Johns Creek Herald - September 22, 2022

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Crisis call line logs high use in first weeks

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — While data collection is still in the early stages, the 9-8-8 Georgia Steering Committee informed the public of trends seen in the first 45 days of the program’s rollout at a Sept. 7 webinar.

“Just over 50 days ago we took the first steps down a long road towards transforming Georgia’s crisis system and making it easy for those experienc ing a behavioral health crisis to know who to call in an emergency,” said Judy Fitzgerald, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) commissioner.

In 2020, Congress designated the new 9-8-8 dialing code to be operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Beginning July 16 of this year, individuals in crisis could call or text 9-8-8 for 24/7 care.

“The similarity to 9-1-1 was a message to everyone, saying the behavioral health crisis needs to be at the forefront here,” Fitzgerald said. “I

Johns

Johns Creek adopts new budget

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — At the third and final public hearing Sept. 12, the Johns Creek City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, a spending plan that calls for $71.5 million in expenditures.

The vote was unanimous, and there was no public comment.

Council members thanked Finance Director Ronnie Campbell and city staff for their work on the new budget.

Mayor John Bradberry lauded the City Council for their productivity.

“The way we disagreed without be ing disagreeable was a key part of us being able to move this forward and be constructive and arrive at a better end product,” Bradberry said.

In the budget presentation, Camp bell explained that the $71.5 million spending plan represents a 15 percent increase from the FY 2022 budget.

Revenue will come primarily through local option sales tax (LOST) and proper ty taxes. The city’s biggest expenses are personnel, operations and accruals for current and future maintenance needs of critical infrastructure and assets.

Campbell broke down the budget by

JOHN BRADBERRY Johns Creek mayor

highlighting five themes noted in past hearings, which are targeted to improve and help grow the Johns Creek com munity.

According to the presentation, the new budget invests in the need to ad vance the city’s commitment to public

For nearly 20 years, Bill has proven to be an exceptional industry leader in the real estate community, as well as within our company. We look forward to Bill’s continued leadership as Executive Vice President, in addition to serving alongside Sherri Conrad as Managing Broker of our North Atlanta Office.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Johns Creek Finance Director Ronnie Campbell presents the 2023 budget one final time before its adoption at the Sept. 12 City Council meeting.

See BUDGET, Page 11

The way we disagreed without being disagreeable was a key part of us being able to move this forward and be constructive and arrive at a better end product.”

Johns Creek to replace Fire Station 63

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Construction documents for Fire Station 63 have been officially funded as part of the fiscal year 2023 budget adopted at the Sept. 12 Johns Creek City Council meeting.

The construction project is one of many public safety measures Johns Creek is implementing in the upcoming year. The Fire Department is also looking to fill six positions.

Fire Chief Chris Coons said that four candidates are in process and a new rescue boat for the department has also received funding.

Fire Station 63 is the oldest of four fire stations serving Johns Creek, stand ing at nearly 40 years old. The station houses a rotating staff of five to six firefighters, working on a 24-hour-on, 48-hour-off shift, with around three on the fire engine and two working on the rescue squad.

According to the budget book, the station’s design, construction materials and age have led to frequent repairs over the years. The building is basically made from a wooden frame, Coons said.

More recently, the building has been experiencing plumbing, mechani cal, structural – like a cracked concrete foundation – and roofing issues as well as mold. Coons said half of the building is below grade, acting like a basement, causing dampness inside of the building.

The budget book states that after eval

uating building issues in 2018 and review ing again in 2021, all possible temporary fixes have been made to Station 63.

The current design also doesn’t al low for bigger, more modern fire trucks, Coons said.

The budget allots $300,000 for initial engineering and construction docu ments. But, that amount may need to be adjusted, depending on the scope, scale and complexity of the building, the budget book states.

Because the replacement design hasn’t been decided, overall cost for the project can’t be determined, Coons said.

As a point of reference, Fire Station 64, which opened last year in Johns Creek, has a total project value of around $3.7 million. Construction for the 9,000-square-foot building took over two years to complete.

Excitement abounds for the replace ment station.

“I’ve had a lot of guys from the

Residential

department ask me, “Hey, can we get a gym there? Can we get this and this there?” Coons said.

For Coons, some anticipation comes from plans for the station to house a police precinct. Coons said the Police Department’s South Precinct has been looking for a permanent location.

The precinct, currently located in a shopping center, houses the traffic unit, Communications Lieutenant Debra Coble said. While the precinct isn’t oc cupied 24/7, the space allows officers greater access to the city’s south end. Johns Creek Police Department is head quartered in north Johns Creek.

The site for the replacement station has not yet been decided, but Coons said options are nearby the current station, which is on Old Alabama Road.

Location is in part determined by Insurance Services Office (ISO) compli ance.

The ISO creates ratings for fire de partments and their communities based on several criteria, using the Fire Sup pression Rating Schedule. Ratings are on a 10-1 scale, 10 being the lowest rating.

Insurance companies use ISO ratings to set insurance rates for homes. Impact varies. While the ISO do not provide fire safety scores to the public, Coons said Johns Creek sits at a two.

“Which is fantastic,” Coons said. “There’s only a handful of jurisdictions in the country that have that.”

Around half of the ISO rating comes from a fire department’s staffing levels, training and proximity.

If a fire station is more than five road miles away from an area, properties are generally given a 10, according to the web site for Verisk, the ISO parent company.

Around 40 percent of the rating comes from availability of water supply. Other criteria in the overall rating in volve quality of community risk reduc tion, which includes fire code adoption and enforcement, educational program ming and fire investigation.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Fire Station 63 is the oldest fire station – nearly 40 years old – serving Johns Creek and has had ongoing structural issues.

