Johns Creek Herald - June 13, 2024

Fundraiser for Native American sculpture offers lessons on gardening, sustainability

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek Beautification, a nonprofit whose mission is to bring the community together through public art and landscaping, hosted its first annual learning luncheon June 6.

The fundraiser “Seeds Soil Sun -

shine” at Sugo featured two guest speakers — Ashley Frasca, who hosts a Saturday morning garden show on WSB Radio, and Mark Hoban, a golf course superintendent at Rivermont Golf Club.

Trent Ellis, owner of Armor Wildlife Management, also led a Q&A on how to humanely deter deer.

JCB President Lynn Pennington in-

troduced the speakers and other guests to the crowd of 70. They included Mayor John Bradberry and Johns Creek External Communications Manager Edie Damann, a member of the city’s “Green Team” which works to create an ecofriendly environment internally at City Hall and throughout city events.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Johns Creek Beautification President Lynn Pennington introduces special guests at the nonprofit’s first annual learning luncheon June 6 at Sugo. Proceeds from “Seeds Soil Sunshine” will go toward funding a new Native American sculpture in Johns Creek.

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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 jailed in stabbing at Holcomb Bridge eatery

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested a 42-year-old Norcross man after he allegedly stabbed a man with a fork at a restaurant on Holcomb Bridge Road June 1.

The victim, a 28-year-old Norcross man, confronted the suspect after seeing him push a man who was intervening in an argument between the suspect and the suspect’s siblings, according to the incident report.

The suspect pushed his brother to the ground and charged at his sister with a fork, threatening to kill her, according to the report.

Police charged the suspect with simple battery, two counts of terroristic threats and acts, two counts of battery, aggravated assault and criminal damage to property in the second degree. Police transported him to the Fulton County Jail on Rice Street.

Fast food worker faces battery charge

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The manager of a fast food restaurant on Abbotts Bridge Road reported to police June 2 that his coworker assaulted him following a disagreement.

The manager told police the suspect became angry once he was told that he could not be in the kitchen while off the clock. The suspect, a 20-year-old Johns Creek man, was preparing himself food, though he was not scheduled to work that day, according to the incident report.

The suspect allegedly repeatedly hit the manager with a closed fist on his face, upper torso, back and arms. After the initial attack, the suspect exited the kitchen but returned to strike the manager a few more times before leaving with

his sandwich before the police arrived, the report says.

While surveillance footage was unavailable during the time of the report, police relied on two witness accounts and placed a warrant on the suspect for battery.

Police cite dog owner for violating leash law

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek woman reported to police June 2 that someone’s dog charged at her and her smaller dog while walking on a sidewalk, seriously injuring it.

The woman told police that despite her efforts to pick up her dog, the large dog managed to grab it by the neck and shake it. The woman said she was knocked down in the process, resulting in an injury to her elbow, according to the incident report.

When the owner of the large dog, a 25-year-old Johns Creek woman, arrived at the scene, police instructed her to locate her dog and keep it contained until Fulton County Animal Control arrived.

The owner told police she had been in her fenceless backyard with her dog and another canine, each equipped with electronic collars, when they spotted a deer and fled. Only one dog returned, the report says.

Police cited the woman for violating the city’s leash law.

Man reports car stolen from townhome driveway

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police met with a 40-year-old resident of a townhome development off Old Roswell Road May 19 after the man reported his vehicle as stolen.

The victim said he last saw his 2020 Audi SQ8, valued at $50,000, in his driveway around 11 p.m. the night before it went missing.

An officer said the vehicle was gone when the victim checked his driveway around 10 a.m.

He said he was unable to contact his homeowners association to check if his car had been towed.

Dispatch told the officer at the scene

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that they did not have a notification of the vehicle being towed.

The officer said he was unable to locate any cameras facing the victim’s driveway but listed the vehicle as stolen in the Georgia Crime Information Center.

Suspect in shoplifting escapes police pursuit

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police are investigating a shoplifting incident May 29 after an alleged repeat offender evaded officers at the Target on Woodstock Road.

Police said the male suspect was inside the store when an officer arrived to speak with loss prevention employees.

Later, employees said the suspect concealed around $1,000 in merchandise in a black bin.

When loss prevention pointed out the suspect, the unidentified man began running toward the exit, knocking over items to block the officer’s pursuit.

Employees said the damaged items total around $200.

The officer said he chased the suspect through the parking lot to his vehicle, a black Nissan Rogue. When the officer drew his weapon and ordered the suspect to stop, the man reversed and drove away.

Another officer began to chase the suspect on Ga. 92 toward Cherokee County.

Because the suspect was driving at excessive speeds while weaving through traffic, officers canceled the chase due to department policy.

A loss prevention employee said they recognized the suspect because he has worn the same outfit during similar incidents at Target stores in Woodstock and Acworth.

Officers said records show both incidents are classified as felony offenses.

The suspect faces misdemeanor charges for reckless driving, failure to obey a traffic control device, obstruction and criminal trespass, as well as felony charges for shoplifting and fleeing an officer.

Officers said no warrants have been obtained but a court order was sent to Avis Budget Group, a rental car holding company, to help identify the suspect.

Neighbors say proposed subdivision will send property taxes soaring

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Plans to construct three $1.2 million homes along State Bridge Road have been the source of distress for residents in the adjacent Long Indian Creek subdivision.

They say the project will likely result in higher property taxes in their neighborhood, whose homes average around $450,000.

“I’ll be honest with you … I own my own business, and right now, it’s not doing well,” Long Indian Creek resident Ed Schagren told the Johns Creek Planning Commission June 4. “I can’t afford for my property taxes to double...”

More neighbors spoke in opposition at the meeting, like Ken Eddy who lives on a fixed income and Hope Machado who voiced worries over young people being forced back into an apartment.

“I don’t want people to move out because they cannot afford the taxes,” Machado said. “Our neighborhood is such a good neighborhood. We have young couples. We have retirees. We have a diverse, very diverse neighborhood.”

