said whitecollar workers are looking for more amenities in and around their offices.

Georgia State Sen. Brandon Beach, who represents parts of Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek, speaks at the 2024 North Fulton Futures Summit May 1 at Sandy Springs City Hall. Beach emphasized the importance of Ga. 400 and its future expansion to economic development in the region.

discussed their partnership and the ASSET Automotive Program in Lawrenceville.

The program trains two-year students and provides them with entry-level access to Ford automotive technician positions at dealerships.

Cannon said the graduates of Gwinnett Technical College programs have an opportunity to make a living and

MAY Celebrates

afford housing in high-demand areas like North Fulton. The technical college has a 25-acre satellite campus across from Avalon in Alpharetta.

Representatives from Amana Academy and Fiserv in Alpharetta talked about a partnership that introduces middle schoolers to the world of financial technology.

With large companies decreasing their office footprint and trending toward hybrid schedules, a return to the office is a focus of the commercial real estate industry and city officials.

Kennedy Hicks, chief investment officer at Cousins Properties, said it’s important to create a draw for whitecollar workers to come back to the office.

Because converting office buildings to residential is so expensive, Hicks said opportunities for those kinds of redevelopments are limited.

She said bringing workers back to the office and retaining tenants is challenging, but creative solutions can attract employees.

MARTA Board member Freda Hardage and Jacob Vallo, assistant general manager of real estate development for the transit authority, touted transit-oriented development as another solution.

Panelists agreed with Hicks, saying dictates from employers do not work but giving folks a reason to come into the office does.

PHOTOS BY HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDI

Take action against strokes

Brought to you by - Dr. Benjamin Zussman, neurosurgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center

While strokes have become relatively common—more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—many risk factors for stroke can be managed in partnership with your healthcare provider.

Manage your risk factors

Factors that can increase your risk of experiencing a stroke include:

• High blood pressure increases the risk of a stroke. Stay up to date on your annual physicals to know your

blood pressure levels, and if you have hypertension, talk to your provider about managing it.

• Elevated cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the blood vessel and clotting in the blood, which can cause a stroke if the clot travels and blocks blood flow to the brain. Your primary care provider can help you monitor your cholesterol with a blood test and manage levels with medications or lifestyle changes.

• Diabetes increases risk of experiencing a stroke. Talk to your provider about diabetes screenings. If you are diabetic, discuss managing the condition in partnership with your provider.

• Smoking cigarettes accelerates atherosclerosis, or clogging in the arteries, and causes inflammation in blood vessels that then increases your risk of stroke and heart attack.

• Atrial fibrillation, a heart arrhythmia, can cause clots that then

travel to the brain, leading to a stroke.

How to recognize a stroke

Learn the warning signs of a stroke, and if you notice any of these in yourself or someone else, BE FAST and call 911 right away.

“If someone is experiencing a stroke, call 911 and don’t try to drive to the hospital,” Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Zussman said. “Emergency medical crews can initiate care in the ambulance, and with a stroke, time is crucial.”

• Balance — Look for a sudden loss of balance or coordination. This can also appear as a sudden, severe headache or dizziness.

• Eyes — Blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision can be signs of a stroke. If you think someone else may be having a stroke, ask if they are having trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.

• Face — One side of the face may be

feeling numb or appear to be drooping. Ask the person to smile and see if it appears uneven.

• Arms — Check for sudden arm weakness or numbness. See if the person can lift both arms without one drifting downward.

• Speech — Watch out for slurred speech or difficulty speaking. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence to find out if they are having trouble talking.

• Time — The more treatment is delayed, the more the brain is damaged. Don’t wait to seek care. If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center is designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, the highest level of stroke certification that recognizes hospitals that can treat the most complex stroke cases. Learn more at wellstar.org/strokecare.

ZUSSMAN

A diverse team of neuro care specialists means more expertise for you.

At Wellstar, you’ll find more than 95 neurosurgeons, neurologists, pain medicine specialists and advanced practice providers ready to provide expert neuro care tailored to you.