Brew Moon Fest returns to downtown Alpharetta

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Strap on your dancing and beer drinking shoes and get ready to head down to Main Street Alpharetta because Brew Moon Fest is returning this fall, y’all.

The bi-annual, award-winning Brew Moon Fest will be held Sept. 24, 2022, on Milton Avenue in downtown Alpharetta, featuring music by Artist BJ Wilbanks, brews from Jekyll Brewing Company and food multiple local eateries.

“We are thrilled to bring back Brew Moon Fest this fall as a key event to showcase why Alpharetta is the place to live, work and operate a small business,” Alpharetta Business Association Board Member Tracie Morton said. “It’s a great opportunity for those new and not-sonew to the area to experience the charm of our amazing community. We look for ward to bringing downtown Alpharetta to life with great music, great food and the best people.”

Brew Moon Fest 2022 will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will go on rain or shine. Festivalgoers are encouraged to buy individual tickets for $20 apiece and bring their own lawn chairs, but six-person group tables with a front row view of the stage can be purchased for $180.

If you go

What: Brew Moon Fest

When: Saturday, Sept. 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Where: Downtown Alpharetta

Cost: Individual tickets for $20, tables for $180

“We love seeing the downtown streets filled with happy locals and visitors,” said Janet Rodgers, President and CEO of the Alpharetta Convention and Visi tors Bureau. “Brew Moon Fest is the perfect excuse to plan a fun getaway or staycation in Alpharetta. Fill the week end with shopping and dining, then enjoy your night dancing under the moonlight before heading to stay in any one of our lovely 30 hotels.”

The event is hosted by the Alpharetta Business Association, and is sponsored by Jekyll Brewing Company, the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City of Alpharetta and Appen Media Group.

For more information and tickets, visit alpharettabusinessassociation. com/event-4916820.

Pup-a-Palooza draws throng of proud pet owners

By LUKE GARDNER newsroom@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Hundreds of people and their dogs congregated in Johns Creek’s Newtown Park Sept. 17 for the annual Pup-a-Palooza.

The Recreation and Parks De partment hosts the event, which is a celebration of all things dog-related. Vendors, a food truck, a dog mascot, a photo booth and a live DJ were all set up in the parking lot beside the dog park.

“We had about 500 people,” said Recreation Coordinator Cara Prell. “That’s pretty standard. I love [Pup-aPalooza]. It’s one of our more fun laidback events. I have a dog, but she can’t be here because she’s insane.”

Each year, canines compete for the Best Dressed Dog award and the Best Dog Trick award.

A 2-and-a-half-year-old golden doodle named Zeke won this year’s best trick award and his mom, Aakansha Sharma, couldn’t be more proud.

“He’s good at tricks,” Sharma said. “He did a couple of classes and I saw this and thought I’d give it a shot. He did down, sit, say please, and touch.”

Vendors included Vets Off Leash, Best Friends Doggy Day Care and Spa, Angles Among Us Pet Rescue, State Farm, who offered pet insurance, and several doggie treat companies.

Most vendors offered free mer chandise and small contests. Vets Off Leash, a Cumming-based mobile veterinary practice, offered guests the chance to spin a wheel for small prizes, including a Frisbee that was in high demand. Best Friends Doggy Day Care and Spa allowed attendees to guess how many doggie treats were in their jar. The winner received a free day of doggie daycare. Most vendors also of fered free doggie treats.

The Angles Among Us tent was full of one-of-a-kind merchandise available for purchase with proceeds serving as dona tions to the organization.

“We’re a foster-based rescue,” said Angles Among Us vendor Melissa Harri son. “We pull from kill shelters and take in sick and injured and surrendered cats and dogs. We just celebrated our 20,000th save.”

To learn about upcoming events in Johns Creek, visit johnscreekga.gov/rec reationandparks/special-events.

Left, Aakansha Sharma kneels beside Zeke hold ing his first-place ribbon for ‘best trick.’ Above, pups play in the doggie park, which is just as popular as the vendor booths.

PHOTOS BY LUKE GARDNER/APPEN MEDIA

Pet owners and their canines tour the tent booths at the annual Pup-a-Palooza Sept. 17 at Newtown Park.

We’re going after that type of person or family or group that has an exquisite kind of taste and wants something a little bit unique and different.

MICHAEL JONES, co-owner, Palm 78 restaurant

Palm 78 adds taste of tropics to Alpharetta

Restaurant focuses on unique concept for seafood lovers

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Imagine sitting at a restaurant, cocktail with a tiny umbrella in hand, and the waiter has just brought over a beautifully prepared whole fish paella that’s earning you jeal ous glances from other tables.

With the smell of exotic spices in the air and elegantly dressed patrons rubbing elbows underneath the palm fronds, you could be anywhere, a beach resort in Anguilla, a swanky hotel in the Bahamas, or a private club in St. Barts. But you didn’t even need to leave Alpharetta, thanks to a new tropical cu linary concept by Atlanta restaurateurs Michael Jones and Leno Joseph.

Palm 78, an upscale tropical themed seafood and steak restaurant, was opened by Jones and Joseph off Wind ward Parkway at the end of July, with the intent of capturing the feeling of a tropical vacation, right in the city.

“This is like going to a five-star resort on a remote island and you have top shelf service, food drinks and you’re in a Caribbean environment,” Jones said. “So, you’ll see a lot of the drinks are tropicalthemed drinks, and then even with some of the entrees and appetizers, you have a little bit of a Caribbean twist.”

Jones said some highlights of their menu, in his opinion, are unique offer ings you can’t find anywhere else, like

the whole fish paella and roasted cau liflower, and more traditional items like the short rib, salmon filet and tomahawk steak they put their own spin on.