The application, approved in a 6-1 vote, requested that the 2.8-acre site be rezoned from a community business district, or C-1, to single-family dwelling district, or R-4A. A vacant antique store currently sits on the property.

Ed Schagren, a resident of Long Indian Creek, tells the Johns Creek Planning Commission June 4 that a proposed subdivision consisting of three $1 million-plus homes will adversely affect his pockets. The project is slated for State Bridge Road, next to Schagren’s subdivision whose homes are valued at around $450,000.

It also includes a variance to eliminate the 10 percent common open space requirement to allow an area just over 6,300 feet. The three-home subdivision is expected to have its own homeowners association, which would own and maintain the common area.

Schagren recalled that a developer tried to build houses on the site before but that the project had been struck down.

In August 2022, a petition was created advocating that the property be used as a pocket park,

rather than to build $1 million-plus homes in “another” proposal. It carries more than 800 signatures.

“This will directly impact an area already dealing with severe storm water issues, impact the character of one of the city’s first neighborhoods, and likely increase property taxes for nearby residents,” the petition reads.

Tuesday evening, Schagren and others mentioned the idea for a pocket park.

But, Chris Jackson, Planning Commission member and former chair of the city’s Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee, said he recently confirmed with city staff that a pocket park doesn’t fit with the city’s “Recreation and Parks Master Plan.”

Jackson also said he had worked with the city a few years ago exploring the park idea, but it wasn’t doable with the amount of work required.

“If there [were] hopes for a park to be there, it’s not in the cards,” Jackson said.

Acknowledging the concerns of property tax increases, Jackson said he was weighing his decision based on whether an alternative project could have more adverse effects. The proposal before him was estimated to generate only 40 daily trips.

“For me, I have to go on the merits of — does this check off all the boxes of what the city requires and asks us to do in our duties? And, does it make the most sense for us as a city and utilization of that property?” Jackson said. “Or, do we continue to let it be a blight with issues?”

The project will go before the City Council for a final decision June 17.

SCREENSHOT

Officials unveil art at Bell-Boles Park

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek officials gathered at Bell-Boles Park June 5 to unveil a new sculpture titled Lyrical Loops.

Created by Julia Hill and Chelsea Darling, the piece uses iron salvaged from the historic Rogers Bridge. Earlier this year, Hill and Darling also completed Ferns, a sculpture set along the Creekside Park trail adjacent to the Hyatt Place Hotel.

“I think between here and the roundabout is the Johns Creek Arts District,” Mayor John Bradberry joked. Nearby is Entwined Strength, a horse sculpture created by Eric Strauss for the Bell-Boles roundabout, made from 4,000 pounds of hot forged steel rods. “I think it’s neat how we’re kind of starting to create some critical mass in terms of our public art.”

In January, the City Council passed a new Public Art Policy, encouraging public art and outlining the

To view a map of public art in Johns Creek, visit johnscreekga.gov.

city’s role.

The new $10,000 piece is funded by Johns Creek Convention and Tourism Bureau’s tourism product development revenue, or hotel/motel tax, and city dollars. It sits next to the stone labyrinth at Bell-Boles Park, a 2.5-acre pocket park which also features a butterfly garden and an adaptive playground.

The art piece was made possible through the collaborative efforts among the CVB as well as the Johns Creek Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee and the Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment Committee.

“Each figure can be appreciated for its uniquely crafted patterning, and the flowing shapes together can be enjoyed as a graceful and organic movement,” the initial artist submission says. “Thus, it represents a celebration of both diversity and community.”

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Johns Creek City Councilman Bob Erramilli and Mayor John Bradberry, center, alongside city staff and members of the Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau cut a ribbon on a new sculpture titled Lyrical Loops at Bell-Boles Park on Bell Road June 5. Created by Julia Hill and Chelsea Darling, the piece uses iron salvaged from the historic Rogers Bridge.

EXCUSE ME DARLING WOULD YOU CARE TO ESCORT ME TO ‘CUE IN CELEBRATION OF FATHER’S DAY AS I RECALL TAKING YOU SOMEWHERE NICE FOR MOTHER’S DAY (OH YES, IT WAS ALSO ‘CUE) BUT I’D LIKE TO GO AGAIN BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS SO DELICIOUS I MAY HAVE A BANANAS DOSTER FOR DESSERT AND AN ICE COLD BEER OR THREE AS YOU ARE DRIVING I LOVE YOU SO MUCH ARE YOU READY DO YOU HAVE YOUR KEYS ... BABE?

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Johns Creek High adds to slate of area schools with state titles

By HANNAH FRAZER hannah@appenmedia.com

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High School boys tennis took home its sixth straight state championship May 11, defeating Pope 3-0 for the 6A title.

The match was held at the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College.

The Gladiators overcame the loss of one of its key players during the state playoffs and had to enter the championship game playing with a lineup that they had used when they were defeated by Pope previously.

Despite the loss in the regular season, the boys persevered to earn their title as state champions.

“It was nice to go out there and use that same lineup to completely turn the tables,” Coach Todd Hedden said. “And, two of the lines that lost last time actually ended up winning the points for us to take the state championship.”

To add to north Metro Atlanta high schools’ successful athletic season, the Roswell City Council recognized Fellowship Christian Academy’s varsity girls soccer team at its meeting May 28. The team won the state championship for its second year in a row.

Seniors Alden Hays and Avery Paulson will be attending Liberty University next year to continue their soccer career, and Rachel Williamson is headed to the University of Georgia.

“The greatest thing about them is actually the signature word that we had this year, which was ‘humility’…” Coach Andy Trevers said. “They exemplified that everywhere they went…”

At the meeting, Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson also recognized the individual achievements of athletes at Blessed Trinity Catholic School, including Jack Garrett, the state wrestling champion in the 144-pound weight class for the 6A division.

He also acknowledged the four winners of the 800-meter relay, Addy Wilson, Alayna Carter, London Ray and Claire Peterson.

Wilson said Claire was also the 1600-meter state champion and the 3200-meter state champion as well as the school’s valedictorian this year.

