Johns Creek Herald - September 5, 2024 by Appen Media Group

September 5, 2024 | AppenMedia.com

Friends relate caring for kin with dementia in new podcast

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Nancy Treaster struggled to find the information she needed while caring for her husband, who had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia about a decade ago.

Frontotemporal dementia is a cognitive disorder that involves the progressive degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, resulting in symptoms like changes in personality and behavior, loss of speech and language skills as well as physical issues.

Feeling frustrated, the Johns Creek resident turned to her longtime friend Sue Ryan, who had been in the caregiving world herself for 40 years, with an idea to start a blog about the day-to-day challenges of caregiving and how to tackle them.

Ryan, based in Florida, suggested they join forces to start a podcast. And, they did, launching “The Caregiver’s Journey” in August.

“We wanted to be able to have practical tips and candid conversations about the good, the bad, and yes, the ugly, in our caregiving journeys, and help people get really specific, detailed answers … and also be on the positive side, though, too,” Ryan said.

See CAREGIVER, Page 20

SANJANA SHAH/PROVIDED

Johns Creek High School senior Sanjana Shah holds a children’s book she wrote about a girl going through the court system, in front of the Judge Romae T. Powell Youth Justice Center. The book was the result of a service project she led, working with staff from the Fulton County Juvenile Court, Georgia Office of the Child Advocate, Fulton Superior Court and Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates program to develop and create resources for children involved in the juvenile court system.

Student helps children navigate court system

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Flipping through the children’s book she wrote, Sanjana Shah explained a narrative built from interviews she conducted with local judges, child welfare law specialists and court appointed special advocates.

“All these illustrations that you see … it’s inspired by the Fulton County Juvenile Court,” said Shah, a senior at Johns Creek High School.

For the past year, Shah has led a service project to create resources for children forced to navigate the court system. They are housed under her nonprofit A Voice for Youth in Court, aimed at lessening the anxiety of children ages 8 to 15 who must testify.

Shah raised $3,000 for the project, including a workbook she created for child welfare professionals and volunteers to use with foster children. Most of the money went toward a professional illustrator. For the book, the artist used images Shah had taken while in the courtroom.

This

kind of

obstacle that I faced throughout my childhood made me very passionate about also helping other children who are in vulnerable family situations”

SANJANA SHAH Founder, A Voice for Youth in Court

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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.

Business owner reports fraudulent $40,000 check

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek business owner reported to police Aug. 19 that someone had used a fraudulent $40,000 cashier’s check to purchase multiple gold coins from his firm.

The owner told police the suspect provided a driver’s license that turned out to be fake.

Police confirmed that the license was fake after running it through their system, showing that that driver couldn’t be found, according to the incident report.

The owner told police a woman, the suspect’s assistant, had dropped off the cashier’s check to pick up the coins.

According to the report, the woman took the items to another man, who shipped them to California, addressed to two men, one with the same name as the suspect.

Based on their investigation, police said the woman did not appear to be aware that the check was fraudulent.

Man arrested by police following traffic stop

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested a 36-year-old Roswell man Aug. 23, who, while with his 12-year-old son, allegedly threw drugs from the vehicle as officers followed him.

A

Police began tailing the vehicle, a Nissan Rogue, at around 11 p.m. on Old Alabama Road because the registered owner, a female, had a warrant out for criminal trespassing, according to the incident report.

After police activated their emergency lights and the driver turned onto Brumbelow Road, police noticed the driver was a bald male, not the female

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owner wanted on warrants, so they advised dispatch they were canceling the traffic stop.

But then, police noticed the driver threw what appeared to be marijuana out of the vehicle, so they continued their pursuit. Another bag was thrown from the vehicle, later found to be psilocybin mushrooms, according to the report.

When the driver came to a stop in a nearby neighborhood, police drew their weapons and ordered the driver to put his hands out the window and to not move, the report says.

Police placed the suspect into custody and spoke with the passenger, the driver’s 12-year-old son, who said they had just come from a football game and that he would call his mom for a ride home.

Police found that the suspect had an active warrant out of Morgan County Sheriff’s Office for a probation violation and that his driver’s license had been suspended multiple times, most recently for a failure to appear in January.

In a probable cause search, police found 13 pills that later tested positive for MDMA. After transporting the suspect and suspected narcotics to police headquarters, they weighed the marijuana at 23.9 grams and the mushrooms at 28.2 grams.

Police charged the man with two counts of possession of a schedule I controlled substance, possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana, possession of drug-related objects, failure to maintain lane, tampering with evidence, fleeing or attempting to elude, driving while license suspended and obstruction.

Police transported the suspect to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

Sephora reports theft of $700 in merchandise

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Sephora employees reported on Aug. 9 shoplifters had stolen about $700 in beauty products.

Two suspects concealed skincare and conditioner in their shopping bags

Correction: The Aug. 29 edition of the Milton Herald included incorrect information regarding the North Atlanta Football League.

The article, “Milton-based football league dons new helmets this season”,” incorrectly reported that the league is operated out of Milton. However, the NAFL includes players and families from Alpharetta and plays games at the city’s North Park.

Milton Communications Director Greg Botelho said the league is a joint program with Alpharetta and not exclusive to one city.

Also, the article originally stated that Tony Palazzo, president and CEO of Berkeley Capital Partners, founded the North Atlanta Football League. Palazzo is a director on the league’s board, not its founder. Appen Media updated the story online Aug. 27 to display the correct information about the league.

in July, walking out with products, according to an Alpharetta police report.

The stolen items were Clarins Skincare and OUAI products. They range in price from $39-$180.

The store’s loss prevention manager said two suspects concealed the items in their H&M shopping bag while another made a purchase.

They walked out with the stolen items after the purchase.

Man charged with battery after police view videos

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A man was charged with simple battery and cruelty to children after police received videos of him allegedly striking his wife.

Police were called to a home Aug. 7 after a woman reported her husband had hit her on the back of the head, neck and leg, according to an Alpharetta police report.

A security camera system installed in the home had been canceled and was not recording. The woman gave police two recordings allegedly showing her husband hitting her in June and July.

The husband told police his wife had pushed him, and he had pushed her away to create a distance between them.

Both videos showed the husband hitting his wife with a sandal while their children were near, according to the police report.

