Johns Creek Herald - November 9, 2023

N ov e m b e r 9 , 2 0 2 3 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 7 , N o . 4 5

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ELECTIONS PRESS See results and coverage on appenmedia. com/municipal_ elections appenmedia.com/join

Fulton County drops resolution to pull Cheeley from CID board

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

Johns Creek celebrates annual Diwali Festival

By ADAM DARBY newsroom@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — In collaboration with Macy’s Technology, the Johns Creek Arts Center held its second annual Diwali Festival Nov. 4 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Medlock Bridge Road at the fields across the street from the Atlanta Athletic Club.

Thousands attended the

outdoor celebration enjoying traditional foods, unique vendor items, children’s activities, and cultural dance and music performances in honor of the Indian holiday.

The “festival of lights” ended with a drone light show by Sky Elements Drones at 7:15 p.m.

“I find that it’s very important for us to identify

Company names best businesses in area ► PAGE 8

See DIWALI, Page 4

PHOTOS BY ADAM DARBY/APPEN MEDIA

At top and above: Singers and dancers perform choreographed dance routines accompanied by traditional Indian music in honor of Diwali Nov. 4.

Atlanta mayor to lead regional commission ► PAGE 19

OPINION

Bargain store a dream for penny pinchers ► PAGE 26

METRO ATLANTA — The Fulton County Board of Commissioners dropped its plans to remove Bob Cheeley as its appointee on the True North 400 board after legal staff determined the resolution had no grounds.

At a Board of Commissioners meeting Nov. 1, County Attorney Y. Soo Jo said the resolution was removed because of a legal misunderstanding.

“This was a resolution brought forward by Commissioner Barrett based on my initial legal advice that only one Fulton County seat was warranted on the CID under current conditions,” Jo said. “Upon realizing there was a mistake in the analysis, I reached out to Commissioner Barrett to obtain her permission to remove the item, and that is why it is being removed.”

At the meeting, Commissioner Bridget Thorne read a letter written

by True North 400 Executive Director and state Sen. Brandon Beach criticizing the resolution.

In the letter, Beach said the effort to target Cheeley was “misguided,” and the CID board should have the chance to address

See CHEELEY, Page 22

2 | November 9, 2023 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

PUBLIC SAFETY

Roswell man suffers gunshot wound outside family’s apartment

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

770-442-3278 AppenMedia.com 319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 HANS APPEN Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus CONTACT NEWS TIPS Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

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ROSWELL, Ga. — A 28-year-old Roswell man was shot at Aspen Pointe Apartment Homes Oct. 30 around 10 p.m. after confronting two unidentified males who were allegedly attempting to break into his father’s 2023 Chevrolet Suburban.

The victim, Sahr Gbonia, told police he looked out the upstairs window of the residence and noticed two males wearing black and navy-blue hoodies.

Gbonia said when he went outside to say something to them, the two suspects began shooting at him.

The victim later told police one bullet hit the vehicle’s tire.

When a Roswell officer arrived on scene, he located Gbonia in the family’s living room with a gunshot wound to his left pectoral muscle.

Officers said the though-and-through gunshot wound was sealed on the front and back by a sergeant who arrived on scene.

After Gbonia was checked several times for additional injuries, officers determined he only suffered a single gunshot wound.

The victim was then transported to North Fulton Hospital by American Medical Response.

While at the hospital, Gbonia told police he did not see the faces of the

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.

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Man scammed of $12,450 by fake bank employee JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man reported to police Oct. 23 that someone claiming to be with Chase bank scammed him out of $12,450.

The man told police he received a text message from the suspect, who said someone had attempted to use his card at an Office Depot. The man said the suspect told him he needed to change his pin number and that he would send him a link to enter the new pin, according to the police report.

The man did as instructed, the police report stated, and later realized $12,450 had been transferred from his savings account into his business account.

After attempting to reverse the transfer, the man told police he noticed the money was missing. The man said he disabled his savings account, but Chase failed to paralyze his business account.

He told police he saw that a wire

unidentified males or the make and model of the firearm.

Gbonia said all he remembered was seeing the muzzle flash and hearing three gunshots.

Police also spoke to the victim’s parents, Bakary Fofana and Mariana Sesay.

Both Fofana and Sesay said they did not hear or see any suspects.

While Sesay was able to provide police with Ring footage showing the aftermath of the shooting, the footage did not capture the moment Gbonia was shot.

Roswell Police taped off the crime scene and conducted a sweep of the apartment.

After determining the residence was clear, officers from Roswell, Alpharetta and Johns Creek began to search the area for the two suspects.

Roswell E911 notified officers on scene that a woman had heard people running behind her apartment in Building 1349.

The Johns Creek K-9 unit arrived on scene and began to track behind one of the adjacent apartment buildings to the victim’s residence.

Roswell officers said the Johns Creek K-9 unit’s search was terminated at Building 1345.

A Roswell K-9 officer then deployed his dog to begin a new track at Building 1347.

Roswell’s K-9 Ivar led officers along a tree line behind the apartment buildings. transfer was sent to a Wells Fargo account in the name of a Texas man.

The man’s money had not been returned, the police report said.

Business owner alerted to $19 million request JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man told police Oct. 23 he was notified of an attempt to take out a $19 million loan by parties who had been interested in purchasing his company.

The man told police he was approached by potential investors earlier this year, but that the deal fell through due to the buyers unable to secure funding.

In early October, the man said he was notified by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office that there had been a change in his company’s registration, according to the police report, and that he had been removed as the registered agent and replaced by one of the parties who had been interested in purchasing his business. He said another party, who also had interest in buying his business, was listed as the secretary.

The man told police he had been contacted by a loan aggregator about subjects attempting to take out a $19 million loan based on the sale value of his company.

OPINION

I learned of shooting through open records ► PAGE 24 Police said the behavior of the K-9 indicated the suspects may have gone onto Holcomb Ferry Way. As the track continued, K-9 Ivar picked up an odor in a rear parking lot on High Creek Trace and followed it to a field, surrounded by a wooded area and a creek.

The Roswell K-9 officer terminated the track after a forward-looking infrared camera showed nobody hiding in the tree line.

Tim Lupo, public information officer for the Roswell Police Department, provided Appen Media with an update on the shooting Oct. 31.

“Our officers were working an investigation into a shooting where a 28-year-old male suffered a non-lifethreatening gunshot wound to the shoulder,” Officer Lupo said. “Our detectives are still working to learn details of the circumstances leading up to the shooting.”

The man voiced a concern to police about future attempts by the suspects to take out a loan against his company.

Woman charged with fleeing from police in investigation JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested a Johns Creek woman Oct. 25 after she allegedly fled from an attempted traffic stop.

Police had received a Flock alert for the suspect’s vehicle for suspended registration and saw the vehicle travelling on State Bridge Road. When police attempted to stop the suspect, the suspect continued to drive until she entered her garage on Wyeth Way. The suspect attempted to close her garage door, the incident report said, but police exited their patrol vehicle and stopped the garage door from closing.

Police told the suspect she was part of a traffic investigation, the report said.

As police tried to detain the suspect due to her “unusual, noncompliant and elusive behavior,” she resisted.

Police charged the suspect with suspended registration as well as obstruction and transported her to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

Police also report finding drug paraphernalia in the suspect’s vehicle, which was entered into evidence.

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023 | 3

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NEWS

4 | November 9, 2023 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

12PM – 5PM 9945 JONES BRIDGE RD

LIVE MUSIC!

Cibo & Vino is hosting, with Jones Bridge Promenade, a festival to showcase area artisans and crafters.

We’ll have several vendors, music and free sample food and wine. Get a start on holiday gifts. Come shop for your home, friends, family and yourself!

PHOTOS BY ADAM DARBY/APPEN MEDIA

Local and retail vendors provide unique items for purchase including clothing and jewelry representative of Hindi culture and Diwali’s Indian origins at the Johns Creek Diwali Festival Nov. 4 on Medlock Bridge Road.

Diwali: Continued from Page 1 and celebrate all the different ethnicities that our city represents, and what a way to bring it all together,” said Stephanie Donaldson, executive director for the Johns Creek Arts Center. “Look at the thousands and thousands of people that are drawn here today. Next year, we’re hoping it will be even larger.”

Since the height of the global pandemic in 2020, the Arts Center has held an annual event in honor of Diwali. Last year, it transitioned from a small drive-up event in the Arts Center parking lot to a full-blown outdoor gathering. Arts Center officials say they hope to continue recognizing diverse cultural celebrations with large citywide events.

“Johns Creek is a melting pot of many different cultures, and we love to celebrate that,” said Arts Center Communications Manager Kristen Lewkowitz.

Diwali serves as the Hindu “festival

of lights” with variations celebrated in other Indian religions. The holiday symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.”

Celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar months, the festivities are held during September and November with celebrations typically lasting five or six days. According to Donaldson and Lewkowitz, the feedback for this event has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Families have been super excited to be a part of this celebration,” Donaldson said. “It fills my heart with happiness. I love meeting new people and learning new cultures and new songs, dances, and enjoying the different foods.”

