Johns Creek Herald - September 29, 2022

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County brass draws curtain on tax debate

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — It appears that if Fulton County and its 15 municipalities are to reach a deal over how to divvy up bil lions of dollars in future sales tax revenue, the bargain will be struck behind closed doors.

At a scheduled negotiation session Friday in Atlanta – which had been billed as a public discussion – represen tatives from Fulton County sequestered themselves from the public and about a dozen mayors, and left word they would not bargain in an open meeting.

Mediator Barry Fleming told the city negotiating team that the county representatives came close to leaving on Friday before discussions could even begin. He said the county team’s position was that if negotiations were to take place, they would need to happen privately.

“The Georgia Open Meetings Law allows the media tion process as an exception for the doors to be shut for private discussions to be had, because the law recognizes that quite often mediations have more success that way,” Fleming said. “[They argued] Your insistence that it began this way is not in the best good faith.”

Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin later said the city negoti ating team felt disappointed the county changed the terms of their agreement at the last minute and choose not to face the public for the negotiations.

“It’s hard to have productive negotiations when one partner refuses to make commitments that they’ll follow,” Gilvin said. “However, it’s something we’re growing used

Johns Creek City Councilwoman Stacy Skinner applauds during a ceremony Sept. 12 recognizing September as Mental Health and Suicide Awareness and Recovery Month. Johns Creek is one of a growing number of cities expanding efforts to promote mental health strategies in the community. Read story, Page 3

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Mental health takes center stage in north Metro Atlanta

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — September is nationally recognized as Suicide Prevention and Recovery Awareness Month. And, some cities in north metro Atlanta are reminding themselves of that.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness says September is a time to raise aware ness about suicide, a “stigmatized, often taboo, topic.” Suicide was the 12th leading cause of death in 2020, claiming the lives of almost 46,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preven tion reporting database WISQARS.

Milton and Johns Creek city coun cils have made proclamations at recent meetings to raise awareness about mental health challenges. But, the cities’ initia tives to break down stigmas extend beyond September.

At the Sept. 7 Milton City Council meeting, Mayor Peyton Jamison declared September as Mental Wellness Month in the city. Since 2019, the City of Milton and the Alpharetta-based LRJ Foundation have partnered to provide educational program ming about mental health throughout the community.

Teressa Ruspi Stann, LRJ Foundation co-founder and executive director, began

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community on all different levels.”

Mental wellness webinar

Stann introduced the Sept. 21 men tal wellness webinar for Milton residents, which focused on Milton first respond ers. Last year’s webinar focused on older residents.

Mayor Jamison made opening re marks.

“The reality is that many people from all different places, all different back grounds and in all different situations struggle daily,” Jamison said. “We in Mil ton are committed to doing what we can to raise public awareness, combat stigmas and to let people know that help is out there, and they’re not alone.”

The webinar featured other speak ers, including Milton firefighter Jamie Leavell,who spoke about the benefits of having a therapy guide dog at the sta tion. Katey, who has been registered as an emotional support animal, sat next to her fishing for treats.

the nonprofit after losing her brother to suicide in 2012.

While the foundation focuses on men tal health in schools, Stann said that Mil

ton’s efforts extend beyond the classroom.

“They like to wrap in the support of workplace wellness,” she said. “And I think that’s very important to connect to the

“With the fire service, specifically in public safety in general, the stigma is where we run into the big issue,” Leavell said. “And with the dog, it doesn’t seem like you’re getting therapy. It’s just

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SCREENSHOT

Milton firefighter Jamie Leavell discusses her therapy guide dog, Katey, who sits beside her. Leavell was one of several speakers at the Sept. 21 mental wellness webinar hosted by Milton and the LRJ Foundation.

North Fulton CID announces newly elected officers, board

ATLANTA —The North Fulton Commu nity Improvement District announced the election of new officers during its regu larly scheduled board meeting on Sept. 6.

Newly elected officers include:

Chairman Tim Perry, managing partner of North American Properties Atlanta; Vice Chairman Leslie Day-Har rell, executive vice president of Jackson Healthcare; and Treasurer Al Nash, Parallax Advisory Group LLC.

Former Chairman Kerry Armstrong, managing director at Pope & Land Enterprises, and former Vice Chairman Moses Brown were recognized for their distinguished service to the Community Improvement District.

In addition to new officers, Bernie Tokarz, principal with Cloverhurst LLC, was sworn in as a new CID board

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Investigative journalism is one part of local news. Appen Media will contin ue to spend money on FOIA requests, comb through police reports and keep an eye on city spending.

member. Tokarz was appointed by the City of Milton after John Bell stepped down last month.

