Johns Creek Herald - October 13, 2022

City OKs boozy drinks at Autrey Mill

By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek City Council approved a measure Oct. 3 to allow Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center to serve alcoholic bever ages at special events.

The vote included repealing an earlier resolution and updating the city’s Facil ity Usage Agreement with Autrey Mill, which had been signed in 2020.

Autrey Mill, located on a nature pre serve with 46 acres of forest, woodland trails, ravines, heritage gardens and his toric buildings, provides a unique setting for events like weddings, receptions and anniversary celebrations.

Rental fees are used for the preserva tion of the property’s natural environ ment and history, to provide educational programming and operate the preserve. In the past year, the Johns Creek Con vention and Visitors Bureau has sup ported Autrey Mill’s efforts to promote its wedding venue through marketing and publicity, resulting in an uptick in rental activity.

At the Oct. 3 City Council meeting, Councilman Larry Dibiase said he thinks the changes and updates will enhance the venue.

“I think that there is so much po tential there, and I think that having wedding parties that can have a proper wedding party with some alcoholic bev erages … would be fantastic,” Dibiase said.

Johns Creek acquired Autrey Mill from Fulton County following the city’s

The Johns Creek City Council congratulates the Community Development Depart ment at their regular meeting Oct. 3 for being awarded Outstanding Planning Pro cess for the Johns Creek Town Center Vision and Plan from the Georgia Chapter of the American Planning Association.

incorporation in 2006. City officials entered into the Facility Usage Agree ment as a way to complement the newly established Recreation and Parks Divi sion.

Under the agreement, the city is responsible for the capital assets and related repairs and maintenance, and

Autrey Mill is required to spend 5 per cent of its revenues on improvements to the park. The 2016 Recreation and Parks Strategic Plan heralded the part nership as a means to provide program ming and activate the parks without the

Peripheral Neuropathy

Critics raise Cain over latest plans for redistricting

zones

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Parents who thought the redistricting of school enrollment zones would result in minor adjust ments for area schools were in for a surprise when draft maps were revealed last week.

Community expectations at the Oct. 3 redistricting meeting were fo cused on adjusting enrollment imbal ances in the Windward-area elemen tary schools in Alpharetta and filling the new Crabapple Middle School in Roswell.

they saw were three draft

CHAMIAN CRUZ/APPEN MEDIA

Award-winning authors scheduled for annual Book Fest

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — When the Johns Creek Arts Festival returns Oct. 15-16, it will include a first: An inaugural author event featuring 16 Atlanta-area writers.

Book Fest, a new offering from Arts on the Creek, one of the festival’s found ing partners, will feature fiction and nonfiction writers in a host of genres – mystery, thriller, romance, military, mainstream fiction and more. Many of the authors are award winners. Some are published for the first time. And all will have books for sale throughout the festival.

Sponsored in part by Appen Media Group, the Arts on the Creek Book Fest will give visitors a chance to meet and talk with authors who will be appearing hourly in pairs at the AOTC tent during the weekend. Some writers signed up for multiple slots, giving readers several op portunities to get books signed.

A rundown of authors scheduled at the event shows a quality roster.

Roger Johns won the 2018 Geor gia Author of the Year Award for “Dark River Rising,” a detective/mystery. Rona Simmons has won two Military Writers

Society Gold Medals in nonfiction and fiction, for “The Other Veterans of World War II” in 2020 and “A Gathering of Men” in 2022.

Three authors were 2022 Georgia Author of the Year Award nominees, including: Marilyn Baron for “The Ro manov Legacy,” a romance; Jan Slim ming for “Codebreaker Girls: A Secret Life at Bletchley Park,” in history; and C. Matthew Smith, for “Twentymile,” a detective/mystery.

Several others have won other hon ors, including: Beverly Armento, whose “Seeing Eye Girl” was a 2022 Indepen dent Publisher Book Award bronze win ner for autobiography; and T.M. Brown and Bernard N. Lee Jr., both of whom have penned series that have been final ists for several awards.

For more information about all 16 authors, go to ArtsOnTheCreek.org.

The Arts on the Creek Book Fest, also sponsored by the Atlanta Writers Club, A Novel Idea and Bookmiser, will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, and from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sun day, Oct. 16. It will be located directly across Ga. 141 from the Atlanta Athletic Club, 1930 Bobby Jones Dr., Johns Creek, GA 30097.

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Book Fest schedule

Oct. 15

• 10 a.m.: Bernard N. Lee Jr. – “A Look Back in Time” Volumes I and II / Memoir

• 10 a.m.: T.M. Brown – “Sanctuary” and “Testament” / Mysteries

• 11 a.m.: Roger Johns – “Dark River Rising” and “River of Secrets” / Crime Fiction

• 11 a.m.: Michael S. Pressman – “The Price of Freedom” and “The Genesis Project”/ Military, Crime, Action, Adventure

• Noon: Cynthia D. Jones – “The Melo dy of Marriage” / Christian Marriage

• Noon: Michael S. Pressman – “The Price of Freedom” and “The Genesis Project” / Military, Crime, Action, Adventure

• 1 p.m.: Beverly Armento – “Seeing Eye Girl” / Memoir

• 1 p.m.: Cynthia D. Jones – “The Melody of Marriage” / Christian Mar riage

• 2 p.m.: Rona Simmons – “The Other Veterans of World War II” and “A Gathering of Men” / Historical Fiction, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Military Nonfiction

• 2 p.m.: Jan Slimming – “Codebreak er Girls” and “Captured At Singapore” / Nonfiction WWII History

• 3 p.m.: Bernard N. Lee Jr. – “A Look Back in Time” Volumes I and II / Memoir

• 3 p.m.: Jon H. Costales – “Visions of Redemption” / Science Fiction

• 4 p.m.: Beverly Armento – “Seeing Eye Girl” / Memoir

• 4 p.m.: Bernard N. Lee Jr. – “A Look Back in Time” Volumes I and II / Memoir

• 5 p.m.: C. Matthew Smith – “Twen tymile” / Crime, Thriller

• 5 p.m.: Bernard N. Lee Jr. – “A Look Back in Time” Volumes I and II / Memoir

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Oct. 16

• 10 a.m.: Bob Dickinson – “Me, Je sus, a Beer and a Cigar” / Christian Progressive

• 10 a.m.: Bernard N. Lee Jr. – “A Look Back in Time” Volumes I and II / Memoir

• 11 a.m.: Cynthia D. Jones – “The Melody of Marriage” / Christian Mar riage

• 11 a.m.: Bernard N. Lee Jr. – “A Look Back in Time” Volumes I and II / Memoir

• Noon: Beverly Armento – “Seeing Eye Girl” / Memoir

• Noon: Cynthia D. Jones – “The Melody of Marriage” / Christian Mar riage

• 1 p.m.: Marilyn Baron – “The Ro manov Legacy” / Romantic Suspense; and “The Case of the Missing Botti celli” / Cozy Mystery

• 1 p.m.: Jeremy Logan – “The Trigger Effect” and “Trinity” / Crime, Sus pense, Mystery

• 2 p.m.: Robert Ratonyi – “From Darkness Into Light” / Memoir and Historic Narrative

• 2 p.m.: Bernard N. Lee Jr. – “A Look Back in Time” Volumes I and II / Memoir

• 3 p.m.: Beverly Armento – “Seeing Eye Girl” / Memoir

• 3 p.m.: Robert Ratonyl – “From Darkness Into Light” / Memoir and Historic Narrative

• 4 p.m.: Mike Cobb – “The Devil You Knew” and “Dead Beckoning” / His torical Crime Fiction

• 4 p.m.: Bernard N. Lee Jr. – “A Look Back in Time” Volumes I and II / Memoir

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Council:Is Your Company Hiring?

“Although our planning processes revolve around community meetings, and they create planning documents that guide our future development and growth and will for years, most of the time the only people that real ize how amazing and awesome that is for Johns Creek are in this room,” Greer said. “... Every now and then your work gets recognized by someone else.”

The city’s comprehensive plan was launched last fall and calls for a “vi brant” mix of residential, retail and entertainment – including greenspace – on some 192 acres around the city government complex. The town center is proposed for the Tech Park area on Medlock Bridge Road.

At a July work session, Mayor John Bradberry said he’s committed to seeing the town center come out of the ground during his term.

New York sculptor tasked with repurposing historic Rogers Bridge steel

By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — New York-based artist Ilan Averbuch has been selected to repurpose the historic Rogers Bridge steel for public art to celebrate the con nection between two communities.

The Johns Creek City Council chose Averbuch for the large commission art piece at its Oct. 3 meeting. The pro posed sculpture will measure approxi mately 18 feet tall by 34 feet long by 12 feet deep.

The City Council set aside $50,000 of Tourism Product Development funds for the project, and Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann secured $150,000 in Fulton County’s fiscal year 2022 budget. Over the summer, the City Council set aside an additional $50,000 for smaller art commissions.

Averbuch said in a phone interview Oct. 5 he spent a significant amount of time reading about the history of the area, the cities of Johns Creek and Du luth and all the players involved before submitting a proposal. What makes this project fun, he said, is getting to sort of relive the history of what happened.

“There is a lot of room for interpre

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK/PROVIDED

Shown is a visualization of artist Ilan Averbuch’s proposed sculpture for Cauley Creek Park using parts of the historic Rogers Bridge steel. He called the sculpture “The Bridge.”

tation,” Averbuch said. “I’m sure that everybody that sees it will see something slightly different. But, if you look at it from the front, you will see this bridge in the background crossing over the new bridge. I want it to be a celebratory piece … that represents the effort of different

groups of people on both sides of that big arc.”

The steel pin truss bridge was built in 1912 to span the Chattahoochee River, linking what is now Johns Creek to Duluth. It was named after the Rog ers family, who operated a ferry system

that trans ported cotton over the river. Abandoned in the 1960s, the crossing fell into disrepair.

After years of partnerships and planning, in November 2019, the Johns Creek City Council approved an in tergovernmental agreement with Duluth, Fulton County and Gwinnett County to replace the bridge and allow visitors to traverse from Rogers Bridge Park in Duluth to the future Cauley Creek Park in Johns Creek.

In their unanimous approval, the City Council expressed excitement about re-establishing pedestrian and cycling connectivity across the Chattahoochee River. The groundbreaking was held on March 29, 2021, followed by countless work session discussions to determine how Johns Creek could reuse its half of the salvaged material, or approximately

AVERBUCH

Bridge:

5 tons of steel, to speak to its historical significance.

The City Council ultimately signed an agreement with the Fulton County Department of Arts and Culture on April 25 to coordinate the process to call for artists and review submissions for com mission artworks.

According to city records, 37 artists from across the United States submit ted responses. The selection panel then individually scored submittals and convened on June 16 to solidify a short list of four candidates. Mayor John Bradberry and Councilman Dilip Tunki served as representatives on the selec tion panel.

In his proposal, Averbuch wrote that he envisions a sculpture called “The Bridge,” which will take the shape of two groups of abstract steel figures carrying a colossal stone arch made of granite re cycled from old curbstone. Both recycled materials are “emblematic of transfor mation: in life and in time and form,” he stated.

“The proximity of the sculpture to the river acknowledges the history of the communities who have benefited from a life near the water,” Averbuch wrote. “The nearness to the county

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK/PROVIDED

The proposed sculpture using the historic Rogers Bridge steel in Johns Creek will measure approximately 18 feet tall by 34 feet long by 12 feet deep.

line which is marked by the river also symbolizes the connection of separate communities.”

Born in Israel, Averbuch later moved to New York and has been an artist since 1982. His work knows no boundar ies, appearing in Canada, Europe and India. His latest piece is at Golden Spike

National Park in Utah. It commemorates those who built the world’s first trans continental railroad.

Averbuch said he used to make more pieces for galleries and museums, but he transitioned to large-scale outdoor sculptures about 15 years ago, because he enjoyed that it emphasized the his

tory and place of a piece.

“A tree that is planted behind my sculpture matters, you know, or what you feel with it being beside the river,” Averbuch said. “The arch, for example, will create what will look like a portal and serve as a bridge for us between something new and something old, so it kind of plays with time. It makes it less about me and more about something greater.”