“We’re kind of a mix between tra ditional food, and we add a little bit of uniqueness,” he said.

Ambiance was also a driving factor for Palm 78, Jones said. And it’s easy to see the partners worked hard to make their restaurant feel like a tropical resort, even though it’s wedged between a Starbucks and mattress store on Winward Parkway.

Jones, a personal injury attorney, said that as an avid fisherman and sea food buff, he always wanted to open an upscale seafood restaurant. And when the two partners met, Joseph was just starting his first Spice House restaurant location in Atlanta.

“We were pretty good friends and I used to patronize his first restaurant, and I always thought he was genuine.”

Jones said.

Joseph went on to open four more Spice House locations in Metro Atlanta, and in 2022 the partners decided the time was right to open a restaurant combining Jones’ love of seafood and Jo seph’s industry knowledge and expertise.

“We’re going after that type of person or family or group that has an exqui site kind of taste and wants something a little bit unique and different,” Jones said. “And wants to have a great experi ence while they dine.”

That exquisite taste is exactly why they picked the Alpharetta area to open Palm 78.

Joseph, a local, was already famil iar with the area, and thought it would be perfect for the tropical theme, since there isn’t another restaurant like it in the community, Jones said.

“We’re trying to tailor it for this commu nity, what’s needed in comparison to what

PALM 78/PROVIDED At Palm 78 off Windward Parkway in Alpharetta patrons will be treated to “five-star quality” cuisine, inspired by tropical Caribbean paradise.

other restaurants offer here,” he said. “We think we offer something unique.”

The restaurant opened with a special invite only night in late July. It has since been open to the public for dinner service and special events with what Jones called a great reception from the community.

With that success, Jones said they’ve also had to adjust to a few different things, like the palate of residents and the pace of life in Alpharetta, where nightlife shuts down fairly early com pared to Atlanta.

But they’ve also been shooting toward opening for lunch service soon, as Winward Parkway and the greater Al pharetta area is a huge draw for casual and business lunch crowds. Jones said patrons should stay tuned for that.

You can visit Palm 78 at 5325 Wind ward Pkwy in Alpharetta, and they are open for dinner from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

ALEXANDER POPP/APPEN MEDIA Palm 78, a new tropical seafood and steak restaurant recently opened in Alpharetta by Atlanta restaurateurs Michael Jones and Leno Joseph, combines the swanky look and feel of a destination resort with the ease and accessibility of a local business.

A part of our mission is to help businesses in Johns Creek connect, grow, and thrive. One of the ways we fulfill this mission is by helping business professionals grow their networks. All are welcome to the following networking opportunities for little to no cost, so please join us!

The schedule is subject to change so to stay up to date with all the information visit the Calendar on our website or give us a call.

Wednesday

9:30 – 11:00AM

11695 Johns Creek Parkway 1st Floor Meeting Area

Come prepared with business cards and your 45-second pitch about your business! From these meetings, you will form relationships, create business opportunities, and share information with Johns Creek Business professionals.

4th Thursday of the Month

9:00 – 10:30 AM

Our Women’s Networking Connection events allow for a networking experience unlike our others. This event rotates locations and is a pay-as-you-go breakfast meeting open to all women professionals. This event is a great platform for women in business to come together to build strong connections with other women-owned, run, or targeted businesses. We’ve had some exciting collaborations born out of this event!

4th Thursday of the Month

2:00 – 3:30 PM

This event allows male professionals in the Johns Creek area to expand their referral network over a casual lunch. Chamber membership is not required and there is never admission for this event, just pay for your meal.

T: 770.495.0545

F: 770.495.4646

11695 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 100 Johns Creek, Georgia 30097

Join us for the Chamber’s Annual Gala to celebrate the successes of the past year, share our vision for Johns Creek furure, and enjoy one another’s company. This is a seated dinner with a Chamber Awards Ceremony, along with live music and dancing. In attendance are the Chamber Board of Directors, Chairman Circle Members, Elected Officials, Chamber Members, and distinguished guests. It is one of our favorite events to put together and always a fun time!

To purchase tickets:

Head to the Calendar on our website, find the Event on October 14th, and click register

Hotline: 9-8-8 calls

from Page 1

think that’s certainly how we feel it’s a game changer for stigma.”

Georgia has been ahead of the curve. Residents have already had the ability to use Mobile Crisis Services by calling the Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225. The single-dial call, created over 15 years ago, provides help to those in crisis as well as those seeking information on behavioral health.

The 10-digit number is still opera tional, but the new three-digit number makes it easier to seek help. Calls are directed to the same Georgia call center.

All 9-8-8 calls are answered by master’s-level behavioral health profes sionals and are supervised by licensed professionals, DBHDD Director of ASO Coordination Anna Bourque said. All are trained in the Columbia scale, which is a suicide risk assessment, as well as LO CUS (Level of Care Utilization System).

Because of easier access, the feds projected that Georgia’s crisis demand would double in the first year, Fitzgerald said. To mitigate being overwhelmed, the government decided against mass mar keting. Instead, 9-8-8 has been targeted toward specific high-risk groups.

With federal cautionary projections, capacity is a concern.

DATA: GEORGIA CRISIS AND ACCESS LINE CHART:

During the first 30 days of the emergency hotline, more than 30 percent of callers were Black/African American, which is the largest identified population by race.

“We’re going to be really thoughtful and strategic about how we’re going to build ca pacity based on that data,” Fitzgerald said.

Considering the program was imple mented only some 50 days ago, findings are preliminary. But, a number of trends have been observed.

