► PAGE 8


► PAGE 8
By ADAM DARBY adam@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek City Council recognized local singer/songwriter Mikaela Ayira Feb. 24 by presenting a proclamation honoring her achievements in music and representing her hometown.
Ayira has performed at numerous local events including the city’s first MLK Unity breakfast and a Juneteenth celebration while also singing the National Anthem at a WNBA game for the Atlanta Dream.
The 16-year-old musician found success recently on NBC’s “The Voice,” competing against other singers around the country. While appearing on multiple episodes of the acclaimed competition series, she was placed on a team with rapper Snoop Dogg and placed in the top 20 competitors total and top 5 for her team. Throughout her appearances on the show, Ayira proudly mentioned her hometown several times.
“The City of Johns Creek is proud of her accomplishments and is looking forward to seeing her future successes as she pursues her goals to become a well-known singer/songwriter,” Mayor John Bradbury said while reading the proclamation. “I do hereby
commend Mikaela Ayira for her talent and her success that she has shared with her community here at Johns Creek.”
In other business Feb. 24, the council discussed consideration of an ordinance amending the city’s zoning map for a property at 3730 Old Alabama Road.
The applicant originally intended to rezone the subject property to C-1 (Community Business District) to construct an 8,000 square-foot medical office building. A concurrent variance is requested to allow encroachment into the 75-foot stream buffer to construct a retaining wall, building foundation footing and an underground infiltration system.
However, the council was informed that the applicant recently submitted a letter of withdrawal from the deal and removal from further pursuing the development.
“Before getting into the presentation, I did want to mention that the applicant has requested for a withdrawal,” Community Development Director Ben Song said. “They went to the Planning Commission on Feb. 4 and requested the same…the property owner has terminated the contract.”
See HONOR, Page 10
NEWS TIPS
770-442-3278
AppenMedia.com
319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009
HANS APPEN Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus CONTACT
Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.
ADVERTISING
For information about advertising in the Johns Creek Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
CIRCULATION
To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278
All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police investigated a reported theft of sports trading cards valued at more than $1,000 on Feb. 14.
Officers were dispatched to a Windward Parkway store on the report of the theft, according to an Alpharetta Police report.
The shop’s owner told police an employee had noticed several of their trading cards had been posted on a competitor’s Instagram account. Staff identified the cards by familiarity, serial numbers and unique identifiers.
The cards were missing from a display wall at the store.
The owner reviewed security camera footage and noticed a man shoplifting several cards from the display. The suspect was wearing a blue long-sleeve Nike shirt, white basketball shorts and sneakers.
The suspect allegedly stole about 1520 cards, placing them in a white box he had brought with him.
The cards were valued at a total of $1,660.
The incident was classified as a felony theft by shoplifting over $500.
— Jon Wilcox
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested a 46-year-old man Feb. 7 for trafficking illegal drugs after catching him receiving a 20-pound shipment of marijuana from Josephine County, Oregon.
A Roswell Police narcotics detective said a sergeant with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office contacted him Jan. 31 about a large shipment of marijuana headed to an address in Roswell.
The detective said he contacted a local United States Postal Service security team, which held the package at its Old Ellis Road facility when it arrived Feb. 7.
The narcotics unit reported the box had been damaged, and marijuana was visible. The contents were later confirmed by a Sandy Springs K9 unit.
After securing a search warrant, officers documented the contents and repackaged them to be delivered to the intended address for an undercover operation.
A detective, dressed up as a USPS delivery driver, placed the box on the front porch of a vacant residence along Park Avenue while plain clothes officers conducted surveillance.
Eventually, a man driving white Jeep drove past the residence slowly after circling the area for some time. The detective said the driver parked in a garage one street over and approached the home.
After the man grabbed the box, authorities detained him as he was approaching his vehicle.
The detective said the man was identified with his Delaware driver’s license.
During a search of the man’s Roswell residence, officers said they found eight pistols and one rifle, which were “clean” and properly stored.
In the man’s Jeep, the detective said they found a Glock pistol and two THC vape pens.
Police transported the man to the North Fulton County Jail on an arrest warrant for drug trafficking.
Jail records show the man was released Feb. 9 on a $4,000 surety bond.
— Hayden Sumlin
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 24-year-old Alpharetta woman reported nearly a thousand dollars in fraudulent debit card charges Feb. 17.
The woman told police she noticed numerous suspicious transactions from her bank account, according to an Alpharetta Police report. The transactions included an $850 transfer to a Gofundme fundraiser,
several charges totaling $62 to a Smyrna gas station and one for $22 to McDonald’s.
The woman said she noticed the transactions a few days after a friend visited her home. During the visit, the woman noticed her debit card on her dresser had been flipped to reveal its account number, expiration date and security code.
The woman said she phoned her friend, who denied taking the card information.
The woman said she wished to pursue criminal charges.
The incident was classified as a felony identity theft by fraud with possession of identifying information.
— Jon Wilcox
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A vehicle fled from a traffic stop Feb. 10 on Mansell Road, according to Alpharetta police.
An officer activated their emergency lights and attempted to stop a black GMC Terrain about 2 a.m. near Davis Drive, according to an Alpharetta police report. The vehicle’s registration was canceled.
The vehicle signaled its intention to pull over and changed lanes but did not brake.
At the northbound Ga. 400 off ramp, the GMC ran through a red light and onto Ga. 400.
The officer notified dispatch that the vehicle had fled the stop but did not pursue it and instead continued north to see whether it had exited the highway.
A police sergeant said he witnessed the GMC passing the Ga. 120 overpass at speeds faster than 100 mph.
The vehicle was last seen in the area of Old Alabama Road and Roxburgh Drive in Roswell.
Roswell police attempted to find the GMC but were unsuccessful in locating it.
Several crimes were allegedly committed by the driver, including fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer for a felony offense, driving with suspended tag and pedestrian obedience to traffic control device, according to the report.
— Jon Wilcox
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek substanceabuse group is exploring two programs its members hope will change state law to better protect young people.
At their Feb. 26 meeting, One Johns Creek community coalition staff said the two projects will focus on capturing, analyzing and reporting data related to the sale and marketing of alcohol.
The coalition surveyed businesses in North Metro Atlanta to take stock of alcoholic beverages they say are marketed toward young people. The group also plans to collaborate with Technology Association of Georgia data scientists to analyze data from online food and drink delivery services to determine whether minors are using them to obtain alcohol.
Alyse Hensel, program director for One Johns Creek, said the two projects represent an opportunity for the organization and its parent nonprofit Pathways2Life in their mission to prevent substance abuse among young people.
“The more data we get, the better picture we get,” said Hensel, a Johns Creek resident of 30 years.
One Johns Creek partnered with community volunteers to survey businesses that sell alcohol. The coalition kept a special eye out for beverages that feature high-alcohol content and fruity flavors in large bottles and cans they say are especially attractive to teens.
“I don't think people understand what's available here and how easily accessible it is by our youth,” Hensel said.
They sought to survey at least 200 businesses that sell alcohol.
The surveys examine how beverages are advertised at businesses, product inventory, promotions and pricing.
The coalition hopes the data will give area adults and younths the knowledge they need to understand the risks in their community. Although education is the coalition’s primary goal, it also
hopes the information may fuel changes in law.
“Data drives activity and action, and so what we hope to do over time is actually change state laws around some of these really, really dangerous products,” Hensel said.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol remains the common substance abused by those under 21.