Averbuch said he also began work ing with recycled stone after moving to New York. At the time, New York City kept digging up Second Avenue, leaving behind what looked like an archeological site. Because it was granite and the city didn’t know what to do with it, Averbuch said he made it his mission to “go and save those stones.” Some of that recycled stone will also be used for the Rogers Bridge art piece.

“It’s a bit of history from New York,” Averbuch said. “Of course, I don’t leave the stone as is, but I do try very hard to leave some of the old surface to show that it used to be something else at one point.”

Averbuch said he will spend a couple days in Georgia cutting up some of the Rogers Bridge steel before shipping it to his studio in New York. The piece is expected to be completed in nine months.

To learn more about Averbuch and his artwork, visit ilanaverbuch.com.

Months of ‘profound delays’ headed for I-285

Ga. 400 interchange project will close lanes

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Drivers should expect major disruptions to daily commutes on I-285 due to long-term lane closures between Ashford Dunwoody Road and Roswell Road, the Georgia Department of Trans portation announced.

Starting Saturday, Oct. 8, and lasting about 8 months, lanes of the interstate will be incrementally closed so that the I-285/Ga. 400 interchange reconstruc tion project can be completed, GDOT announced on Oct. 3.

With the scope of the project, state officials said drivers who frequent I-285 should prepare for the major delays the project will ultimately cause.

“The traveling public should expect major disruptions to their daily com mutes and driving routines during this time and should be prepared for profound delays on I-285, potentially adding an hour or more to daily com mutes,” Georgia DOT Alternative De livery Program Manager Marlo Clowers said. “We urge motorists to leave earlier, utilize navigation apps to select alternate

CARL APPEN/APPEN MEDIA

Eastbound commuters on I-285 are in for some serious delays as the Georgia DOT closes the two innermost lanes between Roswell Road and Ashford Dunwoody Road for bridge reconstruction. Westbound drivers will lose one travel lane in the coming week.

routes to stay away from the construc tion area, and consider alternative com mute options.”

Work on the project will be completed in two phases, first closing the inside

lanes of I-285 so bridges over Glenridge Drive, Ga. 400 and Peachtree Dunwoody Road can be reconstructed, then shifting traffic to I-285’s inside lanes so exterior portions of the bridges can be recon

structed.

Officials have announced the first phase of I-285 closures but say ad ditional future lane closures will be announced as the project reaches key milestones.

The two innermost eastbound lanes of I-285 will be closed starting on Oct. 8, between Roswell Road and Ashford Dunwoody Road, for bridge demolition and reconstruction at Glenridge Drive, Ga. 400 and Peachtree Industrial Road, state officials said.

The closure of one westbound lane will follow about two weeks later.

As major portions of the project are completed, they will be opened to traffic with updates and signage.

“These anticipated openings will provide some additional capacity for vehicles and maximize all new con necting lane availability outside of the existing interstate lanes,” state officials said.

Phase 1 and 2 of the projects will take about four months each, but dates may change due to weather of other fac tors.

For more information about the project, frequently asked questions and project updates, visit the project website at transform285400-gdot.hub. arcgis.com/pages/lanereductions

Schools:

changes to attendance and feeder alignments affecting nearly every school in North Fulton, from elementary

“I think there is chaos being rep resented [on the maps],” said Martine Zurinskas, co-president of the Alpharet ta High School PTSA and a resident of the Windward community. “As a parent

am very hopeful the district will take a pause and look at the feedback.”

She noted the greatest applause of the evening came when district planners said the three draft plans could be rejected with an entirely new fourth option brought forward in the next round on Oct. 18.

Fulton School Board member Katie Reeves, who represents Alpharetta and Milton schools, said even she was caught off guard by the scope of the changes on the draft maps. She noted the board had been told the redistricting would be a “light touch” with a narrow focus, and she had relayed that to the public.

“Had I known it would be this much [movement] I would have prepared my community,” said Reeves, who noted she has been involved in more than 40 redistrictings over her 24 years in office.

“I’ve never seen anything like this…and we need to recognize we are playing with

people’s lives.”

A district spokesman noted the re districting process is in its early phases, and the district is still actively soliciting and listening to the feedback from par ents on the attendance zone draft plans that were released Oct. 3.

“No final decision has been made…and [a vote] on the measure will not be until December after more rounds of public meeting and comment periods,” said Brian Noyes, chief communications officer for Fulton County Schools. “Staff is using this time to discuss the needs of the district and review options with our stakeholders.

Maps were a surprise

Reeves said the changes to high school feeder patterns in the draft maps came as the biggest surprise to her and the community.

“The justification is simply not there since our high schools will not become overcrowded even if we don’t change lines,” Reeves said, noting enrollment forecasts do not support significant growth in the near future.

Additionally, when the maps were presented to the public the data behind the decisions was not made available. This is in contrast to past redistrictings, Reeves said, when drafts and data were released together.

The data was made available on the district website in the days following the Oct. 3 meeting.

Noyes said community members should always be aware that redistrict ing is a complex process, and direction can evolve over time.

“We started last spring [looking into redistricting] and as we’ve been gather ing more information, we been adjusting the scope of the process appropriately,” Noyes said.

Zurinskas said she believes district planners may have “overreached” on the current maps, and estimates the district is now sifting through thousands of comments. She remains confident they will bring back maps to the third round which makes better sense and reflects the community’s wishes.

She noted geographic proximity is the top criteria for attendance zones, yet in the draft maps several neighborhoods sharing a boundary or in very close proximity to a school are being zoned to schools miles away.

“On the website it says Fulton’s redistricting is to address capacity at targeted and overcrowded schools,” Zurinskas said. “But there is so much more on the [draft] maps…and it just doesn’t make sense.”

Politics at play

Former Alpharetta city councilman Ben Burnett, who was a driving force in bringing Auburn University classes to the school district, said something more sinister is in play with the redistricting.

He fired off a letter to Fulton Schools Superintendent Mike Looney following the Oct. 3 redistricting meeting saying the widespread disruptions to schools would “dissolve the community of Al pharetta, Milton and Roswell.”

He said it is the quality of the schools that have drawn people to the region, and not the developments and downtowns.

“The schools here are the golden goose of this community,” Burnett wrote.

He also asserted the redistricting disruptions seemed focused on board member Katie Reeves whose outspoken manner has often left her at odds with her fellow board members and staff on occa sion. Burnett noted most of the question able decisions on redistricting were found at schools in Reeves’ District 2 region. Reeve’s is retiring in December after six terms on the Fulton School Board.

“I see through the politics of this,” wrote Burnett, adding that Reeves was not aware of the zone changes until the Oct. 3 meeting. “That means, a group of bureaucrats didn’t want an elected official to know what was going on.”

Fulton Schools spokesman Noyes called Burnett’s claims “preposterous.”

“There is nothing personal in the maps and it’s all about the numbers,” Noyes said. “Obviously people have their personal opinions but we [create the maps] without political consideration.”

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Probe into former judge referred to state officials

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A report into accu sations made against retired Alpharetta Municipal Judge Barry Zimmerman has been referred to state authorities for further investigation.

Zimmerman stepped down from his post in June amid accusations of “im proper involvement” in local cases.

Alpharetta City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom forwarded to the City Coun cil Oct. 3 a four-page redacted report on the allegations from Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge Randolph G. Rich to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Georgia State Bar Association.

“We particularly charged [Rich] with discovering what events led to the JQC investigation,” Lagerbloom told coun cil members. “Whether parties other than Judge Zimmerman were involved in any wrongful activity, whether the city could access the content that was deleted [from] city-issued electronic equipment and whether there was any criminal conduct.”

Report alleges impropriety

Lagerbloom said Rich’s investiga tion probed whether Zimmerman had

Judge Zimmerman

Barry Zimmerman served on the municipal courts of Roswell, Milton and Alpharetta, as well as the Ful ton County Magistrate Court.

been “improperly involved” in several cases he presided over in the city court, whether any other parties were involved in alleged wrongdoing, and whether there was any criminal con duct. Rich’s report appears to conclude that allegations made by the Judicial Qualifications Commission are valid.

The investigation report cites six cases from Alpharetta Municipal Court in which Zimmerman is alleged to have represented criminal defendants, using another attorney’s name and signature as a “straw man” defense attorney to file pleas with another Alpharetta judge.

The alleged scheme reportedly in volved attorney Keith F. Brandon, who shared an office space with and was a tenant of Zimmerman’s, and former city Solicitor Fran Shoenthal McQueen.

“Instead of removing the case from the Municipal Court of Alpharetta

to the State Court of Fulton County, Judge Zimmerman would negotiate the case with Solicitor Fran McQueen,” the report said.

Zimmerman has a long judicial his tory in Fulton County, having served on the municipal courts of Roswell, Milton and Alpharetta, as well as the Fulton County Magistrate Court. He was ap pointed chief judge of the Alpharetta Municipal Court in 2014, after having served as Milton’s chief judge.

McQueen, who served as city solici tor for Alpharetta and Milton for more than a decade, prosecuting thousands of cases with Zimmerman presiding, accused both cities in May of discrimi nation for replacing her with a “far younger and less experienced African American employee.”

Recently, city officials agreed to pay $100,000 to settle the case with McQueen.

McQueen is required to fully coop erate for up to one year “in any and all investigations, inquiries or litiga tion in any judicial, administrative, or public, quasi-public, or private forum,” directly involving how she handled or oversaw any case that she prosecuted on behalf of the cities, whether or not she is a party to or a subject in them.

Council reacts to report

During the workshop on Monday, council members unanimously voiced their concern and disgust at the re port’s findings, but they were split on whether the investigation needed to continue locally.

Councilman Doug DeRito said he was appalled by the facts laid out in the report and wants to know if there were more cases threatening the judicial integrity of the city’s court system.

“I think the public needs to hear, the general distaste I have when read ing the investigative report on our pre vious judge in the city,” DeRito said. “I do have severe concerns remaining, I’m not satisfied to just walk away tonight and put this to bed.”

Other council members agreed with DeRito’s concerns but suggested the city had reached the limits of what it could do with the findings.

“This is an embarrassment to our city,” Councilman Donald Mitchell said. “It’s an embarrassment to our taxpayers and to have this go on with out our knowing it at all … I want to see what checks and balances we put in place as a city to make sure this never happens again.”

Before studios were cool, we were cool.

Balance Salon owner reflects on 25 years

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Not many can say they have both good and bad luck, nor mally it’s just one or the other.

But for longtime salon owner CJ Nicotera, every cloud has a silver lining, and with a little hard work, even the worst luck can be overcome.

For the past 25 years, Nicotera, who runs Balance Salon in Dunwoody, has battled every kind of bad luck, from the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19 pandemic to roof collapses, but still she hasn’t lost her love of providing top ser vice to loyal clients.

“There’s something about her energy and her spirit,” said Lisa Rayner, a long time customer and friend. “She’s just such a vibrant, uplifting person I went, ‘This is what I need in my life.’ Then she turned out to be a great hairdresser as well.”

Nicotera got her start in the business in 1997, working with partners out of a house on Buford Highway in Atlanta. She said they were so broke and so new to the business, they cut hair with clients sitting in lawn chairs and saved every penny they could to get real equip ment and outfit the salon.

“So, I did that for 10 years,” Nicotera said. “It was Buford highway, but it’s the cheapest rent we could find. So, before studios were cool, we were cool.”

Nicotera and her partners would literally walk neighborhoods throughout the Metro Atlanta, putting flyers and postcards in mailboxes for the salon, earning the business of locals with hard work and sweat.

“That’s how we grew the company the first 10 years,” she said. “We would

pound pavement and pound doors, and just did whatever it took to, you know, pay the bills the following month.”

Eventually, people began to notice them, especially after they made friends with and a client of a local Atlanta radio personality.

“Next thing you know, she’s putting us on the radio as one of the best finds in Atlanta because we were just so hard working,” she said. “It was the help we needed.”

It wasn’t like they were instantly flooded with business and money, but it did give them a bit of breathing room.

Hard work counters bad luck

After 10 years, Nicotera left the part nership, wanting to move and open a more corporate type of salon, with more resources and help on the business and marketing side of things. So, she borrowed $10,000, signed a lease, and started putting in the elbow grease to make her idea a success.