Police obtained warrants for the man.

Rick Bragg’s Johns Creek session caps off September book events

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

In just its second year, the Johns Creek Literary Fair will pull off a production of Pulitzer proportions Sept. 29 when Rick Bragg headlines the free 36-author event. Bragg, author of 11 nonfiction works, including “All Over but the Shoutin’” and, most recently, “The Speckled Beauty: A Dog and His People, Lost and Found,” will be in conversation with Georgia-based novelist Brian Panowich.

The event also will feature a renowned panel of lawyers-turned-authors – “Legal Eagles with Scribe Vibes” – as well as 20 local writers and 10 children’s authors.

12TH ANNUAL

5K RUN & WALK

Saturday Oct. 5 2019

Rick Bragg, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, will headline the Johns Creek Literary Fair Sept. 29.

All proceeds benefit Murphy- Harpst

Details about the JCLF and other September book happenings

Saturday, Sept. 7, Lo Patrick. Atlanta

Authors presents Patrick detailing her new thriller, “The Night the River Wept,” alongside author Emily Carpenter. Bookmiser will have copies available to purchase. 2 p.m. Free. In person and online. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., 404-612-9700. atlantaauthorsga.com

Saturday, Sept. 7, Mary McMyne signing “A Rose by Any Other Name.” Noon. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-2329331. read-it-again.com

Benefitting:

Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/events.html

Saturday, Sept. 21, Laura Elizabeth signing “All Is Now Lost.” 1 p.m. Free. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com

Thursday, Sept. 26, Veena Rao reflects on “Purple Lotus.” 7 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com

Murphy-Harpst provides hope and healing to severely abused and neglected children and youth through residential treatment, foster care, and creative therapeutic approaches. Over 1/3 of their annual support comes from United Methodist Churches! Please give generously today and be a part of a nearly 100-year legacy of serving Georgia’s most vulnerable children.

www.murphyharpst.org

Tuesday, Sept. 10, Bookfair for Grownups. Read It Again Bookstore will partner with Gate City Brewing for a boozy book fair. 6 p.m. Free. Gate City Brewing, 43 Magnolia St., Roswell. 678-404-0961. gatecitybrewingcompany.com

Registration

• www.active.com

Friday, Sept. 13, Poe & Company event benefitting Jesse’s House. Support the local nonprofit providing emergency shelter for adolescent girls during a Sip & Sign Atlanta Authors Night featuring George Weinstein, Kim Conrey, Emily Carpenter, Kimberly Brock and others. 5 p.m. Stoney J’s Winery, 1506 Stoney Point Road, Cumming. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com

Friday, Saturday and Monday, Sept. 27, 28, and 30, Friends of the Roswell Library Book Sale. See website for hours. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 404612-9700. forl.net

Location

12TH ANNUAL

SATURDAY NOV. 2 2024

RUN

RUN & WALK

WALK

All proceeds benefit Murphy- Harpst

All proceeds benefit Murphy-Harpst

All proceeds benefit Murphy- Harpst

Saturday, Sept. 28, Cindy Rasicot on “This Fresh Existence: Heart Teachings from Bhikkhuni Dhammananda” and living a more powerful, compassionate life. Noon. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com

• Search “Midway Mission Possible 12”

• At the MUMC church oﬃce

• In person on race day

Transforming the lives of homeless families. Because every child deserves a home.

12

Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004 www.midwayumc.org 770-475-5230

REGISTRATION

Sunday, Sept. 15, “Administrations of Lunacy” author talk with Mab Segrest. 3 p.m. Free. Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming. forsythpl.org/ event/11100456

Saturday, Sept. 28, Johnna Stein recaps her middle-grade novel, “Untangling Hope." 3 p.m. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again. com

• www.active.com — Search “Midway Mission Possible 8”

Fees Register by Oct. 31 Register on Race Day

• Totally Running (Forsyth), 405 Peachtree Pkwy.

www.murphyharpst.org

Registration

5K Run/Walk $30 per person $35 per person

• At the MUMC church office

Tuesday, Sept. 17, Martha D. Peterson, former CIA agent, recounting “The Widow Spy: My CIA Journey from the Jungles of Laos to Prison in Moscow.” 1 p.m. Free. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks. com

SATURDAY

NOV.

TO LEARN MORE: www.familypromise.org www.fpforsyth.org

Event Schedule

7:00 am

2 2024

Please give generously today and bea part of a nearly 100-year legacy of serving Georgia’s most vulnerable children.

Registration and bib pick up 8:30 am

www.murphyharpst.org

5K Run/Walk begins

Saturday, Sept. 28, Lo Patrick, “The Night the River Wept,” with author Chris Negron. 7 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com

• In person on race day LOCATION

• At the MUMC church

• www.active.com Search “Midway Mission Possible 12”

5K Teams of 4+ $25 per person $30 per person

Kid’s Fun Run $20 per person $25 per person (Cash/Check ONLY accepted on race day)

Midway United Methodist Church 5025 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004 www.midwayumc.org 770-475-5230

Schedule

Short-sleeved microﬁber race shirt included in race fee; be sure to register by 10/22/24 to guarantee your shirt!

5K Run/Walk $25 per person $30 per person

5K Teams of 4+ $20 per person $25 per person

Tuesday, Sept. 17, Bob Rothman, K.A. Kirtland. A Novel Idea and Bookmiser serve up two launches: Rothman with “A Terrible Guilt” and Kirtland’s “Bleeding Sea.” 7 p.m. Free. Vintage Pizzeria, 5510

Sunday, Sept. 29, Johns Creek Literary Fair. Pulitzer Prize-winning Rick Bragg, in conversation with Brian Panowich, will headline the 36-author event. Noon. Free. Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park, Johns Creek. johnscreekga.gov/recreation-parks/special-events/literary-fair

Short-sleeved microfiber race shirt included in race fee; be sure to register by 10/22/24 to guarantee your shirt!

FEES Register by 10/3 Register on Race Day

Kid’s Fun Run $15 per person $20 per person (Cash/Check ONLY accepted on race day)

To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail.com by the 15th.

Short-sleeved microfiber race shirt included in race fee — register by 9/25/19 to guarantee your shirt.