About 4,000 underage Americans die each year of excessive alcohol consumption.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, adults 26 and older are 3.6 times more likely to suffer from alcohol abuse disorder if they began drinking before age 15.
By analyzing data on alcohol deliveries through third-party apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash, One Johns Creek hopes to change state law.
Currently, drivers for the apps services can deliver alcohol to recipients who present ID showing they are 21 or older. Drivers must be 21 or older, pass a criminal background check and pass a training course.
But Hensel says she wonders how often drivers who work through the apps are delivering to minors. She said a better option might be for deliveries to be completed by employees of liquor stores and other alcohol-selling businesses.
“There’s a lack of accountability,” Hensel said.
By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com
DECATUR, Ga. — Sen. Jon Ossoff's employees showed up to Decatur City Hall on Feb. 25, offering to answer questions about Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, taxes and more.
Even though Ossoff was not scheduled to appear at the constituent services event, the roughly two dozen attendees were left wondering why he wasn't there personally to address the community's concerns.
Ossoff's office declined to comment for this story or identify the staffers who attended the meeting. A representative for his office noted that the event was billed as a constituent services event and not a town hall. The announcement did not say Ossoff would be there. Staffers who hosted the event also declined to comment. Even so, many of the attendees were left wanting.
"It was pretty much a waste of time," attendee Wardell Castles said. He noted three staffers there who specialized in handing constituent complaints to various federal agencies. "I couldn’t have cared less. There were ... citizens there who had little or no interest in what these three [staffers] specialized in. Most of the comments and questions circled around what Ossoff is doing regarding what’s going on in D.C. today."
He added, "A lot of people are really unhappy."
Attendees Decaturish interviewed wanted to know the senator's thoughts on the recent firings at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and at other government agencies, the flurry of executive orders from President Donald Trump, and his controversial cabinet appointments. That last point was a source of contention when attendees asked why Ossoff did not vote on some cabinet nominations. His record shows he opposed most of the nominations and voted yes on others. A New York Times article listing the vote tally found that Ossoff did not cast a vote on four cabinet nominations, more than any
other senator.
"Could you tell us what his stance is?" one attendee asked Ossoff's staffers. "Honestly, I thought I knew what he stood for, but now I don't know. I'm very confused if he didn't vote."
Ossoff has been sending out press releases regularly, often emphasizing bipartisanship. He sent one on Feb. 25, the day of the constituents' meeting, noting he introduced a bipartisan bill to protect Georgia's poultry industry from avian flu outbreaks. He sent another, stating that he pressured the Trump administration to restore scholarship funding for students studying agriculture at historically Black colleges and universities. And in another press release sent the same day, he announced he was introducing a bill to protect pregnant women in Georgia's prisons and jails.
But his constituents who attended the Feb. 25 meeting don't want to read press releases. They wanted
to hear Sen. Ossoff speak to them directly.
Avondale Estates Mayor Jonathan Elmore attended, hoping to make contact with Ossoff's staff. He knew Ossoff wouldn't be there, but he wanted to hear what people had to say.
"I think probably four or five are here for actual constituent service questions, and everybody else is, like, freaked out," Elmore said. "What do we do?"
One attendee, a CDC employee who didn't want their name used, offered to provide the senator with documentation depicting the chaos behind the scenes at the agency.
"I'm not hearing from him at all," the CDC employee said. "I'm hearing him from his office. I want to hear from him."
Decaturish asked Fran Bauer about why she went to the meeting. She said, "I'm here about this s***," and pointed to a sign she was carrying that said, "Stop dismantling our
government."
Bauer's daughter and son-in-law are both federal employees, and she and her husband depend on federal retirement benefits, too.
"We're f***ing worried," she said. "Because those monies, I have no trust that they're going to be around. My entire family has built a world upon this, but they're doing important work."
Like other attendees, she was unsatisfied with Ossoff's response to their concerns about the Trump administration.
"I've made phone calls and also emails, and then I've also had some responses that were not pertinent to what I brought up," Bauer said. "So I'm not really getting any clear idea of what his plan is."
Another constituent, Lisa Strube, was initially afraid to give her name as she voiced her frustration at Ossoff's absence.
"I came here to voice my concerns, and I was expecting Jon Ossoff to be here, and I'm very disappointed that he is not, especially during a time like this," Strube said.
She wanted to talk to him about women's rights, diversity and issues affecting disabled people like herself. Strube noted that being in the minority didn't impede Republicans from exercising their power when Democrats controlled the Senate.
"I want to know what he's going to do, because Mitch McConnell did a lot of stuff when they had a minority," she said. "So what do you do when we have a minority in Congress? Like, why can't we get dirty like the Republicans?"
As she listened to a reporter work to get other attendees to go on record, Strube said, "You know what? Throw my name on there."
"I do represent people with disabilities," Strube said. "I represent women's rights. I am concerned about human rights."
Many people at the constituent services event shared those concerns and after the meeting, a group of attendees stayed behind to share names and contact information.
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — This summer, Sandy Springs is hosting two family-friendly concert series: City Green Live and Concerts by the Springs.
The free concerts will be at two unique venues in the City Springs district, offering an impressive lineup of live performances and bringing together a wide range of musical genres to the heart of the city.
City Green Live will feature high-energy, nationally touring artists performing on the 4-acre park’s stage off Galambos Way. It offers attendees a lively, outdoor music experience whether they’re a fan of rock ’n’ roll, R&B or pop.
Residents and visitors are invited to bring chairs, blankets, friends and family to enjoy a night on the lawn. In addition to the music, there will be a variety of food and beverage options available from food trucks, pop-up bars and nearby restaurants.
The Friday night series promises an unforgettable night under the stars, with the following performances scheduled:
• April 11 – Tonic (rock)
• May 23 – Face 2 Face (a tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John)
• June 13 – September in the Park (a tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago)
• July 25 – Black Jacket Symphony (performing Saturday Night Fever)
• August 15 – Moon Taxi (alternative/Indie)
Meanwhile, Concerts by the Springs invites music lovers to enjoy performances at the Heritage Museum & Park’s amphitheater on Sunday afternoons. The series will spotlight a diverse roster of musical acts
ranging from 70s rock revival to funk party hits.
Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic and relax while enjoying the music, making it the perfect way to dance the evening away with neighbors and family.
The schedule is as follows:
• May 4 – Ansley Stewart Band (pop hits)
• June 1 – Funk Force Five (Motown, oldies, classic R&B)
For generations, the farmers you represent have worked, studied, retooled, innovated, and done their best for the land—and the communities you serve benefit from their expertise.
Georgia farmers trust the science and know glyphosate can be used safely. The litigation industry, on the other hand, relies on junk science in the courtroom to threaten the go-to crop protection tools farmers depend on every day. Experts estimate that without glyphosate to ensure our food supply, inflation at the checkout line will double.
More than 90 organizations in the Modern Ag Alliance are standing up for farmers to sustain the work of feeding America. Will you help us keep glyphosate available to them?
• July 13 – Troubadour Project (70s rock revival)
• August 3 – Mike Veal Band (blues, rock and funk party hits)
• September 7 – The Bourbon Brothers (a tribute to The Rat Pack) To learn more, visit www.sandyspringsga.gov/ summerconcerts.