Your health is in the right hands with our neuro team, providing services including ongoing treatment for neurological conditions and lifesaving emergency care for strokes. With minimally invasive spine surgery options, a comprehensive stroke care network and a dedicated functional neurosurgery team experienced in treating epilepsy and movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, our providers partner with you to deliver world-class care, every time. wellstar.org/neurocare

Staying strong for the years ahead

Imagine a situation where you are as strong and robust as you were when you were thirty, but at seventy-five. Starting Strength can help!

Brought to you by - Coach

Adam Martin,

Starting Strength Atlanta

So, you want to get in better shape; what does this mean exactly? It is quite likely you want to get stronger than you are today. You have no desire to become the World's Strongest Human, nor do you want to oil up and show your muscles under bright lights in a scantily clad undergarment. But you would like to stay strong and well as the years continue to pass. You would like to pick

up your grandchildren, carry a case of water, or retrieve something heavy from your garage.

As of late, there are many experts talking about longevity and the importance of retaining muscle mass as the decades pass. Dr. Peter Attia presents this in a beautiful graph of two paralleling lines: healthspan and lifespan. Allow me to pose a question, what does lifespan look like once healthspan runs out? It is quite likely you see an image that represents a poor quality of life. In

an ideal situation, when we run out of "healthspan," we also run out of lifespan.

Recent studies suggest average life expectancies reach the mid-seventies for men and late seventies for women. Imagine a situation where you are as strong and robust as you were when you were thirty, but at seventy-five. Now, imagine retaining this level of physical strength right up until the end of your lifespan. I hope you are envisioning a high quality of life!

Now, let's discuss how a barbell and a coach can help you with muscular strength and bone density. Your Starting Strength Gym understands the importance of stress, recovery, and adaptation as it relates to making you stronger

than you are today. We do this by having you complete normal human movement patterns with a bit more stress (weight) than you did last time. As we repeat this process over and over, you become far stronger in just a few months!

Often, we describe exercise as medicine. Like medicine, exercise should be given in the least effective dose, not the greatest tolerated. Remember, physical strength is the most important thing in life; this is true whether you want it to be or not.

Starting Strength Atlanta Contact Info: 9775 Medlock Bridge Rd Suite K Johns Creek, GA 30097 (470) 944-7715

Website: atlanta.startingstrengthgyms.com

Celebrating Older Americans Month and the power of connections

can be transformative, finding ways to reengage and enhance their life.

For over 60 years Older Americans Month (OAM) has been celebrated every May, recognizing the contributions, aging trends and commitments to serving older adults in our communities.

This year OAM is focused on going beyond the readily apparent needs for physical assistance with things like the activities of everyday living or recuperating from surgery, embracing the critical power of connections for emotional and social interactions that have a profound impact on wellbeing and healthy aging.

A recent report by the U.S. Surgeon General cites an epidemic of chronic loneliness and isolation that has drastic affects for the elderly. These include increasing the risk of developing dementia by 50%, and heart disease and stroke risk by 30%. The stress that comes from a lack of connection to other people can be equal to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

As we all age, there are challenges to face. Whether confronting obstacles from changing physical abilities, the transition from the loss of a partner, loss of a career or social contacts, it can seem like the world is shrinking. Over 27% of seniors now live by themselves. For some people, the resulting social isolation and loneliness can be a huge hurdle to overcome. At Home Helpers we know that promoting social interaction for your older loved one

Reconnecting can come from enjoying cultural activities, joining a social club, pursuing a new hobby, taking a class, trying new activities in their community or enabling giving back to others through volunteering or virtual mentoring. Reinventing ways to build new relationships yields rewards that make for a longer and better life.

For your older loved one, the warmth of companionship from a well matched and skilled Home Helpers caregiver can make a beautiful difference in their life. A heart centered approach and positive spirit can boost confidence and provide a better quality of life for our clients and their families. Creating new pathways to expand the social circle of our older loved ones helps us share in the richness of their lives, both past and present.

Caregivers can assist with all personal care, help around the house, accompany them on doctor’s visits or social outings and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. If your loved one is just getting home from a rehabilitation center or recovering from surgery, we can help safely speed up recovery.

For a free consultation and exceptional care management by a team with depth and skill from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 care, please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.