Event Schedule

7:00 am – Registration and bib pick

David

, a cycling advocate and ride director for the

Club wearing his Goat Riders suit, joins the Forsyth County-based group, led by Matt Sullivan. Cochran, Sullivan and others are organizing around road safety to minimize the impact cycling has on the community.

Bicycling leaders organize around road safety, charity

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

NORTH METRO ATLANTA — As a group of cyclists ride down Trinity Church Road, a driver in a lifted truck speeds past, waits for them at a stop sign, then floors it to produce black smoke as they near the four-way.

That’s footage captured on Alpharetta resident Dan Stonaker’s bike camera, featured on his YouTube page. And, there’s more like it, showing either driver harassment or negligence toward his cycling group.

In another clip, two cars speed past Stonaker’s group and return to the right lane before almost clipping oncoming

According to data from the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, there were 29 bicycle-related fatalities in 2022 in Georgia — up from the 15 deaths reported the year before.

Footage from the front and rear camera on Stonaker’s bike, capturing tags, was used by local law enforcement last year to prosecute a driver who had run his truck into Stonaker’s cycling

Did you know?

According to state law, bicyclists can ride two abreast, rather than just single file.

Cyclists over the age of 12 must also ride on the road, rather than a sidewalk, unless local ordinance says otherwise.

Want to pass a cyclist when there’s a double yellow line? No worries. You can, but make sure to pass at 10 mph below the posted speed limit, or at 25 mph, whichever is greater. Also, you must allow 3 feet of clearance between your car and the cyclist.

group at a high speed as they were riding along at about 20 to 30 mph.

“What’s the difference between that and pointing a loaded gun?” Stonaker asked.

Police revoked the driver’s license, mandated a defensive driving course, a hefty fine and sent them to jail for 10 days.

DAVID COCHRAN/PROVIDED

Cochran

Olde Blind Dog Cycling

Roswell council pushes two policies at Old Mill Park

Mayor says proposals sprang from analysis by his working panel

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Old Mill Park visitors may be fined $250 if they either bring a cooler to the area or access the water from the city side of Vickery Creek.

The two new policies came before the council at its Aug. 27 Community Development and Transportation Committee meeting, about a week after the city announced that visitors could no longer access the water at Old Mill Park.

The decision to close water access went into effect Aug. 16, aligning with signs posted around the area, cautioning violators they would be prosecuted. On its webpage for the Roswell Mill/Vickery Creek Waterfall, the city says the closure was to ensure safety and park preservation.

Tuesday evening, officials offered more clarification on the abrupt change — the level of trash at the park, parking issues as well as injuries.

Mill Working Group

Mayor Kurt Wilson said the two ordinances had been recommended with unanimous approval in a formal vote by members of a “Mill Working Group.” Wilson said he created the nine-member group around eight weeks ago to address park issues that had been intensifying over the past two years.

The panel, which met for five weeks,

consisted of three council members — one shy of constituting a council quorum, which, by law, would open the meetings to the public. Ccouncil members on the Mill Working Group were David Johnson, Lee Hills and Will Morthland.

The group also included Human Resources Director Linda Warren, Assistant City Attorney Joe Cusack, who presented the item, Deputy Parks Director Taylor Smith and three private citizens, two of whom lived by the park.

Wilson did not identify the citizen members by name.

The proposed provisions fall under Section 14.2.4 of city code, titled “Activities Prohibited in Parks and Public Places.”

Cusack, also the newest member of the Roswell Downtown Development Authority, told the council the intent is to decrease the amount of debris and to prevent visitors from sneaking alcohol to the area.

City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson questioned the need for the proposed ordinances when the underlying issues of litter and alcohol consumption are already addressed in the code. She was the only council member who spoke in opposition.

Cusack said they are tailored to Old Mill Park because it is the only city park where city employees visit multiple times throughout the day to clear litter and debris.

Questions on jurisdiction

The key issue is that the park, a Roswell trademark emblazoned on its logo, is simply overcapacity.

Councilman Johnson said he asked for a traffic study of Mill Street,

which showed around 300 trips on a Wednesday compared to around 2,000 on a Saturday.

“The easiest and quickest solution, at this moment, was to put the park into trail-only access, like we did,” Johnson said. “Not popular. It’s a tough decision. Don’t love restricting park land in our city, but it is being abused.”

Roswell’s jurisdiction is limited. Visitors can still access the water from across Vickery Creek in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Wilson said the details on how to handle a situation when someone parks on the city side and walks over to the National Park side to enter the water must still be hammered out.

“But if somebody legitimately comes from the National Park Service side … goes all the way to the Mill and wants to get in the water … we have no say in that,” he said.

City resources

Beeson suggested the city focus on a parking plan for the area, such as placing arms at the entry to create a cap or prohibit street parking.

But, Cusack said parking is a longer term project. Wilson added that

the city’s parking study, currently in the works, would inform a solution.

While officials emphasized the injuries that occur from slips and falls in the area, Beeson noted that the National Parks side see a greater number of injuries. City Councilwoman Christine Hall confirmed with Cusack that the provisions would serve as protection from liability.

The use of city resources was another talking point.

Councilman Morthland noted that several parks employees are stationed there over the weekend, the only city park with a dedicated team to pick up trash.

Police officers also patrol the area, but Beeson said the ordinance would only make their job more difficult by forcing them to interpret an ill-defined ordinance and prevent them from being able to quickly get to an incident elsewhere in the city.

Mayor Wilson agreed that stationing police at Old Mill Park is a problem, acknowledging that other parks do not have dedicated patrols.

“That’s antithetical to what we’re supposed to be doing,” he said.

The item will be put to a formal vote at a future City Council meeting.

Nonprofit:

Continued from Page 1

There are two iterations of the book. One follows a girl testifying in a dependency case, concerning foster care, and another concerning a criminal case, where a child might be a victim or witness to a crime.

According to data from the state Department of Human Services, close to 10,500 children are in foster care across Georgia.

The service project was of Shah’s own volition, motivated by feelings experienced after she lost her father when she was young — fear and anxiety, thoughts about what could happen if something happened to her mother.

“This kind of obstacle that I faced throughout my childhood made me very passionate about also helping other children who are in vulnerable family situations,” Shah said.

But, Shah also noticed a knowledge gap among children while working for a nonprofit that provided extracurricular opportunities to those in the foster care system.