Unfortunately, it was the exact worst time to start a new business, and just a year after she opened, the 2008 financial crisis hit the like a thunderbolt.

“I got shingles, I was so stressed out during that one,” she said.

But about 6 months into the crisis, Nicotera said she got some unexpected help that kept her business going, when a nearby salon in Dunwoody unexpect edly went out of business.

“So immediately, I got four people with a clientele,” she said. “And I still have two of them with me.”

Through the years since the 2008 fi nancial crisis, there have still been spots of bad luck, like when her salon’s roof caved in after Atlanta experienced sev eral weeks of torrential rains. But each

BALANCE SALON/PROVIDED

Balance Salon owner CJ Nicotera

launched her career cutting hair in a house on Buford Highway in Atlanta, us ing lawn chairs for customers.

months, she said. But they never had to let any employees go and were quickly able to get back to business, thanks to the small business loan opportunities offered by the state and federal govern ment at the beginning of the pandemic.

“I had no idea what I was filling out. I just had to figure out how to find money to keep my company open,” she said. “I was on my kitchen floor … bawling my eyes out. Two days later, the money showed up in the in the business ac count.”

Finding Balance

But even when they were given the go-ahead to reopen, it wasn’t like before. Nicotera said that even with the precau tions they were taking, nearly 20 percent of her business was lost by the pan demic.

But the clients that did stay, are more loyal than ever.

Rayner said she admires her friend for persevering through the pandemic, especially because the salon business is based so much on touch and letting a stranger into your personal space.

“As a client, I just feel like it’s such a warm and welcoming environment, everyone who works there,” Rayner said. “They honor your time as much as they do theirs.”

time, her business was able to move on and survive.

“My first year I actually hit a million dollars in business was 2019, and then in March of 2020, we were shut down for being unessential,” she said.

In total, they were closed for four

After all these years, Nicotera says she still leads her employees by ex ample, putting in the hard work that her clients expect and deserve, because that’s what’s led her to this point, and anything else would be a betrayal of her years in business.

“As the owner, I could say, ‘Hey, I’ve been doing this 30 years. I don’t have

CJ NICOTERA, owner of Balance Salon

For 25 years CJ Nicotera of Balance Salon in Dunwoody has been putting in the hard work, providing top service to clients in the Atlanta area. Nicotera and her staff will celebrate their clients and supporters with a week of events starting on Tuesday, Oct. 18.

Salon:

Continued from Page 14

to work and work hard like I do,’” she said. “But I still feel the way I did when I opened up that first one. Anyone can cut some bangs, anyone can do some foils, there’s tons of us out there. But what we’ve worked so hard at is to not forget where we come from and how hard we’ve worked to get it.”

To say thank you to all of the clients that supported them over the years, Bal ance Salon will open its doors for a week

of events Oct. 18, to celebrate how far they’ve come and everything they’ve gone through.

Throughout the week, Balance Salon will have special promotions, special guests and special events, culminat ing with an “open-air” cocktail party on Friday, Oct. 21.

“I want to give back to them,” Nico tera said. “I want to give back to my team for standing by me this whole time and all the people that have helped me.”

For more information about Balance Salon and their week-long celebration of “inner and outer beauty” visit balancesalon.com/dunwoody-event.

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Business: Heyday Dunwoody

Owner: Katy Barbeau

Description: Founded in 2015, Heyday takes the facial out of the traditional spa ex perience to meet the demands of the modern customer and take the guesswork out of skincare. Focusing exclusively on skincare, Heyday provides fully customizable 50-min ute facials that are curated and performed by Heyday’s Skin Therapists, all licensed estheticians.

Opened: July 2022

Phone: (770) 373-7670

Address: 123 Perimeter Center W., Suite 300, Dunwoody, GA 30346

Business: North Italia

Owner: North Restaurants, LLC

Description: North Italia prides itself on delivering handcrafted Italian food in a modern environment with an in-restaurant experience that prioritizes great hospitality every time. We celebrate the opportunity to connect with the local community, finding new guests and team members to share our love of food and beverage

Opened: August 2022

Phone: (770) 804-8403

Address: 4600 Ashford Dunwoody Road, NE Dunwoody, GA 30346 Website: northitalia.com/locations/atlanta-ga-perimeter/

CHARTER MEMBER

Robin Fricton

Roderick Liptrot

Bob Meyers

Roger Wise Jr.

MEMBER+

Mary Asbury

Barbara Bauschka

Leslie Berry

Tom Billings

Joe Bowen

Clea Calloway

Kirk Canaday

James Carr

Pat Check

Rebecca Donlan

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

Fred Moeller

Stephanie Schuette

Cindy Simpson

Faye Sklar

Andy Smith

Lisa Tilt

Ollie Wagner

Lewis Walker

Help with Navigating the Road to Recovery

Brought to you by – Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs

In time we all are faced with the need for a planned procedure or an emergency that may require surgery. The next critical step is understanding how to navigate the road to a success ful recovery. It’s important to take stock of the care you or a loved one will need when you get home, whether it’s directly from the hospital or from a rehabilitation center.

The transition home can be very chal lenging as your mobility, health and emo tional needs have changed. As we age, we may also heal more slowly and have more complications.

Juggling physical or occupational therapy visits, managing nutritional needs and therapy homework can be overwhelm ing. Home visits from Physical or Occupa tional Therapists typically happen one to three times a week. The hardest part for you or an older loved one can be carrying out therapy homework instructions daily and exercising faithfully, but this can determine your mobility and best quality of life going forward.

Initially your doctor will do a medical assessment to determine your in-home care needs, and what level of assistance you’ll need with the activities of daily living (ADL’s). With in-home care, you may be discharged directly home. If you enter a rehabilitation facility, that assessment will happen when you’re ready to be dis charged. In either case, it’s important to determine a plan of care in advance.

At Home Helpers, we know the benefits that in-home care with a skilled caregiver can bring as we become a partner and work with you on your recovery journey. Our Care Managers also form a critical communication and coordination link with you and your family. They can go that ex tra step and visit a rehabilitation facility to observe your daily therapy regimen before you are released, providing informed sup port for your recovery.

The first few days home can be in tense, and we can provide round the clock care for the first 48 to 72 hours. Being disoriented on the return home is com mon, so preventing nighttime falls and a reinjury is important. As your strength improves, the schedule can quickly be adjusted according to your needs. The question we constantly seek to answer is where are you today, and what can we do to move your recuperation and your personal independence forward?

Your skilled Home Helpers caregiver can take notes at therapist visits, help you follow a therapy homework schedule and remember any restrictions you should follow. A carefully matched caregiver can help around the house, assist with personal care, hydration and nutritional needs, infection control, medication reminders and provide specialized sup port for stroke recuperation, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc.

We’re here to help – from eight hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 and live-in care. For a free consultation please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta suburbs at (770) 681-0323.

Taking charge of your health can make all the difference

Brought to you by – By Dr. Laura Pearson, breast surgeon at Wellstar Health System

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. That’s probably not news to any one. It’s a month of pink ribbons, walks and awareness campaigns. I would rather use it to not only bring aware ness to breast health but to discuss how breast health awareness can be good for your whole body.

There are factors, such as fam ily history and breast density, that are unchangeable in terms of breast cancer risk, but there are certainly many modi fiable risk factors and behaviors we can affect to protect ourselves from breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other diseases. The list below includes my go-tos when I counsel women regarding real ways they can protect and maintain their breasts, heart, brain and body.

1. Maintaining a healthy weight: A nor mal range for BMI lowers risk for cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and

orthopedic issues

2. Quitting or not start ing smoking

3. Exercise: The Ameri can Cancer Society rec ommends that adults get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week

4. Avoid or limit alcohol intake: Even small amounts can increase your risk for breast cancer, and there is a limit to the benefit of red wine for your heart health

5. Eating a balanced diet of carbohy drates, protein and fats (yes, our body does need some fat to maintain healthy cell and brain function), with a focus on brightly colored fruits and vegetables to give you vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients that can help protect cells and organs from environmental stressors that can lead to cancer, cardio vascular disease and dementia

6. Staying current on all recommended preventives and screenings: Colon can cer screenings (the age to start has been lowered to 45 from 50), regular skin cancer checks, yearly mammograms, heart screenings like heart calcium scans, ultrasounds to check for carotid artery narrowing (stroke risk), bloodwork to check for diabetes, thyroid issues, etc. and gynecological exams as indicated by age and other factors

At Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, we take women’s health seri ously. By offering comprehensive screen ings, diagnostics and treatment for all your health issues, there is no reason to go outside your own community to find world-class healthcare. Our providers take an individualized approach to care, tailoring treatment to each patient to help them achieve their health goals.

Our Breast Cancer STAT clinic offers consultations that include your entire breast cancer team (surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, genet ics and nurse navigation) in a single

visit. We offer state-of-the-art treat ments, including oncoplasty and hidden scar surgery, one-dose intraoperative radiation and access to clinical trials. Our Center for Best Health provides multidisciplinary care for weight man agement, which can lower the risk of or even help treat conditions such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. We have highlytrained specialists for cardiovascular diseases, neurology including movement disorders, rheumatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and pain management.

By being proactive with our breast health, we can also protect the rest of our health.

Dr. Laura Pearson is a Wellstar breast surgeon who serves as the direc tor of the Wellstar North Fulton Breast Program and the Wellstar Breast Cancer STAT Clinic. To make an appointment with Dr. Pearson at her office on the campus of Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, call (470) 956-4270.

NANCARE

For years, Nan Harman-Dempsey has loved practicing law in the community where she was born and raised: Alpharetta. But when her mammogram revealed breast cancer, even she was surprised to find such high-tech care less than five miles away. At Wellstar North Fulton , Nan was a candidate for intraoperative radiation therapy, or IORT.

During her lumpectomy, Nan’s medical and radiation oncology surgeons worked side-by-side as one removed the tumor and the other gave Nan radiation therapy, seamlessly in one fell swoop. Instead of weeks, her radiation took moments. After her fasttracked treatment, Nan’s newest love is her care team at Wellstar. No two people named Nan are exactly alike, and at Wellstar, we would never treat them that way. wellstar.org/peoplecare

Thank

for Voting

Years in

Treating cavities without a drill?

Brought to you by – Dr. Destinee Hood Roswell Dental Care

One in 7 U.S. children ages 2 to 8 years old has untreated dental decay. While fluoride varnish application is a well-established, highly effective intervention for preventing decay, it does not restore cavities extending deeper into teeth. Traditional treat ment for cavities was limited to remov ing the decay with a drill. Now, there’s an alternative for treating decay- Silver Diamine Fluoride.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a liquid applied to teeth with a small brush. The use of silver nitrate, pre cursor to SDF, dates to the 1800’s. Its natural antimicrobial properties have given silver nitrate a large field of treatment applications, such as wound care. The combination of silver, am monia, and fluoride provides immediate relief from dental hypersensitivity, kills cavity-causing bacteria, and hardens softened tooth-structure caused by demineralization.

Initially, SDF received Food and Drug Administration approval in 2014 for treating dental hypersensitivity, much like its predecessor, fluoride var nish. However, dental practitioners have seen the resulting arrestment of decay, and, in 2016, the FDA designated SDF

as the “Breakthrough Therapy” for treating cavities. Once treated, it is ad visable to reapply SDF at every cleaning appointment.

An additional benefit of silver diamine fluoride is that it has very few risks as sociated with it because it only affects the areas with decay. Once applied, SDF oxidizes and leaves a dark stain limited to the cavity. Acknowledging the importance of esthetics, oral health remains the pri ority. A skilled dental health professional will maximize effective treatment while minimizing esthetic impact. Understand ably, many patients and parents choose SDF treatment to get tooth decay under control because it is highly effective, and the benefits outweigh the risks for nearly all patients.

Due to its low cost, simple and pain less application, and clinical efficacy, SDF is advantageous especially for vulnerable patient populations, such as children and older adults. However, patients of any age or health status can benefit from SDF treatment and should be given the option, especially if demin eralization or small cavities are noted at check-ups.

Schedule your appointment with Roswell Dental Care by calling 470288-1152. More information at www. roswelldentalcare.com.