Why Dr. Hood goes gray for May

Brought to you by – Dr. Destinee Hood, Roswell Dental Care

In May of 2020, Dr. Destinee Hood self-diagnosed a brain tumor. What first began as mild, infrequent, and short-lasting disturbances in her vision, developed into episodes occurring more and more frequently.

Destinee got connected with a neurologist who would see her as a new patient (during COVID it was exceptionally hard to be seen by doctors!). After an initial exam, the neurologist told her she had “hormonal migraines”.

After receiving this diagnosis, something just didn’t feel right. She ordered her own MRI scan, and, that night, got the news that she had a brain tumor the size of a lemon.

The following 6 months, she had brain surgery and radiation. Recovery was a slow process, and felt frustrating, despairing, and downright unfair at times. She experienced severe radiation fatigue as well as problems with memory.

One of the biggest hardships was having a 2-year-old who didn’t know why Mommy was tired or couldn’t pick him up.

Destinee is now 3 years out and feels back to normal. She is incredibly thankful to have had the support of her husband Zach, her family, her dental team at Roswell Dental Care, and her mentor Dr. Remaley. She receives a regular 6-month MRI scan to check that she is tumor-free!

Dr. Hood brings her journey and advocacy to her patients at her practice every day. She works hard to advocate for her patients and empower their voice to be heard.

• Crowns and Bridges in a few days

• Porcelain Veneers

• Tooth Colored Composite Fillings

• Teeth Whitening- no sensitivity

• Oral Cancer Screenings on all patients

• Teeth Cleanings, Digital X-Rays and Comprehensive Oral Exams on all new patients

• Cosmetic Smile Makeovers and Full Mouth

Reconstruction (Complimentary Consultation)

• Occlusal Guards and Bite Adjustments

• Snore Guards and Sleep Apnea Analysis

• Digital X-Rays (90% less radiation) and Intra-Oral Photos

• Digitally Scanned Dental ImpressionsNo more gooey impressions!

• Electronic Records

• Accept and File all Major Insurances

• Implants

• Root Canals

• Extractions

• Spa-like Relaxing Atmosphere Our services include:

• Facial Aesthetic

David Remaley

Destinee Hood

DESTINEE HOOD/PROVIDED

Getting a younger looking smile

Dr. Bradley Hepler, Atlanta Center for Dental Health

Improving the appearance of your teeth often involves addressing common issues such as discoloration, wear, and damage. Here are some suggestions for making your teeth look younger and healthier.

1. Professional Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening treatments can effectively remove stains and brighten the color of your teeth, giving them a more youthful appearance. Your dentist can recommend the best whitening option for you, whether it’s in-office or take-home kits.

2. Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure where a tooth-colored resin is applied to the teeth to repair chips, cracks, or discoloration. It can improve the appearance of damaged teeth and restore their youthful look.

3. Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth to improve their appearance. They can correct issues like discoloration, gaps, and minor misalignment, giving your teeth a more youthful and uniform look.

4. Dental Crowns: Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover the entire

visible portion of a tooth. They can be used to restore the shape, size, and appearance of damaged or severely discolored teeth, helping them look younger and more aesthetically pleasing.

5. Tooth-Colored Fillings: Replace old metal fillings with tooth-colored composite fillings that blend seamlessly with the natural color of your teeth. This can improve the appearance of your smile and make your teeth look younger.

6. Gum Contouring: If your gums have receded or are uneven, gum contouring can reshape the gumline to create a more balanced and attractive smile. This

procedure can make your teeth appear longer, more balanced, and more youthful.

7. Orthodontic Treatment: Crooked or misaligned teeth can make you look older than you are. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, can straighten your teeth, improve the health of your mouth, prevent future problems, and improve your smile’s appearance, making you look younger.

8. Regular Dental Cleanings: Schedule regular dental cleanings to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth. Professional cleanings can help maintain the brightness of your

smile and keep your teeth looking youthful. By addressing these common dental concerns with the help of a cosmetic dentist, you can rejuvenate the appearance of your teeth and achieve a more youthful smile.

“Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life.” -Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic

Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide all the modern advances for healthy and attractive smiles. You will realize immediate results with non-invasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile restoring options, please call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health at 770-992-2236. Dr. Bradley Hepler has spent many hours dedicated to perfecting and updating the latest and best techniques in dentistry. It is with this breadth of knowledge that we provide each patient with the perfect solution to their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.