“As children in the system, it’s probably not something you’re thinking about,” Shah said. “You’re thinking about [how] you want to be reunified or what’s safety to you, but I feel like it was so important for them to know, as well, that there are people on the other side who are trying to do everything in their power to help you.”

Among the court personnel Shah worked with was Margaret Schweizer, staff attorney to Deputy Chief Judge Christopher Yokom with the Fulton County Juvenile Court.

Schweizer, a child welfare law specialist, said she was impressed by Shah’s work, a developmentally appropriate introduction to a system they may interact with.

“The story is easy to understand and relate to; the pages are colorful and comforting,” she said. “I am particularly proud that this resource was written by a child and from the perspective of a child.”

Schweizer said many children who have been alleged to be victims of abuse or neglect may be called on to testify in juvenile or superior court, and that process can be nervewracking for anyone, especially a child.

“There is a local and national effort to make the process of a child testifying to be as trauma-informed as possible, while still respecting the constitutional rights of the accused,” Schweizer said. “Ms. Shah’s project aligns perfectly with that effort.”

Based on her experience, Schweizer said the more preparation a child has for court, the less harmful the experience will be.

“When a child is unprepared or does not have the adequate resources and support before, during, and after testifying, the system will further hurt the children it serves rather than protect them,” Schweizer said.

SANJANA SHAH/PROVIDED Johns Creek High School senior Sanjana Shah, right, stands with Margaret Schweizer, staff attorney to Deputy Chief Judge Christopher Yokom with the Fulton County Juvenile Court. Schweizer was one of several individuals Shah worked with for her service project.

JENNIFER DUNAWAY/PROVIDED Gov. Brian Kemp gathers with various advocacy organizations and families in support of raising awareness of childhood cancer at the state Capitol Aug. 27

Foundation visits Capitol to continue its campaign against childhood cancer

ATLANTA, Ga. — To commemorate September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a Springs Springs nonprofit hosted an event Aug. 27 at the state Capitol, featuring a proclamation by Gov. Brian Kemp.

The Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research raises awareness and funds for childhood cancer research to help scientists find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures.

Cooper Gardner, an 8th grader at Chamblee Middle School diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma in June, offered remarks advocating on behalf of the Rally Foundation and other organizations at the gathering, like Aurora Day Camp, Camp Sunshine, Where

the Blue Skies Are, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Mighty Millie.

Since 2005, when it was founded by CEO Dean Rowe, the Rally Foundation has awarded $29.4 million in grants to more than 500 childhood cancer research projects around the world.

Rowe also spoke at the event, highlighting that the King and Queen buildings in Sandy Springs as well as the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport will be lit up in gold in show of support, as done in previous years.

“Childhood cancer is becoming a national movement, and Georgia is a leader in gaining additional federal funding for better treatments and more cures,” Rowe said.

The Kloster Group Proudly Supports Area Non-Profits

Dress for Success empowers women to obtain safer and better futures

Brought to you by – HOME Real Estate, Kloster Group

The Kloster Group and HOME Real Estate are proud to support Dress for Success, a truly inspirational organization and one that - as women in this real estate industry - we are proud to stand behind.

Dress for Success has a mission to offer long-lasting solutions that enable women to break the cycle of poverty. It is a part of a global movement for change, empowering women to obtain safer and better futures. They provide each

client with professional attire to secure employment, but they are about much more than simply a new outfit. Besides physically equipping the client with apparel and accessories, their programs furnish her with a confidence that she carries forever and the knowledge that she can actively define her life, the direction she takes, and what success means to her.

Susan Bonds-McCulloch is the President and Executive Director overseeing any media questions, corporate partnerships, event sponsorship, and financial contributions along with events. Dress for Success believes that

every woman has the right to realize her full potential and achieve financial independence in a more egalitarian world. Poverty often affects women the most, and its effects on them and their families can be long-lasting. Therefore, addressing women’s needs is central to improving the quality of life for not only that woman but also her family, future generations and her community.

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The organization is an ever-expanding network of affiliates who work together with referral agencies, volunteers and companies across the world to make a big impact in women’s lives. By supporting each other, they can reach a greater number of women and make their vision a reality.

You can follow Dress for Success on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook @ dressforsuccessatlanta to stay up to date on what they are doing and how to get involved!

Dress for Success Atlanta is planning their 2024 fall event and are proud to host their very first #MorethanADress. This will be a fun Sip & Shop event offering multiple opportunities to participate!

1. Donate your very gently used or like new items such as handbag’s, shoes, and accessories to worthy cause, Dress for Success Atlanta

2. Spread the word to your friends and family fashionista’s who may wish to donate

3. Come and shop the event

4. Invite others to shop the #MorethanADress

5. Have a boutique or brand that you love and loves you…please consider asking them for a donation

6. Can’t make the event, please see the attached and scan the QR Code to donate

Grab your best gal pals and come out to support them on October 26th at 42 West, Atlanta, Georgia! They will be curating the best of the best to provide the much-needed services and classes that DFSA offers the women in our community.

Current drop-off locations are as follows:

• Range Boutique – 3872 Roswell Road, Suite A6, Atlanta, GA 30342

• Tootsies – 3167 Peachtree Road, NE Atlanta, 30305

• Moosh – 1037 North Highland Avenue, NE Atlanta, GA

• Dress for Success Atlanta – 6255 Barfield Road, Suite 155, Atlanta, GA 30328

You can also call for limited availability pick-up service.

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Come visit the DutchCrafters Showroom at 160 North Main Street in Alpharetta for one-of-a-kind furniture built just for you.

Important features pro stagers showcase for maximum appeal

Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

Pro stagers understand that making a lasting impression on potential buyers is crucial. Their expertise in highlighting key features can make or break a sale. From crafting an inviting first impression to selecting the color palette, here are a few strategies designed to captivate interest, along with tips on how to showcase them for maximum impact:

1. The first impression.

The importance of first impressions makes curb appeal and the entryway top areas of emphasis for pro stagers. A well-lit front door—spruced with a fresh coat of paint—with flawlessly functioning hardware, smooth-turning keys and spotless steps creates an immediate sense of care and attention. Ensure the entryway invites by focusing on key details: declutter, repaint and add decor, artwork or flowers for a striking focal point.