Georgia answers to the first goal in SAMHSA’s five-year vision: By 2023 over 90 percent or more of calls would be an swered in-state. In the first 45 days, 97 percent of calls were answered in-state.

In that same vision, 80 percent or more of individuals will have access to rapid crisis response by 2025. And, by 2027, 80 percent or more of individuals will have ac cess to community-based crisis care.

Since the rollout, GCAL has received 476 calls that resulted in active rescues for those whose lives were believed to be in danger.

An active rescue is an incident where call agents have a significant enough concern for a person’s immediate health

and safety that they must engage with the local 911 center to trigger an EMS or police response.

During the first 30 days of the 9-8-8 rollout, about 10 percent of active rescue calls were made by people under age 18.

During the same period, the prelimi nary data shows that Georgians in rural southern counties reached out for mental health and substance use crisis support at higher rates than their urban counterparts.

For example, residents in Webster County reached out at twice the rate than residents in Fulton County.

Georgia’s 9-8-8 steering team also presented data on crisis episodes by gender and race, comparing 9-8-8 call data with the Georgia 2020 Census.

The Census data showed that most crisis episodes were self-identified fe males, while the other 48 percent were “Other.” Meanwhile, over 50 percent of 9-8-8 crisis calls were from self-identi fied males. Dawn Peel, the director of DBHDD Office of Crisis Coordination, said the difference might be that men are less likely to reach out in typical outpatient services and are more willing to reach out to an anonymous hotline.

On race, the data showed most in dividuals who had episodes were White. Meanwhile, over 30 percent of callers were Black/African American, which is the largest identified population by race. For information about 9-8-8, visit 988ga.org/

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Arts committee brainstorms list of future cultural events

By LUKE GARDNER newsroom@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek has tasked its new Arts, Entertainment and Culture Committee with brainstorming ideas for future events.

Committee members come from a variety of arts backgrounds, including painting, acting, visual art, poetry, sing ing, dancing, hosting events and even skills in broadcast and IT.

City Clerk Allison Tarpley explained during the committee’s first meeting on Sept. 13 that the panel’s purpose is not to plan or throw events, but to sug gest detailed ideas for events to the City Council, which will have final say on whether to pursue them.

“Our purpose is to create community through events,” said Special Events Co ordinator Stacey Gross. “You don’t have a city without people.”

Preplanned and longstanding events are handled by the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee. Some of these include Trunk or Treat, on Oct. 19 from 6-8 p.m., the Diwali Festival on Oct. 22 from 5-8 p.m., and the Town Center Holiday Jam on Dec. 3 from 4-8 p.m.

Diwali is being held for the first time in Johns Creek to celebrate cultural di versity and good defeating evil. Diwali is a festival of lights commonly celebrated by Hindus and Buddhists to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. The event will be held at Shakerag Park and will include a DJ, live performers, food, and vendors.

Trunk or Treat takes place every year at City Hall, where people gather with their car trunks decorated and pass out candy to hundreds of trick-or-treaters.

The Town Center Holiday Jam will take place at City Hall and will include a Christmas tree and Menorah display, food, vendors, games, and a reverse parade, where people walk and the floats are stationary.

The Arts, Entertainment and Culture Committee aims to build upon Johns Creek’s legacy of holding large annual events like Trunk or Treat.

Two suggested events the committee discussed are a festival for the Lunar New Year and Daffodil Days, which would be a celebration of hope and over coming adversity.

Suggestions for a Lunar New Year event included traditional lion danc ing and live music featuring traditional Chinese instruments.

The committee discussed the possi bility of a week of multiple small events centered around the theme of hope using the symbolism of daffodils. The flower can be found in various green spaces throughout the city, thanks to the planting efforts of Johns Creek Beautification Inc.

The Arts, Entertainment, and Cul ture Committee plans to elect a chair at its next meeting on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m.

To volunteer at one of the city’s events, go to johnscreekga.gov/recre ationandparks/special-events/volun teer-opportunities.

pensation and classification study with the goal of retaining “best and brightest staff talent.” The city’s website will also be redesigned.

safety, expand and improve the park system, strengthen the city’s team and community communications, invest in critical infrastructure and assets and improve roadway safety and traffic is sues.

Two new police department positions for the Clinician/Officer Response Team are now funded as well as construction documents for the replacement of Fire Station 63. The new budget also sets aside funds for replacing a Fire Depart ment rescue boat and 14 police vehicles.

The budget proposed funding for Creekside Park, Cauley Creek Park and an allotment of funds dedicated to park plan implementation.

The city is set to implement a com

Per the newly adopted budget, the city will continue to invest in road re surfacing as well as park, infrastructure and stormwater maintenance.

Several road safety projects will be in the works. The city is set to expand street lighting on Taylor Road and add a high intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) on Brumbelow Road. The city will perform safety enhancements for streets with steep slopes along sides and make roadway operations improvements, such as extending a right-turn lane for Autrey Mill Middle School.

In other action at the Monday night City Council meeting, Johns Creek City Engineer Erica Madsen presented a video showing updates to Cauley Creek Park. The video, which Madsen narrated,

Redistricting process to refine attendance zones

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Parents and students will get a first glimpse of potential school attendance zones for next year during the second round of redistricting meet ings set for Oct 3 at Alpharetta High School.

The public will have an opportunity to review early plans and provide feed back on the draft proposals for enroll ment boundaries. The new attendance zones go into effect the start of school in August 2023.

Planners with the Fulton County School System are sifting through the hundreds of comments received follow ing the first round of redistricting out reach on Sept. 12. During that meeting, the public was asked to provide input on how decisions would be made on new attendance zones.

That input is being used as district staff create draft maps for round two on Oct. 3.