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

Healing from disordered eating

Brought to you by – Kerri Chadwick, Licensed Professional Counselor and Eating Disorder Therapist at Summit Counseling Center

How many people will struggle with an eating disorder during their lifetime?

It’s a more complicated question than you might think. Since the vast major ity of people with eating disorders either never seek formal treatment for their disorder or are never formally diagnosed (Hart et al., 2011), researchers can’t just search medical records.

The term “eating disorder” covers a wide range of unique mental illnesses. The common characteristic they share is causing some type of harmful food-cen tered behavior that includes either food restriction or excessive eating. Eating disorders can lead to harmful physical ef fects and even death. According to ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Ner vosa and Associated Disorders), eating disorders are among the deadliest mental health disorders, second only to opioid overdose. 10,200 people die each year from complications of an eating disorder,

One of the most constructive ways to navigate your recovery journey is the ba sic understanding that you are not alone. It can be hard to ask for help for many reasons. However, healthcare profession als, loved ones, and the support of those who have gone through similar struggles can make a difference in your journey.

If you haven’t found people in your

current support circle, consider reaching out to a professional to get their opinion and support. They will have tools and resources to support you in a way that feels comfortable and validating - be cause you are worthy of getting the sup port you need just the way you are!

Tips and Tricks for Preventing Cold and Flu

Brought to you by – Emily Zachowski, DO, Northside Family Medicine of Johns Creek

As the weather cools, we start to think of fall activities and holidays gath erings, but with this comes cold and flu season. Below are some simple tips and tricks to help keep you healthy this fall and winter.

Clean your hands before eating, after using the restroom, after blowing your nose, after touching a pet, and whenever they are visibly soiled. To thoroughly clean your hands, wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—that’s as long it takes to sing the “happy birth day” song twice, or the chorus to Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home from work, school and errands to avoid spreading illness to others.

Avoid touching your face. Even with the best hand-hygiene, germs can spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Get vaccinated. The single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated each year. Influenza vaccines are approved for ages 6 months and up; children younger than 9 years may require 2 doses, you should check with your child’s doctor to see if this is case for your family. COVID-19 vaccines

are available for everyone 6 months and older. New this fall, it’s recommended everyone 12 years and older receive an updated (bivalent) booster at least 2 months after their last COVID-19 vac cine dose. Finally, a pneumonia vaccine is recommend for people over 64 years, or if you have certain health conditions like diabetes or asthma. Depending on your health conditions and the specific vaccine given, a booster dose may be required, so check with your doctor if you’ve received a pneumonia vaccine previously.

Practice healthy habits. Good overall health supports immune health! Prac tice good sleep hygiene and make sure to get an adequate amount of sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medi

cine recommends adults sleep at least 7 hours per night, teens (ages 13-18) sleep 8-10 hours per 24 hour period and school-aged children (ages 6-12) sleep 9-12 hours per 24 hour period. Stay physically active— 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity 5 days of the week is a great starting goal. Take care to manage your stress appropriately. Eat nutritious foods, including 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugar-sweet ened beverages such as pop and sweet tea. Maintain adequate vitamin D intake. Vitamin D can be found in certain foods, such as dairy products, or as a supple ment. Most people need to consume 600-800 IU per day, but this can vary; your doctor can check your levels on a simple blood test.

Thank

Before I say another word about this year’s Best of North Atlanta results, I first want to take the opportunity to extend a hearty congrats to the entire business community for not only bouncing back from a COVID economy, but thriving in the time since.

HANS APPEN

I suspect one of the reasons is that we all learned how to dig a little deeper to make ends meet. We all had to figure out new and creative ways to meet our customers where they are, engage with our staff, and work efficiently to deal with supply chain interruptions and limited resources.

Perhaps one challenge that proved particularly difficult was continuing to deliver a level and quality of product/service that our customers had come to expect in a business environment where that was sometimes near impossible. This meant that we witnessed businesses reinvent themselves on the fly. I suspect that for many of them, they made structural changes to their businesses they’d been putting off for years but were now essential to staying open. We learned what had to get done immediately, and what could wait another day.

We retained many of those lessons learned, even when we no longer needed to use them, and for that I believe our business community is stronger and better.

It is certainly more resilient.

Now, onto the results. After 107,000(!) votes were cast in this year’s contest, we are thrilled to present the winners in this week’s editions of our Herald newspapers.

To our winners, take pride in this great accomplishment. There is no higher praise than

willingness of a customer to go online and cast a vote to hopefully help you win your category. Many posted links to their social media accounts, emailed their friends and family asking them to support you, and returned multiple times to the ballot to maximize their impact on the results! You’ve got a lot of fans out there.

We hope to celebrate each of you in person at the awards gala in October – the first time we’ve been able to host the event in three years. It is going to be a lot of fun, and we hope you take the opportunity to enjoy yourself, take a break, and appreciate your accomplishments.

To the voters, our newspapers’ readers, and the patrons of our winning businesses, thank you. Thank you for helping us bestow the much-deserved recognition on the businesses you support. Every year now for over 15 years we have asked you to take a couple minutes out of your day to help us nominate and then vote on the best the area has to offer, and you have yet to disappoint.

Please continue to support your local business community, and the next time you visit one of the winners listed on the following pages, make sure to congratulate them.

Hans Appen Publisher, Appen Media Group

Alpharetta • Forsyth County • Johns Creek • Milton • Roswell

Best Of North Atlanta

BEST BAKERY

Nothing Bundt Cakes Alpharetta

5230 Windward Pkwy., Ste 102 Milton, GA 30004 678-366-1445 nothingbundtcakes.com/bakery/ ga/Alpharetta

Alpine Bakery & Pizzeria Crabapple 12315 Crabapple Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-410-9883 alpinebakeryandtrattoria.com

BEST BBQ Cue

Multiple Locations 770-667-0089 cuebarbecue.com

Smokejack

How the winners are displayed

MAIN CATEGORY

SUBCATEGORY

Winners appear in bold. Address, phone number and website

1st runner-ups appear in normal text. Address, phone number and website

29 S. Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-410-7611 smokejackbbq.com

BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

Gracious Plenty Bakery & Breakfast

1164 Canton St. Roswell, GA 30075 678-878-3105 graciousplentybb.com

The Original Pancake House

BEST CAJUN/CREOLE FOOD

Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou

52B N Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 470-242-5458 flatlands52.com

Hugo’s Oyster Bar 10360 Alpharetta St. Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-5922 hugosoysterbar.com

BEST COFFEE SHOP (LOCAL)

Crazy Love Coffee House 1088 Canton St. Roswell, GA 30075 770-545-8228 crazylove.coffee

Valor Coffee

44 Milton Ave. Alpharetta, GA 30009 706-452-3329 valor.coffee.com

BEST DESSERT

Nothing Bundt Cakes Alpharetta 5230 Windward Pkwy., Ste 102 Milton, GA 30004 678-366-1445 nothingbundtcakes.com/bakery/ ga/alpharetta

BEST GERMAN FOOD

Gasthaus Tirol

310 Atlanta Rd. Cumming, GA 30040 770-844-7244 gasthaus-cumming.com

Kurt’s Euro Bistro

3305 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. #100 Duluth, GA 30096 770-623-4128 kurtsrestaurant.com

BEST HAPPY HOUR

Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room

1055 Canton St. #100 Roswell, GA 30075 770-676-6146 www.deeprootswine.co

Village Tavern

11555 Rainwater Dr. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490 villagetavern.com

BEST HOT DOG

BobbyG’s Chicago Eatery & Sports Bar 12990 GA-9 North Milton, GA 30004 770-772-0710 bobbygs.com

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant 5670 Atlanta Hwy, A1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-9100 casanuovarestaurant.com

Osteria Mattone

1095 Canton St. Roswell, GA 30075 678-878-3378 www.osteriamattone.com

BEST LOCAL FLAIR RESTAURANT

Table & Main

1028 Canton St. Roswell, GA 30075 678-869-5178 eats.rohospitality.com

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails 800 Mayfield Rd, Milton, GA 30009 770-817-0161 miltonscuisine.com

BEST LUNCH SPOT

Never Enough Thyme 2 Alpharetta locations neverenoughthyme.net

BurgerFi

BEST ALL-AROUND RESTAURANT

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

5670 Atlanta Hwy., A1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-9100 casanuovarestaurant.com

Village Tavern

11555 Rainwater Dr. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490 villagetavern.com

BEST ASIAN FOOD

JINYA Ramen Bar

401 South Broad St., 4A Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-609-8238 Jinyaramenbar.com

Thai House

10930 Crabapple Rd. Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-1688 thaihouseroswell.com

5530 Windward Pkwy. #120a Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-393-1355 pancakesalpharetta.com

BEST BREWERY/BREWPUB

Six Bridges Brewing 11455 Lakefield Dr. Ste 300 Johns Creek, GA 30097 470-545-4199

www.sixbridgesbrewing.com

Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon 6640 Town Square Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-696-4929 cherrystreethalcyon.com

BEST BURGER

Lucky’s Burger & Brew 1144 Alpharetta St. Roswell, GA 30075 770-518-5695 luckysburgerandbrew.com

BurgerFi

5475 Windward Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-817-4658 burgerfi.com

Alpine Bakery 12315 Crabapple Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-410-9883 alpinebakeryandtrattoria.com

BEST FAMILY DINING

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant 5670 Atlanta Hwy., A1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-9100 casanuovarestaurant.com

Village Tavern 11555 Rainwater Dr. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490 villagetavern.com

BEST FINE DINING

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant 5670 Atlanta Hwy. A1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-9100 casanuovarestaurant.com

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails 800 Mayfield Rd. Milton, GA 30009 770-817-0161 miltonscuisine.com

Nauti Dog Grill 10 N Broad St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-676-0154 www.nautidoggrillga.com

BEST ICE CREAM

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Multiple Locations jenis.com

Andy’s Frozen Custard

3670 Old Milton Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30005 470-268-6175 eatandys.com

BEST INDIAN FOOD

Madras Chettinaad

4305 State Bridge Rd. #108 Alpharetta, GA 30022 678-393-3131 madraschettinaad.com

Curry Up Now 24 South Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-694-1422 curryupnow.com

5475 Windward Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-817-4658 burgerfi.com

BEST MEXICAN FOOD

Pure Taqueria

Multiple Locations 678-240-0023 or 770-817-7873 puretaqueria.com

Surcheros Fresh Mex 91 S Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-737-7902 www.surcheros.com

BEST PATIO DINING Table & Main 1028 Canton St. Roswell, GA 30075 678-869-5178 eats.rohospitality.com

Citizen Soul 60 South Main St.