The Georgia High School Association host annual state championship tournaments for varsity teams to compete for a first-place spot. This year north Metro Atlanta had a fighting season full of triumphs, and these varsity teams were able to claim the title as state champion within their division:

Johns Creek

6A: Johns Creek High School girls golf

6A: Johns Creek High School boys swimming and diving

6A: Johns Creek High School boys tennis

5A-4A: Chattahoochee High School boys cross country

5A-4A: Chattahoochee High School boys

swimming and diving

1A: Mount Pisgah Christian School girls volleyball

Sandy Springs

6A: Riverwood International Charter School boys basketball

Alpharetta

6A: Alpharetta High School girls volleyball

6A: FCS Innovation Academy’s esports team placed first in the game “Splatoon,” a third-person shooter game.

Forsyth County

7A: South Forsyth High School dance team

The team placed first overall as well in Hip-Hop and Pom. Pom is a style of dance that emphasizes precise and synchronized movements.

6A: West Forsyth High School girls tennis

6A: West Forsyth High School girls soccer Milton

7A: Milton High School boys football

7A: Milton High School girls lacrosse

6A-5A: Cambridge High School girls lacrosse

A Division 1: St. Francis High School girls basketball

Roswell

6A-5A: Roswell High School boys lacrosse

2A: Fellowship Christian Academy girls soccer

The Johns Creek High School varsity boys tennis team reclaims its title as state champions for the sixth year in a row.

Sculptor, 92, creates family with his hands

Yearlong effort produces busts, new friendships

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A corner of the art room at Village Park Milton, a retirement community in Alpharetta, is dedicated to Don Higgs’ sculpting work.

Materials, tools and art pieces, like a small llama and a bust of his wife Grace, crowd the area. Higgs, 92, works mostly in clay — plasteline isn’t as malleable, at least the stuff manufactured in the U.S. The best comes from Italy, he said.

“I love the feel of [clay]. It’s cool and smooth,” said Higgs, on his way to grab the mold of a young girl. She and the likeness of the rest of the Case children are on display in the lobby of Village Park, the result of a yearlong effort.

The mother, Christine Case, sat at the table in the art room with her youngest son Christopher, who was busy doodling and staying occupied with Grace. Higgs approached Case one day at St. Thomas Aquinas, a place where he searches for new subjects.

“Don came up and said, ‘Oh, you have such a beautiful family’ … and then we started chatting,” Case recalled.

The next week, Case said Don brought along his portfolio and that the interaction unfolded into a year of regular visits to Village Park.

“It was really nice because we got to know Don and [Grace],” Case said. “In addition to Don doing his art, we became friends.”

Higgs dove into art in his mid-40s, sculpting busts of his wife and children, later taking over his mother’s work as she aged. Once a professional sculptor in the Washington, D.C., area, Higgs’ mother had created busts of

her nine grandchildren and passed the torch to Higgs when 29 grandchildren came along.

He did 25 of them.

“I had one niece that had eight children. I only got five of them done. I told her she was wearing me out,” Higgs said.

Higgs said his ability to create sculpture is something he was born with, though he learned techniques while helping his mother with casting growing up.

“She’d get her housework done in the morning and do art in the afternoon,” Higgs said.

His mother lived to be 103.

The creative gene is also in Higgs’ children, like his son who is a metal and stone sculptor in St. Petersburg, Florida. Higgs’ wife Grace may have helped with that, a painter herself. Married for 60 years, the couple met in an art class at the University of Maryland.

“For every 100 painters, there’s one sculptor out there, I would say,” Higgs said.

For busts, Higgs starts by wrapping clay around a metal framework, which is eventually removed once the figure is cut in half. He said the eyes are the most difficult to get right, then the mouth, then the nose, especially if the subject is beautiful because there aren’t any outstanding features.

The process takes about 20 hours, firing the piece elsewhere.

Higgs created two busts and four reliefs of Case’s children, the reliefs done to save space.

“My oldest daughter said she doesn’t like heads,” Higgs said, laughing.

“She’s got heads all over her house, she says,” Case added.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Don Higgs, a 92-year-old sculptor, stands with Christine Case and her son Christopher by a bust of Chrisopher he created on display at Village Park Milton. After meeting Case around a year ago at St. Thomas Aquinas, Higgs began creating sculptures of all six of her children.

CHRISTINE CASE/PROVIDED Don Higgs, 92, works on a bust of Christopher Case.

Just opened?

Bookstore captures fans from first page

By HANNAH FRAZER hannah@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga.— It’s not surprising that the three owners of Johns Creek Books have a plot for success.

Each has selected a literary quote to guide the business.

Joshua Mullinax chose: “Readers live a thousand lives,” by George R.R. Martin. For Mullinax, the quote embodies the spirit of the bookstore off Medlock Bridge Parkway.

From the moment you step inside, Martin’s words come to life, welcoming customers into a world of endless new experiences. Whether it’s the collection of vintage toys, the 1,500-piece puzzles, or the congratulatory card featuring a chubby baby waving “Heck Yeah,” this store is a universe of adventures.

Mullinax joined with Cidne Winegar and her sister Erin Elwood to found the store in July 2023.

Mullinax can be spotted conversing with one of the store’s regular customers, a boy around 10, who is fascinated by the vintage toys.

Elwood is no less subtle in the store, radiating her passion for reading.

“I absolutely love having kids come in and recommending them a book, and then they come in again to get the second book of the series, then the third,” Elwood said. “And then we talk about it.”

The store first opened in 2018, and Elwood, herself, was a frequent customer. Coincidentally, she met one of the former owners at a party and mentioned her career as a lawyer was not quite as fulfilling as she liked.

HANNAH FRAZER/APPEN MEDIA

Cofounders Erin Elwood, left, and Joshua Mullinax, right, discuss the adventures of “I Who Have Never Known Men” by

Jacqueline Hartman in Joshua’s “Future is Female” book club. See BOOK, Page 9

Book:

Continued from Page 8

“Why don’t you take over the store?” the owner asked.

Elwood said she was in disbelief but knew she had to seize this opportunity. After discussing it with her sister and friend Mullinax, they decided it was meant to be. The team officially took ownership on July 1, 2023.

