Johns Creek turns out for Independence Day celebration
By AMBER PERRY | amber@appenmedia
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Thousands of visitors turned out for Johns Creek’s Independence Day Celebration at Newtown Park July 3. Boogilicious, an Atlanta cover band, provided the sounds from the Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater stage as children and adults danced among the packed crowd. More than a dozen food trucks were also posted up on-site in the adjacent parking lot.
At the nearby turf field, where more families gathered with their lawn chairs and blankets an inflatable obstacle course added to entertainment.
fireworks display, the anticipated finale followed by an applause. See a photo gallery at appenmedia.com.
Above: A family watches the fireworks display at Johns Creek’s Independence Day Celebration at Newtown Park July 3. Thousands turned out for the event, which featured Atlanta cover band Boogilicious and more than a dozen food trucks.
Two brothers qualify for Olympic trials
By HANNAH FRAZER hannah@appenmedia.com
NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Owen McDonald and his younger brother Cooper fulfilled their aspirations of qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in swimming.
It’s not everyday that sibling rivalry occurs at the most elite level of athletic competition, but for the McDonald brothers, it was pure excitement to be living their dream together rather than competing against each other during the trials in Indianapolis.
“It was like a big dream come true,” Cooper said. “I am doing this with my brother, and there is no one else I would rather do it with.”
The Rivers Academy graduates, from Milton, got their start at Dynamo Swim Club in Alpharetta. The company, with two more locations in Chamblee and Oakhurst, is home to many competitive swimmers.
Dynamo was also the starting ground for fellow Rivers Academy graduate Brooks Curry, whose team earned gold in the 2020 Summer Olympics in the 4-by-200-meter relay. Curry, from Dunwoody, is set to compete again this year in the same style.
Owen, 20, qualified in the trials for the 200-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, 200-meter backstroke and 200-meter individual medley.
See BROTHERS, Page 23
PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/ APPEN MEDIA
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New state law cracking down on swatting calls in effect
By KATE VERITY Georgia Recorder
ATLANTA — Georgia Senate Bill 421, one of many pieces of legislation that went into effect July 1, aims to increase punishment for those behind so-called swatting calls in order to deter future harrowing law enforcement false alarms in Georgia.
With new potential to face steeper consequences, Georgia lawmakers intend to counter the increased number of swatting calls seen in recent years.
Swatting is the colloquial name for when a person calls 911 or emergency services and invokes a response from law enforcement – often a SWAT team –by intentionally reporting a fake emergency. High profile people are frequently the target of these incidents. Georgia’s Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has been targeted numerous times at her Rome home throughout her political career.
State Sen. Clint Dixon, a Gwinnett Republican, who sponsored SB 421, has also experienced firsthand how intrusive swatting is and how quickly it can go wrong.
Dixon was one of numerous Georgia lawmakers whose homes were targets of swatting over the December 2023 holidays, with several calls taking place on or around Christmas Day. Marks included Marietta Republican Kay Kirkpatrick,
Man stopped by police charged with possession
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested a 66-year-old Johns Creek man June 24 after they allegedly found crack cocaine in his vehicle during a traffic stop on Old Alabama Road.
Police pulled the suspect over for failing to maintain his lane in his silver Honda SUV. When the suspect exited the vehicle so that police could check his eyes, police saw a glass smoking pipe in the driver’s side door panel, ac -
Stone Mountain Democrat Kim Jackson, Roswell Republican John Albers and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones.
The legislation intended to deter swatting calls sailed through the General Assembly with bipartisan support this year, passing 48-0 in the Senate and 1622 in the House. According to Dixon, the toughest deterrent in the new law is the increased penalty for a first offender. Prior to July 1, the penalty for a first offense swatting call on a dwelling is a misdemeanor.
“If it is to a residence or a government building or a court, it becomes a felony first offense, punishable with prison up to five years,” Dixon said. “Then the second and third offense, those penalties of course are felonies, but then it increases the time in prison and the fine to help deter; hopefully, to keep these swatting instances from happening.”
Perpetrators of swatting typically call emergency services to falsely report a serious incident, such as a domestic dispute turned violent or a bomb threat. The caller gives police the address of their target as the scene of a crisis, attempting to weaponize law enforcement into showing up at the victim’s door with guns drawn.
According to Peter Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, swatting is more than false bomb threats or homicides. It can also include falsely
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.
cording to the incident report.
Police searched the driver and found two glass smoking pipes with narcotics residue in his left pocket. They also found two glass pipes, a torch lighter and 3.4 grams of crack
calling emergency services for situations like suicide prevention or requesting an ambulance – in essence anything that requires first responders to waste time and resources as the result of an intentional effort to mislead.
Dixon recommends that for anyone placed in a swatting situation, the safest way to react is to obey law enforcement completely.
“Open up the door and make yourself visible right away, and invite them inside, and just listen to whatever they tell you to do,” Dixon said. “It can be a very dangerous situation because they’re on high alert as well, not knowing what they’re walking into.”
Both law enforcement and residents are at risk in a situation like this.
“If done right, the homeowner should be understandably startled by the aggressive entrance or by the announcements made outside and the presence of officers surrounding their home either way, but then immediately followed with a sense of security and teamwork, if everything is done correctly, so that they would be able to see the police were only doing what they were supposed to do, which was to try and protect the public,” said Chuck McPhilamy, public information officer at the Marietta Police Department.
See LAW, Page 20
cocaine in the center console of the vehicle, according to the incident report.
The suspect told police the paraphernalia did not belong to him and that it belonged to addicts he was housing in his single-bedroom home, the report says. He told police he was trying to help them.
Police charged the suspect with improper/erratic lane change, possession of drug-related objects and possession of cocaine, then transported him to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.
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Roswell partners with Atlanta group for Juneteenth-themed art exhibit
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Jeannette Barnett, president of African Americans for the Arts, said she creates art to impart history lessons to newer generations who may not know them.
One of her pieces, a portrait of Shirley Chisholm in pen and ink, hangs in the lobby of the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. In 1968, Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress.
“I really try to offer inspiration to people about what has been done and what can be done,” Barnett said. “... I’m really trying to recreate and retell the story so that we don’t forget about these people.”
More information
The community will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite artworks in the “Our Freedom” exhibit until July 15. Paper ballots and pencils are provided on-site.
For the first time, the City of Roswell partnered with African Americans for the Arts, an Atlanta nonprofit, for an exhibit that speaks to the importance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday recognizing the emancipation of the country’s enslaved population.
In the past, the nonprofit has participated in the juried art exhibit for Roswell Roots, a month-long Black History Month celebration held every year.