BEST PIZZA

Antico Pizza Napoletana

Multiple Locations

770-674-8811 littleitalia.com

Campania Alpharetta

800 N Main St. #100

Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-825-2156 campaniaga.com

BEST SALAD

Brookwood Grill

880 Holcomb Bridge Rd.

Roswell, GA 30076 770-587-0102 www.brookwoodgrill.com

Never Enough Thyme

2 Alpharetta locations neverenoughthyme.net

BEST SEAFOOD

Hugo’s Oyster Bar

10360 Alpharetta St.

Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-5922 hugosoysterbar.com

Rena’s Italian Fishery & Grill

240 S Main St. Ste M

Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-790-4040 renasifg.com

BEST SMOOTHIE/JUICERY

Smoothie King

Multiple Locations www.smoothieking.com

July Moon Bakery and Café

200 S Main St. Ste Z

Alpharetta, GA 30009 470-273-5971 www.julymoonbakeryandcafe.com

BEST TAKEOUT FOOD

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

5670 Atlanta Hwy. A1

Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-9100 casanuovarestaurant.com

BurgerFi

5475 Windward Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-817-4658 burgerfi.com

BEST WINGS

Smokejack BBQ

29 S. Main St.

Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-410-7611

BobbyG’s Chicago Eatery & Sports Bar

12990 GA-9 North Milton, GA 30004 770-772-0710 bobbygs.com

MEDICAL

BEST AUDIOLOGIST

Mraz Audiology Consulting

3400-C Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. 385 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-653-7027 audiologyconsulting.com

Robb Family ENT

3400 Old Milton Pkwy

Bldg. C, #575 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-410-0202 robbfamilyent.com

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

North Fulton Chiropractic Center 254 N Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-754-4567 www.nfultonchiro.com

North Atlanta Spine

5755 North Point Pkwy., #240 Alpharetta, GA 30022 678-691-3221 northatlantaspine.com

BEST COSMETIC SURGERY

Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Burke Robinson 3400 Old Milton Pkwy. Bldg. C, Ste 330 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-667-3090 robinsonfps.com

The Graivier Center 3333 Old Milton Pkwy. #260 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-772-0695 thegraiviercenter.com

BEST COUNSELING

Summit Counseling Center 2750 Old Alabama Rd. #200 Johns Creek, GA 30022 678-893-5300 summitcounseling.org

Family Solutions Counseling, LLC 3534 Old Milton Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-220-0090 familysolutionscounselingga.com

BEST DENTISTRY

Roswell Dental Care 1570 Old Alabama Rd. #102 Roswell, GA 30076 678-802-8576 roswelldentalcare.com

Atlanta Center for Dental Health 11190 Haynes Bridge Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-992-2236 www.atlantacdh.com

BEST DERMATOLOGIST

Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta 3180 North Point Pkwy., Ste 420 Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-345-1899 premierdermatologyatlanta.com

Goodman Dermatology P.C. 2500 Hospital Blvd., #280 Roswell, GA 30076 770-754-0787 goodmandermatology.com

BEST ENT

Robb Family ENT 3400 Old Milton Pkwy. Bldg. C, #575 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-410-0202 robbfamilyent.com

Northeast Atlanta Ear, Nose & Throat, PC Multiple Locations 770-237-3000 northeastatlantaent.com

BEST FAMILY PRACTICE

North Atlanta Primary Care 3400-C Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. 270 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-442-1911 northatlantaprimarycare.com

Laureate Medical Group 3400 Old Milton Pkwy., C-500 Alpharetta, GA 30005 Multiple Locations 678-775-2284 www.laureatemed.com

BEST HAIR RESTORATION

The Graivier Center

3333 Old Milton Pkwy., #260 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-772-0695 thegraiviercenter.com

Anderson Center for Hair 2710 Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. 170, Alpharetta, GA 30009 404-256-4247 atlantahairsurgeon.com

BEST HOLISTIC/ ALTERNATIVE

MEDICINE

Salt n’ Sauna Wellness

735 N Main St., Ste. 1900 Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-580-2501 saltnsauna.com

Next Level Stretch

3950 Johns Creek Ct., #125

Suwanee, GA 30024 678-620-4018 www.nextlevelstretch.com

BEST HOME CARE FOR SENIORS

Home Helpers Home Care

5755 North Point Pkwy., #259 Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-681-0323 homehelpershomecare.com/Al pharetta

Skylark Home Care

4265 Johns Creek Pkwy., Ste. B Johns Creek, GA 30024 404-410-1510 skylarkseniorcare.com

BEST INTERNAL MEDICINE

Johns Creek Primary Care Physicians

4365 Johns Creek Pkwy., #400 Suwanee, GA 30024 678-957-1910 johnscreekprimarycare.com

North Atlanta Primary Care

3400-C Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. 270 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-442-1911 northatlantaprimarycare.com

BEST MED SPA

Salt n’ Sauna Wellness

735 N Main St., Ste. 1900 Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-580-2501 saltnsauna.com

The Graivier Center

3333 Old Milton Pkwy., #260 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-772-0695 thegraiviercenter.com

BEST MEDICAL ESTHETICIAN

Heather Davis, LE

Visage Skin Care & Laser Center

3400 Old Milton Pkwy. Bldg. C, Ste. 330 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-667-3090 robinsonfps.com

Ashley King

The Graivier Center

3333 Old Milton Pkwy., #260 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-772-0695 thegraiviercenter.com

BEST MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS

Elvina Vitkin, M.D. Weight Control

631 N Main St., Ste. 203 Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-664-0803 drvitkin.com

Salt n’ Sauna Wellness

735 N. Main St. Ste. 1900 Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-580-2501 saltnsauna.com

BEST MEMORY CARE

Celebration Village Forsyth 3000 Celebration Blvd. Suwanee, GA 30024 770-744-0832 agewellliving.com

The Memory Center 12050 Findley Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-476-3678 www.thememorycenter.com

BEST MOBILITY STORE/SERVICES

Heavenly Wheels

6375 McGinnis Ferry Rd., #101 Johns Creek, GA 30005 678-847-0301 heavenlywheels.com

Mobility Georgia 2905 Jordan Ct., Ste H Alpharetta, GA 30004 470-357-6130 mobilitygeorgia.com

BEST NUTRITIONIST/DIETICIAN Medical Fitness & Wellness Group

10700 Medlock Bridge Rd. #105 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-623-4078 exercise4prevention.com

Johns Creek Primary Care Physicians 4365 Johns Creek Pkwy., #400 Suwanee, GA 30024 678-957-1910 johnscreekprimarycare.com

BEST OBGYN

Modern Obstetrics & Gynecology of North Atlanta

Multiple Locations 404-446-2496 reyesobgyn.com

Roswell OBGYN

Multiple Locations 770-751-3600 roswellobgyn.org

BEST OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

High Hopes Children’s Therapy

3538 Old Milton Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-395-3269 highhopestherapy.com

All About Kids Therapy - Peachtree

Corners/ Norcross

3850 Holcomb Bridge Rd., #245 Norcross, GA 30092 770-710-0181 allaboutkidstherapyservices.com

BEST ONCOLOGY

The Center for Advanced Medicine

Jonathan Stegall, MD

3333 Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. 560 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-551-2730 advanced-med.com

Piedmont Cancer Institute

755 Mt. Vernon Hwy. Sandy Springs, GA 30328 404-350-8711 www.piedmontcancerinstitute.com

BEST OPHTHALMOLOGY

Milan Eye Center

Multiple Locations

678-381-2021 milaneyecenter.com

Thomas Eye Group - Roswell Office

Multiple Locations 770-475-5515 thomaseye.com

BEST OPTOMETRY

Thomas Eye Group –

Roswell Office

11690 Alpharetta Hwy. Roswell, GA 30076 770-475-5515 thomaseye.com

Caris Eye Centers – Alpharetta

9995 Jones Bridge Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-475-1242 cariseyecenters.com

BEST ORAL SURGERY

Paul Korb, DMD & Craig Taylor, DMD - Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

4355 Johns Creek Pkwy., Ste. 530 Suwanee, GA 30024 770-495-9193 korbtaylor.com

Atlanta Oral and Facial Surgery

Multiple Locations 877-269-2637 atlantaoralsurgery.com

BEST ORTHODONTIST

Hiser Orthodontics

Multiple locations 470-330-9083 hiserortho.com

Smile Doctors by Jordan Orthodontics

Dr. Jeff Jordan, Dr. Jim Awbrey

Multiple Listings 770-751-1688 smiledoctors.com

BEST ORTHOPEDICS

Resurgens Orthopedics

Multiple locations 770-475-2710 resurgens.com

Peachtree Orthopedics

Multiple Locations 404-355-0743 peachtreeorthopedics.com

BEST PAIN MANAGEMENT

Pain Physicians of Atlanta

3333 Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. #400 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-391-3979 painphysiciansofatlanta.com

Align Spine and Pain Institute 960 Warsaw Rd., Ste. 150 Roswell, GA 30076 770-988-7246 alignspine.com

BEST PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Children’s Dental Zone

3455 Old Alabama Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30022 770-777-1222 childrensdentalzone.com

Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics

4205 North Point Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-664-4936 alpharettachildrensdentistry.com

BEST PEDIATRIC PRACTICE

Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C. Multiple Locations 770-751-0800 roswellpediatrics.com

North Fulton Pediatrics

1285 Hembree Rd., #100 Roswell, GA 30076 770-442-1050 northfultonpediatrics.com

BEST PHARMACY (LOCAL)

Lily’s Pharmacy & Wellness Center

11670 Jones Bridge Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30005 678-964-5459 lilyspharmacy.com

North Fulton Compounding Pharmacy

305 S Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-475-8903 northfultonrx.com

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY

Johns Creek Physical Therapy

4060 Johns Creek Pkwy., Ste. H Suwanee, GA 30024 770-622-5344 johnscreekpt.com

Medical Fitness and Wellness Group

10700 Medlock Bridge Rd. Ste. 105 Johns Creek, GA 770-623-4078 exercise4prevention.com

BEST PODIATRY

Ankle & Foot Centers of GA Multiple Listings 770-418-0456 ankleandfootcenters.com

Dean P. Kostakos, DPM 1380 Upper Hembree Rd. Roswell, GA 30076 770-346-7500

BEST SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER

Skylark Adult Day Care 4265 Johns Creek Pkwy., Ste B Johns Creek, GA 30024 404-410-1510 skylarkseniorcare.com

Sexton Hall Enrichment Center 2115 Chloe Rd. Cumming, GA 30041 770-781-2178

BEST SENIOR LIVING

COMMUNITY

Celebration Village 3000 Celebration Blvd. Suwanee, GA 30024 770-744-0832 agewellliving.com

Village Park Senior Living Multiple Locations 678-740-3499 villageparkseniorliving.com

BEST SPEECH THERAPY

High Hopes Children’s Therapy

3538 Old Milton Pkwy.

Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-395-3269 highhopestherapy.com

Rogers Bridge Pediatric Therapy 2845 Summercrest Ln. Duluth, GA 30096 478-454-8889 rogersbridgepediatrictherapy.com

BEST SUBSTANCE ABUSE/ ADDICTION TREATMENT

No Longer Bound 2725 Pine Grove Rd. Cumming, GA 30041 770-886-7873 nolongerbound.com

Summit Counseling Center 2750 Old Alabama Rd., #200 Johns Creek, GA 30022 678-893-5300 summitcounseling.org

BEST URGENT CARE

Piedmont Urgent Care — Milton/Alpharetta

Multiple Locations 770-521-6690 wellstreet.com

Here to Help Urgent Care

1137 Alpharetta St. Roswell, GA 30075 678-336-9240

BEST UROLOGY

Advanced Urology Multiple Locations 404-586-4570 advancedurology.com

Georgia Urology: David M Banks MD 1800 Northside Forsyth Dr., #370 Cumming, GA 30041 678-947-6199 www.gaurology.com

BEST VEIN SPECIALIST

Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta

3180 North Point Pkwy., Ste. 420 Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-345-1899 premierdermatologyatlanta.com

North Atlanta Vascular Clinic Multiple locations 770-771-5260 navascularclinic.com

BEST VETERINARIAN

Midway Animal Hospital

6785 Atlanta Hwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-2003 midwayvets.com

Dr. Beatriz Segarra

The Village Animal Hospital 5075 Abbotts Bridge Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-754-1234 www.thevillageanimalhospital.com

PEOPLE & COMMUNITY

BEST BARTENDER

Pepe Fundora

Cork & Glass

5670 Atlanta Hwy., Ste A2 Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-694-8812 corkandglass.com

Joe RampinoCreation Social House 11500 Webb Bridge Way Alpharetta, GA 30005 470-264-1871 Creationsocialhouse.com

BEST BOSS

Dr. Kenan Sener

3035 Fanfare Way Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-366-2555 fultonscienceacademy.org

Dana Gurela, Deep Roots Wine Market

BEST DENTIST

Dr. Bradley Hepler

Atlanta Center for Dental Health

11190 Haynes Bridge Rd.

Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-992-2236 www.atlantacdh.com

Dr. Destinee Hood

Roswell Dental Care

1570 Old Alabama Rd., # 102 Roswell, GA 30076 678-802-8576 roswelldentalcare.com

BEST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Caitlin Lawrence

Alpharetta Police Dept.

Scott Mulvey

Milton Police Dept.