Tokarz has been heavily involved in transportation throughout his career. He currently serves as vice chair of the Fulton DeKalb Hospital Authority and on the Board of Directors for the Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation.

“The North Fulton CID Board of Directors is a group of business profes sionals volunteering their time and efforts to make our community a better place to live, work and do business. Their leadership has allowed our orga nization to deliver significant and need ed infrastructure improvements and we look forward to our future success providing more important projects,” NFCID Executive Director Brandon Beach said.

It’ll also remain dedicated to featur ing baseball tournaments, board ap pointments and everything else that makes up community news. Send tips, story ideas and announce ments to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

From left: Emma Winklmann, 9, Johns Creek; Remi Hammock, 9, Statham; Blythe Cammack, 9, Johns Creek; Jo Hancock, 9, Alpharetta; assistant coach Ian Winklmann, Johns Creek; Maggie Park, 8, Kennesaw; Riley Borod, 10, Johns Creek; Ellie Hancock, 8, Alpharetta; head coach J.P. Borod, Johns Creek; Gianna Harris, 10, Winder; Phoebe Appen, 7, Alpharetta; assistant coach Trent Hammock, Sta tham; Addie Greene, 10, Rome; and Evie Barton, 10, Dawsonville.

All-female baseball team wins area championship

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The 10U Georgia Peaches, an all-female travel baseball team based in Johns Creek, competed in the Cobb County Sunday Series tourna ment on Sept. 18 in Powder Springs. After finishing 2-0 in pool play, they went

on to defeat the Smyrna Slammers Pros pects, 8-7, in the championship game.

This is the first known instance of an all-female baseball team entering and winning an otherwise all-boys travel baseball tournament in Georgia.

Yianna

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‘American Pickers’ to film in Georgia

ATLANTA — “American Pickers” is re turning to Georgia and plans to film epi sodes throughout the state in December.

“American Pickers” is a documen tary series on the History network that explores the world of antique “picking.” The show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them.

The Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way.

American Pickers has seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and is always looking to discover something their crew has never seen before.

The staff with “American Pickers” continue to take the pandemic seriously and will be following all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the state and the Centers for Disease Con trol and Prevention. But staff share their excitement to continue reaching collec tors in the area to discuss their years

of picking and are eager to hear their memorable stories.

If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, they would love to hear from you.

If interested, please send your name, phone number, location and descrip tion of the collection with photos to americanpickers@cineflix.com or leave a voicemail at 646-493-2184.

Wire & Wood lineup announced

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A lineup of more than 50 national, regional and local per formers are headed to Alpharetta for the free annual Wire & Wood Festival, com ing to the city’s downtown Oct. 7 and 8.

The city is preparing for 34 performanc es on six outdoor stages for the two-day festival, as well as 17 other musical show cases at businesses throughout downtown.

Performers include Pop and R&B Performer Samm Henshaw, internation al singer/songwriter Eric Hutchinson, Grammy-nominated artists The Secret Sisters, Americana artist Will Hoge, singer-songwriter David Ryan Harris

OCTOBER 2022

Oct. 1

Summer Concert Series: Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra Newtown Park - 6 p.m.

Oct. 2

Free Outdoor Fitness - Yoga Newtown Park - 10 a.m.

Oct. 3

City Council Work Session

City Hall - 5 p.m.

Free Outdoor Fitness - Yoga Newtown Park - 6 p.m.

City Council Meeting

City Hall - 7 p.m.

Oct. 5

Free Outdoor Fitness - Barre Newtown Park - 10:15 a.m.

Oct. 6

Free Outdoor Fitness - Yoga Newtown Park - 9:30 a.m.

Free Outdoor Fitness - Zumba Newtown Park - 6 p.m.

Oct. 8

Community Safety Day City Hall - 10 a.m.

Oct. 9

Free Outdoor Fitness - Yoga Newtown Park - 10 a.m.

Oct. 10

Free Outdoor Fitness - Yoga Newtown Park - 6 p.m.

Oct. 12

Free Outdoor Fitness - Barre Newtown Park - 10:15 a.m.

Johns Creek Vitality Committee City Hall - 7 p.m.

Oct. 13

Free Outdoor Fitness - Yoga Newtown Park - 9:30 a.m.

Free Outdoor Fitness - Zumba Newtown Park - 6 p.m.

Oct. 15

Johns Creek Arts Festival Heisman Field, across from Atlanta Athletic Club - 10 a.m.

Oct. 16

Johns Creek Arts Festival Heisman Field, across from Atlanta Athletic Club - 10 a.m.

Oct. 17

City Council Work Session City Hall - 5 p.m.

Free Outdoor Fitness - Yoga Newtown Park - 6 p.m.

City Council Meeting City Hall - 7 p.m.