“This is another layer of art and a way to consume art in the City of Roswell,” Roswell City Councilwoman Lee Hills said, also encouraging the community to view
the “Our Freedom” exhibit before it ends July 31.
African Americans for the Arts was founded in 1998 with a mission to be a proactive voice in the African diasporic community.
“We strive to present our views as African American artists and as persons to our patrons through our creativity and talent,” Barnett said.
The collective consists of 35 painters, sculptors and photographers as well as quilt, doll and jewelry makers who meet monthly at the Hammonds House Museum in Atlanta.
“It’s a very supportive group,” Barnett said.
Barnett joined the organization a decade ago, around the same time she picked up painting, following her retirement from Georgia Tech as a budget analyst. But, from a young age she had an interest and began ordering instructional drawing books.
“I came from a very practical family … it’s just not something you do, but I always had a yearning for it,” Barnett said.
After she retired, Barnett began taking classes at a local senior center and found her love of acrylics.
“The very first time that I put a paintbrush to a canvas, there was something within me that said, ‘Yes, this is it,’” Barnett said.
But, she works within multiple mediums. Like other fine artists, Barnett said she likes to experiment. Another of Barnett’s portraits displayed, a woman in African garb at the forefront of a Juneteenth celebration, was created using oil pastel on fabric.
“As artists, we always have something to say,” Barnett said.
CITY OF ROSWELL/PROVIDED Roswell City Councilman Will Morthland and Roswell City Councilwoman Lee Hills stand with members of the Atlanta nonprofit African Americans for the Arts at the opening reception of its Juneteenth-themed art exhibit “Our Freedom” at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center June 14. AAFTA President Jeannette Barnett held the city’s proclamation recognizing Juneteenth, a federal holiday that recognizes the emancipation of the country’s enslaved African Americans.
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Art from members of the Atlanta nonprofit African Americans for the Arts hangs in the lobby of the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Founded in 1998, the group’s mission is to provide a united, proactive voice for the cultural matters affecting the African American and diasporic African community.
Northern Ridge lists April Eagle Scouts
The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District (cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, John’s Creek, Milton) is proud to announce its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Board of Review April 25, 2024, at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.
Top row-Left to right
Ethan Logan Bradley, of Troop 27, sponsored by the Johns Creek Christian Church, whose project was the design and construction of five rest areas along 5K rubberized trail at Cauley Creek Park. Ethan cleared and area and constructed five benches with back and arm rests for these stations.
Jack Russell Frank III, of Troop 1459, sponsored by St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, whose project was the removal and construction of a new bridge and a boardwalk leading to the new bridge for the trail system located at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church.
Gavin Grubbs, of Troop 143, sponsored by Greenleaf Capital Partners, whose project was the design and construction of a bridge over a creek for Perimeter Church’s Sojourn Adventures.
Logan James Rush, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, whose project was
the design and construction of 25 mirrors with frames and stands for the Cambridge High School Color Guard. He also reconstructed the color guard’s cart.
Bottom row Left to right
Rohit Dandavate, of Troop 2143, sponsored by American Legion Post 251, whose project was the design and construction of four benches for the North American Shirdi Sai Temple of Atlanta.
Shana Suhanthan, of Troop 2000G, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, whose project was the design and construction of a vertical storage unit and two regular shelving units for the Fine Arts Department at Alpharetta High School.
Evan Sambunaris, of Troop 1459, sponsored by St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, whose project was design and construction of a new bridge on the trail system at North Park.
Hammad Junaid Mohammed, Troop 12, sponsored by Muslim American Society Youth Center, whose project was the design and construction of four picnic tables for the Hamzah Islamic Center. Hammad also painted two other sets of picnic tables already at the center.
Northern Ridge lists May Eagle Scouts
The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District (Cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, John’s Creek, Milton) is proud to announce its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Board of Review May 23, 2024, at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.
From left:
Arian Taraporewalla, of Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of four wooden benches and the refurbishment of existing benches located at Cogburn Woods Elementary School nature trail. Arian also measured the trail at the school and placed motivational mile markers on the path.
Danielle Gaines, of Troop 432, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of a “calming space” for Manning Oaks Elementary School by removing two old benches and designing and construction two new benches and a little library. She also held a book drive and collected more than 1,000 books which she donated
to the school.
Marianno Emanuel Smith, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church whose project was the renovation and landscaping at the front entrance of Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. The new Eagle Scout cleared the site, planting new shrubs, restoring the front sign, outlining the front entrance with brigs and then mulching.
Jackson Charles Manes, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of two little libraries and a bench for the Tuxford Subdivision Community Park.
Michael Nathan Boster, of Troop 7153, sponsored by St. Brigid Catholic Church, whose project was the design and construction of three wooden benches for Mary Our Queen Catholic Church.
Joseph Edward Volpe, of Troop 7153, sponsored by St. Brigid Catholic Church, whose project was the design and construction of an elevated Opossum Run, at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center.
Newsroom answers community questions
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — Community engagement is an essential part of Appen Media’s newsroom strategy.
That’s why reporters for the Herald and Crier newspapers seek out all sorts of reader questions. Sometimes those inquiries don’t lead to standalone stories because of time restraints or, more simply, the answers can be short.
Here are a few questions Appen has received and the answers your reporter has dug up.
What role does the Dunwoody city arborist and city managerial offices have in Dunwoody’s tree loss? Who authorizes and pays to remove limbs near power lines?
City Arborist Amy Bledsoe assesses and reviews all tree removals and new plantings on city property, according to an article in the April-June 2024 issue of the city-published Dunwoody Digest.
Bledsoe also answers questions from homeowners and developers, and works with the Public Works and Parks departments to care for the health and maintenance of trees within the city’s parks and public rights-of-way.
The city’s “No Net Loss” tree policy also stipulates a unit-for-unit match for replacing trees that are removed for construction projects throughout city streets, parks, and rights-of-way, the article says.
Have a question? Send it to newsroom@appenmedia.com or go to appenmedia.com/ask.
Boettcher said the quantities and sizes of all trees greater than 6-inch caliper will be documented once the contract is awarded and the right-of-way and construction clearing limits are staked. She said this will likely take place in the fall.
Boettcher said the city’s project documents include a landscape plan with a variety of replacement trees to be planted once construction is completed.
If you see limb removal along major corridors near the power lines, Boettcher said that is likely being done by a contractor, hired by a utility company.
Considering the Roswell Recycling Center is exclusive to Roswell residents, where are Alpharetta residents supposed to recycle? I used to always be able to drop off recyclables there.