— Hayden Sumlin
Appen
6 | Johns Creek Herald | March 6, 2025
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — To celebrate six decades as one of Metro Atlanta’s leading providers of affordable housing for seniors, Campbell-Stone held a grand reveal Jan. 16 for its renovated Buckhead campus.
The nonprofit, which calls itself an affordable living community with heart, serves nearly 600 residents across two facilities in Buckhead and Sandy Springs.
Affordability isn’t Campbell-Stone’s only priority, the nonprofit has used decades of community support to provide high-quality, safe and caring community for seniors.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock contributed remarks for the 60th anniversary ceremony, while the Fulton County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Jan. 16 “CampbellStone Senior Living Appreciation Day.”
Dickens, who has made housing a priority in his first term, said Campbell-Stone is a trusted partner for legacy residents that enhances their quality of life.
The celebration, including a tour of its newly renovated lobby and bistro at its Buckhead campus, centered around Campbell-Stone’s dedication to the well-being of aging adults and its role as a champion for subsidized senior living in Metro Atlanta.
Fulton County commissioners Dana Barrett and Bob Ellis joined state Sens. Josh McLaurin and Jason Esteves to celebrate the nonprofit’s impact since 1964. Its other facility is just outside of I-285 off Carpenter Drive in Sandy Springs.
At Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs, the nonprofit has a dedicated floor of licensed professional care with staff available 24/7 to work with patients and their families on a plan tailored to their needs. Its Sandy Springs operation provides seniors with the option to “age in place,” allowing residents to start in residential living and then transition to personal care if necessary.
Campbell-Stone CEO Maria Manahan said the nonprofit is proud of the progress it has made over the past 60 years, but the work is far from over.
satisfy the admission criteria for Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs.
Some residents, detailing their experiences at both facilities online, compare the apartment community to being on a cruise ship surrounded by friends and fun.
The Sandy Springs facility has 197 residential apartments, including 22 for licensed personal care. The facility off Pharr Court South in Buckhead has 342 apartments.
“Providing senior housing is more critical than ever, and our mission is to ensure that all seniors in Atlanta not only have a place to live, but a place to thrive,” Manahan said. “We are excited about the future and the ongoing impact we can make in our community.”
While the Christian Church in Georgia sponsors Campbell-Stone entities, housing and services are offered to all.
An applicant for occupancy must be at least 62 years old or qualify as mobility-impaired. Applicants also must meet the eligibility requirements of the Section 8 rental assistance program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and
HUD subsidizes fees for qualified residents, making the personal care facilities among the few in Georgia with rental assistance.
Housing affordability has become a national issue in the United States. According to a 2023 report from Harvard University, fewer than 15 percent of single adults aged 75 or older can afford both the costs of housing and long-term care services, such as inhome medical care, household support or assisted living facilities.
See CAMPBELL, Page 7
Continued from Page 6
As the population of older adults is increasing at historic rates, Campbell-Stone says it remains dedicated to ensuring that Metro Atlanta’s aging adults never have to chose between affordable housing and a safe, caring community.
During the Sandy Springs City Council’s annual retreat in early February, elected officials discussed high housing costs and the aging homeowners occupying homes with limited downsizing options in the city.
With a limited stock, consisting mostly of single-family residences, alternative or missing middle housing can alleviate pressures on existing and prospective homebuyers in Metro Atlanta.
Looking ahead, Campbell-Stone wants to grow its philanthropic support from individuals and the corporate community.
While HUD subsidies go a long way, the nonprofit says the surge in need for affordable senior communities intensifies its need for supplemental funding.
To learn more about CampbellStone, visit www.campbellstone.org.
Each line in the puzzle below has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
1. Eagle’s home. Base on balls. Destiny
2. Round-tripper, in brief. Chess piece. Nothing at all.
3. Short fly. Bee’s residence. It’s on the front of the house, usually
4. Music genre. Unfeeling. One way to get your uniform dirty.
5. Diva’s solo. Food fish. It’s on the sideline.
6. Chubby plus. Umpire’s call. Cowboy’s rope.
7. Margarita fruit. Poe’s bird. It could lead to an unearned run.
Baseball Bits
1 Eagle’s home. Base on balls. Destiny
2. Round-tripper, in brief. Chess piece. Nothing at all.
How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
3. Short fly. Bee’s residence. It’s on the front of the house, usually.
4. Music genre. Unfeeling. One way to get your uniform dirty
5. Diva’s solo. Food fish. It’s on the sideline
6. Chubby plus. Umpire’s call. Cowboy’s rope
7. Margarita fruit. Poe’s bird. It could lead to an unearned run
owners and individuals. We partner with people and places to build wealth, grow wealth and ensure customers can pass it on for future generations.
Month Opened: October 2024 -
daily assistance to in-depth specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s and other chronic diseases.
and
Description: American Pride Bank is a community bank that specializes in high-touch, friendly, and flexible banking and lending for small business
Ribbon cutting March 27, 2025”
Address: 6503 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, Ga
Phone: 678-233-2700
Web Address: https://www. americanpride.bank
Description: Senior Helpers of North Metro Atlanta is the premier provider of in-home senior care. We offer tailored home care services ranging from companion care for seniors who need
Opened: May 2024
Address: 3000 Old Alabama Road, Suite 111, Johns Creek
Phone: 770-442-2154
Web Address: seniorhelpers.com/ga/ north-atl
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga — Milton girls point guard Londyn Walker took home the Player of the Year award for region 7 of 5A this season.
She leads her team in points (over 17) and assists (nearly 7), and she is tied with fellow senior Raygen Lewis in steals (nearly 4).
She’s a hairstylist, she scores at will, she provides mentorship to the underclassmen on her team. What can’t she do?
Honored by Sports Illustrated as a nominee and voted by the public as the Most Underrated women’s high school basketball player in the country, Walker received over 50 percent of the vote in the magazine’s competition.
With more than 7,000 votes, she more than doubled the runner-up and accrued more votes than all other nominees combined.
Despite success today, Walker’s mom Carol Brown said it took some coaxing to get a ball in her hands.
“When she would come to her cousins’ basketball games at Milton, she would hang out with the cheerleaders,” Brown said. “Until she saw the girls team dressed up with sparkles in their hair and said, ‘I’ll give this basketball thing a try.”
“I’ve always been a girly girl,” Walker said. “It’s carried over into how I play now, I want to be a girly girl and still dog people on the court.”
Brown commented on how meaningful it has
29 and 14, demonstrating she’s capable of directing traffic and getting her own offensive momentum moving. She has notched two double-doubles this season by way of assists or rebounds.
Walker has received several Division I offers but has yet to commit where she will play at the next level. She has recorded eight games this season with over 20 points and is shooting 75 percent at the free-throw line.
Q: How did you feel when you found out about the Sports Illustrated article?
A: I felt really good. I feel like I put a lot of work in, working hard in the gym 24/7 trying to get toward my goals. (Stepdad Shannon Thomas chimed in, “Numbers don’t lie!”)
Q: What has been your favorite memory of high school basketball?
been to see Walker grow into the point guard role.
Walker’s coach Julian Barfield agreed.
“For someone that has just started playing the point guard position, she’s easily the second-best in the state,” he said. “And I would argue first, I don’t know too many point guards that can put up 17, 16 and 8 [Walker’s statline against TriCities]. She’s a sponge, everybody sees it, she’s so coachable.”
Walker’s season highs for points and assists are
A: The North Carolina trip that we all took in November, it was really fun. Everybody came through, we didn’t win the championship, but everybody played hard, and I think we all played our roles. That was probably the most fun we’ve had as a team.