BEST LIBRARY

Milton Library

855 Mayfield Rd. Milton, GA 30009 404-613-4402 fulcolibrary.org

Alpharetta Library

10 Park Plaza

Alpharetta, GA 30009 404-613-6735 fulcolibrary.org

BEST LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS

Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room

1055 Canton St., #100 Roswell, GA 30075 770-676-6146 www.deeprootswine.co

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

5670 Atlanta Hwy., A1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-9100 casanuovarestaurant.com

BEST NEW BUSINESS (OPENED IN 2021)

The Vick

1182 Canton St. Roswell, GA 30075 678-587-5856 www.koffeeandkocktails.com

Doodle Pies

1105 Woodstock Rd., Ste 140 Roswell, GA 30075 678-373-1758 doodlepies.net

BEST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Atlantic Institute

591 N Main St., #100

Alpharetta, GA 30009 404-254-4884 theatlanticinstitute.org

North Fulton Community Charities

11275 Elkins Rd. Roswell, GA 30076 770-640-0399 nfcchelp.org

BEST PARK Wills Park

11925 Wills Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-297-6130 alpharetta.ga.us

Roswell Area Park

10495 Woodstock Rd. Roswell, GA 30075 770-817-6670 www.roswellgov.com

BEST PEDIATRICIAN

Dr. Greg Cabrera

North Point Pediatrics

3180 North Point Pkwy. Ste. 410, Bldg. 400 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-664-0088 northpointpediatrics.biz

Sridevi Muthukumar

10710 Medlock Bridge Rd., #250 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-870-1085 meadowpediatrics.com

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

Mike Hardy – Medical Fitness & Wellness Group

10700 Medlock Bridge Rd. Ste. 105 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-623-4078 exercise4prevention.com

Krystal Donaldson Meyer

BEST PILATES/ YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Sarah Hailey

Oya Yoga Studio

50 Canton St., Ste. 114 Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-381-1569 oyayogastudio.com

BEST PLACE TO WORK

Aura Hair & Makeup

7878 Roswell Rd. Sandy Springs, GA 30350 770-640-2882 www.aurasas.com

BurgerFi

5475 Windward Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-817-4658 www.burgerfi.com

BEST POLICE OFFICER

Mark Tappan

Alpharetta Police Department 2565 Old Milton Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-297-6300 alpharetta.policetocitizen.com

Sgt Trent Lundgren

BEST REALTOR

Deniece Toth

Compass Atlanta 3107 Peachtree Rd. NE, Ste. A 1 Atlanta, GA 30305 404-509-4003 thinktoth.com

Allison Kloster

1819 Peachtree Rd., Ste. 100 Atlanta, GA 30309 404-784-5287 www.homegeorgia.com/agents/ allison-kloster

BEST SCHOOL TEACHER

Ms Duzyol

Fulton Science Academy 3035 Fanfare Way Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-366-2555 fultonscienceacademy.org

Robin Chiang

Fulton Science Academy 3035 Fanfare Way Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-366-2555 fultonscienceacademy.org

RECREATION

Taste of Alpharetta tasteofalpharettaga.com

BEST DANCE LESSONS/STUDIO

Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance

601 Houze Way

Roswell, GA 30076 770-998-0259 tysod.com

Rhythm n’ Shoes Dance

175 Roswell St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 404-290-9142 rhythmandshoes.com

BEST DATE NIGHT HOTSPOT

Avalon

400 Avalon Blvd. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-765-1000 www.experienceavalon.com

The Painted Horse Winery and Vineyards 2105 Bethany Way, Milton, GA 30004 770-846-1559 thepaintedhorsewinery.com

BEST DAY SPA / MASSAGE

The Woodhouse Day Spa – Avalon

7150 Avalon Blvd. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-241-2733 avalon.woodhousespas.com

Youthtopia Med Spa 33 Teasley St Ste 115 Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-772-4806 youthtopiamedspa.com

BEST FARMERS MARKET

Alpharetta Farmers Market North and South Broad St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 alpharettafarmersmarket.com

The Manor Golf & Country Club

15952 Manor Club Dr. Milton, GA 30004 770-810-3175 www.invitedclubs.com/clubs/themanor-golf-country-club

BEST GROUP/ CORPORATE ACTIVITY

Topgolf

10900 Westside Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-217-0513 topgolf.com

A&S Culinary Concepts

9945 Jones Bridge Rd., Ste. 303 Johns Creek, GA 30022 678-336-9196 asculinaryconcepts.com

BEST GYM / FITNESS FACILITY Senergy Fitness

10595 Old Alabama Rd. Con. Ste. 21 Alpharetta, GA 30022 470-282-5225 senergyfitness.com

Body by Design Fitness Studio Alpharetta 131 S Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-823-1683 www.bodybydesignalpha.com

BEST MUSIC LESSONS

Perfect Harmony Health 1001 Macy Dr. Roswell, GA 30076 678-965-0993 perfectharmonyhealth.com

RISPA 14155 Ga-9 N. Milton, GA 30004 678-620-3500 rispa.net

BEST ART LESSONS/STUDIO

Johns Creek Arts Center 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd., Bldg. 700 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-623-8448 johnscreekarts.com

Sis + Moon’s 24 Milton Ave. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-310-9338 www.sisandmoons.com

BEST COMMUNITY EVENT

Alive In Roswell aliveinroswell.com

Roswell Farmers & Artisans Market 755 Mimosa Blvd. Roswell, GA 30075 404-492-9938 roswellfam.com

BEST GOLF COURSE Country Club of Roswell 2500 Club Springs Dr. Roswell, GA 30076 770-475-7800 ccroswell.com

BEST PERFORMING ARTS / THEATRE

Georgia Ensemble Theatre 950 Forest St. Roswell, GA 30075 770-641-1260 get.org

Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra P.O. Box 5003 Alpharetta, GA 30023 678-740-3554 www.alpharettasymphony.org

BEST PLACE FOR GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room

1055 Canton St., #100

Roswell, GA 30075 440-676-6146 www.deeprootswine.co

Johns Creek Wine & Crystal 9810 Medlock Bridge Rd., #700

Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-680-2380 johnscreekwineandcrystal.com

BEST PLACE FOR KIDS

TO HAVE FUN

Chattahoochee Nature Center

9135 Willeo Rd.

Roswell, GA 30075 770-992-2055 chattnaturecenter.org

Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios

Alpharetta

131 S Main St., Ste. G

Alpharetta, GA 30009 470-760-6460 www.flourpowerstudios.com/Al pharetta

BEST SPORTS PROGRAM

Alpharetta Ambush Soccer Club

10945 State Bridge Rd. Ste. 401-315

Alpharetta,GA 30005 678-297-6160 alpharettaambush.org

St. Andrew Rowing Club

675 Riverside Rd.

Roswell, GA 30075 770-225-2040 www.standrewrowing.com

BEST SUMMER CAMP

Johns Creek Arts Center

6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd. Bldg. 700

Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-623-8448 johnscreekarts.org

Alpharetta Recreation Gymnastics

175 Roswell St.

Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-297-6100 alpharettarecreationgymnastics.com

BEST WEDDING VENUE

Country Club of Roswell

2500 Club Springs Dr. Roswell, GA 30076 770-475-7822 ccroswell.com

Little River Farms

14505 Batesville Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-973-0108 www.littleriverfarmsga.com

RETAIL

BEST ANTIQUES STORE

Lakewood 400

1321 Atlanta Hwy. Cumming, GA 30040 770-889-3400 lakewoodantiques.com

Queen of Hearts

670 N Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-297-7571 queenofheartsantiques-interiors.com

BEST APPAREL/BOUTIQUE (LOCAL)

Clothes Horse Men’s Apparel

28 Milton Ave., Alpharetta, GA 30009 470-294-2132 clotheshorsemensapparel.com

Spirited Boutiques Multiple Locations 770-864-1064 spiritedboutiques.com

BEST ART GALLERY/RETAILER

Vinings Gallery Multiple Locations 770-545-8887 viningsgallery.com

Sis + Moon’s 24 Milton Ave Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-310-9338 sisandmoons.com

BEST BEVERAGE / WINE STORE (LOCAL)

Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room 1055 Canton St., #100 Roswell, GA 30075 770-676-6146 deeprootswine.com

Cork & Glass

5670 Atlanta Hwy., Ste. A2 Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-694-8812 corkandglass.com

BEST BOUTIQUE SHOP (LOCAL)

The Red Hound Gifts

211 Market St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-624-7733 theredhoundgifts.com

La Bella Maison

20 Milton Ave. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-609-6182 labellamaison.com

BEST CBD RETAILER

Your CBD Store –

SUNMED Alpharetta

3460 Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. 102 Alpharetta, GA 30005 470-299-3152 cbdrx4u.com/find-us/Georgia/ Alpharetta

Canna Wellness - Alpharetta

5250 Windward Pkwy., Ste. 116 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-676-0853 www.cannawellnessusa.com

BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE

The Finer Consigner

11130 State Bridge Rd., F101 Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-751-3501

Southern Comforts Consignments 633 N. Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-521-5000 www.southerncomforts.com

BEST FLOWER SHOP

The Best Little Flower Shop in Roswell

10800 Alpharetta Hwy., #228 Roswell, GA 30076 770-642-7878 bestlittleflowershop.com

Flowers From Us 825 Mayfield Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-640-6007 flowersfromus.net

BEST FURNITURE / HOME DÉCOR

Paul Martin Interiors, LLC 920 Peachtree Pkwy. Ste. 100 Cumming, GA 30041 678-947-4899 paulmartininteriors.com

13 Hub Lane

10800 Alpharetta Hwy., Ste. 402 Roswell, Georgia 30076 770-802-5740 13hublane.com

BEST JEWELER

Iroff & Son Jewelers

3960 Old Milton Pkwy., Unit 300

Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-751-7222 iroff.com

Brilliant Atlanta

1144 Canton St., Ste. 103 Roswell, GA 30075 770-649-1901 brilliantatlanta.com

BEST SHOPPING/ ENTERTAINMENT PLAZA

Avalon

2200 Avalon Blvd.

Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-765-1000 experienceavalon.com

Alpharetta City Center

2001 Commerce St.

Alpharetta, GA 30009 470-268-4328 citycenteralpharetta.com

SERVICES

BEST ADULT DAY CARE

Skylark Adult Day Care

4265 Johns Creek Pkwy., Ste. B Johns Creek, GA 30024 404-410-1510 skylarkseniorcare.com

Milton Grace Senior Living 17210 Birmingham Hwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-663-0165 themiltoncenter.com

BEST AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

Johns Creek Arts Center

6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd. Bldg. 700 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-623-8448 www.johnscreekarts.org

Crabapple Academy 285 Rucker Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30004 440-475-4544 crabappleacademyonline.com

BEST AUTO SERVICE REPAIR

Roswell Auto Center

10700 Alpharetta Hwy. Roswell, GA 30076 770-992-1962 roswellautocenter.com

Extra Mile Tire Pros & Service

2875 Bethany Bnd. Milton, GA 30004 678-566-6627 extramiletirepros.com

BEST BANK / CREDIT UNION

American Commerce Bank

10690 Medlock Bridge Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30097 470-422-1200 americancommercebank.com

Providence Bank 4955 Windward Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-624-2265 www.providencebankga.com

BEST BARBER SHOP

Diesel Barbershop 7758 McGinnis Ferry Rd. Suwanee, GA 30024 470-655-5001 www.dieselbarbershop.com

Jack and Sons Barber Shop Roswell 11490 Alpharetta Hwy. Roswell, GA 30076 770-663-4247 jackandsonsbarbershop.com

BEST CAR WASH

Mammoth Detail Salon Multiple locations 770-521-0599 mammothdetail.com

Club Corners Car Wash 12274 Crabapple Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-751-7111 www.clubcornercarwash.com

BEST CATERING

A&S Culinary Concepts

9945 Jones Bridge Rd., Ste. 303 Johns Creek, GA 30022 678-336-9196 asculinaryconcepts.com

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant 5670 Atlanta Hwy., A1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-9100 casanuovarestaurant.com

BEST CPA

Lindsey, Greenway & McIntire, LLC 10925 Crabapple Rd. Roswell, GA 30075 770-992-7671 cpalgm.com

Santi & Associates, PC

4010 Old Milton Pkwy.

Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-623-4440 santicpa.com

BEST DECKS & PORCHES

Bear Mountain Custom Painting

3315 Hutchinson Rd.

Cumming, GA 30040 470-380-5447 bearmountainpainting.com

Atlanta Decking & Fence

5125 Shiloh Rd. Cumming, GA 30040 770-781-4641 atlantadecking.com

BEST DRY CLEANER

Professional Cleaners

113 S Main St.

Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-410-7817

Crabapple Cleaners

12370 Arnold Mill Rd., #2

Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-663-7919

BEST ELECTRICIAN

TE Certified Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

9800 Old Dogwood Rd.

Roswell, GA 30075 404-596-5172 tecertifiedelectricians.com

Reliable Heating & Air, Plumbing and Electrical Multiple locations 770-594-9969 reliableair.com

BEST ESTHETICIAN

Bethany Esthetics Spa

970 North Point Dr., Loft #16

Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-312-8981 salonlofts.com/bethany_carl son_hood

Urban Skin Care Clinic

1195 Woodstock Rd.

Roswell, GA 30075 404-832-0292 urbanskincareclinic.com

BEST FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY

Swilling Family Law Firm, LLC

11115 Houze Rd., Ste. 100 Roswell, GA 30076 678-562-6525 swillingfamilylaw.com

The Millard Law Firm

3030 Royal Blvd. South, Ste. 250

Alpharetta, GA 30022 678-319-9500 themillardlawfirm.com

BEST FENCE COMPANY

Bear Mountain Custom Painting

3315 Hutchinson Rd.

Cumming, GA 30040 470-380-5447

bearmountainpainting.com

Atlanta Decking & Fence 5125 Shiloh Rd. Cumming, GA 30040 770-781-4641 atlantadecking.com

BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER

Edward Jones – Financial Advisor

– Mike Breit

1302 Abbey Ct. Alpharetta, GA 30004 470-450-0013 edwardjones.com

Johns Creek Advisors, Inc.