Outside of the city’s waste and curbside recycling program, which services single-family homes and townhomes,
Alpharetta’s waste and subside recycling program services single-family homes and townhomes. Through that process residents can recycle cardboard, clean cans and food boxes, as well as mixed paper like mail and newspaper. This program does not accept glass and a few other recyclable products.
For specimen-sized trees, the replacement value is one-and-a-half times the unit value of the tree being removed. The article says care is taken to select new canopy trees that are native to Georgia, provide food and/or shelter for wildlife, and help lower the heat index by providing an adequate amount of shade.
Some trees have been removed for projects currently under construction. Some will come down in the future for other projects.
For the Dunwoody High School Path Phase II project, Dunwoody Communications Director Jennifer Boettcher said one crape myrtle and five small-caliper hardwoods were removed.
Boettcher told Appen Media that since there is limited room in the public right of way to replant there, the city plans to work with Dunwoody High School to replace in kind on school property to be done in the planting season, which is late October to early March.
The Tilly Mill/Mount Vernon Intersection Improvement project, currently in the acquisition phase, may also require tree removal.
Alpharetta residents can recycle glass at the city’s Public Works Department drop-off site, located at 1790 Hembree Road. The facility is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
Residents can take other recyclables to Keep North Fulton Beautiful in Sandy Springs on Morgan Falls Road.
Communications Director James Drinkard previously told Appen Media the city has explored formalizing a partnership with the City of Roswell so Alpharetta residents could use the Roswell Recycling Center but that the effort has proven unsuccessful on multiple occasions due to cost.
Does the new Webb Bridge Dog Park separate big and little dogs?
Yes.
I haven’t gotten a newspaper in the past several weeks. Will it return?
Yes! If you have not received a paper, send an email to the circulation desk at circulation@appenmedia.com with your name and address. Our delivery folks try their best, but with 105,000 copies going out each week it’s a tough task. Let us know if you are having delivery issues and we will take care of it.
Roswell General thrives with community-focused feel
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — People head to Canton Street to shop or socialize because of people and businesses like Bruno and Julie Constanzo and their shop, Roswell General.
Their store is on Woodstock Road, a block from the northern half of the historic district in downtown Roswell.
The atmospheres on Canton Street and at Roswell General are similar. Many of the old homes lining the street are newly renovated and sport local entrepreneurs inside.
Amid miles of shopping malls and office parks in North Fulton County, Canton Street and the surrounding Roswell Historic District offer something unique and familiar — a community.
There’s a reason that thousands of Metro Atlantans flood the district for Alive in Roswell, the monthly street festival every third Thursday from April to October.
Bruno Constanzo said Tim Stevens and his team at From the Earth Brewing off Holcomb Bridge Road set up a bar for the June 20 event.
“It’s more of a chill atmosphere,” Bruno Constanzo said. “It’s not like down on south end of Canton Street where it’s packed.”
For those looking to avoid the sardine can of humans around Heart of Roswell Park during Alive in Roswell, 53 Woodstock Road is the place to be.
While the local brewery served drinks, Roswell native Wade Hudson jammed out on his guitar and the Constanzos fired up their grill for patrons.
The feel is a neighborhood block party, and the Constanzos work to bring that
spirit inside their store.
“We try to bring as many local things in as we can,” Julie Constanzo said.
“Especially rubs and spices, people come in all time and if there good, we’ll try to keep them in.”
For the Constanzos, being local means supporting local.
“We look for three things,” Bruno Constanzo said. “Are they local, is it a small business like us, and sometimes, do they have a cause?”
He pointed to Augusta-based Recteq grills as an example of a product of higher quality and customer service than popular nation-wide brands.
The Constanzos secured anchor vendors like Yeti and Big Green Egg to allow them to focus on other local merchandise.
It’s not the case for every product or brand in the store, but the Roswell couple tries support companies like veteranowned, Louisiana-based General’s Hot
Running a shop
When customers walk in the front door, they’re treated to a sensory overload for anyone devoted to the outdoors.
One shelf contains just about every color of Yeti cups imaginable, with variations of hues, tints and tones for customers to peruse.
Sauce whenever they can.
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Julie and Bruno Constanzo, owners of Roswell General at 35 Woodstock Road, stand behind the front counter at the shop, made of wood from a fallen tree at Barrington Hall. See GENERAL, Page 7
BUSINESSPOSTS
General:
Continued from Page 6
On the other side of the shop, a wall full of grill tools and cookware from Georgiabased Big Green Egg also catches the eye. Items range from green egg-style salt and pepper shakers and bamboo skewers to the ever-popular Big Green Egg Acacia Wood Shelves.
If you’re a North Fulton County resident and looking for a gifts next year, Roswell General makes it easy.
And don’t forget, there is a sizable selection of merchandise geared more toward those who don’t grill, camp or hang out in nature, male or female.
Roswell General sports a wide selection, from things like a local inventor’s Ultimate Cocktail Smoking Kit to scented candles crafted by nearby artisans.
The variety helps avoid household conflict, which may emerge if a spouse returns home with a bag of grilling equipment and nothing for their partner.
Opening during pandemic
Bruno Constanzo came up with a plan for a throwback to countryside general stores, and the purchase of the property went through in January 2020.
When Appen Media first reported on Roswell General in October 2020, the store had been open for just a few months.
Luckily for the owners, the pandemic gave them the time away from their day jobs to complete renovations and repairs, required after the pandemic sent their contractors home.
Bruno Constanzo, former home builder, said it helped that his former clients didn’t want them in their homes because he had the time to focus on the shop.
Today, the Constanzo family runs the store. Bruno says he spends 95 percent of his time at Roswell General or thinking about it.
“In 2020, we were waiting six to 10 weeks for [Big Green] eggs,” Constanzo said. “It has greatly improved with most of the vendors, but we still have some issues every now and then.”
He said Big Green Egg products now
arrive within days, and other household names like Yeti are down to about a week for deliveries.
“I don’t want to say supply chain issues are perfect,” Constanzo said. “But they’re about 90 percent there.”
Julie Constanzo said their former business partners, Ken and Robin Moncrief, decided they wanted to spend more time with their families after retirement.
It’s easy to understand wanting to get out of the retail business and enjoy family time in fall 2021.
Four years after opening its doors, Roswell General is exactly what its owners said it would be,
a place for the community to socialize and interact with something they could buy online.
It’s the kind of accountability that keeps customers coming in.
Upcoming community programs
For motorists and pedestrians on Woodstock Road, the Roswell General logo jumps out.
Whether you’re looking at the building, the street front greenspace or Bruno
Constanzo’s gold cart out front, it’s hard to miss.