Q: What is your advice to young basketball players?
A: Even when you encounter obstacles, you gotta keep pushing. There’s been so many obstacles where I just wanted to quit and give up, but if you keep going the outcome is greater than the challenges.
top 20 national
Entertainment Committee.
Continued from Page 1
The Council unanimously voted to accept the withdrawal.
Council members then approved the consideration of a resolution to appoint members to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee, and Arts, Cultural, and
“I’d like to thank everyone for stepping up to some critical positions that received volunteering from many different people here,” City Councilman Larry DiBiase said. “These are some of the most important committees we have in the city…it’s a lot of work, but we sure do appreciate it.”
To see the full meeting and agenda along with the council’s upcoming meeting schedule, visit www. JohnsCreekGa.gov.
Brought to you by - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division
David Patterson Homes, a name synonymous with quality craftsmanship and distinctive design, is proud to introduce two exceptional communities in Forsyth and Dawson Counties. With over 15 years of expertise in home design and construction across Atlanta and the Lake Lanier region, David Patterson Homes continues to create thoughtfully designed homes that blend timeless elegance with modern convenience.
Lakeside luxury at Long Hollow Landing
For those dreaming of lakefront living, Long Hollow Landing on Lake Lanier is a must-see. This exclusive community in Gainesville/Forsyth County offers stunning lakeside homesites, including three move-inready homes—two of which are situated
directly on the lake and include a private boat slip at the community dock.
Located in a prime mid-lake setting, Long Hollow Landing provides effortless access by boat to local favorites like Pelican Pete’s. The community also features a shared dock and gathering area, creating the perfect backdrop for lakeside living. Homes start at $699,000, with direct lakefront homes priced from $1.4 million. Each home is designed with impeccable craftsmanship, elegant interiors, and breathtaking views, ensuring a truly luxurious lakeside lifestyle.
In addition to its scenic beauty and water access, Long Hollow Landing boasts top-tier schools, including Chestatee Elementary, Little Mill Middle, and the highly acclaimed East Forsyth High School.
Charming, affordable townhomes at Downtown Fausett in Dawsonville
For those seeking a stylish yet
affordable new home, Downtown Fausett in Dawsonville presents an exciting new opportunity. This exclusive community features 24 beautifully designed maintenance free townhomes showcasing European transitional farmhouse exteriors. Each residence offers three bedrooms and 2.5 baths, priced from the high $300s—a fantastic value for new construction in this prime location.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Dawsonville, Downtown Fausett provides unparalleled convenience. Just minutes from GA 400, shopping, dining, Lake Lanier, and the North Georgia mountains, this community offers the perfect balance between small-town charm and easy access to everything Atlanta has to offer.
quality & award-winning design
David Patterson Homes is known for its exceptional attention to detail,
innovative designs, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Their homes feature timeless architecture, highend finishes, and thoughtfully curated interiors, ensuring a luxurious yet functional living experience. The company’s dedication to quality has earned them multiple Greater Atlanta Professionalism Awards for excellence in homebuilding and marketing. Now is the perfect time to explore these extraordinary communities. Whether you’re looking for a stylish new townhome in Dawsonville or a luxury lakefront retreat, David Patterson Homes has the perfect home for you.
For more information, contact 404.821.9807 or visit www. DavidPattersonHomes.com. Make sure to ask about our current incentives. Sales and marketing by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division. Equal Housing Opportunity.
New Homes from $500’s - $800’s
3 Homes Ready for Immediate Move-In
305 Belmont Park Court, Canton, GA 30115 | 770-635-4080 SoleilBP com
New Townhomes from $379’s
4 Townhomes Ready Now
373 Highway 9 N., Dawsonville, GA 30534 | 678-578-6763 DavidPattersonHomes.com
New Home on 2+ Acres in Cumming Final Opportunity $ 879,000 Move-In Ready Home 6350 Bannister Rd. Cumming, GA 30028 | 404-821-9807 DavidPattersonHomes.com HILLANDALE IN ROSWELL Luxury Homes from $1M+ 2 Move-In Ready Homes with Price Adjustments 1005 Coleman Place Dr., Roswell, GA 30075 | 770-254-5372 PMCommunities.com
AT MILTON 3-10 Acre Homesites from $ 900’s to $ 1M+ Only 7 Opportunities Remain 15135 Hopewell Rd. Milton, GA 30004 | 678-578-6740 TheHomesteadatMilton.com LONG HOLLOW LANDING On the Shores of Lake Lanier Homes from $ 700’s to $ 1M+ 3 Move-in Ready Homes - 2 with a Boat Slip
Beryl Overlook, Gainesville, GA 30506 | 678-578-6833 DavidPattersonHomes.com
REPRESENTING NEW HOME COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT ATLANTA AND GEORGIA!
Lori Lane, President | New Homes Division, Luxury Collection and Global Contact us at 404.801.7180 | visit BHHSGANewHomes.com | follow Lori@the_lorilane Buckhead Office, 3744 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342 | Roswell Office, 100 Mansell Ct. East, Suite 600 Roswell, GA 30076
• Does my Will protect my “stuff”? (It does not.)
• Should I upgrade my Will to a Trust?
• What do I need to know about Revocable Living Trusts?
• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?
• Medicaid. What’s true and what’s not?
March Workshops:
Thurs., Mar 6 - 12 pm (Lunch and Learn)
Tues., Mar 18 – 4 pm
Thurs., Mar 20 - 12 pm (Lunch and Learn)
• How do I protect my assets for my family and legacy?
• How do I remain in control?
• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?
• How can my family avoid probate?
Attend our FREE Educational Workshops. Reserve your Spot and Get a FREE Consultation for attending the Workshop (a $500 Value) CODE: herald2023
1100 Cambridge Square | Suite B | Alpharetta, GA 30009 | 770.209.2346 | lisa@gklawgroup.com
Even if a person cannot read or write, they can still create a legally valid estate plan with the help of an attorney or trusted individual. By verbally expressing their wishes, they can collaborate with a legal professional to draft essential documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, which can then be notarized or signed in front of witnesses to ensure they are legally binding. This process often involves having a trusted person act as a witness or help document the person's wishes accurately. While the specific requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction, there are legal tools and provisions available to accommodate individuals with limited literacy, such as oral wills in certain circumstances. The key is ensuring the person’s intentions are clearly understood and properly recorded, while complying with local laws. These le-
gal tools provide a means for individuals to make critical decisions about their healthcare, finances, and the distribution of their assets, even if they face challenges with reading or writing. Additionally, creating a plan with an experienced estate planning attorney ensures that the person's wishes are respected, helps avoid future disputes, and safeguards the individual’s interests. It is crucial to begin the estate planning process early and make sure the person has trusted people—whether family, friends, or legal professionals—who can advocate for their desires and assist with the execution of the plan.
Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Indooroutdoor integration has emerged as a defining trend in high-end real estate. From expansive glass walls to resort-inspired outdoor living spaces, here are five defining traits that transform a home into a true indoor-outdoor retreat.
1. Expansive glass doors paired with open layouts.
Nothing invites the outdoors in quite like an architectural design that allows natural light to pour in while offering unobstructed views. Popular examples include retractable glass walls and pivoting or accordion-style glass doors that transform a dining room into an al fresco space. Openconcept layouts further enhance the connection, allowing living areas to extend onto covered patios, pool decks or garden terraces.