2. The potential space.

To help buyers see potential instead of obstacles, the pros skillfully create functional zones and demonstrate how different areas can be used for specific purposes. Examples include setting a dining room table for entertaining or arranging a stylish home office. They are also masters of illustrating versatility— how rooms can serve multiple purposes

and lifestyle needs.

3. The flow.

Stagers focus on creating a smooth and intuitive layout. They strategically position furniture to ensure unobstructed pathways, employ cohesive design elements—such as matching color schemes and complementary décor—and balance the proportions of furniture to avoid overcrowding.

4. The light.

Pro stagers never waste natural light. Windows must be clean; furniture must be strategically placed around them and the treatments must allow maximum daylight to flow into the space. They also layer light sources and update fixtures, using high-quality options with appropriate color temperatures that complement the home’s style.

5. The palette.

Finally, the color palette is all about creating a unified scheme that flows seamlessly from room to room. Most often, this is achieved by creating a neutral base for walls and floors, which appeals to a broad range of buyers. Then, they introduce pops of accent color through decor, artwork or accessories to infuse personality and warmth.

These carefully considered techniques can lead to quicker sales and potentially higher offers, making them invaluable tools. If you need assistance renovating your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!

Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/ Copyeditor

Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad

PEXELS

LAKE LANIER

Soleil Belmont Park

A premier 55+ community is now 50% sold out

Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division

Nestled between Milton and Canton, Soleil Belmont Park stands as a beacon of luxury for active adults, offering a premier 55+ living experience. Developed by the acclaimed Patrick Malloy Communities, this award-winning gated community seamlessly blends elegance with an active lifestyle, promising homeowners an unparalleled living experience.

Designed with the active adult in mind, Soleil Belmont Park showcases a range of luxurious features tailored to enhance daily living. The impressive resort style amenities are currently well under way and include a stunning 9,800-square-foot clubhouse which is the hub for social and recreational activities. Here, you can

unwind at the coffee and cocktail bar, stay fit in the state-of-the-art health and fitness center, or indulge in creative pursuits at the arts and crafts studio. The clubhouse also houses a catering kitchen, a club/card room, and a community post office.

The resort-style amenities extend beyond the clubhouse, offering a country club-style pool perfect for relaxation and socializing. For those who enjoy sports, there are tennis and pickleball courts, dog park and a community garden for gardening enthusiasts. Nature lovers will appreciate the scenic walking trails that meander through the community, providing a tranquil escape into nature.

One of the standout features of Soleil Belmont Park is its model home park, which showcases five beautifully designed model homes all situated on maintenance-free homesites. With

several move-in ready homes and additional homes under construction, there are numerous options available for those looking to live in this vibrant neighborhood which is now 50% sold out.

Convenience is a key aspect of life at Soleil Belmont Park. Residents have easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment in nearby Alpharetta, Milton, and Canton. For healthcare needs, Northside Hospital-Cherokee is just a short drive away. The community’s strategic location also ensures a quick trip to downtown Atlanta or the picturesque North Georgia Mountains via major interstates.

Patrick Malloy Communities, established in 1994, brings a wealth of experience and excellence to Soleil Belmont Park. Having developed over 11,000 homesites and sold more than 7,000 homes, Patrick

Malloy Communities has earned numerous accolades, including several Community of the Year awards.

Priced from the $500s to the $800s, Soleil Belmont Park offers an exceptional blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience. New friends, new beginnings, and new memories await in this vibrant community. For more information or to explore available homes, visit www.SoleilBelmontPark. com or call 770.635.4080.

Don’t miss the opportunity to also explore Soleil Summit Chase in Snellville, with homes priced from the $400s to the $700s. Visit www.pmcommunities.com for more information. Patrick Malloy Communities and Soleil is represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division. An equal housing opportunity.

Understanding unclaimed property

Escheatment refers to the legal process by which unclaimed property reverts to the state when the rightful owner cannot be located or fails to claim the property within a specified period of time. The concept of escheatment ensures that abandoned assets do not remain indefinitely with businesses or financial institutions and instead are held by the state for safekeeping until claimed by the rightful owner or their heirs.

Unclaimed Property Laws in the United States regulate the handling of financial assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their rightful owners. These laws require businesses and financial institutions to report and transfer such assets to state governments after a specified period of dormancy, typically ranging from one to five years. States then maintain databases and actively work to reunite owners with their property through outreach efforts. If owners do not claim their property within a certain timeframe, it "escheats" or reverts to the

state, where the funds are used for public benefit. These laws vary slightly by state in terms of dormancy periods, exemptions, and reporting requirements, but they universally aim to protect consumer rights and ensure transparency in financial transactions. Understanding these laws is crucial for both individuals and businesses to manage and reclaim unclaimed assets appropriately. Stay ahead of escheatment! Keep your contact info updated, monitor accounts regularly, and respond promptly to notifications. Don't let your unclaimed assets fall into state hands. The best way to avoid this is to consult with an Expert attorney to prevent the State from inheriting your assets due to your failure to prepare your Will and Trust.

Will using a Trust increase your taxes? Use a Trust + Keep homestead exemption

Brought to you by – Wilson Legal

Are you afraid that you will lose your homestead exemption if you move your home into a trust? Good news! You can have a trust and the homestead exemption too. As long as the owner/ occupier of the property reserves the right to live in the home or is a beneficiary or trustee, then the owner/ occupier of the home can keep their homestead exemption after the home is transferred to the trust.

Forsyth County does a decent job of automatically applying the homestead exemption to property that is transferred into a trust. If you live in counties other than Forsyth County, the best practice is

upgrade my Will to a Trust?

• What do I need to know about Revocable Living Trusts?

How do Irrevocable Trusts work?

How do I remain in control?

• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?

• How can my family avoid probate?

to file a new homestead exemption form with the county tax assessor’s office after the property is transferred to your trust. With asset protection trusts (regardless of your county), you definitely want to refile your homestead exemption form. When do you file for homestead exemption? Your homestead exemption form is due between January 1 and April 1 of the year after the transfer to the trust occurs.

When a trust owns a home, the probate process can be avoided. Skip the hassle of probate by using a trust without paying more in property taxes. If that sounds great to you, call us at 770205-7861 and schedule a meeting with our team.