Elwood and Mullinax maintain their careers, she as a lawyer and City Council member, he as an animator during the day. Winegar is the mother of two children. Despite their busy schedules, they find time to share their love for literature at the bookstore.

After buying the company, Elwood began personalizing the store. With the “sink or swim” mentality, she decorated with more bookcases while Mullinax used his color palette to brighten up the place with hot pink and flashing colors.

Nestled in the cozy reading nook at the back of the store, is a white wooden chair painted with the words, “If you don’t see the book you want on the shelves...write it.”

The reading area suits co-owner Winegar’s chosen quote “The world is quiet here,” written by Lemony Snicket. Elwood explained that the sentiment doesn’t suggest they want silence to dominate their store, “but it’s that the

outside noise of everything is quiet in the store.”

From the children’s artwork taped to the wall to the painted wooden rocker chair, the owners achieve just that.

Johns Creek Books offers more than literary adventures for purchase. It also features locally made goods. If it’s not a book, then the goal is to offer communitysourced merchandise, such as candles, ceramics and soaps.

In addition, the business holds book clubs for all styles of readers. Choices include: Erin’s “AP English for Adults” book club, the Wednesday book club, Joshua’s “The Future is Female” sci-fi book club, the award-winning books club, the “Fellowship of Fantasy” book club, the Tuesday book club and the nonfiction book club.

For the Sci-Fi book club, the owners created a welcoming space for guests. A large table showcases an unsolved puzzle, inviting club members to give it a try. During the meeting, guests reflected on the setting of the book and the author’s intent.

“Experience this book like you experience the mystery of life,” Mullinax advised.

A welcoming haven for many tastes, the store boasts a coffee setup at the front, a wide array of books in the middle and vintage toys next to a reading area at the back.

Check out the store’s website for event updates: johnscreekbooks.com

HANNAH FRAZER/APPEN MEDIA

Joshua Mullinax’s eye for décor and love of vintage material has the store bursting with vibrant energy.

Wellstar provides expert care for back pain and spine conditions

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The idea of getting spine surgery can make many patients nervous. Lower back pain and spinal complaints remain very common at the doctor’s office.

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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

What is dry mouth?

Dr. Bradley Hepler, Atlanta Center for Dental Health

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a condition characterized by an insufficient production of saliva. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health, aiding in digestion, and keeping the mouth lubricated. The lack of saliva can lead to various complications, making understanding its causes, effects, and treatments essential.

Causes

Dry mouth can arise from a variety of factors, often related to lifestyle, medications, medical conditions, or treatments:

1. Medications: Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause dry mouth as a side effect. Common culprits include antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, diuretics, and medications for hypertension, depression, and anxiety.

2. Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions are associated with dry mouth. These include autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Cancer Treatments: Radiation therapy, especially when directed at the

head and neck, can damage salivary glands, reducing saliva production. Chemotherapy can also alter the consistency and flow of saliva.

4. Nerve Damage: Injuries or surgeries that cause nerve damage to the head or neck can impair the function of salivary glands.

5. Lifestyle Factors: Habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco can affect saliva production. Additionally, dehydration, often due to inadequate fluid intake, excessive alcohol consumption, or prolonged physical activity, can lead to dry mouth.

Effects

The impact of dry mouth extends beyond mere discomfort, leading to several significant oral and systemic health issues:

1. Oral Health Problems: Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, limiting bacterial growth, and washing away food particles. A lack of saliva increases the risk of dental caries (cavities), periodontal disease, and oral infections like candidiasis (thrush).

2. Difficulty in Speaking and Swallowing: Insufficient saliva can make speaking and swallowing challenging, affecting communication and nutrition.

3. Altered Taste Sensations: Dry mouth can cause changes in taste, making food less enjoyable and potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies if eating becomes less appealing.

4. Mouth Sores and Cracking: Persistent dryness can lead to sore, cracked lips and corners of the mouth, and a burning or tingling sensation on the tongue.

5. Digestive Issues: Saliva contains enzymes that begin the process of digestion. Without enough saliva, the breakdown of food can be less efficient, potentially leading to digestive discomfort.

Treatments

Managing dry mouth involves addressing the underlying cause, symptom relief, and preventing complications:

1. Hydration: Increasing fluid intake is fundamental. Sipping water regularly and avoiding dehydrating substances like caffeine and alcohol can help maintain moisture in the mouth.

2. Saliva Stimulants: Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies can stimulate saliva flow. Saliva substitutes and oral rinses specifically designed for dry mouth can also provide relief.

3. Medications: Prescription medications such as pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac) can stimulate saliva production in some cases.

4. Good Oral Hygiene: Regular

brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help prevent dental problems associated with dry mouth. Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring oral health.

5. Humidifiers: Using a humidifier, especially at night, can add moisture to the air and alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

6. Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing or quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can improve saliva production. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can also be beneficial.

In conclusion, dry mouth is a common condition with various causes and significant impacts on oral and overall health. Through a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and diligent oral hygiene practices, individuals can manage dry mouth effectively and mitigate its adverse effects.

“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 the most modern advances in dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover the best options for you, please call us at 770992-2236.

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

The dirty truth about Queen Elizabeth’s dental care

Brought to you by – Roswell Dental Care

• 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

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• Accept and File all Major Insurances

• Implants

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Facial Aesthetic Enhancements

BOTOX and Dermal Fillers

Sugar was first imported to England in the 13th century. Because sugar was such an expensive commodity, many peasants during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign in 16th century England would spend their entire lives without ever tasting sugar.

Queen Elizabeth I was obsessed with all thing’s luxury. This included not only eating a high sugar diet, and by using “Tudor Toothpaste.” This toothpaste was favored by the Queen, and she insisted upon its use whenever she would rarely polish her teeth.

By her fifties, Queen Elizabeth I had black, decayed teeth, as well as several missing teeth. Her Highness was the “it” girl of her time. She was the embodiment of fashion and grace not only in the eyes of upper-class society, but everyone. So, when the Queen’s teeth turned black, the rest of upper-class society made black teeth a symbol of beauty and wealth. The blacker your teeth were, the richer you were. Those who were not wealthy enough to rot their teeth with sugar would find ways to color their teeth black, such as using soot, to be included in this sugar-eating fad.