The shop will be even more recognizable during its July classes with local restaurant partners, Roswell Baking Company and Keenan’s Pit Bar-B-Que.
Roswell Baking Company’s next class at the shop is July 14 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Roswell General invites students to bring their own drinks and enjoy a grilling masterclass.
The second is an adult-only class July 19 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. centered around three Italian pizza staples.
Keenan’s Pit Bar-B-Que’s All Things Chicken class from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 10 wraps up the scheduled community events.
Individual tickets cost between $50-75. For more information, visit www. roswellgeneral.com/.
Group are closing out its “Listening Tour” at Pontoon Brewing Company in Sandy Springs July 18.
Since January, the tour’s open forums have provided visitors the chance to offer suggestions and feedback on coverage. The newsroom has made rounds in Dunwoody, Roswell, Johns Creek, Forsyth County, Milton and Alpharetta, gaining valuable insight from residents on how to strengthen reporting.
Beginning at 4 p.m. at Pontoon, staff will be on-hand for around an hour or so for one-on-one conversations and a Q&A session. This is your chance to get to know staff, sound off tips or highlight topics that deserve more coverage.
An RSVP is not required but appreciated for this free event. Visit appenmedia.com/join to let us know you are coming.
AAPPEN PRESSCLU
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Roswell General is a block from Canton Street at 35 Woodstock Road. Owners Bruno and Julie Constanzo turned the porch and front yard of the building into a community gathering place.
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Staff reporters with Appen Media
JOHNS CREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
PHOTOS BY AMBER
PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Families gather with their lawn chairs and blankets for Johns Creek’s Independence Day Celebration July 3 at Newtown Park.
Children prepare to race through an inflatable obstacle course July 3.
Visitors to Johns Creek’s Independence Day Celebration July 3 line up for food trucks.
JOHNS CREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Back to school care
Checking in on your child’s health
LEWIS
Brought to you by - Dr. Brandi Lewis, pediatrician at Wellstar
As you prepare for the new school year, give your child a positive start by completing your own homework assignment—checking in on their health. Before heading back to the classroom, prioritize your child’s physical and emotional well-being with a visit to your family’s Wellstar pediatrician. Our compassionate pediatricians share your goal of
keeping children healthy as they grow.
“I believe in treating the whole child. What I mean by that is, of course, their physical health is very important, but I also feel that their emotional health is very important,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Brandi Lewis. “My goal is for all my patients to be resilient, happy and healthy. My role is to work with families to accomplish that goal.”
Preventative check-ups and screenings help children stay ahead of health issues, and our pediatricians will ensure your child is up to date on their vaccines and discuss which immunizations are needed to prevent
disease. Your family’s pediatrician can also help you navigate health requirements at your child’s school. Heading back to school healthy Teach your child healthy habits so they can feel their best throughout the school year.
• Practice good hygiene. Show children how to wash their hands properly and remind them to do it frequently. Do not send your children to school if they are sick.
• Get moving. Children should have about 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity every day. Staying active can be a fun family activity— ride bikes around the block, play tag in the yard or go for a walk in the park.
• Eat healthy . Teach children about good nutrition by encouraging them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limiting sugary drinks.
• Get plenty of sleep. Children aged 3 to 5 should get about 10 to 13 hours of sleep a day. Children 6 to 12 years old should get nine to 12 hours, and teenagers need about 8 to 10 hours.
While the end of summer is often a busy time, planning now will help ensure the whole family has a healthy, successful year.
Find a Wellstar pediatrician near you at wellstar.org/kidcare.
An ongoing healthcare partner means more support at every age.
At Wellstar, you’ll find lifelong primary care partners committed to every aspect of your well-being, at every stage of life.
Your primary care provider knows your complete health history—with ready access to our integrated system of specialists, imaging facilities, labs and hospitals. We’ll help you get the best treatment, right when you need it. From preventative care and screenings to acute and chronic illness management, the expert providers at Wellstar personalize your wellness plan to your unique needs, putting you at the center of your own care. wellstar.org/primarycare
Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist
Insist on the BEST
Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.
He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.
Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 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
“How do you know how deep to go?”
Accepting
One of the most common questions that patients ask before Mohs surgery is how the surgeon knows the depth to cut. Mohs surgery is a method for curing skin cancer that involves removing tissue in layers. But how does the Mohs surgeon know how much to remove each time? The answer to that question has layers of its own.
Mohs surgery is performed on many different locations on the body, so the answer to how deep to cut varies by location. If a cancer is the size of a plum and on someone’s back, then the Mohs surgeon’s first stage will be cut as a relatively thick layer. In contrast, if the skin cancer is on the edge of someone’s eyelid, then the Mohs surgeon will cut a very thin layer of tissue – often only a millimeter thick on each side of the tumor – in order to preserve as much healthy eyelid as possible.
The details on the biopsy report influence the depth of cancer resection. Some basal cell carcinomas are characterized as “superficial type.” These cancers usually grow on the surface like moss on a tree, and deep cutting is often unnecessary. For other tumors, the pathologist may say the “deep margin” is involved. This means that the cancer went to the bottom of the biopsy. The Mohs surgeon cuts deeper on the first layer to ensure a level below the biopsy’s depth.
Sometimes, the surgeon can even feel the likely thickness of a cancer
with (glove-covered) bare hands. Some tumors feel like a thick disk that is growing wide, not deep. Others feel like icebergs with abundant tumor lurking below.
One of the most important factors affecting second and subsequent layers is the amount of cancer seen under the microscope. If a tiny spot of cancer is left, then only a small amount of additional tissue removal may be necessary. In other cases, strands of cancer are diffusely visible under the microscope, and the surgeon knows that a substantial next cut is necessary to make progress.
Sometimes, when patients ask me how I know how deep to cut, I think that what they are asking is not what was discussed above but rather how I know how deep not to cut. How does the doctor know where the critical nerves or arteries are? The answer to that question is all the years of training focused on anatomy and experience gained during residency, fellowship and in practice. Mohs surgeons are expected to learn what layers of tissue are present in different locations and where the “danger zones” of critical nerves or blood vessels are. When a Mohs surgeon anticipates that an important structure is at risk, the Mohs surgeon will generally discuss this with the patient in advance of cutting and give the patient the opportunity to weigh the risks and benefits of proceeding.
We hope that this article was helpful and interesting. But a word of caution: please remember that this discussion of Mohs surgery is not exhaustive. Do not try this at home!