Although the community is encour aged to engage in the process and provide feedback, the decisions will ultimately be driven by established criteria set by the Fulton County School Board.

“We are always grateful for the

engagement of our parents and com munity,” said Chief Communications Officer Brian Noyes. “And the input we receive is a valued part of our evaluation process.”

However, he added, the final zones will follow the approved criteria which consid ers geographic proximity, instructional capacity, projected enrollment, traffic patterns, previous rezoning, special pro grams, and school feeder alignment.

“[Community] feedback is evaluated on the quality of how they relate to the criteria, not the volume of responses,” Noyes said. “Form letters and petitions on the same point will be considered together as a single comment.”

He encouraged the community to at tend the public sessions which allow for more interactive conversations with staff and community.

After the meeting, the district will put the alternative map proposals online to gather community comments and feedback.

Until then, the district is not accept ing online comments about the zones. However, anyone with questions about the process can send an email to the district at planning@fultonschools.org.

Revised boundaries could potentially impact all 47 public schools in the North

Redistricting timeline

Round Two – Oct. 3, 2022 (6-8 p.m.) at Alpharetta High School

• Staff presents alternative proposals for new attendance zones.

• Community members offer comments on strengths and weaknesses of each plan in facilitated small-group discussions.

• Prior to the next community forum, staff condenses the number of attendance zone alternatives based on public input.

Round Three – Oct. 18, 2022 (6-8 p.m.) at Alpharetta High School

• Community members review and provide input on revised attendance zone draft plans in facilitated small-group discussions.

• Staff uses comments to develop an attendance zone recommendation for Board consideration.

Final Recommendations

– Nov. 8

Staff will present recommended map for attendance zone boundaries to the Fulton School Board (first read). At this point, all public comments regarding the proposed attendance zones should be directed to members of the Board of Education.

Final Action – Dec. 15

Board members will vote on final attendance zone changes that will go into ef fect August 2023.

Fulton region. Schools with open enroll ment, such as charter schools, would not be impacted by new attendance

zones.

A similar rezoning process is under way for schools in South Fulton.

CHARTER MEMBER

Robin Fricton

Roderick Liptrot

Bob Meyers

Roger Wise Jr.

MEMBER+

Rita Brown

Charlcie Forehand

Anne Peer

Robert Popp

Mark Rundle

Suraj Sehgal

Mary Asbury

Barbara Bauschka

Tom Billings

Joe Bowen

Kirk Canaday

James Carr

Pat Check Tom Driscoll

Danny Elkins Carol Fry

Christopher Goodrich

Joe Hirsch

MEMBER (Cont.)

Penn Hodge

Tyler Jones Mark Kelly

Allison Kloster

Ken Leffingwell

Karen Magill

Al Merrill

Stephanie Schuette

Faye Sklar

Andy Smith

Ollie Wagner

Lewis Walker

Muscle

Shout

Wood cutters

Pricing word

Letters at Camp Lejeune

Hood’s gun

Equine of Africa

Freddy Krueger’s street

Half of Hispaniola

Before, of yore

Pathetic

Washington State's Grand

Dam

Vega’s constellation

Backers

Film coating

Replace with a machine

Baseball bat wood

Part of a parachute

Beloved of Aphrodite

Ready 52 Tiny toiler

Shot, for short

Police action

Fries, maybe

Nay sayer

Poet

Blue Light season has returned

Brought to you by – Brent Taylor, MD

Blue light therapy, also called photody namic therapy (PDT), is a treatment that can help eliminate precancerous lesions and lower one’s risk of skin cancer. A PDT treatment involves applying a medi cine called aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to a patient’s skin and then shining blue light on the treated area to activate the medicine. ALA is an organic, naturally occurring amino acid that our bodies use to make hemoglobin.

When applied to the skin and activated by blue light, ALA preferen tially kills pre-cancerous cells that make up lesions called actinic keratoses (AKs). Patients can often feel their own AKs by running their fingers over sun damaged areas such as the tip of the nose, the tops of the ears or the scalp. AK’s usu ally feel rough or hard and will some times bleed if picked. AKs can develop into skin cancer if untreated.

PDT has a “season” because most pre-cancer treatments leave the skin temporarily irritated and paradoxi cally vulnerable to the sun’s rays for a period of a few days to a week as healing takes place. Good cells need time to heal into the place previously occupied by bad cells. After a PDT treatment, a patient needs to avoid the sun for a few days. If a patient is going to see a child or grandchild’s baseball game, go fishing, golfing, boating or otherwise be in the sun, then many dermatologists would recommend waiting to perform preventative skin cancer treatments until a less sunny time of year when it’s easier to avoid the sun’s UV rays.

Now that the days are getting shorter and the sun is less intense, it’s

time to start thinking about skin cancer prevention again. Multiple treatment options exist to help prevent skin cancer including in-office treatments like PDT as well as at home creams that a patient applies such as fluorouracil, imiquimod, diclofenac and tirbanibulin. A dermatol ogist can help a patient choose the best, personalized treatment.

PDT and the best topical treat ments can eliminate 75% or more of one’s actinic keratoses and dramatically decrease the number of times a patient has to have spots frozen or cancers cut out. Our experience is that thoroughly treated areas that were growing skin cancers at the rate of one per year often go multiple years without another skin cancer after PDT treatments.

Cosmetically, PDT can be part of a skin rejuvenation regimen. On the face of men and women and on the up per chest “décolletage” area of women, PDT treatments can address the pre cancerous component of sun-damaged skin, and then laser treatments (such as 532/1064nm Nd:YAG laser) can help address aesthetic components of sun damage. These treatments allow many rough, red or brown spots to be eliminated resulting in medical and cosmetic benefit.