Thankfully, today we have several innovations, including the toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. These modern tools have allowed sparkly, white, and clean teeth to be considered healthy and beautiful.

Roswell Dental Care was designated ”BEST OF THE BEST” Dental Practice in North Atlanta for 7 years running, and we have been serving patients in this community for over 40 years. As your cosmetic and family dentists, Drs. Hood and Remaley give your comfort and peace of mind top priority. We offer a comprehensive list of general, restorative and cosmetic dental services for your family and will thoroughly explain all your options during your private consultation. We will assure you feel confident in the solution you choose before beginning any treatment. For enhanced comfort during treatment, we offer conscious sedation including FREE nitrous oxide for anxious patients. You can rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding on many levels. We offer a COMPLIMENTARY smile makeover consultation. Give our office a call at (470) 288-1152 to schedule your private smile consultation.

Men have emotion regulation needs, too

From Atlanta to the ‘Hooch Embracing summer in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Brought to you by – Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy

Ah, summer in Atlanta - when the sticky heat and wet air join forces. Luckily, there’s an escape just a short drive away: the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Nestled conveniently close to the city yet far enough to feel like a getaway, this gem stretches 48 miles from Buford Dam to Paces Mill, offering a refreshing array of activities that might just make you forget about the sweltering Georgia heat.

As a male therapist, I’m constantly surprised by my own hesitancy to ask for help. I know the benefits of regulating my emotions and opening up to someone I trust, but I also know the challenges men face when it comes to seeking therapy. Many men have grown up under pressure to suppress emotions and maintain a tough exterior. Be vulnerable? Not today! Unfortunately, this leads many men to suppress valid thoughts and emotions, missing out on greater satisfaction in our work, relationships, and life.

Here are some helpful strategies to regulate emotions:

1. Develop emotional awareness. Recognize tense shoulders, shaky legs, and tiredness as your emotions giving you a heads up. Next, identify your main emotional triggers, like work stress or financial problems, to know why your body is sounding an alarm.

2. Once aware, learn strategies to regulate the emotion. In the work I do with men, we process what the emotional alarms communicate and determine effective responses. Men tell me they feel more empowered and less stress when they can observe the anger or fear start in then body, and then check the facts and choose their response. Responding effectively versus just reacting is both tough and doable.

3. Create healthy coping mechanisms. It’s amazing the benefits I see in my office from straightforward actions like addressing sleep issues, drinking water, eating well, and exercising. In fact, regular exercise has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood in men.

I know it takes courage to seek help, and the benefits of improved mental health and wellbeing are well worth it. Learn more about Summit and schedule an appointment by visiting www.summitcounseling.org.

The Chattahoochee River provides the perfect opportunity to cool off when that heat gets a bit too intense. Water released from Buford Dam averages around 50 degrees, keeping the river in your national park cool year-round. Take a dip to cool off, spend a day fishing, or enjoy paddling along our scenic waterway. For a guided experience, check out our Paddle the Park series in partnership with Nantahala Outdoor Center!

If staying on solid ground is more your style, no worries- there are hiking trails and picnic areas galore. With 68

miles of trail throughout the park, each unit offers something to cater to all levels! Don’t miss our monthly Community Hike where you can enjoy the trails with fellow park enthusiasts.

Ready for summer at CRNRA? Learn more about the park’s activities and consider joining the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy. Membership not only supports the park’s preservation, but also comes with perks that make your visits even more enjoyable. Grab your gear and let the adventure begin - visit chattahoocheeparks.org to learn more.

Brought to you by – Jason Howard, Licensed Professional Counselor at Summit Counseling Center

What will healthcare look like in the future?

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

Once upon a time there was a frog. Someone caught it and decided to eat the frog. So, they got a pot of water and brought it to boil and then dropped the frog into the boiling water. The frog freaked out and jumped right back out of the pot. The guy tried again, then again, and each time the frog jumped back out. Frustrated, the guy mentioned the problem to his wife who laughed at him and told him to empty out the boiling water and put cold water in the pot. Then put the frog into the cold water and turn the gas on the stove back on, she said. The man, because he knew how wise his wife was, followed her directions and, of course, the frog never jumped out of the pot, even when it started to boil, because the water had heated slowly, and the frog never noticed.

I took someone to urgent care this week. We walked in and spoke to the receptionist who informed us we needed to self-check-in at the kiosk on the other side of the room, which we did. Then we waited, and ultimately my friend was able to see a doctor.

The “check in” made me smile. As I waited with my friend, I thought about how this urgent care was going to change. Here is what I saw.

A year or two from now – maybe sooner – I walk into the same urgent care because I am feeling ill. In the waiting area, I don’t see anyone sitting down waiting because there are no chairs. Instead, I notice half a dozen kiosks.

“Odd, I think.”

Then I notice that three of the kiosks actually are occupied because I can see people in them, the bottom part of legs from the knee down. Those kiosks actually have walls that form sort of a box, like those old pay phone booths that were around in the late 20th century.

I step up to one of the open kiosks and touch the screen. “Hold still please” I hear from the screen, “I can’t scan your face if you keep moving,” it says. I freeze.

“Ray,” it then says several seconds later, “what brings you in today?” I explain that I am feeling bad and have headaches all day, have shortness of breath and no energy. The screen, which now displays an avatar of a

well-groomed person – in their late 30s I estimate – in a white physician’s coat complete with a stethoscope looped around her neck. “Your vitals look fine Ray, and I don’t detect an elevated white blood cell count, so it is unlikely that you have an infection.”

Then the avatar asks me if I am still taking the Lipitor that Dr. Jamison (my former primary care physician) prescribed to me last year. I tell her that I am. She then replies that with my family history of heart disease and high cholesterol, that the probability is 74.82 percent that I need bypass surgery. “The problem,” she says, “is that Humana doesn’t pay for that procedure unless the diagnosis is 75 percent,” and that she is sorry, but that I will have to defer treatment until I cross the 75 percent threshold. “Don’t worry though,” she says, “there is a 96.15 percent probability that on or before October 22nd, you will pass the threshold.