HOLLY GEERDES

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surfaces into extraordinary showcases of style and resilience.

Trust us to transform your outdoor space into a haven of beauty and resilience, ready to withstand the elements while impressing for years to come.

Give us a call today at 678-215-7284 or visit www.GladiatorConcreteCoating.com.

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OPINION

A boomer’s primetime lineup spanning 64 years

Before television exploded into a galaxy of networks, viewers had some hope of sorting the wheat from the chaff in programming.

Finding those rare needles in today’s ever-expanding haystack requires more time than us boomers can afford.

In deference to my generational compatriots, I’ve compiled a list of seven of the best television shows spanning my prime-time lifetime, from 1960 to present. One show for each day of the week. Maybe younger viewers will discover a long-lost gem.

My list does not include public television programs. By what formula do you calculate the value of Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos” next to “Game of Thrones?”

The roster also devalues “I just want to be entertained” as a major criterion. If all you want is entertainment, go bowling.

There are no comedies, because everyone’s sense of humor differs widely, and so, why argue about what makes you laugh?

I’ve ignored anything written by Aaron Sorkin whose dialog is too perfect, too contrived to be taken with any sense of realism. Great dialog is believable. Manicured dialog is pure pretense.

This leaves three slots to complete a top 10. Maybe readers can help with that.

7. The Prisoner (1967)

A British spy resigns in a rage. He is subsequently drugged and awakens in The Village, a coastal community operated like an HOA on mushrooms. The Village is charming, populated by devout conformists under the thumb of a mysterious, allseeing apparatus. But, it’s no place for a rebel like Patrick McGoohan, the show’s creator and protagonist.

Why did he resign? That’s what the mysterious agency wants to know, and McGoohan’s not talking.

He has no name, but they call him No. 6.

The true enjoyment lies not in McGoohan’s inventive escape attempts but in the psychological subversion he inflicts on his inquisitors.

“I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered,” he declares. “My life is my own.”

The show’s cerebral gymnastics prompted one local PBS station to bring in a psychiatrist to offer commentary following each episode when it re-aired in syndication.

6. Siskel & Ebert (1975-1999)

What the Tennessee Valley Authority did for rural electrification Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert did for film. The rival Chicago newspaper critics did more than review new theater releases, they taught you how to appreciate movies. Each identified elements that make a movie worth seeing, from storyline, to direction, to the depth of its characters. They likewise signaled traits that detract from a

movie.

What a novel idea to place two rivals in the ring to argue, insult (not just movies, but often each other), praise and ultimately elevate film from simple entertainment to an art form. Over its 24 years, it also elevated the hand’s first digit to a prominence it hadn’t seen since ancient Rome.

5. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

Westerns, family sitcoms, buddy cops and scotch-swilling private detectives have always owned primetime TV.

Then, along comes a high school chemistry teacher who blunders into becoming a world-class meth chef. Creator Vince Gilligan provided a frenetic storyline as addictive as the chemist’s product, with twists, dark humor and grisly reminders of what a dirty business the drug trade can be.

I appreciate cleverness, and the show introduced schemes so imaginative, they’ll likely never be matched. It takes work and talent to produce that kind of quality.

4. Star Trek (1966-1969)

Before Captain Kirk, there was Buck Rogers. No contest.

While the scion “Next Generation” was lightyears ahead of the original “Star Trek,” someone had to set the table, establish the canon and introduce the “science” that made it all work. Someone had to lasso a fan base that could force resuscitation of a long-dead series and grow it into a franchise that prospers to this day.

Gene Roddenberry avoided the trappings of many science fiction writers by creating a universe governed by rules: a starship’s speed limit, matter-antimatter power, for example. An 8-year-old could grasp it.

Amid the turbulent ’60s, it was courageous to paint a future where respect for life and culture were paramount and where exploration superseded conquest.

No less important, the dynamic between the impetuous Kirk and his emotionless first officer Spock formed a command team of opposing intellects that melded beautifully. The show is timeless.

3. The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)

It is no accident this anthology series has been embedded into the American lexicon. If you find something strange, it’s “like the Twilight Zone.”

One of the greatest writers in the business, Rod Serling had already made a mark with teleplays like “Patterns” in 1955 and “Requiem for a Heavyweight” a year later.

When CBS gave him the studio keys in 1959, Serling delivered stories probing the depths of humanity that built to a masterful climax of irony, surprise or

greater social consciousness.

A combat veteran, Serling battled censors to cover topics like war, bigotry and injustice within his stories.

In a rebuke to the censors who made his life a misery, Serling’s widow Carol quoted him as saying: “The ultimate obscenity is not caring, not doing something about what you feel, not feeling!”

Nearly every episode reflects this.

2. The Americans (2013-2018)

Hailed for its writing, the series centers on a suburban Washington D.C., couple in the early 1980s, the height of the Cold War. The couple, portrayed by Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, are Soviet moles who entered the country years earlier, have two children and blend into suburbia.

The first 10 minutes of the first episode beats any series opening ever aired on the small screen. It hooks you with deception, intrigue, action and precision editing.

Most commendably, the writers honor the premise of the story. There is irony, but no gags. When you’re living a high-stakes lie, few things are humorous. Life is marbled with holding jobs, raising the kids and performing deadly espionage to gather U.S. intelligence.

Over its six seasons, Emmys poured in, but ratings and chatter never exceeded a simmer. Too bad. This series is strikingly good.

1. The Rockford Files (1974-1980)

Each episode opens with a phone ringing next to a half-finished game of solitaire on the private detective’s desk. The answering machine kicks in. It’s the dry cleaners. They’ve lost his brown jacket.

The phone message changes in every opening, but it’s always the same: a caller offering anything but employment for this struggling gumshoe.

Few actors can upend a genre. James Garner did it — twice!

His starring role in “Maverick” inverted the TV western in 1959 when he played a roguish gambler slightly more cunning than he was cowardly.

He hit his stride in 1974, playing hapless PI Jim Rockford, who, when he wasn’t being stiffed by clients, was getting the hell beaten out of him. This was not your twofisted Phillip Marlowe prowling grimy back alleys. Rockford lived and worked out of a paint-chipped trailer sitting like an empty beer can on a pristine Malibu beach.