Dr. Brent Taylor
Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta
Straight teeth without braces?
by – Dr. Bradley Hepler, Atlanta Center for Dental Health
Can you really have straight teeth without braces? The short answer to this question is Yes! We all remember when straighter teeth meant braces. You could have straight teeth. You just had to have metal bands, brackets, and wires on your teeth for 18-24 months. We all loved the results; we just didn’t like the process we had to go through.
Technology has come a long way over the last few years. The Atlanta Center for Dental Health offers Invisalign to all their patients. Invisalign is a revolutionary new way to straighten your teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for your teeth and gradually move them into a straighter, better position, and better bite to improve your appearance, comfort with chewing, the longevity of the teeth, and overall health.
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is almost invisible, so you don’t have to worry about your smile being altered by metal brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are a comfortable way to move the teeth and improve your appearance, bite, and health. Additionally, Invisalign is much more
comfortable to wear than metal braces and can be removed when eating and brushing your teeth.
Having straight teeth is more than just a cosmetic consideration, it’s also important for your oral health. When your teeth are misaligned, it can cause overcrowding, which can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Invisalign can help correct your bite and alignment issues, reducing your risk for these oral health problems.
Invisalign can also help improve your appearance. Straighter teeth can make you look and feel more attractive. When
teeth are straight and properly aligned, it can make your smile look brighter and healthier. It can also help with speech and chewing problems that can be caused by crooked teeth. Invisalign is more convenient than traditional braces. You don’t have to worry about frequent trips to the dentist for adjustments, and you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your braces. Invisalign is typically much faster than traditional braces, so you can enjoy your new, straighter smile in a matter of months instead of years. Overall, Invisalign is an excellent way to straighten your teeth and improve your oral health. It’s comfortable,
convenient, and nearly invisible, so you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile without the discomfort and hassle of traditional braces. If you’re considering straightening your teeth, Invisalign is worth considering. Nearly everyone is a candidate for Invisalign. You are invited to call or stop by for more information or a complimentary consultation and smile outcome simulation.
Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health are dedicated to your health and longevity. We provide all the modern advances that contemporary aesthetic dentistry offers. You will realize immediate results with noninvasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile. 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 he provides each patient with the perfect solution for 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.
Brought to you
PEXELS
OralID: Revolutionizing Early Oral Cancer Detection
Brought to you by - Roswell Dental Care, Dr. Destinee Hood
As oral healthcare professionals, one of our primary objectives is to provide our patients with the highest level of care possible. To achieve this, we are constantly keeping up with the latest advancements in technology and treatment options. In recent years, a groundbreaking tool known as OralID has emerged, redefining how we detect and diagnose oral cancer. In this article, we will explore the significance of OralID and its role in the early detection of potentially life-threatening oral diseases.
issues in their earliest stages without requiring additional appointments or invasive procedures.
4. Peace of mind: Regular oral cancer screenings using OralID can provide patients with peace of mind, knowing that their oral health is being thoroughly monitored. Early detection allows for timely intervention, reducing anxiety and potential complications down the road.
• 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
Enhancements
Fillers
Why Early Detection Matters: Oral cancer affects millions of people worldwide, and unfortunately, the survival rates for late-stage diagnosis are disheartening. However, research has shown that early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery. To combat this issue, the dental community has been actively seeking innovative solutions, and OralID has paved the way for a brighter future in oral cancer detection. What is OralID? OralID is a state-of-the-art oral screening device that utilizes fluorescence technology to identify abnormal cells in the mouth. It involves the use of a handheld device that emits a harmless blue light into the oral cavity. The healthy tissues absorb the light while abnormal tissues or potential lesions appear dark. This quick and painless procedure allows us, as dentists, to detect lesions that may be otherwise undetectable by the naked eye.
The Benefits of OralID:
1. Non-invasive: Unlike traditional screening methods, such as biopsies, OralID is a non-invasive technique that does not require taking any tissue samples. This means minimal discomfort for patients during the screening process.
2. Early detection: By using OralID, we can identify potential abnormalities at their earliest stages, providing patients with a higher chance of successful treatment and positive outcomes. Early intervention can save lives.
3. Time-efficient: OralID allows us to perform screenings quickly and efficiently during routine dental check-ups. This means there’s now a higher likelihood of detecting
How to Prepare for an OralID Screening: Preparing for an OralID screening is simple and straightforward. You should avoid consuming any foods or drinks that may stain your teeth, such as coffee or colored beverages, as these can affect the clarity of the screening results. Additionally, it is essential for patients to maintain good oral hygiene practices by brushing their teeth thoroughly before the appointment.
As your dental healthcare providers, Drs. Hood and Remaley remain committed to staying at the forefront of oral health advancements, and OralID is yet another remarkable tool we are proud to utilize. By utilizing this cutting-edge technology, we can save lives, ensure successful treatment outcomes, and ultimately promote a healthier and happier community. 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. Remember, prevention and early detection are key. Call to schedule your regular dental check-up today and experience the confidence that comes with being proactive about your oral health. Please call us at 770-998-6736 for more information.
David Remaley
Destinee Hood
Photo of what is seen under white light and blue light filter.
A Long-Term Care Report reduces fear and anxiety
Brought to you by Wilson Legal
Michelle, I have not felt this relieved in years. Wilson Legal really is where planning meets peace of mind. Many people have no idea how their health, finances, family support (or lack thereof), insurances and state or federal benefits will fit together to effectively and efficiently provide for their care as they age until they are IN it. When older folks have a fall and face rehab after surgery, children are scrambling to figure out what the best next move will be for them and how they will afford care and how long finances will last. Parents (especially the mothers) spend years worrying about what will happen and often are too afraid to hear the answer or talk to their spouse about it – not wanting to suggest that they hire a lawyer. For people between the ages of 55 and 70, this report can help reduce fear and anxiety and restore peace of mind.
What if an investment of time and a bit of savings could save a person years of worry? A person could smile
more, spend more time making great memories with those they love and feel an inner calm understanding that they don’t have to fear what will happen because they invested in a long-term care report from an eldercare attorney. The attorney showed them how their family could support them, the state or federal programs available to them, the costs to expect and how they could pay for those services and the experts they would need on their team to help navigate the process. While some of the facts may be difficult to hear, it’s nice to know what to expect. It’s nice because a person feels empowered to choose what they will do. Imagine living – knowing that you have a plan and a team in place and you’ll land on your feet even if life pulls the rug out from under you. What a wonderful place to be. I’d love to invite you to join a growing group of people who have made the same choice for themselves. Call Wilson Legal at 770-205-7861 and schedule a discovery call to see if you are a candidate for our Long-Term Care Report.