ADOBE STOCK

Benzoyl Peroxide danger – fact or fiction?

Surgery of Atlanta

Benzoyl peroxide or “BPO” is a dermatologist’s old standby. It is a triedand-true effective ingredient to treat acne including pimples and clogged pores and is found in both over the counter acne washes as well as prescription acne products. Given its extensive use and presence in so many over-the-counter products, it came as a shock to the world and the medical community when a company named Valisure recently argued that BPO too easily breaks down into benzene, a cancer-causing chemical known to cause leukemia and other types of cancer. Valisure advocated for the recall of over-the-counter acne products containing BPO.

Is Valisure right? What is the truth? The answer is complicated and interesting.

BPO’s potential to cause cancer was suggested in the 1980s when animal studies suggested that it might make skin tumors grow. BPO is a very reactive molecule and works at least in part by reacting with proteins of skin bacteria and killing the bacteria that cause acne. BPO has long been known to be destructive. The question is whether it is only destructive to bacteria or also to humans.

In 1991 new concerning animal data caused the FDA to formally declare that additional studies were necessary on BPO safety, but the data was weak, and sales of BPO products continued to be permitted. During the ensuing years, a concerted effort was made through multiple studies to verify BPO’s safety. In 2010, the FDA reviewed available data and voted to label BPO as GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective). Recent data had been reassuring.

Fast forward to the present day and we have a curveball. A company named Valisure studied the potential of BPO to form benzene at elevated temperatures. Valisure tested benzene levels after exposing BPO products to 98.6, 122, and 158-degrees Fahrenheit for two weeks or more. As the temperature went up, so did the level of benzene. These are temperatures that BPO may be exposed to in real life situations such as being left in a hot car or during shipment from manufacturing sites.

Valisure appears to have proven that BPO has the potential to form benzene, particularly if exposed to high temperatures. How often this happens and how frequently this has caused

cancer remains unknown. Even if someone could guarantee that their BPO had never been exposed to heat, BPO left on someone’s shelf for long periods might eventually form significant levels of benzene over time.

Is Valisure a white knight rescuing the public from a serious threat?

One concerning conflict of interest is that Valisure’s president, David Light, filed a patent in 2023 for a method to prevent BPO from breaking down into benzene.

Timelines matter. Did Valisure know of BPO’s potential risks but wait to disclose them and request a recall until after they had filed for a patent for the fix? Valisure’s homepage states that they are a company focused on “transparency,” but Valisure’s mention of its patent application was buried on page 26 of a 34 page “Citizen Petition.” Acknowledgment of this patent application as a conflict of interest was nowhere to be found in that Citizen Petition. Valisure states that their goal is to provide “independent certification” of product safety, but when they stand to profit from finding dangers, then they are not as independent as they should be.

No recall has been issued. At least one manufacturer, Clearasil™, has responded by claiming that its products are safe when stored correctly and stated “The findings presented by an independent lab reflect unrealistic scenarios rather than real-world conditions” according to an article in Chemistry World.

And of course, class action lawsuits have already arisen.

One can argue about whether Valisure’s citizen petition for a recall was premature or whether it is motivated by its patent and a desire to force companies to use Valisure’s BPO stabilizer in BPO products to Valisure’s financial gain. The only thing that is certain is that with the filing of a patent, Valisure ceased to be the independent company that we wish it were.

What are doctors and patients to do? At the least, throw away expired BPO. Throw away BPO that has been exposed to high temperatures. Talk with your doctor about alternatives to BPO. We are in the fortunate position of having many alternatives to BPO available while the true safety of BPO and potential for benzene formation gets sorted out. Two over the counter alternatives to consider are adapalene or salicylic acid. For more stubborn acne including acne that is causing scarring, see a specialist in dermatology. And stay tuned for future updates on BPO.

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 18 years experience as a Dermatology PA. We are excited to welcome her, as she brings with her experience in general dermatology 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

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

Nature for all

Thriving through seasons navigating emotions and goals at work

Brought to you by – Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on our well-being and explore ways to care for our minds. Studies show that simply stepping into nature can offer a powerful boost to mental health, reducing stress, anxiety and even symptoms of depression.