2. Complementing materials. Visual harmony packs a serious punch, and homes that maintain consistency between indoor and outdoor materials achieve elevated status. A good example is a floor— whether hardwood, natural stone or concrete—that extends across both spaces and creates a seamless transition. This approach is also echoed in architectural details like matching ceiling beams, coordinated cabinets and complementing stone finishes.
3. Covered outdoor spaces.
Luxury indoor-outdoor retreats prioritize comfort and usability with covered outdoor spaces that allow for year-round enjoyment. Expansive verandas, pergolas and retractable awnings provide shade and protection from the elements, while high-tech options such as motorized retractable screens and climate-controlled patios add convenience and allow all-season use.
4. Integrated outdoor amenities. Time to integrate the resort-style amenities. Think gourmet outdoor kitchens with built-in grills, pizza ovens and wine fridges for al fresco dining, or swim-up bars and sunken fire pits that elevate poolside lounging. Or prioritize a lifestyle of balance with open-air wellness spaces—such as yoga pavilions, infrared saunas and cold plunge pools.
5. Lush, private landscaping.
Perhaps the most important feature of an indoor-outdoor retreat is its ability to create a sense of seclusion and tranquility through thoughtfully designed landscaping. Layered greenery, natural stone pathways and strategically placed trees are just a few ways to enhance privacy while maintaining breathtaking views.
More than just a design trend, indooroutdoor retreats are a hallmark of luxury real estate, and properties that blend sophistication with nature command premium appeal. For discerning buyers, these retreats offer more than just a place to live—they provide a private sanctuary, redefining what it means to experience true luxury at home. Reach out to Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300 for all your real estate needs. We would be happy to assist you!
Compiled and edited by Angela Valente,
Marketing Copywriter/Copyeditor
Brought to you by - Tracy Morton, Realtor, HOME Real Estate, LLC
The Atlanta metro real estate market is often discussed as a whole, but the reality is that it operates as a collection of micro-markets, each with its own dynamics. Nowhere is this more evident than in the stark contrast between areas like Alpharetta, which continues to be an extreme seller’s market, and other parts of metro Atlanta that lean toward a buyer’s market. Understanding these differences is crucial for both buyers and sellers navigating today’s real estate landscape.
Alpharetta: A strong seller’s market
If you currently live in Alpharetta, you understand why our housing market has and is outperforming other metro areas. Excellent local schools, investment in parks and pedestrian friendly infrastructure, a vibrant downtown, shopping, investment in cultural outlets and a vibrant business community, make Alpharetta one of the best places in live in Georgia and the southeast. And guess what folks? The secret is out! As of January 2025, Redfin reported that the medium price of a home in Alpharetta was $770,000, reflecting a 15.1% year over year increase. Compare this to our Marietta friends to west who had a negative 13.1% year over year growth, our friends to the east in Lawrenceville who had 12.8% increase year over year and in Sandy Springs to the south that a .93% decrease year over year.
Here’s what defines Alpharetta’s market:
• Low inventory, high demand: Homes in Alpharetta often receive multiple offers within days of hitting the market, with some selling above asking price.
• Strong job market: The city’s proximity to major corporate offices and tech hubs fuels continued demand.
• Rising home prices: Median home prices in Alpharetta have consistently trended upward, pricing some buyers out but rewarding homeowners with significant equity growth.
• New construction still selling fast: Even with high interest rates, new developments in Alpharetta are experiencing strong demand, often with waitlists for new builds.
For sellers, this environment means minimal days on market and strong negotiating power. Buyers, however, often find themselves competing aggressively, waiving contingencies, and sometimes offering cash to secure a home.
Outside North Fulton: A shift toward a buyer’s market
While North Fulton remains a hotbed for sellers, other areas of metro Atlanta are seeing a shift toward more favorable conditions for buyers. Locations farther south or into the outer suburbs, such as parts of South Fulton, Clayton County, and even areas of Gwinnett and Cobb counties, are experiencing a different trend:
• Higher inventory levels: More homes are staying
on the market longer, giving buyers more choices and negotiation power.
• Price adjustments: Unlike Alpharetta, sellers in these areas are more likely to reduce prices or offer incentives to attract buyers.
• Increased buyer leverage: Sellers are more open to covering closing costs, offering rate buy-downs, and negotiating on inspections and repairs.
• Less competitive bidding: Unlike the frenzy in North Fulton, homes in these areas may see fewer multiple-offer situations, allowing buyers to take their time in decision-making.
For buyers looking for affordability and negotiating power, these areas present great opportunities to purchase without the extreme pressure seen in hotter markets.
Understanding these contrasting markets can help both buyers and sellers make more informed decisions:
• Sellers in Alpharetta and North Fulton can expect continued demand but should remain mindful of shifting economic factors like interest rates and
affordability constraints for buyers.
• Sellers in softer markets should price competitively and consider offering incentives to attract buyers.
• Buyers looking for high-demand areas should be prepared to move quickly and possibly offer over asking price.
• Buyers seeking better deals may find excellent opportunities in areas outside of the competitive North Fulton market, where they have more room to negotiate.
The Atlanta real estate market is a tale of two realities—one where homes sell in days with multiple offers and another where buyers have more choices and negotiating power. For expert guidance on navigating these markets, working with a knowledgeable real estate professional who understands these trends can make all the difference.
Questions about what your home is worth? Call, email or text me anytime at Tracy@homegeorgia. com or 404-784-6970.