Oct. 18

Board of Zoning Appeals City Hall - 7 p.m.

Oct. 19

Free Outdoor Fitness - Barre Newtown Park - 10:15 a.m. Trunk-or-Treat City Hall - 6 p.m.

Oct. 20

Free Outdoor Fitness - Yoga Newtown Park - 9:30 a.m.

Free Outdoor Fitness - Zumba Newtown Park - 6 p.m.

Oct. 21

Adaptive Movie Night Newtown Park - 7 pm.

Oct. 22

Diwali Festival Shakerag Park - 5 p.m.

Oct. 23

Free Outdoor Fitness - Yoga Newtown Park - 10 a.m.

Oct. 24

Free Outdoor Fitness - Yoga Newtown Park - 6 p.m.

Oct. 26

Free Outdoor Fitness - Barre Newtown Park - 10:15 a.m.

Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee City Hall - 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 27

Free Outdoor Fitness - Yoga Newtown Park - 9:30 a.m.

and many more artists.

“Wire & Wood attracts the best sing ers and songwriters each year to per form their original music, and this year’s lineup will not disappoint,” Alpharetta Director of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services Morgan Rodgers said. “This festival has a special way of bringing our community together. The streets of downtown Alpharetta will be filled with the sounds of music, and you won’t want to miss it.”

For a full lineup of the festival and more information, visit wireandwoodal pharetta.com.

City Calendar & Events!

Free Outdoor Fitness - Zumba Newtown Park - 6 p.m.

Oct. 30

Free Outdoor Fitness - Yoga Newtown Park - 10 a.m.

Oct. 31

Free Outdoor Fitness - Yoga Newtown Park - 6 p.m.

a complete list of events, meetings, and classes please visit:

FILE PHOTO

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression plays at the 2021 Wire & Wood festival.

If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, they would love to hear from you.

Mayors, county commissioner face public over sales tax split

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — After months of nego tiations with the county over 2022 Local Option Sales Tax distributions, eight Fulton County mayors met with resi dents Sept. 21 for a public information session at Roswell City Hall.

Every 10 years, the county and its cities – now 15 in number – renegotiate how money collected from the 1 percent local option sales tax, or LOST, is dis tributed. Most often, the pot is generally apportioned based on each city’s popula tion, while the county keeps a small portion for administrative fees.

At stake is more than $3 billion col lected over the 10-year period, money cities rely on to help fund hundreds of expenses, from park maintenance to light bills and almost everything in between.

Wednesday night’s meeting included mayors from Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Sandy Springs, East Point, College Park and Mountain Park. It was the first time the cities have coordinated to speak with the public and answer questions about LOST since Fulton County announced it wants to increase its share of LOST proceeds from 4.9 percent to 35 percent.

That initial offer, a 600 percent increase from the prior agreement, drew outrage from city officials, who said the proposal would have a profound and wide-reaching impact on Fulton Coun ty’s communities.

County and city negotiators have returned to the table several times since that initial offer, and according to Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul there are now three proposals on the table, all repre senting a greater share of the LOST pie.

“We’ve got a lot to lose,” Paul said. “Even if there’s a significant change in the current distribution, that will come out of the city’s pockets, out of your pockets, and it will affect fire, police, ambulance, parks, all the other things that you enjoy in that process.”

About 100 people attended the meet ing as city officials shared their disap pointment with how Fulton County has handled LOST negotiations thus far.

“This is an unprecedented challenge that we’re facing,” Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin said. “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. And so, it’s really great to see so many people here.”

Each of Fulton County’s seven com missioners had been invited to partici pate in the meeting, but only outgoing District 1 Commissioner Liz Hausmann

attended.

Bargaining positions have changed

After introductions were made, the meeting quickly jumped into questions from the audience.

One Johns Creek resident asked why there wasn’t an option for no increase in either the county or city’s sides. He was told that the county’s original position made that option impossible.

“You’re right. That’s not an option,” said East Point Mayor Deana Holiday In graham. “When you have a party on the other side that starts at a 600 percent increase, you realize that the agreement, if there’s going to be one, has to be somewhere in between.”

Holiday Ingraham, who serves on the negotiating team representing the 15 cit ies, said that Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts and commission ers Bob Ellis and Marvin Arrington have made it clear they will not approve a split that does not improve the county’s portion.

“Chairman Pitts told us in our ne gotiating session, that Fulton County gets so little money out of it, they might as well just let it go away,” Paul added. “So, we know we’re gonna have to give something. But what we’re trying to do is make sure in the process of giving something, we don’t damage our abil ity to deliver the basic services that you require.”

Another Johns Creek resident asked Hausmann directly, “whether the county has suffered” under the 5 percent share it currently receives.