“I have contacted your employer and notified them that you will be on sick leave for the next five days. I also reached out to your wife so she will know that you will not be able to drive Jimmy to practice today as you have annotated on your Google calendar.”

Also, she said, “I did notice some spots on your arm – basil cell carcinomas – that urgently need to be removed. I took the liberty to notify Dr. Rajan in the procedures kiosk No. 7 on your right as you exit this kiosk. He is expecting you and has scheduled your procedure at 3:05 – in 12 minutes. Is there anything else I can help you with Ray?”

I tell her no and thank her for her time. As I start to leave, I hear her again, in a slightly softer, less authoritative voice, tell me that the behavioral issues Mary Lisa (my daughter) is having at school – and which are noted in her school record – are normal and that, she will most likely grow out of it – at least an 88.44 percent probability. She is a good girl from what her records indicate, she says, with a warm smile. As I open the door to exit, I hear her voice yet again: “Ray, I noticed that you are parked in a handicapped spot, and your records do not indicate that you have handicap authorization. The patrol is scheduled to pass by in 16 minutes, so if you hurry you can either move your car or exit. That fine is a big one, and I know that you are already two days late paying your Chase Emerald Card so, lets avoid this fine, OK?

I nod my head yes and walk a little faster, relieved that she gave me the heads up.

OPINION

Women took up baseball well before World War II

BOB MEYERS Columnist

In the 1992 blockbuster film “A League of Their Own,” the top grossing baseball movie ever made, an exasperated team manager played by Tom Hanks says to his Rockford Peaches all-women team “there’s no crying in baseball.” Loosely based on a true story, the film takes place during WWII when many professional male players went off to war, and an all-female baseball league was established in the Midwest.

The film shows just how skilled female players are and how they can draw large crowds to games. Sixty-five original members of the league played various parts in the movie.

Attendance peaked at more than 900,000 spectators in 1948. The league closed in 1954.

The inspiration for this column comes from Sheila Rucker Pennebaker who shared with me a treasured photo of The Crabapple Women’s Baseball Team taken in 1934. Baseball has always been important in Crabapple, home of the immortal Nap Rucker who pitched for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the early 1900s. According to Sheila, the Crabapple team played on Sunday afternoons.

In the photo, one girl is wearing high heels since she came directly from church. Sheila says, “Most players used their sons’ or husbands’ equipment, and most were related to each other. They played against other local women’s teams.”

In this era when female college basketball tournament finals can attract audiences as large as the men’s can, and when female tennis stars are household names, it is curious that comparatively few women play baseball professionally or at the high school or college level.

Efforts are being made in many places to provide opportunities for more girls to play baseball. One example is the Georgia Peaches girls baseball program which offer some 60 girls the opportunity to learn and play baseball. Established in 2021, the organization consists of five teams organized by age from 7 to 14 who play competitively from September to July.

According to head coach J.P. Borod, players represent all areas of Georgia with a concentration in North Georgia and Atlanta. A few players come from neighboring states.

“Since they are the only all-girls teams in Georgia, during the school year they play mainly against all-boys teams and they do very well,” says J.P. “Unfortunately, opportunities for girls are few at the high school and college levels, and many switch to softball so they can play regularly.”

Mike and Livy McLoughlin of Alpharetta are proud of their 12-year-old daughter Ellie Grace who plays first base and pitches for the Georgia Peaches. In order to play as much as possible, Ellie Grace also plays with the Georgia Jackets Gold 12U (12 and under), an all-male team that trains at the Auterson Baseball Instruction Facility in Milton. Georgia Peaches is not a recreation baseball team. It is a travel team which competes at a more advanced level. Jeff Auterson, founder of Auterson Baseball, says “we have 375 boys and one outstanding girl playing and improving their skills at our facility.”

Like Ellie Grace, J.P.’s daughter Riley also plays with an all-male team, the TG Diamonbacks that play in Ocee Park in Johns Creek. Riley plays pitcher and catcher on the 12 and under (12U) Georgia Peaches team.

“When the girls get together to play or socialize, something electric happens because they have found members of their own tribe,” J.P. says. “They only play other all girls

Ellie Grace McLoughlin, age 12, plays first base and pitches for the all-girls Georgia Peaches baseball program which gives girls ages 7 to 14 an opportunity to learn and play baseball. The organization consists of five teams based on age. Some of the girls also play with all boys teams to increase the time devoted to the sport.

teams at the national level.”

If anyone knows a girl interested in playing with the Georgia Peaches, visit: georgiapeachesbaseball@gmail.com. The organization wants to grow their program.

Communities are also in the baseball business through their parks departments.

Alpharetta, for example, provides baseball opportunities in Wills Park and Web Bridge Park for some 750 players through their 57 recreation teams from 4–19 years

of age. They also have 13 higher level travel teams. The youngest play T-ball where they get used to handling balls and bats with no scoring. The city advertises its programs as co-ed, and some 25 girls play in the busy spring season throughout all recreation age divisions. The Alpharetta program is operated by the volunteer driven group Alpharetta Youth Baseball Association. Its

“Young players develop a love of baseball, and as they get older they can move to more intensive traveling clubs,” President/Commissioner Daniel Burkett says.

One organization that is working to increase opportunities for girls to play baseball is Baseball for all (BFA} which seeks to “crack the grass ceiling” because “creating opportunities for girls and women to play baseball is a social justice issue.”

An annual Baseball for All (BFA) National Tournament in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, in July draws 500 to 600 girls from all over the U.S. and Canada. Last year, four Georgia Peaches teams went to the national tournaments, 9U, 10U, 12U and 14U. The 10U team won the national tournament, amassing 85 runs, 53 hits and 56 strikeouts while allowing opponents only 9 runs and 9 hits. The 9th annual tournament will take place July 7-11th, 2024, at the beautiful Ripken Experience in Elizabethtown which features 12 diamonds and stadium seating.