Join today for
DC Aiken
Big Sky Franchise Team
David & Michelle Bertany
Amour & Duane Carthy
Adam Corder
Barbara Anderson
Kerry Arias
Scott Baynton
Joseph Bell
James Bennett
Carl Abernathy
Bruce Ackley
Salpi Adrouny
Alpharetta Lions Club
Omar Altalib
Dave Altman
Ron Altman
Joel Alvis
American Legion Post 201
Alice & Dr. Richard Appen
Gaye Armstrong
Mary Asbury
Bangkok Boxing LLC
Shannon Banna
Beth Barnes
Janet Bass
Caitlin Bates
Jannet Bauer
Barbara Bauschka
Miriam Beattie
Kathy Beck
Laura Bentley
William Bentley
Leslie Berry
Tom Billings
Tochie Blan
Ron Boddicker
Jodi Bogen
Sherri Bolles-Rogers
Helen Borland
Debra Bowen
Joe Bowen
Ryan Brainard
Mark Brandus
Mel Brannen
Patrick Cressaty
Robert Flint
Robin Fricton
Zachary Hahn
Allison January
Rita Brown
Mark Casas
David Conti
Theodore Davis III
Maureen Drumm
Michael Kenig Roderick Liptrot
Bob Meyers
Claude Nardy Cliff Oxford
Charlcie Forehand
Aileen Horton
Deborah Jackson
Ali Mahbod
Richard Matherly
William Cartwright
Frank Catroppa
Pat Check
Virginia Christman
Christopher Cleary
Ann Coaloa
Kim Coggins
Evelyn Collazo
Michael Mackenzie
Communications
Joan Compton
Carol Cookerly
Terri Coons
Rhonda Cude
Connie Cunningham
Christopher Cupit
David Davis
Duane DeBruler
Marilyn DeCusati
Rebecca Donlan
Tom Driscoll
Michael Dudgeon
Jeanette Dummer
DutchCrafters Amish Furniture
Thomas Edmonds
Mim Eisenberg
Danny Elkins
Su Ellis
Martha Fasse
Nell & Doug Fernandez
Daniel Fleck
Lee Fleck
Laura Floyd
Cathy Flynn
Paul Folger
Carol Bright
Linda Brill
Dorothy Brouhard
Erendira Brumley
Bernhard Burgener
Alvin Burrell
Mike & Theresa Buscher
Mary Busman
Clea Calloway
Kirk Canaday
James Carr
Bridgette Carter
Adrienne Fontaine
Mary Ford
Nanci Foster
Amy Frederick
Kelly Frommer
Carol Fry
Tracey Ganesh
Daniel Gay
John Gibbs
John Gilberto
Leslie Gilliam
Bailey & Ryan Gladysz
Michelle Glotzbach
Harvey Goldberg
Christopher Goodrich
Phyllis Goodrich
Ralph Griffin
Marilee Hamilton
Susan Hanna
Marion Hannah
Roxanne Hazen
Joe Hirsch
Penn Hodge
Dianne & Steffan Holmquist
Joan Hostetter
Austin Hughes
Jacqueline Hursh
Lynn Johnson
Tyler Jones
Arthur Kebanli
Laura Keck
Mark Kelly
Nancy Kennell
Randall Kent
Carol Kerr
Allison Kloster
Dyna Kohler
Larry Krueger
Jess & Chris Kysar
Malinda Lackey
Brandon Leach
Dennis Lee
Ken Leffingwell
Carol Lehan
Bonnie Lind
Francia Lindon
Harlan Little
Ross Long
Kyser Lough
Rita Loventhal
Brenda Lundy
Rita Loventhal
Karen Magill
Kyile Marshall
Julie Martin
Carla Masecar
Valerie Matthews
William Maxwell
Rachel McCord
& Lori Ramsey
Sarah Reiter
Mark Rundle
Lynn Thomas
Kim Truett
Evan McElroy
Vickie McElroy
Patricia Miller
Anne Peer
Robert Popp
Roger Wise Jr. Colt Whittall
Sergey Savin
Helen Scherrer
Kate Seng
Kimberly Verska Carol Williams
Austin McCully
Diane McDonald
Karen McEnerny
Lynn McIntyre
Mike McLoughlin
Jennifer Mendoza
Al Merrill
Chris Miller
Christine Miller
Joe Modica
Fred Moeller
Sarah Moen
Catherine Moore
Carol Morgan
Kathy Morgan
Stu Moring
Leslie Mullis
Donna Murphy
Jack Murphy
Cindy Nolan North Fulton Master Gardners, Inc.
Tricia Novarro
Bob O’Brien
Anne Pappas
Lynn Pennington
Jonathan Peters
Kurt & Leslie Phillips
Mary & Jan Phillips
Debra Powell
Joyce Provissiero
Chuck Pugh
Robert Radloff
Raj Rajagopalan
Ashwin Ramaswami
Cheryl Rand
Jean Rearick
Joseph Reed
Righteous PR
Angie Rigney
Neil Robertson
Kimberly Robinson
Matt Rohs
Kelly Sarmiento
Stephanie Schniederjan
The Schoenblum Family
Robert Scholz
Stephanie Schuette
To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
Susan Searles
Tina Shelton
Lisa Shippel
Joanne Simmons
Tom Simon
Cindy Simpson
Robert Singleton
Faye Sklar
Judith Slaughter
Andy Smith
Marcia Smith
Gena Spears
Donald Spencer
Gloria Stathos
Robert Stevens
Wesley Stewart
Cathryn Stovall
Celeste Strohl
Diana Sullivan
Andy Sumlin
Mike Tasos
Candice Teichert
The Small Business Advisor
William Tietjen
Lisa Tilt
Michael Townes
Trunnion LLC
Matthew Tyser
Ollie Wagner
Lewis Walker
Jonathan Washburn
Michael Watson
Michael Weiss
Herbert Wells
Sally White
Thom White
Umpika White
Christine Williams
Jamie Wimberly
Jonathan Winkie
Nancy & Dave Wistrand
Carla York
Jonathan Young
the Appen Press Club
RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful… Nope.
That may be how it feels, but, well, nope. Ain’t no heart for the lion, nor brains for the scarecrow, just smoke and mirrors and a distant, vague memory of a better time, and then, perhaps, the giant con.
Tariffs and trade, tariffs and trade, oh my. Make us great again, make us great again, oh my. And who doesn’t long for that – those times? Anybody? Bueller?
Off to find the wizard.
As kids, we used to look forward to seeing “The Wizard of Oz.” Back then, it only came on occasionally, maybe once or twice a year. The same was true for “Snoopy’s Christmas” or “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” around Halloween. “Gone with the Wind” was often aired once a year.
Now they are available 24/7, everywhere – no longer something to look forward to – something lost. It was a great time to remember; it was a good time to know – and a giant raw-nerve sucking sound, mostly inaudible – for those who don’t know it, never knew it. And that is
somewhere close to where the reality of our dilemma is found today.
Back then, we all enjoyed the fruits of the greatest generation – single household incomes, a car in every driveway, and driveways as far as the eye could see, thousands of affordable homes in all those subdivisions, courtesy of Levitt & Sons (Levittown) and the like.
And jobs everywhere. They weren’t sexy or transitory like the high-paying tech and health jobs we see today; think working for Ma Bell (AT&T), P&G, the Deere Company, General Motors or even the local bank. They paid a living wage that afforded those homes, a family with three or four kids, and their education – along with two weeks’ vacation at Disney, Silver Springs or “out west” with the camper trailer in tow.
Yes, those jobs are around today, but the affordable homes, that affordable family, the careers, the affordable trip to Disneyworld and Yosemite aren’t to most. Ditto for that stability, security and predictability of the past. And we really, really don’t like living in an unsecure, unpredictable world. No one does. It is hyper-toxic. Hence, “find the wizard.”
Life really was arguably “great” before. You went to college and got a degree. You went out and found a job that became a career; you stayed with that company for about 30 years, and
then you (mandatorily) retired at 65. You were able to buy that affordable home you purchased shortly after starting your career, the one you raised your young family in that you grew out of, and which led to that larger one with a pool perhaps – the one you then sold to downsize and retire to the condo in Sarasota.
Do you remember?
Of course, you don’t remember if you were born say after about 1970 or so, a little bit after the last of the boomers were born. And if you can remember those times, you … well … you are old, like I am. My generation has the benefit of those experiences being part and parcel to our frame of reference, our world view, our perspective.
So what?
So, we are obviously in a period of change – perhaps a massive one –socially, politically and geo-politically. Expectations and past experience (the driver of expectations) surges across the country in a seemingly random pattern or no pattern at all. Those expectations – and perhaps that missing frame of reference – are in large part responsible for what is going on today, right now. Meanwhile, one of the 800-pound gorillas in the room – technology – is evolving at a blinding pace while our social evolution – our ability to understand, manage, and deal with technology – is
evolving at a snail’s pace.
Roughly half the country, about 170 million people born after 1970, have not known and have no concept of that “car in every driveway, three kids and retire to Florida” experience. The lack of “stability” and “predictability” is probably that other 800-pound gorilla in the room today.
All those born after 1970 know is that, generally, they are not very happy about “now,” and they are not really sure why or what is causing that unhappiness.* They want something better. And all that most of them see is a train leaving the station, and they are not on it.