Hausmann said that no, the county hasn’t suffered, but that currently the county is faced with several large projects, at the Fulton County Jail and to make up for the Atlanta area hospi tals that have closed in 2022, that will require more funding.

“I don’t know if any of y’all have seen the conditions in the Fulton County Jail, its horrendous,” Hausmann said. “So that is going to be very expensive, about $500 million.”

But the panel of mayors shot down Hausmann’s points.

“The jails and prisoners are not an allowable expenditure for the LOST proceeds.” Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry said. “The population that they serve for the public safety as far as police and fire … it has been reduced. But somehow, in just a few years, the administration costs went from $2 mil lion to $32 million.”

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From the outset of talks over the new 10-year agreement, Fulton County has insisted it wants a greater share of local option sales tax money than the 4.97 percent it has been receiving over the past 10 years.

While the mayors waited in the main meeting room at the Georgia Municipal Association building Friday, the county did relate through Fleming that it would accept an 8 percent share from the start, graduating to 20 percent over the next 10 years. It also offered a flat 15 percent cut of the proceeds.

After several hours of private discus sion, in which media was excluded from the room and the streaming cameras were shut off, city officials returned a counter proposal offering the county 7.5 percent of LOST proceeds.

Another offer was returned from county negotiators several hours later, pro posing basically the same offer as before, but with slight alterations to how revenues would be allotted over the next 10 years.

However, Gilvin later said the 15 cities are unlikely to accept this proposal be cause it still falls outside the 5-15 percent increase negotiating range cities agreed would limit impacts on city residents.

“The disappointing thing from their of fer was that they tried to dangle an incen tive for a few cities, which would allow the few cities to only have to make tax increas es up to the point where their charters would be invoked,” he said, “I don’t think that’s something that is equitable or even something that can be justified.”

After spending so much time renegoti ating terms of how the meeting would be conducted, the city negotiating team said they did not have time to offer an opinion on the proposal before the meeting con cluded on Friday.

They are expected to return a coun teroffer at the next mediation session on Friday, Oct. 7.

PHOTOS BY ALEXANDER POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Mediator Barry Fleming leads the first Local Option Sales Tax mediation session between Fulton County and city officials at the Georgia Municipal Association in Atlanta on Friday, Sept. 23.

Sweet tooth Chocolate drives chef’s journey

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Chef Ale Peek started her journey as a chocolatier five years ago, brandishing her assorted boxes of chocolate with “Art & Taste.” In the beginning, creating artisan chocolate was a way to represent the Acworthbased chef.

Peek’s boxes of assorted, brilliantly colored artisan chocolate contain unexpected flavor profiles, like chia lime, mango chamoy and Cafe Canela, a Mexican spiced coffee. Assortments are vegan and gluten-free, made with natural ingredients and without preser vatives. Peek said health is her number one focus.

“I love chocolate, and chocolate loves me,” she said.

Her father, who recently passed, also loved chocolate.

“My father was a very important piece in my life,” Peek said with tears in her eyes. “He was a chocoholic. We were chocoholics together.”

They shared many good moments, she said. Her father was the first one to tell her that cacao is from Mexico.

“Yeah, he loved chocolate,” Peek said, laughing.

Peek, who’s from Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, has an extensive background in the culinary arts, earning culinary degrees from Colegio Superior de Gas

tronomía in Mexico City and Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. In Paris, she honed her pastry skills, which is another of her specialties.

Peek found her love for cooking at an early age.

Her maternal great-grandparents owned a hotel where her great-grand mother cooked for guests. Peek said her great-grandmother had a natural talent, and she would eventually learn from her through her mother’s reci pes.

She also recalled spending holiday vacations on her grandfather’s ranch near Capula, a town known for its beau tiful, iconic clay Day of the Dead catri nas. While on the ranch, Peek formed a relationship with food, learning every thing about cows, the milk, the cheese, the cream, and produce like zucchinis, corn and Mexican cherries, which are called capulínes.

“When I was a little girl, I was always curious, always helping, always making a mess in the kitchen,” Peek said. “I was always trying to learn.”

She grew up and decided on a culinary career, despite her family’s wishes.