With the success of the Diwali Festival, it is safe to assume that the city will plan future events honoring the “cultural diversity of the Johns Creek community.”

To learn more about the Johns Creek Arts Center, visit www. johnscreekarts.org or call 770-6238448. For more information on upcoming city events, visit www. johnscreekga.gov.

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023 | 5

Join us for our 11th Annual

CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOW

Blessed Trinity High School Main & Aux Gym 11320 Woodstock Road • Roswell, GA 30075

Saturday, Nov. 11th • 9am – 5pm Sunday, Nov. 12th • 10am – 3pm Over 110 vendors with a large variety of unique and beautiful gift items – Jewelry, Wreaths, Pottery, Fine Art, Holiday and Home Décor, Accessories, Knits, Children’s Items, Huge Bake Sale and much more!

• Tons of parking • All booths are indoors • Enter our Titan Tidings Raffle to win prizes

• Concessions will be available • No Strollers Please • $5 Admission

6 | November 9, 2023 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

NEWS

Johns Creek names interim city manager

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Assistant City Manager Kimberly Greer will take on a new role as interim city manager Dec. 1, following City Manager Ed GREER Densmore’s retirement.

The Johns Creek City Council unanimously approved the mayor’s nomination for Greer at its special-called meeting Nov. 1.

Bradberry said the city is fortunate to have someone with as much experience as Greer, noting that she had previously filled the role of interim finance director and interim community development director. Since becoming assistant city manager in 2014, Greer has worked with every department.

“Whether it's different special projects or whatnot, or just keeping various aspects of the city running smoothly, Kimberly has been very dedicated and certainly professional,” Bradberry said.

In an interview, Bradberry said Greer will continue Densmore’s effort of pushing the council’s strategic priorities and maintaining the high standard the city has come to expect.

He said the city will soon discuss the approach for finding a permanent city manager, but that it might take some time. Bradberry said Densmore was the interim city manager for nine months before his position was made a permanent one.

“I'm honored that the mayor would think to nominate me for this position,” Greer said in an interview. “It builds on my 15 years of experience in the city manager’s office. I think I am ready to take this step.”

Before joining Johns Creek city staff, Greer served as an assistant to the city manager for the City of Dunwoody for five years.

She voiced her confidence in city staff to continue to provide a seamless service for the community as well as her appreciation for Densmore.

“I am appreciative of everything Ed has done in the last several years to help prepare me and set the city on this path,” Greer said.

Shelter seeks to place 6 dogs after adoptions day falls flat FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Animal Shelter is seeking homes for six dogs after an Oct. 29 adoption day at the Creekstone Estates Fall Festival yielded no takers.

The plea comes after the Animal Shelter has struggled with capacity problems this year. In July, shelter staff reported its adoption rate has decreased 10 percent from last year, with only 312 adoptions since January.

The shelter also waived all adoption fees over the summer to encourage residents to adopt animals.

Humane Society Humane Policy Volunteer Leader Susan Bova organized the Creekstone Estates adoption effort to help the dogs Scotia, Flint, Raven, Smiley, Chicken Nugget and Xander get adopted before the holidays.

“As always, I know our shelter has been really full this year and can use the help,” Bova said. “I have to say, these six dogs are gems.”

Bova said the dogs are crate trained, well behaved and great with small children.

She said there was interest in adopting the animals, but no one completed an application.

“Upside is, the dogs had a wonderful day out of the shelter for a field trip and got lots of love, treats, walks and fresh air,” she

SUSAN BOVA/PROVIDED

Smiley is a 6-month-old border collie available for adoption at the Forsyth County Animal Shelter. Adoptions are $85 and include exams, vaccinations, microchipping and spaying or neutering. said.

Braelyn Cohen, a 13-year-old Creekstone Estates resident, brought dog toys, supplies, food and treats to the event.

Cohen is donating items to local shelters and rescues for her mitzvah project.

Those interested in adopting Scotia, Flint, Raven, Smiley, Chicken Nugget or Xander or learning more about the process can visit forsythco.com/DepartmentsOffices/Animal-Shelter/Adoptions.

— Shelby Israel

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023 | 7

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

at The Mansions!

Brush up on your fun facts and join us for cocktails, pub-style appetizers, and Extreme Trivia complete with prizes!

Thursday, November 16th, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm.

RSVP to Diane or Jonda at (470) 288-1792.

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SPECIAL BUSINESS STORY 8 | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023

Appen Media hosts annual Best of North Atlanta Awards Gala

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com CUMMING, Ga. — Hundreds of awardwinners filled the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College Oct. 26 for their turn to walk down the red carpet and receive their honors at Appen Media Group’s 2023 Best of North Atlanta Awards Gala.

The black-tie gala celebrates the honorees of the Best of North Atlanta contest, chosen by the public.

The North Atlanta community has a month to nominate businesses for each category — Food & Beverage, Retail, Recreation, Medical, Services and People & Community.

Following the nomination period, the North Atlanta community has a onemonth window to vote.

The top two vote-getters in each category receive a certificate, window cling and bragging rights in their community.

With more than 500 guests, the event featured live music from Grammynominated composer John Burke, dinner and dessert from A&S Culinary Concepts and Nothing Bundt Cakes and refreshments from Cork & Glass and Six Bridges Brewing.

Each year, the contest becomes a little more significant and competitive.

The contest received 107,000 votes from residents of Alpharetta, Forsyth County, Johns Creek, Milton and Roswell, which surpasses the record set last year.

Last year, the Best of North Atlanta gala returned after a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Appen Media Publisher Hans Appen said he thinks the post-pandemic rust has worn off the North Atlanta community.

“The one thing I keep hearing over

Award-winners and guests at the 2023 Best of North Atlanta Gala enjoy A&S Culinary Concepts’ catering Oct. 26 at the Forsyth Conference Center.

From left, Mike Dorman, Carl Appen and Steve Neese present the “Best of North Atlanta” awards Oct. 26 for each category — Food & Beverage, Shopping & Commerce, Recreation, Medical, Services and People & Community.

and over again is that we’re focused forward,” Appen said. “We’re looking at growth, we’re hiring new people, and we’re growing our products.”

Before the awards show, gala attendees and award-winners shared their story and gratitude for recognition.

First-time winner Neryk Zavulunov won first runner-up the past two years for Best Barber Shop in North Atlanta.

Zavulunov opened Jack and Sons Barber Shop’s Roswell location in 2010.

He now has two more locations in Johns Creek and Cumming.

provided hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dessert at the gala.

The owner and chef of A&S Culinary Concepts, Andrew Traub, said he enjoyed the opportunity to win two awards at an event he and his company catered.

Traub said the gala is a great forum for corporate networking and catching up on community news.

For the past three years, A&S Culinary Concepts has taken home the top prize for Best Catering.

“We know our food’s good,” Traub said.

PHOTOS BY HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

“I started the shop, but I named it after my pops,” Zavulunov said. “He still works with me at all the locations.”

If old school vibes, top tier services and vintage barber chairs interest you, Jack and Sons Barber Shop is the place to go.

“You can have the best haircut, if you stop by and check us out,” Zavulunov said.

Jack and Sons Barber Shop was one of many family-owned businesses celebrated at the gala.

A&S Culinary Concepts, winner of Best Catering and Best Corporate Activity,

NEWBUSINESSSPOTLIGHTS

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023 | 9

Spotlights Appen Media aims to help promote members of the business community. Publishing New Business Spotlights is a way to help pursue that goal and inform readers about the new services opening nearby.

is a big focus. The concept allows small business owners to rent space that can grow as their business grows.

Opened: August 26, 2023 Phone: (678) 940-1506 Address: 606 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30076 Website: http://westsidemarket.com

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Name: Westside Market Roswell Owner: Frank Bell, Store Manager Description: Westside Market has opened its third location in Atlanta.

It includes space for 350 vendors and features home decor including clothing, furniture, jewelry, gifts, art, and rugs. Supporting small businesses

Name: Aleman Vein Center Founder: Chad Aleman, MD Description: Aleman Vein Center is a medical practice that specializes in the treatment of vein disease. Dr. Aleman is board-certified and has over 15 years experience in the Atlanta area treating varicose veins, spider veins, and venous insufficiency. All evaluation and treatment is done in our office.

Opened: June 2023 Phone: (404) 777-1728 Address: 1455 Lincoln Pkwy. E, Suite 315, Atlanta, GA 30346 Website: https://www.alemanvein.com

APPE

Submit your opening for free at appenmedia.com/newbusiness.

appenmedia.com/join

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Sponsored Section 10 | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

Congratulations to Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta for their 6th straight win for Best Dermatologist of North Atlanta!

Brought to you by - Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta In years past, I have sat down with Dr. Taylor to learn a bit more about him as a dermatologist and a Mohs surgeon. This year, with his office finishing construction, we gathered to discuss the changes Premier Dermatology has undergone and the gratitude he has for his patients.

Alyssa: Hey Dr. Taylor. Wow there’s a lot going on here. It looks the same but different. I heard you had a flood? What happened and what has happened since?