If you would like to repair sun damaged skin and treat actinic keratoses or are simply overdue for a skin exam, consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor is a fellowship-trained and board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. Kathryn Filipek, PA-C has greater than 15 years of experience in dermatology and has expertise in medical dermatology, cos metic injectable treatments, sclerotherapy, external laser treatments and more.

ISTOCK

The courage of therapy

Brought to you by – Brittany Glaser, Licensed Professional Counselor, Intensively Trained DBT Clinician at Summit Counseling Center

Therapy is hard. If you’ve ever taken those first steps through a therapist’s doors, then you know how heavy it can feel. Stepping through those doors means that you’re willing to say that something in your life isn’t working. You’re saying, “I need help”; a transformative and counter-cultural statement in a society that tells all of us that we must be enough, all on our own.

Starting therapy takes courage. It takes courage to sit with a therapist and let them hold a mirror up to your life. It takes courage to look at the things you don’t want to. It takes courage to be willing to acknowledge that you, like all of us, are human and imperfect.

As a therapist, I never take for granted the courage and resiliency that

it takes for someone to step into my office. Every time I see someone walk in; it gives me hope for the journey they are on. Starting therapy, whether for the first time or picking it up again, shows me that someone is saying that they are worth being brave for. That they are worth working to create positive change. That they believe in hope and, ultimately, that they believe in themselves.

Therapy is hard, but it’s worth it. When you can be vulnerable and take that first step, it opens you up to deeper healing, self-awareness, ac ceptance, and meaning. It starts the journey from “I’m not enough” to “I’m doing the best I can, and that’s ok”.

ISTOCK

Five signs that your parents may need assisted living

When a child is growing up, it is par ents who must care for them and ensure their well-being is protected. However, when parents become elderly, the rela tionship is reversed. Aging is inevitable and it is important to be prepared.

The need for Senior Living

If you are the child of parents who are deep into their senior years, it is incumbent on you to know the signs your aging parents can no longer live on their own. At some point, it may become necessary for your parents to move into assisted living.

Unfortunately, aging individuals are not always able to recognize when they are in need of help. Some may resist facing up to reality. Losing indepen dence, after all, is extremely difficult for anyone. This means that it is important to remain aware of indicators that your parents may need assisted living. Here are five major signs of mental and physi cal decline you must watch out for.

Loss of mobility: Loss of mobility means a loss of independence. It’s a sad re ality that an older adult who cannot move around as they once did is probably no lon ger fully capable of caring for themselves.

Isolation: As an older person be comes less physically capable, it may become steadily harder for them to maintain social connections. Isolation is often the result.

Not remembering to take medica tions: This, of course, is a very serious sign that your aging mother or father can no longer be relied on to care for themselves. Failing to take vital medi cations can have dire consequences. If this happens more than once or twice, it’s almost certainly time for assisted living.

Brought to you by – Inspired Living Al pharetta

Inspired:

from Page

Neglecting hygiene: As an older adult ages, they may become less and less capable of even completing such ba sic tasks as bathing, shaving, and other elements of hygiene. This is a strong sign they should no longer be living on their own.

Weight change: Both weight loss and weight gain can be caused by aging. Weight loss or gain can contribute to mental and physical decline as well.

Even if your parents are still in good mental and physical shape, it still makes sense to start looking at assisted liv ing options. Getting ready early for an important change always makes sense. When the time does come for your par ents to move to assisted living, you want to be prepared so that the move can be taken care of as smoothly as possible.

As tenured experts in senior living, we are a wealth of information and wel come the opportunity to educate, inform and help you prepare. Please visit www. inpsiredliving.care for more informa tion or speak with a Lifestyle Advisor at 770.629.8431 to have an in-depth con versation about your personal situation.

Bobby

Interest continues to grow for Appen Press Club

HANS APPEN Publisher hans@appenmedia.com

The last time I checked in was to let you know about the launch of the Appen Press Club. Since then, we have engaged with many of you in the shared goal of building an orga nization dedicated to preserving journalism efforts in the Metro Atlanta community.

Many of you have gone ahead and become members of the Press Club and for that, thank you! In talking with some of you, we have identified some com mon questions that I wanted to answer here, in this forum. I hope they will help explain what we are building and that it will inspire you to join in the cause.

Q: What is the Appen Press Club?

A: The Appen Press Club is an or ganization within Appen Media Group dedicated to preserving and growing the

institution of journalism in the Metro Atlanta community. Its members sup port the efforts of the club with a small monthly or annual fee. The club then uses those dollars to employ journalists, reimburse them for fees associated with their work and to put on events dedi cated to creating a more informed and involved community.

Q: Who can join?

A: Anyone who thinks it is impor tant to have a strong, viable local press is invited to join. While the focus of the work produced by journalists associated with the Appen Press Club will be in metro Atlanta, anyone can support their efforts. Ultimately, we aspire to provide a sustainable model (for free) to other local media outlets across the country to replicate our efforts.

Q: Where do my membership dollars go?

A: 100% of all membership dues go

directly to funding salaries for journal ists and their work, which is dedicated to connecting communities and engaging them in issues that affect their lives.

Q: Will the organization have events?

A: Yes. Our goal is to regularly host events that will provide members with opportunities to engage with profession al journalists or subject matter experts on issues important to them and the communities they live in.

Q: What is the cost to join?

A: There are three different mem bership levels: Member, Member+ and Charter. Member is $13/month with an annual plan, Member+ $21 and Charter $42. You also have the option to pay monthly.

Q: Are there any member benefits?