Did you know there's a national park right in your backyard? The Chattahoochee National River Area (CRNRA) offers 66 miles of trails and 48 miles of Chattahoochee River to explore and connect with the calming power of nature. Whether it’s running at Cochran Shoals, paddling at Jones Bridge, fishing at Bowmans Island, or hiking at East Palisades, CRNRA has something to soothe every mind.

If you’re looking for a challenge, take part in our Hike CRNRA initiative! This program encourages hikers to explore each and every mile of trail within the park. It's a fantastic way to experience the park's beauty and diversity while getting some serious exercise - both great for your

Celebrating mental health awareness in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area PROVIDED

mental and physical health.

Want to make a lasting impact?

Consider becoming a member of Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC), the nonprofit partner of CRNRA. Your membership helps to preserve this natural treasure for future generations, ensuring everyone has access to the mental health benefits of spending time in your backyard national park. Learn more atchattahoocheeparks. org/join.

Join us in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy! A little fresh air never hurt anyone - unless you’re allergic to springtime pollen. Take your antihistamines and we’ll see you in the park!

Brought to you by – Jason

Howard

M.A., Summit Counseling Center

As winter blooms into spring, and spring turns to summer, the world awakens with vibrant energy and numerous possibilities. Beyond the chirping birds and blooming flowers lies a business landscape ripe for growth. As a former sales and marketing manager turned licensed mental health counselor, I understand the delicate dance between emotions and success in the workplace.

In this article, I offer a few practical reminders to nurture your mental and emotional well-being as you steer your team toward achieving quarterly goals:

Embrace the Emotional Tides:

• Initial Excitement: When setting quarterly goals, enthusiasm often propels us forward. But as weeks pass, emotions shift. Take a weekly pause to observe without judgment. Where has excitement transformed into stress? Validate frustrations—they hold valuable insights.

• Fuel from Overwhelm: Paradoxically, acknowledging difficult emotions—like frustration—can fuel motivation and perseverance. Validate frustrations and annoyances and let them be your allies.

Mindfulness Anchors Success:

• Stay Present: Mindfulness grounds you in the now. Instead of dwelling on past errors or distant outcomes, focus on the facts of the present moment. Catch your mind when it time travels for too long into the past or future and remember swift problem-solving and creative brainstorming thrive in the here and now.

• Celebrate Progress: Small victories matter. Acknowledge achievements—even if they fall short of the grand goal. These moments boost morale and resilience.

Adaptability as Your North Star:

• Guideposts, Not Shackles: Quarterly goals are guideposts, not rigid chains. Priorities shift, unexpected challenges arise. Adaptability is your superpower.

• Learn from Setbacks: When setbacks occur, view them as steppingstones. What will you learn? How will you adjust? Resilience blooms from setbacks.

Remember, emotions aren’t adversaries; they’re allies. As you navigate seasons and goals, honor both— the blooming and the setbacks. Let this quarter be one of growth, connection, and thriving.

If you are a business leader looking for tools to harness your emotions, to reduce the effects of stress on your creativity, and to improve productivity and leadership skills, reach out and see how one of our therapists can help.

Learn more or schedule an appointment by calling the front office at 678-893-5300 or visiting us at www. summitcounseling.org.

OPINION: PAST TENSE

Book tells story of Frank Murphy serving with 100th Bomb Group

Frank DeSales

Murphy was a member of the U.S. Army 8th Air Force, 100th Bombardment Group during World War II, which became known as The Bloody Hundredth. On Saturday, May 18 at the WW II Atlanta Round Table, Chloe Melas, NBC news entertainment correspondent, will participate in a panel discussion and speak about her father’s book, “Luck of the Draw: My Story of the Air War in Europe.”

Frank Murphy was born at St. Joseph’s Infirmary in Atlanta in 1921. He was attending Emory University when Pearl Harbor was attacked, Dece.7, 1941. Murphy had taken flying lessons while at Emory. He applied to be an Aviation Cadet, but a depth perception issue prevented him from becoming a pilot. However, his role as a navigator was essential in every mission.