Dr. Taylor: Yes, we did! Well, it was Christmas Eve at 6:30pm. My family (including myself) were all in Christmas pajamas. I was picking up our traditional to go Chinese food when my wife called and said that the police had called to inform her that the motion sensors were going off in the practice. My wife and I jumped into the car, still in our Christmas pajamas and headed to the practice with police on the way. When we entered the parking lot, water was rushing out from the front doors of the bottom floor of our building. Two firemen met us at the front door and said “It’s bad.” As it turns out, all of the prepping for the cold snap that we did in our floor of the building did not prevent the sprinkler line from rupturing in the attic. The flood was extensive.

Roughly 75% of our practice was damaged, leaving us to rip out and rebuild! It’s been a long, slow process, partially because so many houses and buildings experienced floods that there was a wait list for insurance claims and for every step of the demolition and reconstruction process.

The Christmas Eve cold snap last year really hit us hard.

Alyssa: Well, it looks beautiful again.

It must be such a relief to be back in an attractive and functional space. How has working during this time been?

Dr. Taylor: Honestly, it’s been fine. Not ideal but fine. My staff is amazing. Truly!

They never complained. We kept everyone’s hours and we just made do with the one section of the practice that was still usable.

Thank goodness my Mohs laboratory and five patient exam rooms were undamaged, so we were still able to take great care of patients. Also, my patients are truly the best! They were all so genuinely concerned for us and understanding of our situation.

We live in an area where great care is abundant, and people have options in who they see for healthcare. I am so fortunate to treat kind patients who gave us grace

during the flood and its aftermath.

Alyssa: Do you have anything else you want to add?

Dr. Taylor: Just something that I want to reiterate. I would like to say thank you to all of my patients. I am so thankful that you have confidence in me, my physician assistant Kathryn and our whole clinical team to help you stay healthy. Please know that my staff and I appreciate your trust in us. I am deeply grateful for you. We are truly honored that we can care for you and appreciative for your patience during reconstruction. And to my staff, thank you for making our great care possible. I would not have this opportunity without all of you.

Alyssa: Thank you for your time, Dr. Taylor and congratulations again on winning Best Dermatologist and on having your practice back to fully usable again!

Dr. Taylor: Thank you, Alyssa.

At Premier Dermatology, Brent Taylor, MD, and his team offer transformative, personalized care using state-of-theart techniques. With expertise in Mohs surgery and in reconstruction after skin cancer removal, Dr. Taylor helps patients achieve cancer-free results while optimizing aesthetic outcomes.

What truly sets Dr. Taylor apart as a surgeon is his commitment to addressing a patient’s skin cancer in a holistic manner. He does not consider his job complete just because a skin cancer has been successfully treated. He prides himself on following through with patients.

He employs multiple technologies such as lasers and microneedling to assure that scars and reconstructive results are optimized. He helps patients explore preventative methods ranging from blue light therapy to oral medications to avoid future cancers.

“Dr. Taylor doesn’t just help patients treat the skin cancer of the moment. He helps them avoid the skin cancers of tomorrow.”

Dr. Taylor’s practice is a full-service dermatology clinic. Full body skin exams are available with either a male or female provider. The clinic is proud to provide a wide array of treatments for medical and cosmetic sun damage, from blue light therapy to chemical peels and laser photofacials. Aesthetic treatments include Botox®, fillers, chemical peels, sclerotherapy, Fraxel and Excel V laser and more.

For exceptional care that goes beyond skin-deep, look no further than Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta.

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023 | 11

Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery • Medical Dermatology Vein Care • Cosmetic Services

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.

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

Dr. Brent Taylor

Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Presented By

Presented By

Presented By

Presented By

Presented By

Presented By

Presented By

Best Of Best Of Best Of Best Of Best Of Best Of Best Of North North North North North North North Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta

Accepting new patients. We accept Medicare.

Schedule your appointment with Premier Dermatology today.

3180 North Point Parkway, Suite 420 • Alpharetta, GA 30005 PremierDermatologyAtlanta.com • 678-345-1899

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

12 | November 9, 2023 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

Thank You for Voting for Us 9 Years in a Row! WINNER

WINNER

2015

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Presented By

Presented By

Presented By

Best Of Best Of Best Of North North North Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Dr. Destinee Hood

WINNER

2018

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Presented By

Presented By

Best Of Best Of North North Atlanta Atlanta

2020

Best Of North Atlanta Presented By

WINNER 2021

WINNER

Best Of North Atlanta Presented By

2022

2023

Presented By

Presented By

Best Of Best Of North North Atlanta Atlanta

Dedicated to providing exceptional dentistry and creating beautiful, healthy smiles for over 31 years.

Our services include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

What it is and why it’s important to identify the signs early?

Brought to you by - Dr. Destinee Hood at Roswell Dental Care

Dr. David Remaley

WINNER

Mouth breathing

Crowns and Bridges in a few days • Custom Baked Cookies Daily Porcelain Veneers • FREE Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation Tooth Colored Composite Fillings • Facial Aesthetic Enhancements Teeth Whitening- no sensitivity including BOTOX and Dermal Fillers 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 Digital X-Rays Reconstruction (Complimentary Consultation) $100 Value Occlusal Guards and Bite Adjustments New patients only.

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Mouth breathing is a condition in which a person breathes through their mouth instead of their nose. It can be caused by several factors, including nasal congestion, allergies, and enlarged adenoids.

Mouth breathing can have a number of negative consequences for your health, including: • Dry mouth: Breathing through your mouth dries out your mouth, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

• Poor sleep quality: Mouth breathing can disrupt sleep by causing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

• Increased risk of infection: Breathing through your mouth can increase your risk of respiratory infections, such as the common cold and the flu.

• Changes in facial structure: Mouth breathing can lead to changes in facial structure, such as a long, narrow face and an overbite. This is especially important during midface development, between ages 5-9.

If you think you or your child may be a mouth breather, it’s important to see a doctor to get diagnosed and treated. There are a few things that can be done to help mouth breathers, such as: • Treating the underlying cause: If the mouth breathing is caused by a medical condition, such as allergies or enlarged adenoids, treating that condition can help to improve mouth breathing.

• Using nasal sprays or drops: Nasal sprays and drops can help to clear nasal congestion and make it easier to breathe through the nose.

• Using a chin strap or mouth tape: A chin strap or mouth tape can help to keep the mouth closed at night. You can order these on Amazon!

If you are a mouth breather, there several things you can do to help manage your condition, such as: • Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help to keep your

PROVIDED

mouth from getting too dry.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you and make dry mouth worse.

• Use a humidifier: A humidifier can add moisture to the air and help to keep your mouth from getting dry.

• Brush and floss your teeth regularly: Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can help to prevent cavities and gum disease.

It’s important to see your dentist regularly for oral health screenings.

This may be the first step in identifying your risk factors or signs you may be breathing through your mouth. As your neighborhood dentists, Drs. Hood and Remaley give your comfort and trust top priority. We will assure that you feel confident in any dental solution before beginning treatment after a thorough and comprehensive examination. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE conscious sedation, including nitrous oxide. Rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding.

Take the first step in feeling great about your oral health. Schedule your oral health screening and give us a call at 770.998.6736 or visit www.RoswellDentalCare.com.

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023 | 13

Sedation Dentistry: Navigating anxiety for the best dentist experience Brought to you by – Dr. Bradley Hepler, Atlanta Center for Dental Health The holiday season is a great time to take steps to look and feel your best. One way to accomplish this is to improve your dental health and your beautiful smile. Surveys show that your smile and your teeth are one of the first things that people notice about you. A smile with balanced proportions makes you look young and healthy and feel confident meeting new people and talking and laughing with friends and family. As dentists, we can offer many options to improve your smile which are conservative, noninvasive, and affordable in one simple and comfortable visit.

Modern dentistry gives you so many options to improve your smile with the advances in materials and technology.

Tooth Whitening – Years of stain and discoloration can be reversed with our in-office and take home prescription whitening procedures.

Cosmetic Recontouring - A simple process of re-shaping the teeth to eliminate chips and broken teeth can make them look healthier and much straighter.

Teeth Straightening - Creating straighter teeth and a healthier bite is a minimally invasive choice. With the latest advances in clear aligner therapy, Invisalign gives you an attractive smile in a very short amount of time, without having unsightly metal braces and wires on your teeth.

The latest materials allow the teeth to be gently and comfortably repositioned in just a matter of months.

Cosmetic Bonding - With the use of tooth-colored materials, we can repair chips and cracks and make your teeth appear normal, natural and vibrant again.

Porcelain Veneers - A minimally invasive procedure which allows us to use thin shells of porcelain. These act like new enamel for your teeth.

Porcelain veneers allow you to change the color, size, shape, and position of your teeth. They are your teeth, only better. Porcelain veneers are bonded to the front of your teeth to change your smile and give you the smile of your dreams.

Botox and Juvéderm - These are safe and proven materials for therapeutic and cosmetic improvements to your lips and face.

They can rejuvenate your smile in a

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matter of days.

Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide all the modern advances that contemporary aesthetic dentistry offers. You will realize immediate results with non-invasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile enhancing 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 they provide each patient with the perfect solution to their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our great pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.

THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST OF NORTH ATLANTA 2023

2023 2022

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Most Insurance Plans Accepted Financing Options Available

11190 Haynes Bridge Rd., Alpharetta (770) 992-2236 • atlantacenterfordentalhealth.com

14 | November 9, 2023 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

PEXELS

Save yourself money and misery!

Brought to you by - Michelle Wilson, Attorney, Wilson Legal One thing that will save you money and misery. Authorize healthcare decisions in your financial power of attorney.

WILSON Check our financial power of attorney (POA).

On page one, does your power of attorney say that your agent is not authorized to make healthcare decisions? If so, change it to allow for healthcare decisions related to medical bills. Why? Because we don’t live in a black and white world. Treatments and procedures for our medical and health care result in medical bills. Even though medical bills are financial, disputes related to medical bills often include health care preferences and decisions.

Insurance companies use the default language prohibiting healthcare decisions in the Georgia POA as a way of putting off dealing with a caller about a disputed medical bill. “Oh, that’s a decision about healthcare and we can’t talk to you.” Don’t let health insurance companies get out of talking with your agent because your power of attorney excludes healthcare decisions.

If you do not know how to change your POA or you do not have one, you should ask for help from an estate planning attorney. An attorney can modify the language, help you sign it with a witness and notary, and teach you about presenting the POA for acceptance by your bank or investment companies. At Wilson Legal, we have several appointments available before Thanksgiving. Surprise your kids with your planning prowess by getting your POA done before you pass the turkey.

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Be sure to check out our webinars. Registration links at Wilson-legal.com/events 11/10/23 Friday • 1pm Estate Planning Basics

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Supporting your child’s behavior over holiday breaks Brought to you by - Allison Bates, Staff Therapist at Summit Counseling Center As the holidays approach, parents often face the challenge of behavior regression in their children. The festive season can bring hidden stressors for kids, from the pressure of dressing up for family pictures to navigating unfamiliar social situations. Adults, caught up in holiday busyness, may have less patience. This can be confusing for young minds seeking support.

Unstructured school breaks can lead to boundary testing when expectations are unclear. Establishing clear rules for activities (especially messy ones) and sticking to routines for wake-up, meals, hygiene, and bedtime provides much-needed consistency.

Creating a “holiday calendar” or

discussing daily tasks can give children a sense of structure, reducing feelings of chaos and the desire to act out as a result. Furthermore, parents can lighten the mood by using humor and choosing their battles wisely. This shift in communication can transform the household atmosphere, easing potential family tensions during this special time.

Lastly, planning one special event each day can be a source of anticipation and stability for kids. For a wonderful opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit while supporting a great cause, join us for our third annual Jingle Jog & Nutcracker Brunch at The Hotel at Avalon on Sunday, December 3rd from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Don’t miss out on this festive event - learn more and register at tinyurl.com/ JJNB23!

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023 | 15

Personalized Home Care – Going Above & Beyond WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

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2023

2022

2021

2020

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Best Of Best Of Best Of Best Of North North North North Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta

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The two sides of family care Brought to you by - Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta The holiday season is fast approaching, and it’s the perfect time to connect in person with those we love.

As you gather around a table or enjoy family traditions with older loved ones, it’s also time to take a step back and check for signs that may raise concerns for their well-being.

Watch for things outside the norm that you haven’t noticed before. Perhaps their home care and maintenance has gone downhill, you see confusion with basic tasks or signs of poor personal hygiene. A new dent or scratch on the car, unpaid bills that are piling up, things appearing in odd places, unusual behavior and spoiled food in the refrigerator all merit setting apart some time for a private conversation.

Unexplained weight loss due to poor nutrition, new bruises, memory loss, changes in personality and becoming socially cut off are warning signs. One in three people over 65 suffer from loneliness or depression, and your attention to their needs can make a critical difference in their quality of life.

When issues emerge, it’s time to get help. A well matched, heart centered Home Helpers Caregiver can assist with all personal care, help around the house, and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Dementia care, etc.

There’s another side to family care - the family caregiver who is already helping with an aging or chronically ill loved one. November is National Family

Caregivers Month, honoring the more than 1 in 5 dedicated U.S. adults who now care for a sick or elderly loved one.

Over 65% of caregivers are women and average the same care hours weekly as a full-time job. Many have families and also ensure an older loved one maintains a quality of life at the expense of their own physical and mental health. Family caregivers are “the new normal” and almost 30% of caregivers have provided support for over 5 years.

At Home Helpers we know how important respite care is to relieve the stress and challenges a family caregiver experiences. It’s important to give a caregiver a break. Whether it’s time to exercise, shop, sleep or get a haircut, there needs to be a plan for some private time. Daily stress, depression, insufficient sleep when a loved one is active at night and burnout all are common problems that threaten the well-being of not just the family caregiver, but the loved one they support.

A few days a week or overnight assistance from a skilled Home Helpers Caregiver helps restore energy and maintain much needed balance. In-home professional care can provide peace of mind and ensure the family caregiver and older loved one in your family can enjoy life to its fullest.

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

WINNER

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2019

2018

2017

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Best Of Best Of Best Of North North North Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta

At Home Helpers, our focus every day is matching the right caregiver with each of our clients. We guarantee a good match.

Finding the right caregiver is much more than just seeking a professional with great skills. It’s about finding a caregiver with the heart and spirit to make a difference in someone’s life.

Serving Communities North of Atlanta www.HomeHelpersHomeCare.com/Alpharetta

For a free consultation, please call 770-681-0323

Greg and Hilary Eldridge,

Owners – Home Helpers of Alpharetta Certified Senior Advisors(CSA)® Each office is independently owned and operated.

16 | November 9, 2023 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

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Honey, I shrunk the surgery Brought to you by - Dr. Scott Miller, urologist at Wellstar Health System and medical director of robotic surgery at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center Recent advances in medicine have brought treatments once only thought possible in the movies. But high-tech treatments aren’t just for Hollywood—Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center offers groundbreaking care here in the community. While we may not be shrinking our physicians, medical innovation has brought smaller and less invasive technology to most specialties. The latest techniques allow complex treatments to be performed through small incisions—and sometimes no incision at all.

MILLER

Robotic surgery Over the last 20 years, robotic surgery has replaced most largeincision surgeries with 3 to 6 finger-size incisions—one for a three-dimensional telescope and the others for thin surgical instruments. Now, Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center takes it to the next level with the new single-port robotic system, allowing surgeons to place a scope and all the instruments through a single 1-inch incision. Since the instruments are now flexible, the surgeon can access difficult-to-reach anatomy for better patient outcomes and quicker recovery.

Precision radiotherapy for prostate cancer Whether treating the entire prostate or a pea-size nodule that has spread to another location, CyberKnife radiotherapy can deliver a pencilthin beam with real-time adjustments for breathing movements. When

the cancer cells are not visible on imaging, radiopharmaceuticals come to the rescue. For this groundbreaking treatment, an intravenous injection of a biochemical substance seeks out the cancer cells and delivers a dose of radiation like a guided missile hits its target.

Neurosurgery As one of a few comprehensive stroke centers in Metro Atlanta, our hospital excels in endoscopic brain surgeries through a small opening, allowing for life-saving removal of intracranial blood clots. The same skilled surgeons are experts at treating brain aneurysms, blood vessel blockages and brain bleeds via needle access through an artery in the leg. When every minute counts, Wellstar is always ready for action.

Interventional Cardiology Our Emergency Cardiac Care Center

uses the latest angioplasty and stent placement techniques to open blocked arteries and improve blood flow to the heart. When these arteries are severely blocked with calcium buildup, a tiny probe placed inside the blood vessel can break up the calcification with sound waves, a procedure called intravascular lithotripsy. For patients with a failing heart, our cardiologists can insert a miniaturized pump in the heart until heart health returns.

In the 1966 movie “The Fantastic Voyage,” a medical team is miniaturized and injected into a patient’s body. While we may not be embarking on miniature submarines, we are venturing into the human body with incredible precision and innovation.

Learn more about the innovative care at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center at wellstar.org/northfulton.

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023 | 17

40YEARSOF NORTHFULTONCARE

For 40 years, our community has turned to Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center for expert care. From our beginnings in a former barn in 1983 to our current modern facility—which is designated as a Level II Emergency Cardiac Care Center, Level II Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center—compassionate care has always been a constant.

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we thank our North Fulton communities for trusting us with your health.

Our team looks forward to continuing to care for you. wellstar.org/northfulton

Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center

3000 Hospital Blvd. | ROSWELL (770) 751-2500

NEWS

18 | November 9, 2023 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

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Community Thanksgiving scheduled at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church ALPHARETTA, Ga. — St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church will host its Alpharetta Community Thanksgiving Service at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at 535 Rucker Road.

The annual service welcomes guests from all congregations, as well as people who may not attend church.

Clergy from Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, St. James United Methodist Church, St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church of Alpharetta, Alpharetta First United Methodist Church and Centro Familiar Cristian will participate at the gathering.