Only a charmer like Garner could’ve pulled this off. When he was forced to fight, Rockford usually fought dirty, like emptying a soap dispenser on the floor seconds before he’s confronted in the men’s room by a martial arts henchman.

His heart was as soft as his fists, so he was an easy touch. He had to make a living, but he had to live with himself. So, he cut corners with a scalpel.

Storylines were so innovative and complex they are as fresh today as when they first aired. They hold up because of great writing, and because nobody can outRockford James Garner.

PAT FOX Managing Editor pat@appenmedia.com

MCGOOHAN

KIRK & SPOCK

RHYS & RUSSELL

SISKEL AND EBERT

BRYAN CRANSTON, THE METH CHEF

SERLING

GARNER

Where are the fireflies? Do not let the lights go out

As a child, I can remember the thrill of seeing fireflies light up the evening sky. They were so plentiful that we could collect them in a jar, observe them and enjoy the excitement of watching them, turning their lights on and off. Now, I rarely see one or two fireflies at night.

What makes fireflies unique? Both the males and females have the ability to convert some of the energy they obtain from their food to create a flashing light to attract and signal the opposite sex. This biochemical phenomenon is called bioluminescence. If you have been to the beach or a lake at night, you might have noticed water shimmering with light. There are some creatures that live in freshwater as well as saltwater that possess the same bioluminescent ability.

Why are sightings of fireflies becoming more and more of a rarity?

A combination of habitat loss and destruction and pesticides have created an inability for fireflies and many other insects to reproduce and thrive. During the last few years, several companies are specializing in residential mosquito spray services. Could the chemicals used by these companies kill more than mosquitoes? No one wants to enjoy their patio, deck or pool or outdoor dining space and find that they are sharing the space with mosquitoes! No one wants to find they are covered with itchy, red splotches after enjoying time outside! Using a mosquito spray company seems to be a solution, but there might be unforeseen consequences!

What is in mosquito sprays? Pyrethrins are the most used insecticide found in residential mosquito sprays. In the perfect world, these sprays would kill mosquitoes and all the fireflies, pollinators and beneficial insects would be spared. Unfortunately,

this is not the case! Pyrethrins are broad-based spectrum insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Chrysanthemums have evolved the ability to produce these chemicals to protect themselves from hungry insects. The high concentration of Pyrethrins in mosquito sprays indiscriminately kill most insects!

It is my hope that homeowners understand the consequences of using these products and the effect of reducing the insect population on a wide variety of other native insects, birds, amphibians, and reptiles that depend on insects for survival. If we want to live in a mosquito free environment, there are consequences. You will see fewer fireflies, bees, birds and of course, all the other creatures in our environment that need insects for survival. Let me share some statistics with you. Every night a single bat can eat 4,500 insects and barn swallows can consume an average of 850 insects each day! In the past 50 years, the North American bird population has declined by 30 percent through loss of habitat and diminished sources of food. Additionally, the resident toad that appears each night near my garage door needs to consume numerous insects every day to survive. Please be good stewards of your

environment by reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides, planting natives and providing opportunities for insects to lay eggs in leaf litter. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water and their larva must live in water to develop into adult mosquitoes. To eliminate mosquitoes, identify any sources of standing water in your environment and remove them or add mosquito dunks to fountains and other standing water features. By changing a few ways, you maintain your gardens and landscape, you can help insects thrive, and in turn, you can make a difference that will maintain our food web and enable the survival of our native plants and animals.

Happy gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columists/garden buzz/.

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Carole MacMullan, a Milton resident and master gardener since 2014. Carole describes herself as a born biologist. Since childhood, she loved to explore the out-of-doors and garden with her mother. When she entered college, she selected biology as her major and made teaching high school biology her career for 35 years. Shortly after moving, she became involved with the philanthropic mission of the Assistance League of Atlanta (ALA), completed the Master Gardener program and joined the North Fulton Master Gardeners (NFMG) and the Milton Garden Club. Carole uses her teaching skills to create a variety of presentations on gardening topics for the NFMG Lecture Series and Speakers Bureau. She also volunteers weekly at the ALA thrift store and acts as chair of their Links to Education scholarship program. Her favorite hobbies are gardening, hiking, biking, and reading.

CAROLE MACMULLAN Guest Columnist

METRO ATLANTA BEE KEEPERS/PROVIDED Mosquito Spraying Kills Pollinator

NATHANIEL WALTON/MSU EXTENSION

An adult firefly in the daytime

Cycling:

Continued from Page 4

Stonaker leads the Webb Bridge Cycling Group in Alpharetta. He’s also a board member of the Van Purser Foundation, a nonprofit that aids cyclists in times of need and one of many groups looking to make roads a safer, and friendlier, place.

Domestique Leadership

The foundation is named after the founder of the Webb Bridge group, which formed in 1993, who Stonaker said is a “local cycling legend of sorts.” Purser died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, in September 2019.

It also boasts a years-old program called Domestique Leadership, where around 50 ride leaders from Metro Atlanta come together for a half-day training session on different leadership principles.

The sessions, held every couple of years, have included local politicians, police agencies and the general public.

“If you’re not a cyclist, it’s really hard to understand and be empathetic to what it’s like to be on a bicycle on a road,” Stonaker said.

The intent of the Domestique Leadership program, he said, is to get people to understand.

“That’s one of our efforts, is to do that, and for law enforcement to kind of understand the dynamics of the groups and the fact that we’re not out there trying to cause any trouble,” Stonaker said. “What we’re trying to do is minimize the impact we have on the communities that we ride through as much as possible.”

Stonaker and other area cycling advocates like David Cochran, a ride director for the Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club in Milton, and Matt Sullivan, a ride leader for the Goat Riders in Forsyth County, recalled experiences where police officers either cited their group for legal behavior or held the belief that legal behavior, like riding two abreast, was in error.

“You think about all the laws and everything they need to know and everything they’re dealing with — probably the last thing they’re thinking about are bicycles,” Stonaker said.

Establishing guidelines

Cochran, who was part of Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club’s founding group in 2014, also described a concerted effort among cyclists looking to establish standard behaviors. He emphasized the goal is setting guidelines, rather than rules.