So, they are off to find the “wizard” for solutions. I don’t blame them. I would too. But I hope when they find that solution – when they find that wizard – it’s not just some con man hiding behind a curtain in Oz, but it may well be. Time will tell. Be careful what you ask for; you might just get it.
Bueller? Bueller?
*Bob Dylan - as usual - nailed our current dilemma in his song “Ballad of a Thin Man,” written in 1965. If you are interested, Google “lyrics Ballad of a Thin Man Dylan.”
PS: The current Bob Dylan movie (“A Complete Unknown” is fabulous! Well scripted, well-acted, and very entertaining!
PAT FOX Managing Editor pat@appenmedia.com
I addressed my local school board in Dawson County last Tuesday. Turns out, I was the second person in two years to speak during the public comment portion of a school board meeting or work session. That doesn’t include public hearings about the budget, setting the tax rate or the new statewide homestead exemption. Those hearings were all advertised well in advance.
But, regular meetings? Why, I wondered, do so few residents talk at our school board meetings?
As it happens, our school district has a policy requiring anyone wishing to address the board during the public comment portion of a meeting to file a 24-hour notice. The notice must
include your name and the topic you wish to discuss.
Problem is that the school district does not post the meeting agenda until around noon the day of the meeting. The agenda lists items the board will discuss that evening.
“As I understand it,” I told the School Board, “district policy requires patrons to submit a request to speak on a topic 16 hours before they can possibly know what they want to talk about.”
I recounted a couple of recent measures the board approved – one involving $5 million in expenditures – that the public did not know about until the day of the meeting. Even then, according to the policy, they wouldn’t have been allowed to comment.
To their credit, the board and superintendent tacitly agreed the setup was absurd. The superintendent immediately recognized the problem when I spoke to her before the meeting.
She told me it would be fixed.
One School Board member thanked me for bringing the issue to light. She said it’s simply the way things had always been done.
So often, government officials have no idea what it’s like to be on the outside, how difficult it is for the average Joe to be heard.
Late last year, astronomers at the ATLAS survey telescope in Chile detected a small asteroid moving away from Earth. Further observations calculated that the object is on a path that may bring it on a collision course with our planet on Dec. 22, 2032.
Latest studies estimate the asteroid, dubbed 2024 YR4, is between 130 and 295 feet wide, and its chances of striking Earth are close to 2 percent. Tracking the object will continue through May. After that, it won’t be visible again for another three years.
This is a real deal.
Don’t confuse it with a similar sighting announcement Jan. 2 from the Minor Planet Center at the HarvardSmithsonian Center for Astrophysics at Cambridge, Mass. That object was tracked as having come within 150,000 miles of Earth. That’s closer than the moon.
But, within a day, the Planet Center deleted the warning when the object turned out to be a car – Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster launched in 2018. Yes, it’s still up there, with a dummy astronaut behind the wheel and roughly 4 million miles on its odometer. The tires are still good, though.
Suppose for a moment that as it approaches in 2032, the YR4 asteroid strikes the Tesla Roadster, diverting it just enough to miss Earth. Musk will again have saved the planet. And, yes, I checked. The Roadster is equipped with airbags.
Passalong plants are those we acquire when another gardener shares a seed, a cutting or a plant. Sharing or passing along plants and seeds is one of the oldest traditions in gardening. My garden is special to me because of the contributions from friends and fellow gardeners, which includes many plants that are often not available in our large retail nurseries. My inspiration and wisdom come from generous people who share their plants: daylilies, mountain mint, salvia, bee balm and flowering almond.
Passalong plants are typically durable and easy to propagate, and they often come with experienced advice on how to continue their success. The added bonus is that when from friends and neighbors, they are free! The nature of passalong plants being easy to propagate makes it necessary for us to let our recipients know how the plants spread. Some plants will pass themselves along!
Timing
Passalong plants are easy to propagate by cuttings, division and seeds, and they can be propagated in fall or spring.
A good rule of thumb is to divide your perennials in the season opposite of when they bloom. For example, I divide my spring bloomers (Stokes aster, phlox, and bee balm) in the fall.
Cuttings
A cutting is a term for using a stem, leaf or root to reproduce a
Stem cutting ready for planting.
plant. Both herbaceous and woody plants can be propagated from cuttings.
I find stem cuttings the easiest to propagate. I choose a stem 3-5 inches long and remove all but three or four leaves. Plants can be rooted in water or soil. In soil, dipping the tip of the stem in rooting hormone can enhance propagation.
Many perennials and bulbs eventually become overcrowded and thrive when divided. Mature plants can be separated by digging up a clump, pulling apart the smaller plants or by using a sharp spade or knife to cut the clump or tuber into smaller pieces. This is true of plants such as Stoke’s aster, bluestem grass, and irises.
On some plants, you will find babies around the base that can be
• Pre-planning • Funeral Services • Grief Support • Veteran Services
• Cremation Services
770-645-1414
info@northsidechapel.com www.northsidechapel.com
During these turbulent times, we would like to highlight the continued courage and commitment of everyone who works in the health care, law enforcement, childcare, food service and utility sectors. We are extremely grateful.
Roswell, GA 30075
replanted. I find this to be true for herbs and succulents as well.
Seeds
You can also save seeds as your plant matures or just let them ripen on the plant. These seeds will regerminate in the soil with favorable conditions.
My favorites, including cleome, four o’clocks and milkweed, are easy to propagate by seeds.
To grow your plants from seeds, plant them outside or fill a seed tray with moist soil. Plant your seeds with just enough soil to cover them (you want good seed to soil contact) and keep the soil moist but not too wet. Provide light to ensure that the seeds get the energy needed to grow.
Please see the list of resources for details on propagating your plants. If
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Julie Dangel, a lifelong researcher and educator and a North Fulton Master Gardener since 2015. She is a native Georgian and a resident of Sandy Springs for 40 years. As a member of the North Fulton Master Gardeners, she has served on the board and divides her time volunteering between the Teaching Museum/ Greenhouse and Lost Corner Preserve.
you are looking to purchase passalong plants, the North Fulton Master Gardeners will offer their favorite plants during the 2025 Garden Faire Plant Sale. Plan to attend Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Grove at Wills Park in Alpharetta. Master Gardeners will be available to provide gardening advice for your plants.
Happy gardening!
North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columists/garden buzz/.
SAVE THE DATES for NFMG’s 2025 signature events: Garden Faire on April 12th and Garden Tour on June 7th. Learn more at www.nfmg. net.
Notice is hereby given that the City of Johns Creek, Georgia is considering options under O.C.G.A. § 36-37-6 (a) and (f) regarding the possible sale of the 1.92 acres of real property with Tax Parcel Id No. 11-0940-0329-002-0, commonly referred to as the Macedonia Methodist African Church Cemetery. The City seeks input from the families of those buried in the Cemetery, the larger Johns Creek community, and any other party that may be interested in purchasing the property for the purpose of further preserving and protecting the Cemetery. Any sale of this property will not change the protected status of the Cemetery nor the right of the heirs of those buried in the Cemetery to access the Cemetery. Please contact the City at macedonia@johnscreekga.gov to present any interest in acquiring the property or to present any written plan regarding the future preservation and protection of the Cemetery no later than Monday, April 7, 2025.