Staff said the service celebrates

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coming together to support others in the community and those in need.

Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin and Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison will speak at the Thanksgiving service, which will also feature an all-church choir and remarks from clergy leadership.

Rev. Gregory S. Williams of St. James United Methodist will deliver the message of the evening, and an offering to support North Fulton Community Charities will be collected.

Refreshments will be offered during a reception following the service.

— Shelby Israel

Outreach program bridges gaps for military veterans in need

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — More than 20 veterans and their families have been assisted since the Johns Creek Veterans Association got the ball rolling on an outreach program earlier this year.

Mike Mizell, president of Johns Creek Veterans Association, or JCVA, said the program addresses veterans’ needs from mentoring to housing to providing transportation.

When a World War II veteran passed away, he donated $37,000 from his estate to help the association start the initiative.

“We're working with one veteran returning from five years in prison to try to get him back on his feet and get him integrated in the community, and then there’s another seeking residential addiction treatment,” Mizell said.

A group of five to six dedicated volunteers, some with backgrounds in psychiatric care and post-traumatic stress disorder, work with other organizations to bridge any gaps.

The association serves Johns Creek as well as in the immediate surrounding areas like Roswell, Alpharetta and South Forsyth County. Mizell said some members travel as far as the Alabama border.

“We don't limit ourselves just to Johns Creek,” Mizell said. “I tell so many people we’re the Johns Creek Veterans Association because this is where we started.”

The JCVA also collaborates with the City of Johns Creek for the Police Department’s Clinician and Officer Response Team, which employs a crisis

intervention officer and crisis response clinician to crisis situations.

If a veteran who commits a misdemeanor agrees to work with any one of the association’s volunteer mentors, Mizell said police shred the incident report.

“We've also already been told that the cities of Roswell and Alpharetta are also interested in this program,” Mizell said.

“So, that will be fantastic.”

Mizell described the shock veterans tend to experience when assimilating into regular society and empathized with those who may not know where to go for assistance. When Mizell retired from the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, he said he didn’t know what benefits he was entitled to.

“When you get back, you're on your own,” Mizell said. “You're out the door with nobody for you to turn back to.”

But, he came to find the Georgia Department of Veterans Service. Mizell said the office serves as a representative for veterans to Veteran Affairs.

“I try to tell veterans, ‘You don't fight the VA,’” Mizell said. “‘These people are paid state employees, and their only job is to help you and your benefit.’”

He noted the Type A personality among military folks which often stands as a barrier to assistance.

“They're taught to, ‘Pull up your big boy panties and deal with it,’ you know,” Mizell said. “‘If there's no blood, and there's no bones, fix it and move on,’ kind of thing. It's real hard for us to admit that we don't have the capability to do something on our own.”

See PROGRAM, Page 22

NEWS

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023 | 19

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens to serve as ARC board chair Long-time leader Kerry Armstrong plans to step down

By MARIA SAPORTA SaportaReport ATLANTA — It is all but certain the Atlanta Regional Commission’s next board chair will be Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens — a first for an Atlanta mayor in the history of the regional planning agency.

At ARC’s Oct. 11 regular board meeting, Chair Kerry Armstrong made it clear he would not be running for another term. That paves the way for Mayor Dickens to be elected at the next ARC board meeting on Nov. 8.

“I’ve been chairman for 10 years,” Armstrong said in a brief interview after the meeting when asked why he did not stand for re-election.

“Ultimately, it’s time. We have an exciting candidate who is willing to do the job, and I think that’s terrific.

This was never about me versus anybody or anybody versus me.”

Because Dickens was the only nominee for the position, it is unlikely there will be a contested election at the next ARC board meeting scheduled for Nov. 8.

The floor will be open for other nominations on that day, but beating the Atlanta mayor would be extremely difficult.

The fact that Armstrong is not running averts what could have been a divisive election. Interestingly enough, when Armstrong was elected to the position in 2013, it took 14 ballots before he was declared the winner.

The transition in chairmanship will occur on Jan. 1, 2024.

“I always thought Atlanta operates as a region and that it’s a good thing for the Mayor of Atlanta to be attentive and participatory in ARC, which is why I went on the LINK trips and have come to the meetings,” Dickens said after the meeting.

With the one exception of former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, recent Atlanta mayors have not been that engaged with the Atlanta Regional Commission.

In fact, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms never attended a single ARC meeting, so she was

MARIA SAPORTA/SAPORTA REPORT

Atlanta Regional Commission Chairman Kerry Armstrong, left, stands with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens after the Oct. 11 board meeting.

never sworn in as a board member.

Bottoms also never attended the annual LINK trips when more than 100 regional leaders visit another region to learn about best practices.

“I wanted to make sure I put my name in the hat. It’s one of those things I know is significant,” Dickens said. “I think having Atlanta being part of the leadership of the region will allow for more connectivity.”

For decades, ARC’s board chairs have come from either Gwinnett or Cobb counties. All but one of ARC’s board chairs since it was formed in 1971 have been white males, mostly from suburban counties. Mayor Dickens certainly would represent a shift in regional power and leadership.

Dickens said it shouldn’t be rare for the capital city in the region to have a leadership role within ARC. Because Atlanta is centrally located in the 11-county region, he said he would look to bring the region closer together by working on issues that stretch beyond the city limits.

“We won’t draw a line at any border. With us in the middle, we can connect them,” Dickens said, referring to the suburban and urban counties all around Atlanta.

Vince Williams, mayor of Union City, welcomed the idea of Dickens becoming ARC board chair.

“I think this is an awesome

See DICKENS, Page 20

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20 | November 9, 2023 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

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Facts About Me Breed: Mixed Breed (German Shepherd / American Pit Color: Tan & White Chest (Short Haired) Age: 1-year-old Size: Fully Grown – 55 Lbs. Weight: (Current) 45 Lbs. Sex: Female My Info Good with children and most dogs Shots current, chipped and spayed Fenced yard preferred Attending basic training class My Story My name is Miss Maye!

I was surrendered after my family had another newborn and it became too much for them to handle. I’m hoping to find a loyal family that can give me my forever home that I’m missing. I have a lot of love to give. Everyone deserves a second chance, right?

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Facts About Me Breed: Jack Russell Terrier mix Color: Brown & White Age: 1-year-old Size: Fully Grown 25lbs. – Small Size Weight: (Current) 20 Lbs. Sex: Male My Info Good with kids Shots current Healthy Chipped & neutered My Story My name is Cody!

I’m a 1-year-old Black/Brown & White, short haired male Jack Russel Terrier mix, weighing 20 lbs. whose looking for love and companionship!

How would I describe myself – playful, loving, curious and endearing. Pretty cute too, right?

Cody will have you hooked the minute you meet him. Come visit us at BCAR. Bring the family - we hope to see you soon.

All BCAR dogs are placed as indoor family pets. No electric fences, please. Visit pets every Saturday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (706-268-1346) or visit our website for adoption information at www.bigcanoeanimalrescue.org.

ARC seeks public input on transportation plan METRO ATLANTA — The Atlanta Regional Commission is seeking public input on an update to its Metropolitan Transportation Plan through Dec. 8.

The plan will allocate $168 billion in local, state and federal funding to improve transportation and safety through 2050.

The funds will finance highway and road improvements; enhance transit options; expand multi-use trails; promote alternative transportation, such as carpooling and teleworking; and will go towards maintenance and operations.

Projects include the new northbound I-85 and McGinnis Ferry Road interchange in Gwinnett County; MARTA light rail service on the BeltLine; funding for Livable Centers Initiatives; the widening of Ga. 140; and the Ga. 400 express lanes project.

The Atlanta Regional Commission, or ARC, is a collaborative planning

Dickens: Continued from Page 19 opportunity, not only for the mayor of Atlanta but for the Atlanta Regional Commission,” Williams said. “To have the Atlanta mayor sitting in the chairman’s seat, who knows better about regional issues than he does?”

During the meeting, Armstrong asked for nominations for board chair. Michael Caldwell, mayor of the City of Woodstock in Cherokee County, nominated Dickens.

Armstrong asked Dickens if he accepted.

“I do accept the nomination,” Dickens said.

“Any other nominations?”

effort representing most Metro Atlanta governments.

“As our region continues to grow, it’s critically important that we make the investments needed to ensure that we have a competitive economy and great quality of life in the years to come,” ARC Executive Director and CEO Anna Roach said.

ARC staff projects the population in the greater 21-county Atlanta region will grow to 7.9 million by 2050.

The ARC board is scheduled to adopt the plan Jan. 10.

Those interested can read the plan and provide comment at atlantaregional.org/the-atlanta-regionsplan/mtp-update.

The ARC will also host a virtual public hearing from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 15. Visit publicinput.com/arcmtp to register to speak at the hearing.

— Shelby Israel Armstrong asked. “Seeing none, we will close nominations for the moment.”

Armstrong, a citizen member from Gwinnett County, has served as ARC’s board chair since Jan. 1, 2014.

In recent months, several ARC participants and observers mentioned that Dickens was interested in running for ARC board chair. Dickens’ nomination was championed by Robb Pitts, chair of the Fulton County Commission, the most populous county in the state.