When she moved to the states, Peek worked as a pastry chef for Chef JOEL’s and as an instructor at Le Cordon

See CHEF, Page 9

LEADERSHIP NORTH FULTON ANNOUNCES CLASS of 2023

Ashley Allen Roswell Inc

Lori Allen Wellstar Health System

John Asbell Georgia Power Company

Lenor Bromberg City of Roswell

Sarah Buckley Amana Academy

Mary Beth Byerly University of North Georgia

Fabiola Clermont Chattahoochee Nature Center

Kevin Drucker Home2 Suites by Hilton Roswell

Bob Erramilli City Council MemberJohns Creek

Christopher Gardner The Hilbert Law Firm, LLC

John Gilmore Truist Bank

Bill Godshall Frazier & Deeter, LLC

Maggie Goldman Buy & Sell Differently

Charles Hagins Atlanta Gas Light

Ben Huard GO Agency

Anita Jupin City of Milton

Nakia Mattis Fresenius Medical Care

Tangela McFarlane The Cottage School

Lance Morsell City of Alpharetta

Davis Myers Choate Construction Company

Rachel Newcomer Summit Counseling Center

Sophia Niemeyer Greater North Fulton Chamber

Alison Nooks Mercer University

Kyle Paske Briskin, Cross & Sanford, LLC

Ashton Pellicano Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC

The Greater North Fulton Chamber is pleased to announce the members of the Leadership North Fulton Class of 2023 led by Chairs Lalitha Alladi, JMG Law Firm, and Jeff Wolfe, Mercer University. Learn more about the Chamber’s leadership programs at www.gnfcc.com and join us in congratulating the following leaders!

Melissa Pinsky North Fulton Community Charities Sophia Pittman Gwinnett Technical College Terry Vilayhong Truist Bank Jacob Wasson Parrish Construction Group

I love chocolate, and chocolate loves me.

ALEX PEEK, Chef and chocoholic

CHEF ALE PEEK/PROVIDED Chef Ale Peek hugs her two children at a 2020 Fernbank Museum foodology exposition. Peek was invited to talk about chocolate, its history and the process of making it. At the event, she showed visitors how to make truffles.

Chef:

Bleu in Atlanta.

After settling down, getting mar ried and having two children, she felt the urge to start creating again and chose chocolate, a touchstone to her father.

Over time, becoming a U.S. citizen and developing more relationships, Peek said her work evolved from a means of self-representation to incorporate the American market.

The business grew for Peek. In addi tion to her chocolatier work, she started catering for different companies. The food is wide-ranging, including Latin dishes like chiles en nogada (poblano peppers stuffed with ground beef and pecan-Jerez sauce) to Italian bruschetta. She also sells weekly meals, primarily for working mothers who don’t have time to cook, and hosts seasonal classes for kids, ages 5 to 12.

This past month, Peek introduced a new product, a vanilla paste sourced from a summer trip to Mexico.

“Vanilla is supposed to be from our land,” she said, amid remarks about Mexico’s history involving the Span ish.

While her artisan chocolates remain at the center, Peek said that teaching is

CHEF ALE PEEK/PROVIDED

Chef Ale Peek is held by her cousin on the right. Her father stands in the middle with a chef’s hat and apron. Peek said she always had food and family around her.

the most important feature in her array of offerings.

“Teaching is the best way to grow,”

she said. “My mom told me one day, ‘If you want to leave something in someone, try to teach.’”

The pandemic interrupted plans to open a business front. For now, Peek uses a commercial kitchen at her church, St. Clare in Acworth. But, Peek said that she’s been considering at least another office.

She’s currently working on a book of Mexican recipes. Her audience is twofold.

The book would be for people like her American friends, who have asked her to make dishes such as Adobo. But, it’s also for people from Mexico who cur rently live in the U.S. and want a taste of home.

An online store is in the works.

Dunwoody recently hosted a His panic Heritage Month celebration at the Dunwoody Cultural Arts Center, where Peek sold her Art & Taste choco lates alongside her homemade vanilla paste.

Peek said that at Latin festivals, like the one in Dunwoody, she’s noticed something from conversations with those who attend.

“I can see how people from other countries who have arrived here to stay in the United States — they are very, very thirsty,” she said. “They are thirsty for their roots.”

For more information, visit alechef. org. For consultation with Chef Ale, email chefaletoile@gmail.com or call (678) 906-0074.

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Bobby

A hero lived among us, Part 2

In a previous col umn we saw that Charles Mansell’s story is one of brav ery and sacrifice. As a member of the celebrated Merrill’s Marauders, against overwhelming odds he fought the Japa nese in the steaming jungles of Burma during World War II. The New York Times said at the time “no other American force anywhere has marched as far, fought as con tinuously or has had to display such endurance, as General Merrill’s swiftmoving, hard-hitting foot soldiers.”

BOB MEYERS

In part 2 of his story, we will see that Charles was a very successful farmer after he returned to civilian life.