A: Yes! While the primary benefit of membership is to support the effort to create a sustainable local press, there

are other more tangible benefits as well. Every member will be mailed a “Sup port Local Journalism” coffee mug and T-shirt, and receive free admission to all Appen Press Club events. There will also be “sneak peak” and “members only” newsletters, articles and publica tions that will be available in the near future. Lastly, all members are proudly identified by name each week in Appen Media’s 5 weekly newspapers in recogni tion of their shared interest in support ing local journalism efforts.

Join the Club

Support local journalism and join the Appen Press Club by going to appenmedia.com/join

OPINION

THE PAST

A hero lived among us, Part 1

The plane flew so low that Charles saw two airmen sitting in the cockpit. He was credited with downing one of the attack ing aircraft but suffered a concussion and permanent hearing loss in one ear from the explosions during the attack.

BOB MEYERS

Ordinary people sometimes do ex traordinary things. At times, heroes may live conventional lives among us without our knowing of their selfless acts nor the sacrifices or suffer ing they may have endured. Charles Edwin Mansell (1917 – 1996) was such a person, a modest farmer who did heroic deeds as a member of the Greatest Gen eration in World War II. Here is his story.

One of seven children, Charles was raised on a farm in Roswell where Highway 9 and Crossville Road meet. He attended a one-room school in Roswell and subse quently Milton High School. He was ener getic and always looking for excitement. He joined the Army in 1939 along with his two younger brothers Pete and Hugh.

Charles’ first overseas assignment was Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. A natu ral athlete, he participated in track, swim ming and taught boxing. He was on duty at the base gate on the morning of December 7, 1941, when Japanese aircraft attacked.

“As soon as I saw red balls on the wings, I knew we were in for a lot of trouble,” he recalled years later, accord ing to his second cousin Linda Martin.

Sgt. Mansell was sent to Guadalcanal in September 1942 where he participated in the first major invasion of a Japa nese-held island. He remembered that the American troops lacked sufficient equipment to fight with in the early days. Charles suffered shrapnel wounds in his left shoulder and chest from mortar fire but quickly rejoined his unit when they were ordered to move north. Four pins in his shoulder forced this southpaw to learn to write with his right hand.

The following summer President Roo sevelt called for volunteers for an elite outfit that would operate behind Impe rial Japanese Army lines in Burma. The Japanese had conquered Burma two years earlier. Charles joined the group of nearly 3,000 men led by Gen. Frank D. Merrill. Its formal name was The 5307th Composite Unit Provisional. Its codename was Galahad. The group quickly became known as Merrill’s Marauders.

They trained in the jungles of central India. Then, in February 1944 marched hundreds of miles through the Himalayan Mountains and Burmese jungles carry ing their equipment and supplies on their

backs and on the backs of pack mules. Once in Burma they coordinated closely with a Chinese force. Often outnumbered, the Marauders fought five major battles and 30 minor engagements in the jungles of Burma for five months, The hard-won capture of the critically important Japa nese airfield at Myitkyina (Mitch-in-a) and subsequent capture of the fortified town of Myitkyina in 1944 by the Marauders was their most significant victory which played a vital part in the war.

Only 130 Marauders of the original 2,750 were still fit for duty after the cap ture of Myitkyina. The field hospital re ported that “many of the Marauders were seriously ill and they were so tired, dirty, and hungry that they looked more dead than alive. They suffered from exhaus tion, malnutrition, typhus, malaria, ame bic dysentery, jungle sores, and many other diseases resulting from months of hardship in the tropical jungle.”

In September 1944, Charles was

transferred back to the United States. He spent the remainder of the war as first sergeant in charge of a POW camp in Louisiana where German prisoners of war were held. While in Louisiana, Charles married Montez Haley (1918–2005) a neighbor and childhood friend with whom he had carried on a correspondence throughout his military service.

Charles was wounded four times. He was injured by mortar fire in the shoulder and chest in Guadalcanal and by machine gun fire in a leg in Burma. He received a purple heart, four Bronze Stars, two Silver Stars and two Presiden tial Unit Citations. He suffered from seri ous illnesses, but he never gave up. His daughter Connie Smith recites words he wrote in a letter home: “I’m fighting until the war is over because I want to come home a free man in a free country.”

Connie has preserved many letters and other remembrances of her father.

To be continued...

DEATH NOTICES

Robert Strenstrom, 74, of Milton, passed away September 4, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Vanmany Thongsouk, 86, of Alpharetta, passed away September 6, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Kyle Smith, 17, of Roswell, passed away September 7, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Marguerite Richmond, 102, of Alpharetta, passed away September 10, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Dwayne Sexton, 53, of Cumming, passed away September 11, 2022. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home and Crematory.

Full-time Part-time

POOL TECHNICIANS

WANTED

Part-time & Full-time positions available. Pay is $12-$14 per hour. Hours starting at 6:30AM, Monday-Friday. Pick-up truck not required but must have your own reliable transportation. Gas allowance provided. Looking for people who enjoy working outside and are enthusiastic, dependable & punctual. Able to contribute independently or on a crew with consistently friendly attitude.

Well-established commercial pool maintenance company providing service in the North Atlanta Metro area.

Call Bill: 404-245-9396

ASSISTANTS & KENNEL HELP

FULL & PART TIME

Currently hiring Veterinary Assistants and Kennel Help. If you enjoy working with small animals, please contact us. This position offers Dental, Vision, and Major Medical. Please send Resume to docjch@bellsouth.net. 678-327-7008.

MACY’S RETAIL HOLDINGS LLC (MRH) HAS OPENINGS IN JOHNS CREEK, GA FOR SENIOR DEVELOPER (Job 11908.978) to architect & design marketing technology solutions & vendor enhancements to optimize the cross channel platform & drive future vision. May telecommute from home. To apply, mail your resume to MRH, 5985 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097, Attn. William Trevethick. Must reference Job # 11908.978.