Progress for girls in baseball is slow but steady, and many girls do have the drive and skills to excel at the sport.

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

PHOTO COURTESY SHEILA RUCKER PENNEBAKER

The Crabapple Girls Baseball Team in 1934. Baseball has always been very important in Crabapple. From left to right back row: Mossy Hughes , Louise Lacky , Helen Rucker , Nancy Rucker , Velma B. Alberson , Montez Chester , Nona Broadwell Coleman . Front Row: Byrd Broadwell Rucker , Ruth Murdock , Delsie Dorris , Fuzzie Maria Westbrook , Faron Holcombe

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MCLOUGHLIN FAMILY

When Shallowford District was up for grabs

In December of 1927, the DeKalb County Grand Jury weighed the question of whether the Shallowford District, also known as Dunwoody, should remain in DeKalb County or become part of Fulton County.

Residents of the Shallowford District argued that the 5,500 acres in question were surrounded by Fulton County on three sides. In the previous year, Grogan’s District of Milton County, between DeKalb and the Chattahoochee River became part of Fulton County.

R.C. Head of the Shallowford District prepared the petition, arguing that the district did not pay enough taxes to DeKalb County “to meet the necessary expenditures from the county treasury. The opinion of the DeKalb County commissioners is that the expense of keeping up roads in the Shallowford District is a losing proposition.”

Dunwoody in 1927 consisted of a small business area that developed around the depot of the Roswell Railroad. The rest of the community consisted of small farms, and the railroad went under in 1921.

The petition to become part of Fulton County would first go before the DeKalb Grand Jury. If DeKalb approved, the matter would go before the Fulton County Grand Jury. Then Dunwoody could have become part of Fulton County. (Atlanta Constitution, Dec.3,1927, “Shallowford citizens seek entry into Fulton County”)

Just four days later, the Atlanta Constitution announced, “Shallowford’s plea for annexation to Fulton disapproved.” The petition was presented to Judge John B. Hutcheson in DeKalb County Superior Court.

A few years later, the boundary between DeKalb and Fulton counties

along the northern edge of the Shallowford District was under dispute. DeKalb County claimed several hundred acres of land that Fulton County also claimed. (Atlanta Journal, Nov. 13, 1934, “Acreage is given to DeKalb County under 1859 law”)

Secretary of State John B. Wilson declared the Old Martin’s Ferry or Lawrenceville Road as the northern boundary of DeKalb County. Fulton County claimed the Hightower Trail should be the boundary. The Hightower Trail was used by the Muscogee (Creek) and Cherokee people who had lived on and traveled this land.

Residents were not all in agreement of whether they wanted to be in Fulton or DeKalb County. Georgia Gov. Eugene Talmadge selected an impartial arbitrator to decide. That

person was J.A. Reynolds, a civil engineer from Rabun County.

Secretary Wilson held hearings with arguments presented from both sides. Julius McCurdy represented DeKalb County and Ralph Pharr represented Fulton County at the hearings.

The decision was in favor of DeKalb County, and from that point, the Old Martin’s Ferry Road or Lawrenceville Road was the boundary between the two counties. That road later became known as Dunwoody Club Drive.

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

Columnist

FROM THE COLLECTION OF JIM PERKINS

This map illustrating the Fulton-DeKalb disputed county line was prepared by engineer and surveyor of Rabun County, J. A. Reynolds.

Notice of Public Internet Auction

Johns Creek Police Department

The following is a list of property located at the Johns Creek Police Dept. If you believe that you are the owner of this property, please call 678-474-1586 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Proof of ownership and a valid ID will be required to claim any property. A public internet auction of the following items will begin the week of June 20th, 2024. The auction’s website is www.propertyroom.com.

Items:

Blue Abyss Bicycle

Motorola Cellphone

White Diamondback Bicycle

Green/Brown Suitcase

Girls Roadmaster Bicycle

Genesis Bicycle, Bike Lock and keys

Michael Kors Purse

Black Huffy Bicycle, Blue Huffy Bike

Bicycle Car Racks, Ratchet Strap

Charging Cable

Red Head Covering

Beats EarPods

Drying Racks, Tents, Blankets

Thermal Insulation, Grow Lights

Air Scrubbers

LG Cellphone

Red Cellphone

Star Cutout from American Flag

Apple iPhone

Signal Iduna Card

Gray Bag with ammunition

Four Bank Cards

QLink tablet, key, keycard

**PUBLIC NOTICE: Nation Of Neterus Trust**

**Notice of Termination of Financial Support Upon Reaching Age of Majority**

This notice serves to inform all beneficiaries of the Nation Of Neterus Trust, established by MontayDesmond: Humphrey on March 12, 2022, that in accordance with the terms set forth in the trust agreement, financial support provided to beneficiaries will cease upon reaching the age of 18 years.

The termination of support is consistent with the trust’s guiding principles, which encourage personal responsibility and independence in alignment with our foundational religious beliefs. This transition reflects our commitment to fostering maturity and self-sufficiency among beneficiaries as they step into adulthood.

**Effective Termination Date:** Financial support will end on the 18th birthday of each beneficiary. All affected individuals are encouraged to prepare for this transition and are welcome to contact the trust administrators for guidance or further information.

For questions or additional details, please contact:

Montay-Desmond: Humphrey Trustee

djmontay@protonmail.com Nation Of Neterus Trust

We thank our beneficiaries for their understanding and wish them success and growth as they embark on this new life chapter.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK

RFP 24-194

UTILITY LOCATING AND MARKING SERVICES

The City of Johns Creek is requesting proposals from qualified Offerors for the Recreation and Parks Strategic Plan Update Project. Proposals will be received electronically via the City’s bid platform, BidNet, with required hard copies delivered to City Hall no later than 2:00PM on Friday July 12, 2024 . Questions are accepted and answered online only via BidNet. Deadline for questions is June 27, 2024 5:00 PM, electronically through BidNet.

Quotes, bids, and RFP’s are electronically managed through the Georgia Purchasing Group by BidNet , our online bidding/vendor registration system, on the City website: https://www.johnscreekga.gov/Residents/Purchasing . To access the RFP bid packet you must register with BidNet. Go to the City website above and click the link “register and view quote/bid/RFP opportunities”.