Soon after returning to the United States in 1944 and shortly before leaving the Army, Charles married Montez Haley (1918–2005) a neighbor and childhood friend. Once out of the Army he returned to his life on the land. He attended a two-year agri cultural program for veterans at the University of Georgia. He purchased a 100-acre farm on Union Hill Road in Alpharetta where he grew award winning corn and other produce and raised livestock. He also purchased 20 acres from his father’s farm on Cross ville Road in Roswell, initially grow ing vegetables and later devoting it to greenhouse tomatoes and vegetable plants. Together with his son Dean and his son-in-law Rubin Smith he started Mansell’s Produce, a business on Highway 9 near Lebanon Church (now gone) specializing in produce and garden supplies. The store was in op eration from circa 1969 to 1978 when Charles retired.

Charles and Montez raised one boy, Dean, and one girl, Connie, during their 52-year marriage. The shrapnel in his shoulder and chest caused problems for Charles as time wore on. The pieces of metal were finally removed with several surgeries in the 1970s. As he got older, he relied on a cane, the result of wartime bullet wounds to a leg and lingering ef fects of the damage done to his shoulder and chest.

Charles was an outstanding farmer and won numerous awards. He was the first farmer in Roswell and Alpharetta to use irrigation from lakes on each of his farms. Through crossbreeding he developed a variety of tomato called the Mansell Tomato, a red, medium-size to mato with few seeds. Some members of the Mansell family still grow the variety

with seeds carefully preserved over the years. Charles had a good partnership with his wife Montez. They worked to gether in the fields because farming was for them a way of life not just a way to make a living.

Local newspapers frequently wrote about him. A long article in the Atlanta Constitution in September 1944 titled “‘Marauder’ On Way Home To Roswell” highlighted his return to civilian life. A feature in the Atlanta Constitution Sunday Magazine Section in July 1966 claimed that Charles’ 20-acre farm in Roswell “produces more good eating than most 200-acre farms.” A Febru ary 1959 article in the same newspaper reported that Charles won the Ful ton County Corn Club contest with a yield of 153 bushels per acre while the average was 111 bushels. The famous columnist Celestine Sibley was a friend and wrote several columns about Charles in the 1970s. One of the nicest tributes appeared in a July 1947 article stating “Charles Mansell never gets tired behind that mule. He just thinks about those 1,000 miles he walked across Burma, and that makes plowing easy.”

Charles Nephew Don Nix worked on Charles’ vegetable farm when Don was a student at Roswell High School. He recalls that from 1963 to 1970 Charles

grew vegetables for all A&P stores in North Atlanta. Charles hired several nephews as well as other Roswell and Alpharetta teens. “He wanted to have influence on their outlook on life. His family was very religious, and he wanted to encourage that,” says Don.

Charles spoke very little about the war, Don recalls. “Occasionally he would say something. He would get teary eyed and would have to regain his compo sure.”

In 1962 Warner Brothers made a movie “Merrill’s Marauders” starring Jeff Chandler as Brig. Gen.Frank Merrill. The film is available on Amazon where it has received positive ratings.

The Marauders are generally con sidered the precursors to the elite U.S. Army Rangers.

Heroes inspire us with their cour age and accomplishments. They give us hope for the future. We owe them a debt that can seldom be repaid. Thank you, Charles.

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net.

Charles Mansell and his family are shown on their farm on Union Hill Road in 1956. From left, front row, are children Connie and Dean; back row, Montez and Charles

PHOTOS BY MANSELL FAMILY/PROVIDED Soon after his return from the war, Charles and his new bride Montez Haley had this portrait taken soon after their marriage.

Charles Mansell sits by an irrigation system on his farm on Crossville Road in the early 1960s. He was the first farmer to use irrigation from lakes on his properties in North Fulton.

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something that makes you feel a little bit better.”

She said Katey bridges a gap and breaks the ice for people who want to reach out for help but who don’t feel like they can.

Police Chief Rich Austin spoke about the free mental health support officers receive as well as the training that helps them handle on-the-job situations that involve people in mental distress. He also mentioned the Police Department’s goal of implementing a co-responder team that would allow a licensed mental health pro fessional to assist with crisis calls.

Advocate and educator Chantal Webb, whose organization, In It Together, works with children with special needs and men tal illness, talked about ways parents can

help their children during times of stress.

Around 4.4 million children between the ages of 13 to 17 are diagnosed with anxiety, Webb said. That number reflects

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2022 AT 7:00 P.M.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK COUNCIL CHAMBERS 11360 LAKEFIELD DRIVE JOHNS CREEK, GA 30097

The following variance proposals are scheduled for Public Hearing as stated above:

Case Number: V-22-0013

Property Address: 2910 Ivey Ridge Lane, Johns Creek, GA 30076

Current Zoning: R-4 (Single-Family Dwelling District) Conditional Petitioner: Benjamin McCoy

Variance Request: To encroach 4.5 feet into the 10-foot pool setback to construct a pool.