11138 State Bridge Rd., Unit 125 Johns Creek, GA 30022 404-477-4015 johnscreekadvisors.com

BEST FLOORING INSTALLATION

Bear Mountain Custom Painting 3315 Hutchinson Rd. Cumming, GA 30040 470-380-5447 bearmountainpainting.com

Flack’s Flooring and Rugs 5750 GA-400 Cumming, GA 30028 440-874-6785 www.flacksflooring.com

BEST FUNERAL HOME

Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory 12050 Crabapple Rd. Roswell, GA 30075 770-645-1414 northsidechapel.com

Roswell Funeral Home 950 Mansell Rd. Roswell, GA 30076 770-993-4811 roswellfuneralhome.com

BEST GRAPHICS & PRINTING SHOP

Signs of Significance

1335 Northmeadow Pkwy. Ste. 112 Roswell, GA 30076 678-379-5187 signsofsignificance.com

Signarama Roswell, GA 795 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Ste D Roswell, GA 30076 770-998-9126 signarama.com

BEST HAIR SALON / STYLIST

Aria Salons

Multiple Locations 770-475-8111 ariasalons.net

Aura Hair 7878 Roswell Rd. Sandy Springs, GA 30350 770-640-2882 aurasas.com

BEST HEATING & AIR Milton Mechanical

785 Branch Dr. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-765-0622 miltonmechanicalservices.com

Neese Jones Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. 1120 Alpha Dr. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-751-1850 www.neesejones.com

BEST HOME BUILDER / DEVELOPER

T-Olive Properties 14300 Providence Rd. Milton, GA, 30004 770-826-3666 toliveproperties.com

The Providence Group 11340 Lakefield Dr. Johns Creek, GA 30097 678-475-1800 theprovidencegroup.com

BEST INFORMATION SERVICES

Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau 175 S Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-297-2811 awesomealpharetta.com

Roswell CVB 821 Atlanta St. Roswell, GA 30075 770-640-3253 www.visitroswellga.com

BEST INSURANCE AGENCY

State Farm Insurance

Agent – Rich Ziegler

11705 Jones Bridge Rd., Ste. B106 Johns Creek, GA 30005 770-424-0142 richziegler.com

State Farm Insurance

Agent – Cliff Wilcox

1160 Grimes Bridge Rd., #F Roswell, GA 30075 770-998-9909 www.cliffordwilcox.com

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES

Kat Nelson Designs 770-751-8168 katnelsondesigns.com

Paul Martin Interiors, LLC 920 Peachtree Pkwy., Ste. 100 Cumming, GA 678-947-4899 paulmartininteriors.com

BEST IT/ BUSINESS SERVICES

1iX Network Solutions

3550 Engineering Dr., #210 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-325-7325 1ix.com

Carmichael Consulting 11660 Alpharetta Hwy. Ste. 100, Bldg. 100 Roswell, GA 30076 678-719-9671 carmichaelconsulting.net

BEST LANDSCAPING SERVICES

Crabapple Landscape Experts

1012 Union Center Dr., #A Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-740-9739 crabapple.com

Michaelangelo’s Sustainable Landscape & Design Group 2204 Justin Trl., #1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-940-4336 landscapedesignalpharetta.com

BEST LAW FIRM

Bross, McAllister & Williams, LLC (BMW Law Group)

5400 Laurel Springs Pkwy., Ste. 102 Suwanee, GA 30024 770-225-4710 bmwlawgroup.com

Lisa Shippel Law, LLC 5755 North Point Pkwy., Ste. 213 Alpharetta, GA 30022 678-615-3349 lisashippellaw.com

BEST LIVING TRUST SERVICE

Wilson Legal, PC

407 E Maple St., #105 Cumming, GA 30040 770-821-6469 www.wilson-legal.com

Herbert Legal Group, LLC

101 Vickery St. Roswell, GA 30075 404-850-0180 herbertlegalgroup.com

BEST MERCHANT SERVICES Netcom PaySystem

5755 North Point Pkwy., Ste. 242 Alpharetta, GA 30022 800-875-6680 netcompaysystem.com

Fiserv

2900 Westside Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-375-3000 fiserv.com

BEST MOBILE NOTARY

Lisa’s Mobile Apostille, Notary & Signing

4503 Tree Corners Pkwy. Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-819-8526 mobilenotaryplus.business.site

Georgia Mobile Notary Center 310-720-3309 mobilenotarycenter.com

BEST MORTGAGE LENDER

Mountain Peak Mortgage –Pete Brown

10050 Medlock Bridge Rd. Ste. 220 Johns Creek, GA 30097 404-964-6880 mountainpeakmortgage.com

Home Town Mortgage 199 Academy St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-543-4152 hometownmortgage.net

BEST NETWORKING GROUP

Alpharetta Business Association

11770 Haynes Bridge Rd. Ste. 205 Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-865-6608 alpharettabusinessassociation.com

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce 10000 Avalon Blvd., Ste. 100 Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-993-8806 www.gnfcc.com

BEST NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

T-Olive Properties 770-826-3666 www.toliveproperties.com

Perry Custom Homes, LLC

4080 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Ste. 902 Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-806-6000 perrycustomhomes.net

BEST OIL CHANGE

Extra Mile Tire Pros

2875 Bethany Bnd. Milton, GA 30004 678-566-6627 extramiletirepros.com

Speed Auto Repair Multiple Locations speedautorepair.com

BEST PAINTER

Bear Mountain Custom Painting

3315 Hutchinson Rd.

Cumming, GA 30040 470-380-5447 bearmountainpainting.com

Dream House Painting 678-873-2821 dreamhousepainting.com

BEST PERSONAL INJURY

ATTORNEY

Bross, McAllister & Williams, LLC (BMW Law Group)

5400 Laurel Springs Pkwy. Suwanee, GA 30024 770-225-4710 bmwlawgroup.com

Herbert Legal Group, LLC

101 Vickery St. Roswell, GA 30075 404-850-0180 herbertlegalgroup.com

BEST PET DAYCARE / LODGER

Ruff House Kennel & Daycare

640 Dorris Rd.

Alpharetta, GA 30004 888-790-RUFF (7833) ruffhouseinc.com

It’s a Dog’s Life Doggy Daycare & Resort

11130 State Bridge Rd., Ste. A101 Johns Creek, GA 30022 770-504-4555 itsadogsliferesort.com

BEST PET GROOMING

Puff N Fluff Pet Spa

11550 Jones Bridge Rd., #8 Johns Creek, GA 30022 770-274-4600 puffnfluffpetspa.com

That Dirty Dog Inc.

11255 Woodstock Rd., #100 Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-7877 www.thatdirtydog.com

BEST PET SUPPLY / BOUTIQUE

Top Dog’s Pet Boutique – Roswell 900 Mansell Rd., #13 Roswell, GA 30076 770-641-8620 topdogspetboutique.com

Unexpected Pooch 6210 Town Sq. Alpharetta, GA 30005 470-255-2144 unexpectedpooch.com

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Abby Byrd Photography 678-787-6060 abbybyrd.com

Charla Ayers Studio 706-429-6987 charlaayers.com

BEST PLUMBER

Pete’s Plumbing 2280 Justin Tr. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-442-3934 petesplumbing.com

Reliable Heating & Air, Plumbing and Electrical Multiple Locations 770-594-9969 reliableair.com

BEST POOL SERVICES Milton Pools 13650 Birmingham Hwy. Milton, GA 30004 404-490-1950 miltonpools.com

First Response Pool Service, LLC Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-330-8557 firstresponsepools.com

BEST PRE-SCHOOL / DAY CARE

Primrose School of Alpharetta 315 Henderson Village Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-664-7508 primroseschools.com/schools/ alpharetta

Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia 6450 E Johns Crossing Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-814-8001 jcmsog.org

BEST PRIVATE K-12 SCHOOL

Fulton Science Academy Private School

3035 Fanfare Way Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-366-2555 fultonscienceacademy.org

Kings Ridge Christian School 2765 Bethany Bnd. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-754-5738 kingsridgecs.org

BEST PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

Anchor Marketing

11660 Alpharetta Hwy., #145 Roswell, GA 30076 770-587-0017 anchormarketing.com

North Georgia Promotions

4040 Nine McFarland Dr., #1200 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-710-0467 ngapromotions.com

BEST REAL ESTATE

BROKERAGE FIRM

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty 1125 Sanctuary Pkwy., Ste. 400 Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-442-7300 atlantafinehomes.com

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

33 S. Main St., Ste. 201 Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-393-2522 www.bhhs.com

BEST REALTOR TEAM

Team Toth Real Estate 3107 Peachtree Rd. NE, Ste. A 1 Atlanta, GA 30305 404-509-4003 thinktoth.com

The Jenny Doyle Group 1125 Sanctuary Pkwy., Ste. 400 Alpharetta, GA 30009 404-840-7354 jennydoyle.com

BEST RENOVATION/ HOME IMPROVEMENT

Remodeling Expo Center 48 King St. Roswell, GA 30075 678-459-2292 remodelingexpo.com

Bear Mountain Custom Painting

3315 Hutchinson Rd. Cumming, GA 30040 470-380-5447 bearmountainpainting.com

BEST SENIOR INFORMATION SERVICES

NexSeason Transitions 404-439-1022 nexseasontransitions.com

Senior Services North Fulton 11381 Southbridge Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-993-1906 ssnorthfulton.org

BEST SHREDDER

EcoShredding 770-490-5607 ecoshredding.com

I-Shred 488 N Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-667-9111 i-shred.net

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY / SERVICE Cruise Planners – Michael Consoli 770-650-7667 planmycruise.com

Aladdin Travel Services, Ltd. 1499 Alpharetta Hwy., #200 Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-475-1511 www.aladdintravelservices.com

BEST TREE SERVICE

Silver Axe Tree Experts & Stump Grinding 1150 Pine Crest Ter. Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-663-8608 silveraxetree.com

Tomahawk Tree Service 78 Thompson Pl. Roswell, GA 30075 770-640-0003 tomahawktreeservice.com

BEST TUTORING CENTER

Infinity Learning 12150 Morris Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-322-4185 learningisinfinite.com

Kumon Math & Reading Center of Alpharetta 865 North Main St., #106 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-625-1070 kumon.com

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Smith’s Five & Ten Cent Store had everything you need

Smith’s Five & Ten Cent Store at the cor ner of Elizabeth Way and Canton Street in downtown Roswell was a small-town store that people relied on in a town of 2,000 people. The store was opened in 1946 by Ruben A. Smith (1911-2000). He rented the space from Arthur William Smith (no relation), owner of the nearby Smith Plantation built in 1845.