People, pints, and parks
Volunteering at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
At Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC), we celebrate the power of community and the hard work and passion of our park's volunteers. Thanks to these dedicated individuals, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) thrives, preserving our city's greenspace. Whether you're skilled in identifying native plants or just really good at wielding a trash picker, there's a volunteer role with your name on it! Volunteering at CRNRA is not just about preserving nature, but it’s also about building connections and fostering a community that cares deeply for our environment. From trail maintenance and river cleanups to educational programs and special events, our volunteer teams do it all with smiles on their faces and mud on their boots. Who needs a gym membership when you can hike, lift fallen branches, and dodge the occasional squirrel in support of your local national park? Speaking of having good times while doing good deeds, mark your calen -
dars for Pints for the Park on July 22nd! Held at Gate City Brewing Company in Roswell from 6:009:00 PM, join us for an evening of connection, community, and fantastic brews. For every drink purchased, $1 will be donated to the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC). This is a wonderful opportunity to relax, enjoy a good time with friends, and contribute to a worthy cause. We hope to see you there! Want to learn more about Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy and all we do to support our park? Visit chattahoocheeparks.org. See you in the park!
TOM WILSON
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
Sober curious summer
to you by
Summer is officially upon us. The temperature is rising, kids are out of school, and we are spending more time outdoors. Whether it’s poolside snacks, barbeques, or picnics, people love any excuse to get together with friends for food and fun. Often at these events there is an expectation to indulge in the alcoholic beverages being offered. However, more and more people are choosing to live a sober lifestyle. In 2018 the term “Sober Curious” gained popularity after the publishing of the book Sober Curious written by Ruby Warrington. This movement aims to challenge social norms around alcohol and encourage mindful consumption. For those in recovery from an Alcohol Use Disorder or being sober-curious and taking a step back from alcohol,
these fun get togethers can be hard to navigate. Here are some practical tips to have a sober summer.
1. Bring your own preferred beverage and keep it in your hands
2. Try a mocktail
3. Bring a friend for support who is also not drinking alcohol
4. Plan to leave the event before heavy alcohol consumption begins
5. Plan your own event that does not include alcohol
No one has to miss out on fun summer activities because alcohol will be involved. There are many reasons why someone chooses not to drink alcohol. We can respect someone’s decision not to drink alcohol by accepting their decline of an alcoholic beverage and offering an alternative. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your decision.
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Appen Media buys Decaturish.com, staff to stay on
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Appen Media Group, publishers of the Herald and Crier newspapers, announced July 1 it has purchased the digital news company Decaturish from longtime owner and founder Dan Whisenhunt.
The Alpharetta-based company will keep on Whisenhunt and assistant editor Zoe Seiler to continue their coverage of DeKalb County along with the Decaturish core of freelance writers and photographers. Debbie Inglis will stay in her advertising and marketing role with the company.
“We couldn’t be more excited to add the Decaturish brand to our media company. We have always admired what Dan has been able to achieve and his dogmatic approach to local journalism,” Publisher Hans Appen said. “The synergies and shared values between our two companies made this an easy decision and we can’t wait to build upon what is already a success story for local news.”
In its purchase of Decaturish, Appen aims to expand its online presence and expand its geographic reach to the east Metro suburbs. Before the acquisition, its newsroom covered a mostly northern cohort of cities, from Sandy Springs and Dunwoody up to south Forsyth
County.
Appen also plans to build on the Decaturish brand by introducing new print media formats. The company intends to introduce at least two new local newspapers to the DeKalb County market, continuing its focus on government, business, public safety and community reporting.
“Decaturish is a beloved brand that is relied on by members of the community for news that most directly effects their quality of life,” Appen said. “Nothing that people love about Decaturish will change. AMG’s focus will be to expand and improve on what works already, and to give the Decaturish team the tools they need to make that happen.”
The move is the latest in Appen’s efforts to reinforce the local news environment in Metro Atlanta. The company purchased the Dunwoody Crier in 2019 and launched the Sandy Springs Crier in 2021. To help finance the movement, Appen created the Appen Press Club, a member-driven program where readers can pledge financial support to the work of local news. Decaturish brings with it a similar format, with loyal followers who recognize the importance of independent reporting in their community.
AMERICAN LEGION POST 201
PAST TENSE
Fording the Chattahoochee and marching through Providence, 1864
On July 7, 1874, Union Gen. Kenner Garrard wrote to Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, “The only good ford I can hear of is at this point (Roswell).
The Island Ford, three miles above, is good for footmen, but no roads lead to it or from it, and on the other side it is thick woods and very hilly and two miles over to the Atlanta road.”
The Confederates held McAfee’s Bridge. Remains of this bridge are visible today from Holcombe Bridge Road at the river. (“Charged with Treason,” Michael D. Hitt)
In the early morning hours of July 9, 1864, the 4th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry was on the move. A group from the 2nd Brigade was sent to McAfee’s Bridge. The 1st and 3rd Brigades of the 4th Ohio left their horses in town and marched to the river at 3 a.m. The 17th Indiana and 98th Illinois of the 3rd Brigade were the first to approach the river. The 72nd and 123rd Illinois went about 200 yards to the left.
Captain Thomson of the 72nd Indiana was to lead his troops across the Chattahoochee River. He said, “You don’t mean to say we are expected to wade that river?” He added that he had never seen anything so perilous before. It was foggy with no visible moon.
One company each from the 17th Indiana and the 72nd Indiana were placed on the north side of the river as sharpshooters to distract the enemy and protect the Union soldiers crossing the river.
The Union artillery opened fire on the Confederate position, and at the same time the command of “forward” was given. According to Sgt. Maj. of the 72nd Indiana, on that command “without a moment’s hesitancy the men plunge into the water up to the armpits. Not a faltering one, not a laggard! But with a cheer they rushed into the water and charged for the other shore. General Garrard now rides to the water’s edge and cheers
The 16th Army Corps crossed the Chattahoochee River at the
Sayller of the 2nd Iowa Infantry. It later appeared in Frank
them on shouting, ‘Bully boys! Bully boys! Whiskey in the morning!’”
The Confederates on the south bank began to fire at the wading Union troops, but the Union soldiers were able to fire back, armed with Spencer repeating rifles, keeping only their heads above the water. Once they reached the south bank, they advanced up the hill and took prisoners.
Union General Dodge supervised the construction of a 700-foot pontoon bridge made from round poles and logs on July 11. The bridge was completed July 13.
Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson, commander of the U.S. Army of the Tennessee arrived in Roswell on July 14, 1864. With the bridge complete, the Union troops were ready to move south toward Decatur and Atlanta.