Case Number: V-22-0014

Property Address: 3130 Rivermont Parkway, Johns Creek, GA 30022

Current Zoning: CUP (Community Unit Plan District) Conditional Petitioner: Geoffrey Gibbons

Variance Request: To allow for cementitious siding to exceed 25% of each building façade for a proposed Pro Golf Shop.

Case Number: V-22-0015

Property Address: 10725 Avian Drive, Johns Creek, GA 30022

Current Zoning: R-4 (Single-Family Dwelling District) Conditional Petitioner: Michael DeBinder

Variance Request: 57-foot encroachment into the 75-foot stream buffer to construct a pool.

Case Number: V-22-0016

Property Address: 9500 Dominion Way, Johns Creek, GA 30022

Current Zoning: R-4A (Single-Family Dwelling District) Conditional Petitioner: John Rademacher

Variance Request: 18-foot encroachment into the 25-foot impervious surface setback to construct a covered porch and open deck.

those who have been diagnosed, so the number is probably much higher, she said.

“One of the important things we want to do is teach them coping mechanisms,” she said. “So, the message isn’t that we’re not going to have stress in our lives, be cause we do, but how do we cope with it?”

Counselor and author Veronica White Fernandes, who’s been with the LRJ Foundation for nine years, was the last to speak. Fernandes described ways to keep a balance among areas of personal wellness: emotional, occupational, intellectual, envi ronmental, spiritual, physical and social.

Throughout her presentation, she answered the question, “How do we cope?” by describing ways to manage emotions, improve communication skills, maintain relationships and boundaries. She also focused on mindfulness.

“Sometimes mindfulness can sound like a contradiction because it feels like we’re in our mind, when actually we’re doing our best to be more still than in our thoughts,” Fernandes said.

‘No Shame’ campaign

In Johns Creek, City Councilman Chris Coughlin led a No Shame proclamation to promote Mental Health and Suicide Aware ness and Recovery Month at the Sept. 12 council meeting. Councilwoman Stacy Skinner followed up with a reading of the No Shame pledge.

Mayor John Bradberry offered addi tional context by speaking about Patriot Day Commemoration, a 9/11 event the city hosted, and he highlighted how the event’s speaker focused on how 9/11 heightened mental health challenges.

Citing statistics among first responders and military, Bradberry said law enforce ment officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. He also said that military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations since 9/11.

“I mean, think about those very sober ing statistics,” Bradberry said.

Johns Creek partnered with One Johns Creek Coalition to participate in the SAFE Project’s No Shame campaign, which

KENDAL MCMICHAEL Pathways2Life Prevention Specialist

encourages individuals to take a pledge to provide a shame-free environment by learning more about mental health chal lenges, stigma and the disease of addiction.

This is the first year Johns Creek is participating in the campaign.

Pursuing strategies

One Johns Creek Coalition, which sits under the 501(c)(3) Pathways2Life, only just established itself in December 2020, after receiving a grant from the city. The coalition then acquired an MOU agreement with the city in December 2021.

The coalition pulls together represen tatives from all sectors of Johns Creek to accomplish seven strategies of community change, including things like modifying policies and laws and reducing barriers, said Kendal McMichael, youth coordinator for the coalition and prevention specialist at Pathways2Life.

Organizations can become a coalition partner and sign up for a 30-minute pre sentation from the coalition on shame and stigma. The nonprofit also offers a presen tation on trauma.

“Trauma impacts the ability to relate, and it impacts shame and stigma,” said Alyse Hensel, the coalition’s program director. Hensel also does marketing and operations for Pathways2Life.

Most of the coalition’s initiatives are school-driven because they’re studentfocused, she said.

McMichael went to Centennial High School in Johns Creek and shared her per sonal struggles as a teenager.

“I couldn’t even put terms to what I was dealing with because there was no av enue for me to talk to anybody about what I was dealing with,” she said.

McMichael said she wants to create a community where it’s normal to talk about mental health.

The No Shame pledge is set for the month of September. But, Hensel and Mc Michael are working on another wave from October to December.

They also suggest that people continue posting throughout the year, several times a month, to embrace “no shame” as part of organizations’ inter nal conversations.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison stands with Teressa Ruspi Stann, LRJ Foundation co-founder and executive director, at the Sept. 7 Milton City Council meeting.

I couldn’t even put terms to what I was dealing with because there was no avenue for me to talk to anybody about what I was dealing with.”

game

Capital of Ghana

Others, to Ovid

Fictional terrier

Church section

Bad place for a change of mind

Recycle

Illinois River city

Bovril, e.g.

A Bobbsey twin

Menu phrase

Store posting (Abbr.)