The historic building housing the store dates back to either the late 1860s or 1880 and was originally one story. At some point a second story, or loft, was added, which may have been used to store hay because there is evidence of a hay door. This raises the question about the original use of the building, possi bly as a stable for the Smith Plantation. Through the decades, it has been home to a number of businesses including the Lyon’s Drug Store and a barber shop with public bath in the early 1900s, Gallery V art gallery and Bradford Florist in the 1980s, and most recently a water sports store. I believe that the building is named for Dr. G. T. Lyon who owned

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

The building that housed the Five & Ten Store is vacant today and its interior has been demolished. The walls are bare in places, revealing a stacked stone wall separating the two stores that were sometimes rented separately and sometimes rented together as in the case of Smith’s Five & Ten.

a local drug manufacturing company at the turn of the last century.

The store occupied two individual retail spaces separated by a 2-foot-thick

wall and connected by a door. Portions of the walls have been removed exposing the original stacked stone covered with two inches of mortar on each side.

Smith’s Five & Ten Cent Store which occupied the entire building on the corner of Canton Street and Elizabeth in downtown Roswell was a special place for area residents for 20 years, from 1946 to 1966.

Smith’s Five & Ten Cent Store had just about everything a family needed, except food. One side carried dry goods such as buttons, zippers, thread, cloth and Simplicity patterns, because back then people made their own clothes. Also popular were dungarees, shirts, Buster

SMITH FAMILY/PROVIDED

Smiths:

Brown children’s shoes, and lingerie. The store sold window shades and 9x12 and 8x12 linoleum “rugs” rolled up in cardboard tubes.

The other side housed toys, house wares such as pots and pans, school supplies and paint.

Teenagers came in to buy plastic kits of model cars and airplanes, popular items in the 1950s and 1960s. Because these had to be assembled and painted, the store sold a lot of glue and hobby paint.

The business was open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It was closed on Sunday due to blue laws that restricted many commercial activities on the Sabbath.

Ruben and his wife Ophelia (19132000) had six children, all of whom worked in the store as sales clerks. They also stocked shelves and swept.

“We kids had to do it all,” says namesake son Ruben Jr. “The worst was doing inventory January 1 and 2 with at least 1,000 items to count and record.”

Every Friday the store cashed paychecks for workers from the lo cal Roswell Mill and Roswell Company (previously the Oxbow Pants Factory).

Ruben walked to the Roswell Bank, the only bank in town, early Friday to get $2,000 in cash which he carried back to the store in a metal cash box. He carried the cash box home every night under his arm. He was never robbed even though

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE

PURPOSE

An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the city on September 23, 2022 for Package Wine and Malt Beverage.

BUSINESS NAME

KovaFood Inc dba Kovafood Tavern 11105 State Bridge Rd Suite140 Johns Creek, GA 30022

OWNER/OFFICERS

KovaFood Inc dba Kovafood Tavern 11105 State Bridge Rd Suite140

Johns Creek, GA 30022

Owner, Kelechim Diorgu

Simplicity patterns were popular at the Five & Ten Cent Store because many people made their own clothes. The store carried about 1,000 items which made annual inventory a major chore. Photo circa 1965.

people knew he had money in that box.

On Wednesday, all stores closed at 1 p.m., and Ruben would go to Atlanta to restock his merchandise. Saturday was the busiest day when people came to town from the surrounding area to shop.

“It was our make-or-break day,” says Ruben Jr.

Ruben’s store had a Coke machine and charged 5 cents a bottle. In 1960 The Coca-Cola Company increased the price to 10 cents which completely stopped Coke sales. After a few weeks, Coke reduced the price to 6 cents, and sales resumed.

In 1966 Ruben retired from the business and entered divinity school to become an ordained Baptist minis ter, preaching to seniors in retirement homes, until his death in 2000.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE

PURPOSE

An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on September 26, 2022 for Package of Malt Beverage and Wine.

BUSINESS NAME

The Alpha 900 LLC Dba EZ Mart 9950 Jones Bridge Rd. Suite 900 Johns Creek, GA 30022

OWNER/OFFICERS

The Alpha 900 LLC Dba EZ Mart 9950 Jones Bridge Rd. Suite 900 Johns Creek, GA 30022

Owner, Salima Devji

The building is now vacant, the interior stripped to the bare bones. The flooring is gone.

The plan is to have a restaurant oc cupy the highly desirable space in the heart of the vibrant downtown Roswell dining district.

Ruben Jr. became a minister in 1973. His first church was Grace Baptist Church in Roswell. Then, as is common in Baptist churches, Ruben Jr. served in several churches in Cherokee, Forsyth and Gilmer counties and now does interim church work as needed. He and his wife Connie now live on a farm in Waleska, a small community in north western Cherokee County.

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

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE

PURPOSE

An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was summited to City on September 29, 2022 for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage, Wine and Distilled Spirits.

BUSINESS NAME

RCH Restaurant Inc Dba

Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant Johns Creek, GA 30022

OWNER/OFFICERS

RCH Restaurant Inc Dba

Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant Johns Creek, GA 30022

Owner, Jai Yadav & Nathan Tew

SMITH FAMILY/PROVIDED

Scary headlines, keeping calm, and carrying on

Washington and Moscow are unnerv ing, coming on top of a comment by President Biden that America would commit troops if President Xi moves on Taiwan, a.k.a., Formosa, oddly enough a Portuguese name that means “beau tiful.” There’s nothing beautiful about global tensions and war.

however, few have been able to do it consistently.

LEWIS J. WALKER,

In preparation for World War II, in 1939 the British govern ment produced a motivational poster that urged people to “Keep Calm and Carry On.” Any inves tor reading The Wall Street Jour nal on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, would have done well to maintain a placid demeanor.

Over the past weeks, American stock indexes continued to slide with the benchmark Dow Jones Industrial Average hitting bear market territory, down 20 percent or more from a recent high point. Share prices for bellweth er transportation stocks that track airlines, truckers, railroads, freight forwarders, shippers, car rental com panies and package handlers such as FedEx and UPS, have plunged, raising fears of a worsening recession given the Federal Reserve’s “most aggressive tightening cycle in decades.”

“Russia’s Threats Raise Stakes in Ukraine,” headlined the Journal, re minding investors that a madman with a bruised ego controls nuclear weapons and is threatening to use them. Hints of growing military tension between

One article in the WSJ that re ally caught my eye as an investor and investment adviser headlined, “Stock Downturn Brings Pain to Buy-the-Dip Investors.” When one buys a stock or stocks after a downturn thinking it’s “bargain time,” any further drop in one’s equity holdings can raise anxiety. No one likes to lose money, not even in the short run.

In her 2006 book, “Passages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life,” au thor and pop sociologist Gail Sheehy declared, “Growth demands a tempo rary surrender of security.” Sheehy was not referring to the nervousness one experiences in gyrating financial markets with a downward bias for the time being.

As she explained, “It may mean a giv ing up of familiar but limiting patterns, safe but unrewarding work, values no longer believed in, relationships that have lost their meaning.”

Yes, today is confusing. A deep global recession may loom. “Stagfla tion” may result if labor markets weaken. But by the time you real ize “it’s time to jump back into the market,” you’ve likely missed a major rally.

If you’re a global traveler, there’s positive news. On 9/27/2022 the euro was trading below parity to the U.S. dollar at $0.9606. At the same time the British pound crashed to a record low relative to the dollar, almost at parity, at $1.068. The American dollar has strengthened considerably against global currencies, good for travelers, not good for American exporters. What cheers travelers disturbs equity inves tors. Yin and yang.

Despite two quarters of nega tive GDP growth (one definition of a recession), the president’s advisers maintain that we’re not really in a recession since employment is strong. However, some large companies have started to announce layoffs. Rising costs for energy, electricity included, will hit households and firms of all stripes, dampening job growth. If you

have a good job, you may wish to hold on to it and build a “layoff” nest egg, just in case.

For years clients have been advised to build a “freedom fund,” a safe and liquid financial reserve equating to a year’s worth of living expenses. Know ing that you and those who depend on you can handle an extended interrup tion in cash flow, and/or fund unfore seen major expenses without adding debt, is peace of mind. A Freedom Fund provides flexibility and choices when new directions in life are called for, as writer Sheehy noted. It isn’t easy these days, but keep calm and carry on!

Lewis Walker, CFP®, is a life cen tered financial planning strategist with Capital Insight Group; 770-441-3553; lewis@lewwalker.com. Securities & advisory services offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA). Lewis is a registered representative and investment adviser representative of SFA, otherwise unaffiliated with Capital Insight Group. He’s a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Certified Exit Planning Advisor.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE

PURPOSE

An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to City on September 29, 2022 for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage, Wine and Distilled Spirits.

BUSINESS NAME

Casey Black LLC

Dba Altobeli’s Italian Restaurant & Piano Bar Johns Creek, GA 30022

OWNER/OFFICERS

Casey Black LLC

Dba Altobeli’s Italian Restaurant & Piano Bar Johns Creek, GA 30022

Owner, Casey Black

While Sheehy was referring to finding purpose and motivation in the larger scope of life, it’s also true that the “temporary suspension of secu rity” is frequently demanded as one attempts to build an equity portfolio in the quest for ultimate financial independence.

Over time, with corrections and bear market interludes a reality, periodic losses are inevitable as you pursue growth over the long run. Market timing doesn’t work. In order to time markets successfully you have to make two good decisions ─ knowing when to get out and when to get back in. Successful timing once or twice can be satisfying,

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.

404-245-9396

FDS Bank has openings in Johns Creek, GA for Senior Manager, Fraud Strategy (Job 11908.1033) responsible for providing fraud loss analysis & reporting, data development, & analytical support. May telecommute from home. To apply, mail your resume to FDS Bank, 5985 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097, Attn. William Trevethick. Must reference Job # 11908.1033.

Zoominfo Technologies LLC seeks Senior Software Engineer in Roswell, GA to write high-volume server applications (full-stack). Telecommuting is permitted. Apply at https://www.jobpostingtoday.com/

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

Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC seeks in Alpharetta, GA: Virtual Engineering Specialist – Application Development (Job code 8210) to Act as a virtual engineering simulation specialist within the Solvay Application Development team. Mail resume referencing applicable Job Code to Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC Attn: HR, 4500 McGinnis Ferry Road, Alpharetta, GA, 30005. No recruiters

SiteOne Landscape Supply, LLC seeks a SAP Commerce (Hybris) Sr. Development Lead to Analyze, design, implement, and test application software changes for the Hybris Ecommerce site. Teleworking is permitted within a reasonable commuting distance of the Roswell, GA worksite location. Send resume to Kelli Reeves at kreeves@siteone.com and reference job title.

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

Income Opportunity

MAILROOM CLERK

Downtown Cumming, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Lifting, indoor/outdoor walking. Drug & background checks required. Entry level. Full benefit package (PTO, paid holidays, health insurance). applications@morebizz.net

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.

Alcon Research, LLC has openings for Regulatory Managers, Vision Care for the Johns Creek, GA office. The Regulatory Manager, Vision Care is responsible for developing and implementing regulatory strategy, as applied to project, process, and/ or product. Job is 40 hours per week. Please send all resumes to Sylvia Cruz, Alcon Research, LLC, 6201 South Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76134, Ref. No. SG0922

Building/Facilities Assistant Manager

Seeking part-time Building/Facilities Assistant Manager for Alpharetta Presbyterian Church from about 12-4 Monday – Friday. Candidate needs basic knowledge/competency in building maintenance and grounds keeping as well as strong interpersonal skills. Computer skills are desired.

Requires successful completion of a criminal record and child abuse background check, a valid driver’s license and the ability to perform physical tasks. Full job description can be seen at https://alpharettapres. com/about-us/jobs/.

Qualified candidates please send resume to office@alpharettapres.com

If you are concerned with your Vending Machine looking like this, please call FitNGo Healthy Vending, LLC to discuss your vending issues and concerns. We specialize in Healthy and Classical/Traditional options as well as a hybrid of both. We are employee-centric and are committed to visit your site at least twice a week to ensure your machines are full and ready for use. To discuss further, contact: Brian Weis - (404)861-9730

Mervyn Weis - (770)377-8357

We look forward to talking with you!

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.

Pinestraw

PINESTRAW, MULCH Delivery/installation available. Firewood available. Licensed,

Haulers

Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc.

Many local references

Ralph Rucker