July 17, 1864, was the day McPherson led 20,000 soldiers along what would become Roswell Road, Roberts Drive and Chamblee Dun -
to pay for any damages or harm that resulted from the swatting attempt. Now with SB 421, paying the cost of damage done will be a legal requirement.
woody Road. The men followed the railroad bed of what become the Roswell Railroad following the war. The town now known as Dunwoody was called Providence at that time, named for a church that sat close to the intersection of today’s Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Dunwoody Village Parkway.
At the fork, Major-General Dodge’s 16th A.C. of the Army of the Tennessee moved toward Nancy’s Creek and Old Cross Keys. General Logan’s 15th A.C., followed by Major General Blair’s 17th continued southeast on Shallow Ford Road to Nancy’s Creek where they camped. Garrard’s cavalry was posted east of the 15th Corps.
The goal of McPherson’s march to Decatur was to seize and destroy the Georgia Railroad between Decatur and the Stone Mountain depot.
A story passed down through the generations told of Confederate cannons placed on what is now Dunwoody Nature
it more difficult to discern the source of a swatting call.
PROVIDED
Center land, well below the street level of Chamblee Dunwoody Road. However, Civil War historians agree that it would not have been possible to fire at the passing Union troops from that location. The Civil War story for Dunwoody is the story of thousands of Union soldiers marching through a town of 170 people. There was no military action. There are two Georgia Historical Markers in Dunwoody to commemorate the event. One at Spalding and Roberts Drive at the fire station titled “McPherson’s March to Decatur July 17, 1864” and one at the triangle of Nandina Lane and Chamblee Dunwoody Road titled, “McPherson’s Divergent Line of March, July 17, 1864.”
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.
try. So it’s become more prevalent and more difficult at times to actually find out exactly where the call came from.”
The new law also includes a restitution clause. Prior to July 1, the court had the option to require a perpetrator
With technology ever evolving, would-be swatters are finding it easier to commit these crimes. As a prosecutor, Skandalakis has seen technology make
“You can have spoof phone numbers; you can do it through the internet,” Skandalakis said. “There’s so many different ways to do it, and sometimes it’s difficult to trace simply because you might be swatted from a different coun-
This story comes to Appen Media through a reporting partnership with Georgia Recorder, a nonprofit newsroom that covers statewide issues. Continued from Page 2
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF
Columnist
Shallow Ford, July 10, 1864. The drawing us by George D.
Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper.
OPINION
Dreaded phone call spelled freedom
The phone call I dreaded couldn’t have come soon enough. Wait! What! That makes no sense.
Bottom line is that I didn’t fit into my company’s bottom line. And you know what? As I write this on a holiday I don’t understand, I keep wanting to go outside and holler: “Free at last! Free at last! Great God Almighty I’m free at last!”
My now ex-boss on the line made small talk about his wife’s trip to a local nephrologist (I kid you not!) before saying we had business to attend to, as he slinked away and was mute for the rest of the conversation.
I was told by the Human Resources guy that I wasn’t being terminated. My position was being eliminated, less than a week before my 69th birthday. After 15 years at the company, like a contestant on a TV game show, I was receiving some lovely parting gifts.
THE INK PENN
I couldn’t help but cue up Bob Seger’s “The Famous Final Scene:” … “Like a guest who stayed too long, it’s finally time to leave.” I guess after 43 years of being in the pharmaceutical sales arena, it truly is time to turn the door handle and walk quietly away with dignity.
Nah! I can’t do that without writing a few things that have been bugging me about my former industry. I don’t have many bones to pick with drug companies and the suits who run them, but here’s a few:
- Brand-name prescription drugs are priced ridiculously high. Getting a product to market is expensive because of a dysfunctional approval process.
- There are way too many drug reps spending way too much money to feed office and hospital staffs, who impede access to the doctor if the food is sub-par. (I’m being serious: Lousy food can mean no sales message.)
- At many drug companies, it’s not uncommon to have employees wonder: “Now what is it that he does here?” Chances are pretty good that the mystery man is pulling
down a hefty salary, bonus and other perks.
- Why are prescription drugs, the same ones available here, priced at a fraction of the cost in foreign countries?
And before you think these sentiments are bitterness as I walk away, please know that I never understood why it seems that prices were always heftily increased at least once a year for the same product. I stayed mostly silent about this because the pharmaceutical industry enabled me to be well taken care of financially. I can truthfully say I told my reps, when selling a product: “Always put the needs of the patient first.” To me, that was a sure-fire way that allowed my sales teams to hold their heads high. I consider myself lucky to have interacted with so many fine people from so many different companies. Business relationships morphed into friendships that have withstood relocations and a variety of changes. I am blessed to have friends that I have shared ups-and-downs with, shared laughter and tears.
I had mentors that guided me, coached me, taught me to do the right thing. Some
Crime-Solving sleuths in England
KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist
It’s no secret that I adore mysteries set in the U.K. Make it a cozy mystery with a strong female lead, and I’m set. If an author wants to hook me for life, setting it during World War I, between the wars, or in the midst of World War II will do the trick. This week’s books fit the bill.
“Murder by Invitation Only” by Colleen Cambridge
The third book in the “Phyllida Bright Mystery” series is every bit as good as its predecessors, and I’m eagerly awaiting the fourth due out in October. Set between the World Wars in a country house in England, it is both charming and intriguing.
Phyllida is Agatha Christie’s housekeeper, and in the earlier books, we learn that she and Agatha have a past. What it is exactly is leaked to us as the series goes on. I’m sure that keeping Phyllida’s back story vague is part of what keeps readers coming back for more. But that’s not all. Every book is peppered with witty dialogue and multiple allusions to Agatha Christie’s books and plots.
In this outing, Agatha, and her husband Max Mallowan receive an invitation to a murder party but are in London. Intrigued, Agatha sends Phyllida. Of course, there is a murder at the murder party.
Once again, Phyllida emulates her favorite detective, Poirot, as she ferrets out the clues that will reveal the murderer. If you haven’t met Phyllida Bright yet, I highly recommend you do so soon.
What does one of my other favorite authors have to say about her? “Phyllida Bright, housekeeper to Agatha Christie, has the crime-solving skills to rival her employer’s famous detectives . . . Utterly delightful.”