“...What I’d like to impact is the understanding, that we could improve harmony on our roadways,” Cochran said. “Right now, there is quite a bit of aggression.”

DAVID COCHRAN/PROVIDED

David Cochran, ride director for the Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club, stands with cyclist Jim Russell, a person with autism.

Like those involved with the Van Purser Foundation, Cochran and others have interfaced with law enforcement, once or twice a year. Recently, a meeting was held with the Milton Police Department.

“I would call it just a dialog, a back and forth,” Cochran said. “Police officer, how do you perceive us? Us, how do you perceive police officers?”

Across the community, Cochran said not everyone knows all the rules, that interpretations can vary. When it comes to riding single-file versus riding side-byside, he said pairing up is safer, though others have thought otherwise.

“If we ride side-by-side, we’re shortening the distance by half,” Cochran said.

Charity work

Another point cycling advocates have made is their community involvement, their charity work around Metro Atlanta.

Cochran noted St. Patty O’ Pedal, an effort spun out of the Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club. It’s an annual charity ride to “conquer childhood cancer,” benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

“A local family lost their daughter, and so we started this ride, and now it’s become quite a large philanthropic event,” Cochran said.

He also mentioned the Cartersvillebased Beautiful Backroads Century Bike Ride that benefits Hickory Log Personal Care Home for men with special needs.

“We are trying to be very inclusive and diverse and be equitable in a natural, transparent, organic way,” adding that the Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club features some riders on the autism spectrum.

Sullivan, former treasurer of Bike Alpharetta, described another philanthropic effort from the cycling community.

For Bike Alpharetta’s “Bikes for Kids” program, more than 100 volunteers donated bikes “Santa-ready.” Last year, nearly 530 bikes were prepared, and accompanying the bikes were 325 new helmets and another 75 that were donated.

“To me, as a kid, there’s nothing better than getting a bicycle under the tree,” Sullivan said.

Follower of John

Cousin of “Phooey!”

Lickety-split

“Tarzan” extra

Land in l’océan

Caprice

Stage hog

Citrus drink

Semitic deity

Sacks

Manages, with “out”

Hodgepodge

Like some prices

Ringo Starr and others

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE FY 2025 BUDGET ADOPTION

The proposed FY 2025 Budget was presented to the Council during their Monday, July 8th 5:00 p.m. Work Session. A Public Hearing was held during the July 29th, 2024 City Council Meeting. Council will hold a second Public Hearing and consider adopting the FY2025 Budget at their regularly scheduled meeting on September 9th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m . Council Meetings are held in the Council Chambers at Johns Creek City Hall, located at 11360 Lakefield Drive, in Johns Creek, GA 30097. The proposed budget is available on the City website and a copy is available at City Hall for review.

Allison Tarpley City Clerk

Caregiver:

Ryan’s husband died last year after a years-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Just the day before, the pair were conducting research for a four-part series on incontinence. They couldn’t find a detailed instructional video on how to change a Depend on someone who is mobile, like Treaster’s husband. The only videos they found were too high-level.

“We call it the ‘nitty gritty’…” Treaster said. “You can’t find this information. People don’t want to talk about it.”

Treaster recalled the grieving she had to do when her husband was diagnosed and the relief she found in support groups on Facebook, wanting to return that to listeners struggling.

In less than a month, Treaster said the podcast has had more than 700 downloads. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member or friend diagnosed with dementia.

In addition to understanding the diagnosis itself, Treaster said caregiving is also about understanding what to expect, wrapping your head around what’s happening.

“Every little thing that happens for the first year or so … is like a punch

DEBBIE FITZGERALD/PROVIDED

Johns Creek resident Nancy Treaster and her friend Sue Ryan host a podcast titled “The Caregiver’s Journey,” offering tips to dementia caregivers. The podcast launched in August.

in the gut,” she said. “They don’t know their ATM code, they don’t know their birthday, they don’t know your birthday. And, these are not things that happen all at once. They’re just one more thing they don’t know.”

Ryan calls it “drip grief.”

“My husband wasn’t killed by a bus,” Ryan said. “He wasn’t hit by a bus, and

all of a sudden he’s gone. But, every day there was just a little something. And the same thing with everyone I was caring for — something goes away. You don’t know what it’s going to be, and you don’t know when it’s going to be.”

Ryan’s caregiving journey started when she was in her early 20s, with a neighbor who had dementia. Her father

During these turbulent times, we would like

highlight the continued courage and commitment of everyone

enforcement, childcare, food service and

DEATH NOTICES

LaVerne Bates, 95, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 19, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Frank Goodman, 96, of Roswell, passed away on August 21, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Laury Greaves, 62, of Roswell, passed away on August 23, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Brian Kaznova, 79, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 21, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Dustin Keppen, 47, of Roswell, passed away on August 24, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Urve Kroon, 63, of Milton, passed away on August 13, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

SCREENSHOT

Merritt Treaster introduces himself on an episode of “The Caregiver’s Journey,” a podcast hosted by his mother Nancy and her friend Sue Ryan. Merritt, also the podcast’s audio engineer and editor, provides his perspective on the caregiving journey as a child of someone with dementia. His father, Nancy’s husband, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia nine years ago.

also had dementia, and in retrospect, she said she wasn’t fully accepting of his diagnosis and therefore, not fully present.

Since then, Ryan said her perspective shifted to “massive acceptance” and “radical presence,” coming to light when caring for her husband.

“...I was able to make really wise choices in very challenging situations and feel at peace with what it was,” she said. This lesson, and others, like navigating a full-time career while also caregiving, are topics she and Treaster want to offer on the podcast.

The show also features Treaster’s son Merritt, the podcast’s audio engineer and editor, who adds his perspective as a child of someone diagnosed with dementia.

“Nancy and I have a ton of stories of actual experiences we’ve gone through, or where people have shared and … we’ve learned from others, and they’ve been really helpful,” Ryan said. “We want other people to be able to do that, just to learn faster and more easily than we did.” Continued from Page 1

George Metcalfe, 83, of Roswell, passed away on August 20, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Dorothy Popadics, 85, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 21, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jay Wilcox, 76, of Roswell, passed away on August 16, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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Full-time

Landis+Gyr Technology, Inc.

Software Implementation Manager

Remote position

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Newspaper Delivery Route Openings with Appen Media Group

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