Pitts was out of town, so he was unable to attend Wednesday’s board meeting. Pitts plans to attend the November meeting.

This story originally appeared on SaportaReport.com.

NEWS

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023 | 21

Quartet transforms folk songs at Roswell concert

By LUKE GARDNER newsroom@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — The American Patchwork Quartet showcased its unique take on American folk music at its performance at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center Oct. 27.

The quartet is a diverse group of Grammy-winning artists who interpret classic folk songs through a multicultural lens.

At the performance, the group breathed new life into classic songs like “Beneath the Willow,” “Lazy John” and “Gone for Soldier.”

“We are about a concept and a repertoire of excellence,” said band leader Clay Ross. “We attract excellent artists to participate in this ongoing conversation we are having about American identity in American roots music. We offer audiences an opportunity to experience a different cultural flavor within a context they’re going to understand. It’s a comfortable space with a little spice.”

For its rendition of “The Devil’s Nine,” the quartet added Hindi lyrics to transform the traditional Scottish ballad into something entirely new.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said attendee Janice Whitfield.

Folk relatability American Patchwork Quartet said it believes classic American folk songs are still relatable today because they contain accessible themes like love, death and good vs. evil. Ross said this universal relatability is one of the great hallmarks of American folk music.

“American folk music is unique because of all the diverse influences that have gone into making it what it is,” Ross said.

“At its core, it transcends ideological things we hang our identity on, like race and borders. These songs are precious heirlooms,

so sturdy that they have the capacity to absorb all these worldly influences, and they can continue to do that.”

The group aims to celebrate the diverse and storied history of folk songs, which are often passed down from generation to generation via oral tradition. This makes it hard to pinpoint exactly where songs originate, but several likely have roots in British ballads and poetry from centuries ago.

“This music incorporates influences from all over the world that come together to make the styles of music we know and love — like jazz, country, and rock and roll,” Ross said. “All these popular styles are built on contributions of immigrants and the immigrant experience because that’s at the core of American identity.”

The quartet emphasizes the diversity of the American identity by suggesting that it doesn't matter if you grew up in South Carolina like Ross or India like vocalist Harini Raghavan — anyone can be American, and anyone can contribute to folk music.

Ross noted that the project’s goal is not to be political or polarizing, but rather to be inviting and showcase positive immigrant contributions.

“People who are newly American also have something amazing to contribute to these old American folk songs as well,” Ross said. “The continuing evolution of immigrant contributions make our country even better, and they always have, and they will continue to.”

Band history Ross formed the American Patchwork Quartet in 2019 and described the group as a way to reconcile his Southern upbringing with the diverse musical talents of New York City. Ross moved from South Carolina to the big city to pursue a career in jazz, but something unexpected happened.

LUKE GARDNER/APPEN MEDIA

The American Patchwork Quartet close out the show.

“When I left the South, I became even more Southern,” Ross said. “This is because I was in the context of New York.”

Grounded in his long-held love of Southern roots music, Ross decided to create the quartet, comprised of himself on guitar and vocals, Hindustani classical vocalist Falguni Shah, Issei jazz bassist Yasushi Nakamura and Clarence Penn, a drumming protégée of the renowned Ellis Marsalis.

After releasing videos of its music to YouTube in the fall of 2019, the quartet’s follow-up plans were halted by the pandemic. More than a year later, the quartet finally got the chance to perform their first show in April 2021.

“Our first public concert was in Spearfish, North Dakota, in the Black Hills — the

same area as Mount Rushmore,” Ross said. “I thought it was kind of serendipitous that our first concert was at Mount Rushmore.”

Over the past two years, the group has toured the country, completing about 30 tour stops last year and adding more voices to its ranks.

“We've become a bit more of a collective,” Ross said. “The membership of the group always reflects our mission of diversity and representation on stage. For this performance, Harini Raghavan will be playing for Falguni Shah. Harini is a great singer, violinist and incredible performer.

Nori Naraoka will be subbing for Yasushi Nakamura. Nori is a first-class bassist.

We’ve done many shows with both Nori and Harini.”

Other members of the American Patchwork Quartet include bassists Kanoa Mendenhall and Yoshiki Yamava, vocalist Priya Darshini and drummer Rudy Royston.

“All of these people are prominent successful musicians living in New York City who release their own albums and tour with other groups very successfully,” Ross said.

The band’s debut album drops Feb. 9 and features songs from the tour.

To learn more visit americanpatchworkquartet.com.

22 | November 9, 2023 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

Cheeley:

NEWS

parts of Roswell, Milton and Alpharetta.

The resolution held that because the percentage of unincorporated Fulton County land has fallen below 50, one of the county’s two appointees to the CID board, Cheeley and Al Nash, were no longer needed. “… the Board of Commissioners finds that it is in the best interest of the CID Board, Fulton County, and the general public that Mr. Al Nash continue to serve as its appointee,” the resolution read.

The resolution also stated the proposed removal came after Cheeley attempted to undermine Fulton County’s elections. Cheeley was one of 19 defendants, including former President Donald Trump, who were indicted by a Fulton County grand jury in August for alleged attempts to overturn 2020 election results.

Continued from Page 1 its composition before the Board of Commissioners attempts to alter it. “’Innocent until proven guilty’ is a bedrock, a principle of justice, and this applies no less to our board members,” Beach wrote in the letter.

The resolution, which was shared in the agenda packet for the meeting Oct. 27, sought to remove Cheeley as one of the County Commission’s two appointees.

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Rotary schedules painting on Alpharetta Greenway ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The North Fulton Rotary Club will paint nine raised manholes Nov. 11-12, the first step to create its Alpharetta Greenway Mural Trail.

Rotarian Richard Matherly said his home overlooks the Big Creek Greenway, and he walks the trail often, which led him to envision the project. He said the murals will advocate “Clean Water for All” and celebrate wildlife and plant life on the Greenway.

While Matherly hopes to see all 60 manhole covers on the 12-mile stretch painted, the first nine are between Haynes Bridge and Kimball Bridge roads.

“And this is just another little thing of community spirit, creating an artwork display that's going to be interesting and attractive to visitors as well as locals to see all these murals as this trail takes place,” he said.

Eight of the nine paintings will be completed by local high school students.

The Rotary Club’s professional mural adviser, Annalysa Kimball, will guide the students and paint a manhole.

“It's fun for me to watch a mural being painted and to see art at work, and you know, the Greenway is busy,” Matherly said.

The Alpharetta Cultural Arts

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Commission approved the first murals Oct. 24. Matherly said the project would be impossible without the cooperation of the Arts Commission, the city and the Fulton County Public Works Department.

Matherly said the paintings will likely take all day on both days. The painting site can be accessed from the Greenway parking lot on Haynes Bridge Road.

— Shelby Israel

India Festival draws crowds to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church ROSWELL, Ga. — Some 1,000 guests gathered at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church Oct. 14 to celebrate food, culture and dance at its fifth annual India Festival.

The church first hosted the annual gathering in 2016 until a three-year hiatus brought on by COVID-19. The Oct. 14 celebration marked the event’s return following the break.

The festival featured four food stalls, 15 performers, 23 vendors, live music

by Achaar the Band and a volleyball tournament that raised funds for the church’s new Sunday school building and indoor gymnasium.

“We were very happy in terms of

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This map shows the locations of the nine raised manholes that will be painted Nov. 11-12 as part of the North Fulton Rotary Club’s Alpharetta Greenway Mural Trail.

Eight of the manholes will be painted by local high school students.

Continued from Page 18 Mizell said he always wanted to move the JCVA away from being solely a social organization to one centered around community support. He said there are plans to continue this effort after his third term as president ends across the

hosting this event,” festival organizer Cherian Chacko said.

St. Mary’s Orthodox, which serves more than 80 families, also marked its 10th anniversary with the India Festival.

To commemorate the anniversary, Chacko said the church donated a home to a family in Thodupuzha, Kerala, India.

“As we celebrate our 10th-year anniversary, let us remember that our faith is not just a compass,” he said. “It is the foundation upon which we have built a strong, loving and supportive community.”

— Shelby Israel state where there are more than 700,000 veterans.

Mizell recently started a nonprofit he named “The Colonel’s Cup Foundation” to take his services outside of the Atlanta area, an idea he had after his security company of two decades died with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I just asked the good Lord, ‘What do you want me to do?’” Mizell said. “And, I think the message is clear.”

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023 | 23

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24 | November 9, 2023 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

OPINION

An open record told me my neighbor was shot A man was shot, but thankfully not killed, by two men he confronted for standing next to his father’s car at an apartment building not far from mine.

I know this AMBER PERRY because I sent an Staff Reporter email to Roswell amber@appenmedia.com Police Information Officer (PIO) Timothy Lupo, who provided details on the incident and the report. As a journalist, I frequently speak with PIOs and file open records requests.

But residents of the complex, who were not informed by the building’s management about what happened Oct. 30, may not have this know-how.

“He said the only thing he remembered seeing was the muzzle flash and that he was shot at 3 times,” the incident report reads.