The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award

All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the RFP information and instructions.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting Neil Trust at the City of Johns Creek Procurement Division at purchasing@johnscreekga.gov or (678) 512-3233. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to wave technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek.

City of Johns Creek Board of Zoning Appeals, Public Hearing: Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 7:00 P.M.

City of Johns Creek Council Chambers 11360 Lakefield Drive Johns Creek, Georgia 30097

The following variance proposal is scheduled for Public Hearing as stated above:

Case Number: V-24-0005

Property Address: 235 Dunhill Way Drive, Johns Creek, GA 30005

Current Zoning: TR (Townhouse Residential District) Conditional

Petitioner: Joyce Daniel

Variance Request: Encroachment into the 75-foot stream buffer to construct a deck

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Luncheon:

Continued from Page 1

Before taking their seats, guests selected raffle items, like bird houses, pottery and orchids. Proceeds from the event will go toward a new Native American sculpture, intending to represent more than 14,000 years of history of the Johns Creek area.

“It’s really important that everybody who comes to Johns Creek in our area — we want them to know our history because by laying out the history, we can welcome the future together,” Pennington said.

In her presentation, Frasca spoke about best gardening practices, like sticking to native plants and retaining the leaves usually tossed in the garbage for use by caterpillars necessary to feed birds.

“We’re blowing them into garden beds,” Frasca said. “We’re blowing them up underneath that Japanese maple [where] no grass is going to grow … So, stop trying, for the love of God.”

With photos, Hoban described his sustainable, organic methods to his work at Rivermont which promotes wildlife habitats. He has worked with researchers from the University of Georgia about his innovative practices, incorporating a 10-hive apiary, worm farm, compost extract and thermal composting.

“It’s a much more frameable, unique situation that we’re not mowing and watering and fertilizing,” Hoban said, referring to newly introduced broomsedge on the course, a native plant. “So again, it’s just adding to the value.”

Guests mingle at Johns Creek Beautification’s first annual learning luncheon June 6 at Sugo.

I, Montay-Desmond, of the family Humphrey, a living-breathing man, Declare I am alive, and over the age of 18 years old, fully competent to handle my own Trust Estate without the United States. Trustee/Secured Party, Montay-Desmond: Humphrey, is living flesh and blood sojourning upon the soil of the land known as Georgia, and not within Fictional boundaries, territories nor jurisdiction of any fictional entity including fictional Federal geometric plane(s). Trespass by any agent(s) foreign or domestic, by such in any scheme or artifice to defraud. Full reverence by ALL AGENTS and CORPORATIONS is ambiguously demanded and required. Culpa est immiscere se rel ad se non pertienti. All property currently held or outstanding belongs to the Trust administered by Trust/Secured Party, Title 46 USC 31343 and Article 1 and 5 of the International Convention on Maritime Liens and Mortgages 1993, Held at the Palis Des Nations, Geneva, From April 19 to May 5, 1992, United Nations UN. This Maritime Lien is under safe harbor and sinking funds provisions through the prescription of Law necessity with Applicable Law, Cardinal Orders, Ordinal Orders, and Commercial Standards. (Ends Here). This is the collateral by the Secured Party/ Entitlement Holder/ Trust Interest Holder on behalf of the Estates known as MONT AY DESMOND HUMPHREY and SHONTE RENEE MAPP conjoined together in indebtedness to NATION OF NETERUS TRUST. In the Commercial Chamber under necessity to secure the rights, titles, interest, and value therefrom, in and of the root of title from inception, all property known and unknown, as well as property held in trust, including but not limited to DNA, cDNA, cell lines, retina scans, fingerprints and all debenture, Indenture acconnts, and all the pledges represented by the same including but not limited to, pings, hypotheca, bereditameuts, res, all energy and all products derived therefrom NUNCPRO TUNCT, contracts, agreements and signatures and or endorsements, facsimiles, printed typed or photocopied of owner's corporate name predicated on the transmitting utility/ trust/ estate described as debtor and all property is accepted for value and is exempt from levy-lien. This lien placed on debtors entities is for all outstanding property still owed but not yet returned to trust from entities such as municipalities, governments and the like, not on trust entity itself. Trustee is not surety to any account by explicit reservation / indemnification. Both of the transmitting utilities (MONTAY DESMOND HUMPHREY and SHONTE RENEE MAPP) have been gone under contract with the trust known as NATION OF NETERUS TRUST and the following documents are found within: Certificate of Trust, Abstract of Trust, Declaration of Trust (NON-12Mar2022DOT), Durable Power of Attorney (NON-12Mar2022-DPOA) , Revocation of Power of Attorney (NON-12Mar2022-RPOA), Security Agreement (NON-12Mar2022-SA), Indemnity Agreement (NON-12Mar2022-HHIA), Common Law Copyright (NON-12Mar2022-CLCR), Reservation of Rights, Letter of Good Faith and Credit, Charge Schedule, Legal Notice, Public Official Questionnaire, and Promissory Note given to the secured party for indebtedness of MONTAY DESMOND HUMPHREY and SHONTE RENEE MAPP for $300,000,000,000.00. Future proceeds tracking assignment numbers 5992550001 thru 6000000001. Indemnity Bond MDH12041978 for setoff. All property belonging to the Estates are protected under the NATION OF NETERUS TRUST. Live Blrth Claim (110-78-073297) and received by the STATE OF GEORGIA Vital Records Department, the pledge represented by same Including the Bond Issued and sold by the UNITED STATES Department or the Treasury and commerce bought by the Federal Reserve Bank and held In Trust al 55 Water Street New York, NY 10041 by the Depository Trust company (DTC) and traded on the circle 750 Stock Exchange for the Settlement of ALL DEBT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE predicated on the United States and the Vessel described above as the debtor. Including, but not limited to, the BAILEE all cap name MONTAY DESMOND HUMPHREY and Montay Desmond Humphrey, or and any variatlon/derivation thereof.

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