Senior Software Analyst – positions offered by TechSera Inc. (Alpharetta, GA). Resp. for gathering & interp. the bus. reqs. & customizing Manhattan’s prod. (PKMS/TE), t/s tech./func. issues, & coord. work asgmts. across shores. Position reports to Alpharetta, GA office. Telecommuting permitted in accordance with company policy, but must live within commuting distance of stated office. Apply with resume to: joinus@techsera.com.
Software Engineer Specialist (Alpharetta, GA): Provide tech architecture & spprt across apps & guidance to other functional areas to define software/hardware reqs & in planning & delivering infrastructure. Rsrch new technological advances to assess current practices for compliance w/ sys reqs. Recommend solutions to address current sys needs process improvements & controls. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Assoc Director, HR Risk & Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus GA 31901. #PG722990
Project Manager (Alpharetta, GA): Manages the process from product dvlpmt to product launch, ensuring execution is in line w/ proj plan for cmplx product initiatives. The product mgr has responsibility for mngng our team prdcts for both on-premises & cloud. For assigned prdcts, owns, manages, & communicates a product roadmap, incl collaborating w/ ind analysts to form competitive anlss, & w/ dlvry, sales, & relationship mgmt teams to dtrmne prioritization, dvlpmt & ongoing costs of dlvry, & prod launch. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Assoc Director, HR Risk & Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus, GA 31901. #YJ743607
Accountant, Alpharetta, GA Prep closing journal entries comp. w/ GAAP & co’s policies & procs.; conduct AP/AR, & bank reconciliations; prep tax returns & report; prep & maint. acct. records, fin. stmts. & reports; report fin. acts. & audit findings to mgmt.; compile & rec. fin. data to identify & corr. errs.; dev. & impl. acct. sys. to rec. transactions; handle tax audits. Bachelor’s in Acct. or Finance + 12 mos. exp. in job offered or as Accounting Consultant. $55266/yr. Send resume: Voltgo Power, 800 N King St, FL 3, Wilmington, DE 19801/ canadasupport@voltgopower.com.
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. in Alpharetta, GA seeks a Civil Engineer - Structural to design vertical structures such as parking garages, buildings, and other miscellaneous structures and to assist with management and leading of structural engineering projects. Structural Engineering license required. Requires 10% domestic travel. Periodic work from home is permitted on occasion within reasonable commuting distance of the Alpharetta, GA office. Apply online at https:// www.kimley-horn.com/careers or send resume to Kimley-Horn-HR@kimley-horn.com. Please reference job position and location.
IT Architect (Alpharetta, GA): Utilize Copilot to generate code snippets or even suggest architectural patterns based on the design requirements and constraints provided; evaluate the suggestions provided by Copilot to identify potential design flaws or inefficiencies and refine the architecture accordingly; evaluate alternative solutions, conducting feasibility studies, and recommending the most appropriate architectural approach. Resumes to: Total System Services, LLC, Brian Simons, Associate Director, HR Risk and Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus, GA 31901. #VA282371
Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months!
Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189
STRUGGLING TO HEAR? Audien Hearing delivers crystal-clear sound with affordable, invisible hearing aids. Starting at $189! Call Now: 888-760-1015
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936
Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads
Wesley Financial Group, LLC
Timeshare Cancellation Experts
Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971
DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405
Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 3/30/25.) Call 1-844-501-3208
Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833-399-3595
Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/ day! 1-844-591-7951
We buy houses for cash as is! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer & get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-844-877-5833
MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call 1-888-489-3936
Consumer Cellular - same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No longterm contract, no hidden fees free activation. All plans feature unlimited talk & text, starting at just $20/mo. Call 1-877-751-0866 !!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866- 433-8277
Business Systems Manager (Alpharetta, GA) – Responsible for integration of Boston Scientific’s internal Systems. May require to travel/telecommute. Send resumes to: Susan Cardinal, Boston Scientific, GlobalTalentAcq@bsci.com. Ref: H4872-00393. EOE
techncl
& dsgns. Crt solutn dsgns, techncl specs & procesng dsgns. Cnduct app intgrtn. Dvlp softwr systm tstng & validtn procdurs. Imprv perfrmnc of apps. Prfrm code review & debugng. Skils Req’rd: C#, Python, R, Tableau, Azure SQL, Oracle, Sybase, MySQL, Unix & Linux. Bachelor’s in Sci, Tech, or Engg (any) w/2 yrs exp in job off’d or rltd occup is req’d. Mail Resume: HR., Mindedge Solutions Inc., 410 Peachtree Parkway, Bldg 400, ste 4245, Cumming, GA 30041
To place a classified ad, email classifieds@appenmedia.com Deadline is Thursdays by 4pm
Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk 1L (Building and Grounds/Custodial/ Maintenance) (part-time position) to perform facility maintenance and grounds keeping duties. Requires some heavy lifting, high school diploma or equivalency and a valid GA driver’s license. Related experience with outdoor maintenance equipment and a valid CDL are preferred. Hours: Availability for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, March 7, 2025. Apply online: www.sawnee. coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.
www.homefields.com is looking for artsy people to paint and assemble it’s unique replica stadiums. Good piece rate. ksmall@homefields.com or 404664-4411
Fully licensed and insured. Call today for a FREE estimate 678-997-3312
February 2, 1988 – February 23, 2025
Elise Olson Wotocek, 37, of Johns Creek, GA, passed away on February 23, 2025. Born on February 2, 1988, Elise was a cherished figure known for her loyalty, passion, and kindness. She graduated from Chattahoochee High School and later earned an Associate of Arts in Finance from Perimeter College.
Elise’s career was marked by her roles at Pulte Homes and as a Manager at VerraZanno Pizza. Her commitment and leadership in these positions were deeply valued by her colleagues and friends. Elise was also a member of Christ the Shepard Lutheran Church in Alpharetta, GA.
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025 AT 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
11360 LAKEFIELD DRIVE, JOHNS CREEK, GEORGIA 30097
The following item is scheduled for a public hearing to consider issuance of a Metropolitan River Protection Act Certificate:
Case Number: RC-24-0001
Location: 8950 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097
Acreage: 2.38
Applicant: Doug Dillard
Property Owner: Doug Dillard
Proposal: To construct a single-family home with a detached garage.
Her goal was to eventually visit the park each month of the year. She and her mother had planned to go in early February but her last treatment left her too weak.
Elise is survived by her husband, Niko Wotocek; her parents, Dean and Mary Olson; her brother, Eric Olson; and mother-in-law, Doreen Wotocek. She was a beacon of love and support in their lives and will be deeply missed. People would often comment on her beautiful blue eyes. At her request, her eyes were donated so that someone else’s life could be brighter.
An avid crafter, Elise found joy and expression in crafting of all kinds, sharing her creations with loved ones and friends. Her warm, gracious, and humorous nature brought light and laughter to all who knew her. Elise’s happy place was Disney World.
A service to celebrate Elise’s life will be held at Christ the Shepard Lutheran Church, Alpharetta, GA on March 8, 2025, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cancer Society in her memory. Elise’s legacy of kindness and dedication will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know her.
PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 4:00 pm
In conformance with the Georgia Open Meetings Law, please note a quorum of the Johns Creek Mayor and Council Members may be in attendance at a Joint Brainstorming Session with the Convention and Visitors Bureau for Tourism Product Development Projects for 2026 at Johns Creek City Hall, located at 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, GA 30097 on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 4:00 pm in the Ocee Conference Room. Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 678-512-3212 should you have any questions or need assistance.
Allison Tarpley City Clerk