Lupo said the victim suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

The police, including a K-9 unit, were unable to find the suspects.

Both men were around 5-foot-8. One was wearing a black hoodie, and the other, a navy blue hoodie.

The victim told police they ran away between two apartment buildings, one I can see from my balcony.

No word Monday evening, I saw multiple Roswell Police vehicles drive past my apartment building and station themselves a stone’s throw away.

More continued to pile in. When blue lights began to infiltrate most rooms in my apartment around 11 p.m., I decided to peek out from my glass balcony door.

That’s when I saw an officer,

Walking into my newsroom the following morning, one of the first things I did was send an email to Lupo. He was prompt, and I was horrified.”

AMBER PERRY APPEN MEDIA STAFF REPORTER wielding an assault rifle, roam the parking lot. I thought to myself that whatever happened had to be serious.

Walking into my newsroom the following morning, one of the first things I did was send an email to Lupo. He was prompt, and I was horrified.

The officer I saw in my proverbial backyard – renters rarely have the luxury – had to be looking for the two men who shot my neighbor.

In an email, Lupo said detectives are still investigating the circumstances leading up to the shooting.

By the time I left the office later that afternoon, I still had not received any word from apartment management. So, I went by their desk to ask why.

The assistant manager told me staff filed a report and were discussing how to handle the incident with “corporate,” or whatever bureaucratic word she used.

Despite seeing a gun shot in the window of the nearby corner store (a gas station she told me to stay clear of before I moved in), the extended

Most cities have an open, searchable database of police incidents called “Police to Citizen.”

For access to Johns Creek’s site, visit johnscreekga.policetocitizen. com. To file an open records request with the Johns Creek Police Department, visit: www. johnscreekga.gov/residents/police .

You can also contact the Johns Creek public information officer at 678-477-8968. These resources are for anyone to use, not just reporters.

stay motels and a whole lot of loitering, the assistant manager said she had never experienced anything like this in the four years she’s worked here.

I also asked the assistant manager if Roswell Police regularly patrol the complex. She said I would have to ask the police department that question, but that there is a private company hired to do the work.

Police beats Come to find out, Roswell is divided into five police districts.

Each has two patrol zones or “beats,” according to a police officer I spoke with in a personal capacity.

Each zone typically has at least one officer and several float cars, assigned to the city at-large.

I live in Charlie District, Zone 2.

“We've never fallen below staffing levels where we wouldn't have an officer assigned to Charlie 2 Zone,” the officer said. “It’s pretty unheard of, given the call volume that we receive. We would call in additional officers before we allowed that to occur.”

I asked about his comment on call volume and described the greater police presence I see in my neighborhood versus other areas of Roswell, though I’m currently waiting for an open records request to be filled that should help answer this question.

“More people means more 911 calls,” the officer said.

But it was made clear that staffing in all zones is a priority.

I live in arguably one of the most neglected areas in Roswell, perhaps because of the density – many of the city’s apartments are in East Roswell. I’m just not

sure if high-density development, which is fundamental to any livable city, must meet certain safety requirements upon City Council approval.

But, the infrastructure ain’t all that great either.

Coincidentally, I sat next to a man at the Roswell City Council open forum Oct. 30 who lives in townhomes down the street from me.

He was there to talk about fading road lines and a lack of crosswalks in our neck of the woods.

At the podium, he even said he would like to take a picture of the mayor with a paintbrush and a bucket of white paint. Though I was at the meeting in my capacity as a reporter, I couldn’t help but laugh from the third pew back.

East Roswell truly looks like an orphan. To live here is a point of pride for some, almost as if it’s an act of resilience.

Half word The day after my trip to the apartment office, I received an email from the staff with a subject line titled “Crime Awareness.” In this email, I was informed of a vehicle break-in and that staff had asked Roswell Police for additional patrols.

Interestingly, management forgot to mention that a man had been shot by two men who got away.

After reviewing my lease, I couldn’t find anything that would require staff to communicate an incident like this to its residents. In fact, the lease essentially says I’m responsible for my own safety. The Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook was of no help either.

While this would fall into a civil matter, I had to ask the officer about any codes or statutes that would require this kind of care from an apartment complex. He said any communication on matters like these is usually more of a “courtesy.”

Sequestered in the Ga. 400 corridor, this area has some of the cheapest living in Roswell, at least outside the grounds of the Roswell Housing Authority. Of course, it’s still not cheap. This area also has one of the densest populations of Black and brown people in the city.

When I drive down Old Holcomb Bridge Road and exit the neighborhood, it’s like I enter another world – a world where safe housing is expensive, a world where a neighbor might get shot and your landlord thinks to tell you about it, or has to.

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023 | 25

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PRESERVING THE PAST

OPINION

Alpharetta Bargain Store, a penny-pincher’s dream Someone once said that a person can never be so rich that he would not bend over to pick up a stray nickel on the sidewalk. Rich or poor, everyone loves a bargain, and in the 1950s BOB MEYERS and 1960s the Columnist Alpharetta Bargain Store was the place for serious bargain hunting.

People came to shop from all the surrounding areas including Tony Buckhead and eventually every state in the Union was represented.

Located in downtown Alpharetta, in time the store occupied 16,000 square feet of selling space and 6000 square feet of warehouse. Both store and warehouse were located on the block west of Main Street, between Marietta Street and Old Milton Parkway.

The store was founded by Buck Burgess (1916-1990) and his brother in-law Nolan Stephens. It was the result of a mishap in 1951 when Buck was working as a diesel mechanic for

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Bob Burgess holds up two items for sale in his store to demonstrate the wide range of products, skis and a woman’s dress.

Like his father before him, Bob obtained his merchandise throughout the South from bankrupt retailers, going-out-of-business sales and factory closeouts. His mainstays were women’s clothing and shoes, but these skis sold quickly, too.

Fulton County. A workplace accident left Buck with a broken back, surgery and restrictions on future physical labor. He took a job at Lockheed Georgia that did not require heavy lifting. In 1954 Buck and Nolan formed a partnership and leased the Standard Oil gas station from Roy Day at 53 South Main Street where California Closets and All Fired Up Pottery are located today. In 1956 they opened a second independent gas station on the west side of South Main Street just south of Marietta Street. Shortly thereafter the army surplus store was added adjacent to the gas station. (Today Chevron owns the Standard name.) When their lease on the Standard station expired five years later in 1959 they built a full service Shell station on South Main Street across the street from the very small 30’ x 30’ they had opened in 1959.

Buck and Nolan traveled throughout eight southeastern states in search of merchandise for their store, seeking stock from bankrupt retailers, going out of business sales and occasionally from factory closeouts. They carried a lot of cash because the sellers usually needed the money right away. Long hours and a lot of haggling were involved, and they loaded the merchandise in their car to take back to Alpharetta.

Business was very good. It did not take Buck long to realize that selling bargain priced women’s clothing was much more profitable than running a service station. After a couple of years, he leased out the service

station, and he and his partner devoted themselves to running the store which was incorporated as the Alpharetta Bargain Store in 1962.

Over time the business grew in sales and physical size as adjacent properties and a warehouse were added.

Buck had a talent for property and whenever an adjacent property became available he bought it. He used to say that he did not want to buy all of Alpharetta, “just properties next to his.” Eventually he owned most of the property from Old Milton Parkway up to Marietta Street on both sides of Highway 9.

The store had a roughhewn appearance to put it mildly. Buck liked it that way because that said “bargains.” Name brand merchandise was piled high and randomly on tables and was priced at about 35% of the normal retail price. Buck resisted suggestions that he straighten up the store. When he tried to tidy up, customers asked if he was planning to raise prices. Customers, Buck believed, focused on the merchandise, not the décor.

Buck purchased only name brand clothing and shoes for the store and never bought seconds or irregulars.

Top quality shoes were the big customer draw with an estimate 12, 000 pairs in the store and another 13,000 in the warehouse and many more stored in parked trucks.

Managing the store was a family affair. In 1977, Buck’s son Bob and Bob’s brother -in-law Jerry Rogers gave up their successful careers to

work in the store. Bob was a research chemist with Eastman Kodak. Jerry was a schoolteacher with a degree in geology. In 1990 following Buck’s death Bob and Jerry took over the business. Over time the store became ten times larger than the original army surplus store.

Buck was a success in part because he operated on two principles: be honest with everyone and provide good service to customers. Bob remembers that when he was 12 years old he had to work in the filling station. “I was in charge of making sure that I was there to greet customers before their cars stopped and to find out how we could serve them.” Bob notes that in the late 1950s and 1960s competition was rife in the gas station business. “There were 13 gas stations from one end of Alpharetta to the other. We had to work very hard to support our station in that short piece of road.”

The Bargain Store closed in 2005, capping 43 years of successful operation and unique contributor to the growth of Alpharetta. Today Jerry and Bob are enjoying retirement with their families. Bob is a member of the Alpharetta Historical Preservation Commission. My thanks to Ben Hollingsworth, a former customer of the Bargain Store, for suggesting it as the subject for a column.

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net.