G.I.’s mail drop

Singer Seeger

In times past

Jack of Dragnet

Bring to life again

Buffalo's county

Turkish honorific

Kind of table

Frown upon

Positive

Pa. neighbor

Barbershop call

Trendy

Back on

Ogled

Nom de plume

Entreaty

Breathes out 51 Yellowfin, e.g.

Benefit

Girl, in France

Lukewarm

Alpha’s opposite

Swamp snapper

Hoodlum

Can be found in

Slangy denial

Shrinking Asian

Bien’s opposite

Artful

Forum:

Hausman’s comments on the hos pital closings were also countered by Holiday Ingraham, who said that county commissioners had a chance to help support one of the closing hospitals, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center in East Point, before the pandemic.

“I think that is an absolutely disingen uous argument to be made by the county at this point,” she said. “This newfound election year desire to stroke checks for healthcare is an absolute insult.”

Another resident asked Hausmann what expenses, beyond the jail and hospital, the county needed to account for their request.

“I mean, the reality is it’s such a small amount of money, that I can’t even answer that question, because it’s only about 2 percent of our budget,” she said. “So, it’s almost miniscule.”

Hausmann reiterates points

Others from the audience pressed Hausmann to answer in more detail, but

she deflected the question saying that the proposed 35 percent increase isn’t on the table anymore, pointing at the jail and hospital as the main expenses Ful ton County is expecting for the increase in their share.

“Really the two major expenses are the jail,” she said. “That is a public safety item, so that is not considered illegal, and then the medical health needs that we have are the two main things.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, a Roswell resident asked the panel, “What can we do that will actually make a dif ference?”

Paul answered that by consistently reaching out to the Fulton County Commissioners by phone and email, residents could ensure that their voices are heard.

“If they’re not calling you back, send them emails,” he said. “I guaran tee you they’re reading their emails. So, get their email address and let them hear from you. We’re gonna be up here working on your behalf, but you’re gonna have to weigh in on this debate.”

ALEXANDER POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul speaks at forum at Roswell City Hall.

Read Now at

DEATH NOTICES

Richard Higgins, 91, of Alpharetta, passed away September 12, 2022.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Joseph McPartland, 18, of Roswell, passed away September 12, 2022.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Kevin Chojnacki, 61, of Alpharetta, passed away September 13, 2022.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Betty Kennedy, 84, of Alpharetta, passed away September 14, 2022.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Thomas Upton of Alpharetta, passed away September 14, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Donna Williams, 70, of Alpharetta, passed away September 15, 2022.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Nicolas Quintana, 31, of Roswell, passed away September 15, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Raffaela Cavalli, 97, of Alpharetta, passed away September 19, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Christina Jones, 75, of Roswell, passed away September 19, 2022.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

David Shafer, 77, of Roswell, passed away September 19, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Margaret Bayersdorfer, 82, of Roswell, passed away September 19, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Elizabeth Dinsmore, 91, of Milton, passed away September 20, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Michael Brown, 71, of Roswell, passed away September 20, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Full-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

Part-time

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

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

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.

Bargain / Furniture

FORMAL DINING ROOM SET, solid wood, excellent condition, like new.

Table, buffet, china cabinet and six chairs (two end chairs have armrests).

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Concrete/ Asphalt

Retaining Walls

Brick or Wood

Contact Ralph Rucker. Many local references. Honest, punctual, professional and reasonable prices!

678-898-7237

Driveway

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

Haulers

Roofing Landscaping

404-433-3414

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.

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

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

Health & Fitness

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-4455928 Hablamos Español

Dental insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real in-surance - 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 877-929-9587

Miscellaneous

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. 20% 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. 1-855-3643948

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

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 833-6033236

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

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. 1-877-539-0299

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

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! 844951-2014

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.

Jewelry

Estate jewelry

Fine Jewelry

Platinum Jewelry Diamond Jewelry

Gemstone Jewelry

Designer Jewelry David Yurman Tiffany & Co. Cartier

Gold Gold Jewelry Broken Jewelry Gold Watches Dental Gold Gold Coins Gold Bars Gold Nuggets

Silver Sterling Silver Silverware Flatware Bowls Silver Jewelry Silver Bars

Diamonds

All Sizes

All Shapes

All Cuts

All Qualities

Loose or Set Chipped/Broken

Gemstones

Sapphires Rubies Emeralds All Precious Semi-Precious Loose or Set Jade

Coins

All Gold Coins

All Silver Coins

All Platinum Coins Silver Dollars Collectable Coins

Paper Money

Watches

Rolex Cartier Omega Patek Audemars Piguet Tagheuer and other brands

Brian Iroff GIA Graduate Gemologist