“Locked in Pursuit” by Ashley Weaver
The quote about Phyllida Bright comes from this author of the “Electra McDonnell” series, another of my favorites. This mystery, set in England during World War II, has another strong female protagonist, but Ellie is no housekeeper. She’s a safecracker, roped into working for Major Ramsey to thwart the Nazis at every turn. Of course, both she and the major are good looking and single, but their backgrounds couldn’t be more different. He’s a nobleman. She’s carrying on the family tradition of thievery. In this fourth installment, they discover an odd rash of burglaries in London, and soon figure out that the crimes have their origin in Lisbon. Spies are in search of something more important than jewels. Solving the crime is the main plot, of course, but the subplots are what keep me coming back. There’s the chemistry between Ellie and the Major, something they fight hard not to give into it. There’s Felix, the family friend who’s clearly in love with her. There’s her quest to find out more
have passed on and I plan on paying written homage to them when the dust has settled from making a job adjustment.
I feel the need to say most of the people I worked for were super.
Others weren’t.
Now it’s a blessing that I am free at last.
Mike Tasos has lived in Forsyth County for more than 30 years. He’s an American by birth and considers himself a Southerner by the grace of God. He can be reached at miketasos55@gmail.com.
about her mother and father. In each book, these storylines evolve and intertwine. Unfortunately for me, this fourth book came out in May, which means I’ll have to wait until 2025 for my next fix. I’m hearing that Carly Simon song, “Anticipation,” as I think about waiting a whole year. Happy reading!
Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her cozy mysteries on Amazon or locally at The Enchanted Forest, Bookmiser, Tall Tales, and Johns Creek Books. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/KathyManosPennAuthor/.
MIKE TASOS Columnist
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Senior Automation Test Engineer (Alpharetta, GA): Coords w/ tech & biz resources to identify & resolve cmplx issues or sys defects discovered during the tstng & dsgn contingency plans as needed. Identifies & recommends dsgn processes aimed at increased efficiency, perfrmnc & reliability (automation, load & perfrmnc). Demonstrates a strg working knowl of automated tstng tools used to create test dsgns & execute test plans. Maintains & administers procdrs, methodology and/or app standards to incl payment card ind & security rltd compliance according to how they are applied in tstng activities. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Assoc Director, HR Risk & Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus GA 31901. #DS536161
Landis + Gyr Technology, Inc.
Senior Product Manager
Alpharetta GA
Responsibilities: Manage life cycle of company’s assigned products including complex engineering tools & energy management networks for electrical, water, & gas utility industry. Lead product lifecycle activities, including gathering customer engineering requirements, authoring Product Requirement Documents (PRDs), prioritizing sustainment activities, & managing Investment Plan (IPL) & New Product Introduction (NPI) processes for assigned products.
Salary range: $135,000 – $146,260/year
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Comp Sci, EE or related field & 2 years in job offered or 2 years product management/utility energy management systems. Experience must include 1 year working in utility domain with each of following: IT architectures; Internet of Things (IoT) concepts; existing & emerging networking technologies; Oracle or SQL Server databases; & wireless technologies. Experience may be gained concurrently. Send resume & cover letter to: Landis+Gyr c/o Lisa Hudson, Talent Acquisition, 30000 Mill Creek Ave, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022 or via email to: lisa.hudson@landisgyr.com
Sawnee EMC is seeking a Cyber Security and Compliance Specialist to monitor and ensure security and integrity of the network(s), computers systems, install/maintain security software, and establish baseline configurations. Requires: Bachelor’s degree Cyber Security, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Information Systems. Must have a minimum of three (3) years of overall security experience and three (3) years of direct experience in technical information security. Proficiency in Next-Gen firewalls, SIEM, vulnerability management, web, and email security, WAF, NAC, EDR/XDR, IPS/IDS, DLP, MFA, SSO, SAML, OAuth, FIDO, security frameworks, NIST, CIS, PCI, DNS, DHCP, VPN, TCP/IP, Ethernet, ITSM systems, Active Directory, Azure AD (Entra ID), Group Policy, PowerShell, SQL, KQL.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, July 12, 2024. Apply online: www.sawnee.coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.
Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 4pm
Software Engineer Consultant (Alpharetta, GA): Demonstrates subject matter expertise (SME) to dvlp cmplx code using both front and/or back-end prgmng langs within mltpl pltfrms as needed in collaboration w/ biz & tech teams for internal & external client s/w solutions. Dsgns, creates, delivers, & advises others on cmplx prgm specs for code dvlpmt & spprt on mltpl projects/issues w/ a wide understanding of the application/database to better align interactions & techs. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Associate Director, HR Risk and Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus GA 31901. #EC468736
North Fulton Community Charities, a non-profit in Roswell, Georgia, is seeking a Part Time Donor Operations Associate I.
This entry level hourly position is available now, averages 28 hours per week, and requires the ability to lift up to 75 pounds and work outside during the day.
NFCC have been serving individuals and families in the North Fulton area for 40+ years. Our Mission “To Ease Hardship and Foster Financial Stability in our Community”. We provide opportunities for the whole community to thrive. NFCC is committed to provide professional development and pathways for advancement to all members of the NFCC team.
To view the complete job descriptions, please visit our website at https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/ If you wish to apply, please send your resume to mjallad@nfcchelp.org .
EEO Statement: NFCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NFCC does not discriminate based on race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disabilities, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis protected by the law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
Team Trials in swimming June 15
in the trials.
Brothers:
Continued from Page 1
Owen won his 200-meter freestyle preliminary heat but did not qualify to advance to the semi-finals which consist of the top 16.
Owen came close to making the Olympic team in the 200-meter individual medley. He advanced to the semi-finals, where he placed in the top eight, securing a spot in the final for a chance to make the Olympic team.
But, Owen finished fifth overall, just three spots shy of making the team.
Two years ago, he made “Athlete of the Week,” presented by Montlick Injury Attorney. On WSB-TV, Owen described the difficulty of achieving his Olympic dream.
“There’s always someone a step in front of you, and every time I overcome someone, there is someone else,” Owen said. “My mentality is if I keep improving … I will eventually be at the top.”
Owen will be transferring to Indiana University for the upcoming school year. During his sophomore year at Arizona State University, he was the team’s third-highest point scorer.
His 17-year-old brother Cooper will also be attending Indiana University as a freshman. Cooper qualified in the 200-meter freestyle and the 400-meter freestyle.
The McDonald brothers faced each other in the 200-meter freestyle, embracing different mindsets when taking the block June 15 at the trials.
Cooper’s was pressure-free. Before diving into the water, he said he paused to absorb the atmosphere.
“I gave a smile,” Cooper said. “I am so grateful that I am here.”
His older brother Owen said he adopted a goal-oriented approach and maintained tunnel vision as he took to the diving block. The last seconds before he hit the pool consisted of selftalk, he said.
“I have done the training to do this,” Owen told himself.
HALEY MCDONALD/PROVIDED Owen McDonald stands next to his younger brother Cooper McDonald at the U.S. Olympic