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023 | 27

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28 | November 9, 2023 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

OPINION

Dictionary sees new words added in September 2023 RAY APPEN

Publisher Emeritus

I was searching for something to write.

When I can’t find anything, I usually go to my “column ideas” file where I randomly jot down ideas or thoughts.

I just perused that file and landed on a couple maybes – “New words” and “Games

people play.”

“Games people play” was my first impulse. It has so much potential. My wife plays Wordle religiously as do many of her friends. They report their daily “get” to each other in friendly competition. It is a new game and, of course, it is digital.

So, that opens digital vs. analog games, such as Scrabble, Monopoly, or maybe even Risk. One could write a book or more about digital vs. analog games, I think.

Growing up, we had mighty wars playing Risk – wars as in someone getting mad and flipping the board over and storming out of the room. In high school, we played Risk every afternoon obsessively. That too was never pretty.

My wife Christina usually warns everyone tempted to participate in a Risk game to avoid playing with any Appen.

Before I started writing “Games people play” I glanced at “New words,” and, well, it was just too tempting to pass up.

I love the “New words” because it is sort of counter-intuitive and fun. It is counter-intuitive because one generally, I think, considers our English language as static. Yes, it changes over time, and yes, new words get added occasionally. But, I think our default thinking leans more toward “static.”

Not. Merriam-Webster added 690 new words to the dictionary, just for September 2023. That is what I saw when I went to their website, followed by this caveat – “Ngl, this update is a big one.”

Seriously? Bueller? What the heck does “Ngl” mean, and tell me again, who gets to pick what new words are okay to add to “English” and why does Merriam or Webster think that they are the chosen peeps to do that?

I was going to make this a game where I write the new words and the definitions – all jumbled up – and you try to correctly match them. But, that was nixed as too confusing.

So, instead, I am just giving you a taste of the new words that were added last month and their definitions – not jumbled up. But, if you want to, you could email me and tell me if you would

have wanted to do this as a game to win Appen bling sometime in the future – the word game! My email is RayAppen@ Gmail.com. In the subject line just put “word game.”

Anyway, here you go: A. meatspace (noun) the physical world and environment especially as contrasted with the virtual world of cyberspace B. sponcon (noun) content ... posted usually by an influencer on social media that looks like a typical post but for which the poster has been paid to advertise a product or service C. lewk (noun) a fashion look ... that is distinctive to the wearer and that is noticeable and memorable to others D. MacGyver (verb) to make, form, or repair (something) with what is conveniently on hand.”

E. bussin’ (adjective) African American English slang: extremely good: excellent; especially: delicious, tasty F. cromulent (adjective) informal + humorous: acceptable, satisfactory G. thirst trap (noun) a photograph, such as a selfie, or

video shared for the purpose of attracting attention or desire H. emping (noun) a slightly bitter cracker or chip popular in Indonesia that is made from the dried flattened seed of a melinjo tree (Gnetum gnemon) I. kayfabe (noun) the tacit agreement between professional wrestlers and their fans to pretend that overtly staged wrestling events, stories, characters, etc.

J. padawan (noun) a young person especially when regarded as naïve, inexperienced, etc.

Extra credit: Get two points for each correct each word, or abbreviation, you can correctly define.

NGL (abbreviation, informal) not gonna lie; not going to lie TFW (abbreviation, informal) that feeling when — used especially on social media or in text messages to introduce a relatable scenario or an image that evokes a specific feeling I probably would have gotten maybe three of 10. How about you? Should we do the word game for Appen bling in the future? Let me know.

INK PENN

Keep calm and carry on with three British reads It’s possible I’m stuck in a rut, or maybe I have a reading hangover from my summer trip to England’s Lake District.

Whatever the reason, my recent are all set in KATHY MANOS PENN reads England. This week’s Columnist list contains two set during World War II and a third set in modern times. If my to-be-read (TBR) pile is any indication, this trend may continue for quite some time.

“Playing it Safe” by Ashley Weaver This is yet another Electra McDonnell book I couldn't put down.

I love this spunky heroine--her willfulness, her confidence in the face of adversity, and her no-nonsense attitude.

Once again summoned by "the Major" for a spot of undercover work, she rises to the challenge. It's World War II in London during the blitz, and she must travel to Sunderland with an

assumed identity.

The subplots continue in this engaging series: Electra's dalliance with her friend Felix, the sparks between her and the Major, and her quest to discover more about her mother.

I am hooked on this series, and I can't wait until the fourth book arrives.

Meanwhile, I've picked up book two in Weaver's Amory Ames series. The first one was well written and entertaining but not quite as intriguing to me as the Electra McDonnell books.

“Untrue Blue” by Emma Jameson Some readers find a series they like and binge-read every book. I prefer to savor them, and so it’s been with this series by Emma Jameson. Each title in this seven-book series contains the word Blue. The first— “Ice Blue”— introduces Lord Anthony Hetheridge and Kate and Deepal, his subordinates on the Toff Squad at Scotland Yard.

Lord Hetheridge is the perfect person to lead this unit, dedicated to handling crimes involving members of Britain’s upper class. He’s a Lord, and he’s rich, but he’s also a respected member of

Scotland Yard.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series ever since I stumbled upon it several years ago. The relationships among the three key characters continue to evolve, often in surprising ways.

As with the rest of the series, this book has dark elements combined with wit and humor and likeable characters.

It’s also filled with twists and turns and surprises concerning three cold cases.

Though it was published in 2021, and the note at the end says there will be more to follow, I've seen no mention of anything on the horizon. I hope something appears soon!

If the premise appeals to you, I recommend you start with “Ice Blue.”

in a manor house in a small Cornish village, Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet have their work cut out for them. The bumbling local bobby, of course, is clueless, and wants only to close the case and get back to ensuring villagers are adhering to blackout protocol and gasoline rationing.

Book two in what appears to be only a three-book series is another delightful outing with Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet in 1939 England. The murder mystery and the subplot concerning the two amateur sleuths and their relationship will keep you guessing.

Despite having a never-ending TBR list, I’ve already grabbed the third book, “Bones Takes a Holiday.” If you like gentle mysteries, this one’s for you.

“Bones at the Manor House”

by Emma Jameson Emma Jameson is equally adept at writing mysteries set during World War II. After enjoying the Blue series, I looked for other books by her and discovered the Dr. Benjamin Bones mystery series.

When a bloodless corpse is found

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/.

OPINION

GARDEN BUZZ

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 9, 2023 | 29

Decorating your home for the holidays

As Thanksgiving and Christmas are approaching, I begin to plan my holiday decorations. And that means going out and collecting greenery and other natural materials for table and mantle

BY JUDY PEACOCK my arrangements.

Guest Columnist I love using the differently colored fall leaves and seed pods for my Thanksgiving table. The beautiful reds, yellows and oranges of the fall leaves combined with brown seed pods make the perfect arrangement. I like to start by layering branches of color until I have a pleasing shape that will compliment my chosen container. Then, I will begin to add seed pods, grasses, rose hips and some inexpensive grocery store mums to complete the task. The photo example was a demonstration of that process at Farm Chastain that I was later able to use on my own Thanksgiving table.

At the beginning of December, I go out in my yard and the nearby woods to collect as many different evergreens as I can find along with interesting branches and berries to use for my holiday decorations.

I love decorating my mailbox and have a special plastic frame that holds wet foam that I wire to the top of the box to hold my holiday greenery. Again, the process is to gradually build up layers of the various evergreens. I usually begin with Hemlock because of the way it will drape over the sides of the mailbox. I will also use various shiny leaves, such as holly and aucuba.

After the green base covers the mailbox, I will begin to add various berries and finish with a bow. Because of the wet foam, the arrangement usually will last the whole month of December. If the weather is dry, I will simply pour water over it to keep it moist.

My mantle decoration has been consistent through the years. Many years ago, I purchased two baskets shaped like ginger jars at the Lenox Square World Bazaar. I raise these basket containers on carved wooden stands to give them more presence and then begin. I create the two arrangements simultaneously directly on the mantle. Because only the front and sides of these arrangements are seen, I can use the wall that backs them to help hold the large branches of evergreen in place. And so, I begin by adding tall hemlock branches to

the rear of the containers. I then add the larger, shiny leaf selections such as aucuba and magnolia. I like to add juniper, pine, cedar and arborvitae to fill in spaces and then add berries. I love nandina berries, ivy berries, holly berries and ligustrum berries. If you have rose hips, they add a lovely touch.

Although I have been making the same basic arrangement for over fifty years, sometimes they just don’t seem right, and I must take everything apart and start over. Don’t be afraid to do that. Remember, these are your creations and they should be pleasing to your eyes.

I have seen a lot of artificial greenery that is lovely but there is none that can compare to the real thing. Real plant material has a distinctive odor, and those smells evoke memories of times past. Plus, the process of going out into nature and selecting your greenery is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. I hope this will inspire you to use your imagination and to create your own holiday decorations. It can be very rewarding.

Happy decorating!

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/columnists/garden_buzz/.

JUDY PEACOCK/APPEN MEDIA

At top, plants decorate a holiday mantle. At bottom, a thanksgiving centerpiece adorns the table.

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