Bilingual Client Services Specialist

North Fulton Community Charities has an immediate opening for a part-time Bilingual Client Services Specialist in the Food Pantry. The role includes data entry, updating clients’ applications, and keeping clients and students informed of programs and service enhancements. Must be English/Spanish bilingual. Visit www.nfcchelp.org/work-at-NFCC for more information on the position and how to apply or email Mel Fortin, Director of Pantry Services at mfortin@ nfcchelp.org.

ASSIST PARTIALLY DISABLED EXECUTIVE

Onsite at his place of employment. Perfect for retired nurse. Helping with meal prep, drive to doctors appointments, some shopping. Salary negotiable. English speaking non-smoker. Charlotte 678-208-0774

TAX PREPARER ASSISTANT

Experience required. Flexible hours. Lacerte software experience helpful. admin@skbcpas.com

DESIGNER CONSIGNMENT STORE IN ALPHARETTA HIRING ASSOCIATES.

Please call 770-777-0032.

Cemetery

ROSWELL GREENLAWN LAKESIDE

2 plots, vaults, openings & closings & marker base. $6750/all; transfer fee. Value $25,000$30,000! 770-654-5961

Bargain / Furniture

FORMAL DINING ROOM SET, solid wood, excellent condition, like new. Table, buffet, china cabinet and six chairs (two end chairs have armrests). $1,000. Call or text 470-546-1898

TEAKWOOD TABLE, 8 chairs, China cabinet. $1000/obo. Call or text 404-433-3414

Deadline to place a classified ad – Thursdays by 5:00 pm

ALHARETTA-ROSWELL

CRIER

OPENING in the newspaper and you too can say...

Carmichael, Brasher, Tuvell & Company is hiring an Income Tax Preparer, Corporate and Individual. Great pay and flexible, relaxed work environment. Seeking full and/or part-time individual for individual and corporate tax preparation and accounting. Prior tax preparation required and have working knowledge of QuickBooks. Our office is located in the heart of Dunwoody and work from home is an option. To apply email your resume to gbrasher@cbtcpa.com

LOST TITLE APPLICATION NO.: 2426325

OFFICE OF TITLES

NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 82 OF THE REGISTRATION OF TITLES ACT (RTA) WHEREAS the applicant(s) in the above stated application has/have declared that the following duplicate Certificate of Title has been lost, I HEREBY

GIVE NOTICE that I intend to cancel the said Certificate of Title and issue a new one in duplicate fourteen days after the last publication of this advertisement.

Volume: 1174

Folio: 984

Lot: 21

Place: 15 and 17 Charlton Road

Parish: St. Andrew Registered Proprietor(s):  Don Christopher Vassel

L. Dunbar

Deputy Registrar of Titles

CREEK HERALD

Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www. dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-9299587

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

HughesNet - Finally, superfast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/ mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-433-8277

Aloe Care Health medical alert system. Most advanced medical alert product on the market. Voice-activated! No wi-fi needed! Special offer w/code CARE20 for $20 off Mobile Companion. 1-855341-5862

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-479-1516

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-877539-0299

Discount air travel. Call Flight Services for best pricing on domestic & international flights inside & from the US. Serving United, Delta, American & Southwest & many more. Free quote! Have travel dates ready! 844-951-2014

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855948-6176

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

AT&T Internet. Starting at $40/ month w/12-mo agmt. 1 TB of data/mo. Ask how to bundle & SAVE! Geo & svc restrictions apply. 1-855-364-3948

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-7294998 or visit dorranceinfo. com/ads

Paying top cash for men’s sportwatches! Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 833603-3236

Put on your TV Ears & hear TV w/unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original - originally $129.95 - now w/this special offer only $59.95 w/code MCB59! 1-888-805-0840

Health & Fitness

Vivint. Smart security. Professionally installed. One connected system for total peace of mind. Free professional installation! Four free months of monitoring! Call to customize your system. 1-833-841-0737

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Pest, rodent, termite and mosquito control. Call for a quote or inspection today 844-3949278

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather sup-ply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

Retaining Walls

Brick or Wood

Contact Ralph Rucker. Many local references. Honest, punctual, professional and reasonable prices! 678-898-7237

Concrete/ Asphalt Driveway

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs.  A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $4,500.

Flooring

PHILLIPS FLOORING

Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen back-splashes. Re-grouting is also available. Call 678-8871868 for free estimate.

Haulers

Roofing Landscaping

Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc.

Many local references

Call Ralph Rucker 678-898-7237

Home Improvement

PHILLIPS HOME IMPROVEMENT

We offer drywall, painting, carpentry, plumbing and electrical. Basements finished, kitchen and bath rehabs. All types flooring. Also total home rehab for those who have a rental house or one to sell. Call 678-887-1868 for a free estimate.

ROOF LEAKING?

Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 OFF Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell.

Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing

Full Service LANDSCAPING Company

Retaining walls (brick or wood), grading, sod, tree services, hauling, topsoil & more

Ralph Rucker

678-898-7237

Pinestraw

PINESTRAW, MULCH Delivery/installation available. Firewood available. Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch. 770-831-3612

Gutters

AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS

Installed. Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aaronsgutters.com. Senior citizen discount! 678-508-2432

Tree Services

COMPLETE TREE SERVICES

Appen-Rated 98

Text or Call us for a FREE quote appointment.

Tree removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Free mulch. Fully insured. Emergency 24/7 770-450-8188

20% OFF

ALL Tree Services

Free consutation. 20 years experience. Fully insured. References. Call Tree Expert for an appointment @ 470588-5339.