The 100th Bomb Group was stationed at Thorpe-Abbotts air base in England. On Oct. 19, 1943, Murphy was on his 21st mission as navigator when the plane was shot down over Muenster, Germany. He was sprayed with shrapnel. Murphy parachuted into the field of a German farming family, hurting his ankle as he landed. The family helped him to their home, then reported him to the police.

Murphy was picked up and taken for interrogation by the Germans. They kept him in solitary confinement for six days. Then, he was sent by railroad boxcar to Stalag Luft III. Two men on board the plane died, the remainder were captured and taken to Stalag Luft III.

Murphy spent 19 months at the prison camp. He writes extensively

DEATH NOTICES

Robert Bachman, age 83, of Roswell, GA passed away on April 27, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Edward Burek, age 98, of Johns Creek, GA passed away on April 23, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

about his experience in “Luck of the Draw,” including how the German guards were harsher following an attempted tunnel escape by 76 British soldiers.

After the war ended, Murphy returned to Emory to finish his degree. He attended law school and met his wife Ann. They married in 1949.

Frank Murphy self-published his WWII memoir in 2001. His daughter Elizabeth Murphy, a children’s book author, encouraged him to write down his experiences. Frank Murphy died in 2007 at the age of 85. His daughter, granddaughter and wife took on the task of bringing the book to the public by publishing it in 2023. Elizabeth Murphy and Chloe Melas wrote a new forward to the book.

The book was one of the sources for “Masters of the Air,” available on Apple TV+ and produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. The series portrays the events of the 100th Bomb Group beginning in 1943. A quote from Tom Hanks is featured on the cover of the book.

“In the pursuit of authenticity, of accurate history, and undeniable courage, no words matter more than, ‘I was there.’ Read ‘Luck of the Draw’ and the life of Frank Murphy and ponder this, how did those boys do such things?”

Although Murphy is a supporting character in “Masters of the Air,” he is featured prominently in the accompanying documentary “The

Brian Custance, age 50, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on April 27, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Rosalie Gransden, age 84, of Roswell, GA passed away on April 28, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Bloody Hundredth.” The documentary is narrated by Hanks and features video clips of participants. Several video clips of Murphy sharing his detailed history are featured. His full interview is available on the Atlanta History Center website at https:// album.atlantahistorycenter.com/ digital/collection/VHPohr/id/596/ rec/4.

Murphy was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal and U.S. Prisoner of War Medal for his service. He later served on the Board of Trustees of the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum in Pooler, Georgia just outside Savannah.

The May 18 WWII Round Table meeting will be at Dunwoody United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1548 Mt. Vernon Road. Contact Bill LeCount at 404-886-7383 by May 12, 2024, to make a reservation. Meetings include lunch and social time, beginning at 10 a.m.

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.

An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on April 16, 2024 for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage & Wine Retail Package for Beer & Wine Craft Beer & Wine

David Healy, age 82, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on April 26, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jason Leary, age 58, of Roswell, GA passed away on April 29, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

William Thompson, of Roswell, GA passed away on April 24, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

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Congratulate Your Senior! Graduating Senior Announcements in the Herald and Crier Newspapers.

Sally White

Throughout her time at Milton High School, Sally has been an active member of various clubs and sports teams, including the Debate Club, Science Olympiad, and Drama Society. Her leadership skills shone brightly as the captain of the soccer team, leading them to victory on numerous occasions. Sally’s commitment to excellence extended beyond athletics; she also excelled academically, earning recognition for her outstanding achievements in advanced mathematics and literature.

As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, we are filled with pride and excitement for Sally’s future endeavors. Congratulations, Sally, on this remarkable achievement! We can’t wait to see the incredible things you’ll accomplish next.

Class of 2024

to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 4pm

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The intersection improvement separates the combined lanes on Barnwell Road to provide dual left turn lanes, a through lane and a right turn lane, which will help reduce the traffic backup on Barnwell Road as it approaches Holcomb Bridge Road, or Ga. 140.

The project also raised the elevation of Barnwell Road to provide a safer left turn onto Holcomb Bridge from Barnwell. Additionally, the project filled in a pedestrian connectivity gap along Barnwell Road from Holcomb Bridge Road to Niblick Drive with a sidewalk and pedestrian bridge over Hogan Creek.

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