Milton Herald - February 2, 2023

Legion Post 201 logs 75 years

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — American Legion Post 201 celebrated its 75th anniversary at Carl Black Buick GMC Roswell Jan. 21 with a cake-cutting ceremony.

Post 201, founded in 1946 by World War I veteran and Alpharetta resident Abijah B. Adams, provides a place for veterans to connect and to engage with the community through service. It is headquartered on 13 acres at 201 Wills Road, Alpharetta.

“Because when we’re out in the community, people get to see us,” said Legion member Frederick Mahony. “And that’s a positive image of the military that they get to think about.”

After the presentation of colors, Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame Ambassador Roger Wise cut a cake reading “Happy 75th Birthday American Legion Post 201.”

Ed Postell, chairman of the Atlanta chapter of Our Community Salutes, said celebrating the post’s anniversary is important because the group has been doing for 75 years what Our Community Salutes has done for only three years.

Our Community Salutes is a nonprofit that honors high school enlistees and provides their families support during the transition to military service.

The post received commendations

Experts hold summit on human trafficking

► PAGE 3

Cities scramble to join Milton in managing own elections

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — City councils across north metro Atlanta are scrambling to find a way for their cities to administer their own municipal elections this fall, a move that could free them from mounting costs proposed by Fulton County.

At stake are tens of thousands of local tax dollars in savings if the plans are enacted.

from Gov. Brian Kemp; the Johns Creek Veterans Association; the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame; Our Community Salutes; and the Cities of Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Alpharetta.

“We have been key partners for a long time, and this is recognition of their contributions to date,” said Keith Bogle, vice president and Color Guard captain of the Johns Creek Veterans Association. He said he is looking forward to the next 75 years and how the association can help the post

Alpharetta announces firefighter promotions

► PAGE 7

accomplish more.

Georgia District 21 Sen. Brandon Beach and Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry attended the ceremony, along with Roswell City councilmembers Lee Hills, William Mortwhland and Christine Hall.

“To me, us being here today is an outward and visible sign of how the City of Roswell feels about our veterans,” Hills said. “It’s so important for us to show up and to stand up. We’ve got a lot of veterans that still need help, need support, and we owe them everything.”

Business develops as gym for the brain

► PAGE 8

In 2021, Fulton County charged cities $2.96 per registered voter to manage their municipal general elections and $2.46 per registered voter in runoff elections. The county charged cities the same figure in the 2019 municipal elections.

But in December, Fulton County Elections staff proposed charging cities $11.48 per registered voter for this year’s municipal elections.

There was pushback from the Fulton County Board of Registrations and Elections, and the county later agreed to charge cities $9.38 per registered voter for this fall’s municipal elections.

Last month, the Milton City Council set things in motion by approving a plan to run its own 2023 municipal elections. The plan was drafted by a panel who spent months studying whether local administration of

See SOLUTION, Page 6

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA Roswell City councilmembers Lee Hills, Christine Hall and William Morthland attend the American Legion Post 201’s 75th anniversary ceremony at the Carl Black Buick GMC Roswell Jan. 21.

NEWS TIPS

Judge conducts status hearing in Milton teens’ murder case

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 Milton 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.

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — The two Milton High School student athletes accused in the 2021 murder of an Alpharetta man appeared via Zoom for a Jan. 23 case management hearing in Fulton County Superior Court.

Cameron Walker, 17, and Jonathan Murray, 18, of Roswell, were indicted Feb. 11, 2022, for the murder of

POLICE BLOTTER

Connor Mediate, 24, who was found in the parking lot of his Alpharetta apartment complex with gunshot wounds to in his neck on Oct. 14, 2021. He died on the scene.

Walker and Murray were arrested Nov. 18, 2021 on three counts of felony murder, murder, criminal attempt to commit armed robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal attempt to purchase marijuana and possession of a firearm during the

The man also filed a report with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.

.

Hardware store reports theft of $1,992 in tools

commission of a felony. The teens were denied bond in March 2022.

At the Jan. 23 hearing, the prosecutor told Judge Shukura Ingram she recently received the ballistics report which will give information on the firearms used in the murder. She also sent the report to the defense.

Judge Ingram said the “status check” was complete and the case would move forward sometime in February.

call a number to fix the issue, the police report said. The man called the number and spoke to a man who said his bank account had been used to purchase child pornography and that he needed to pay to release the computer.

Cash, credit cards taken from unattended jacket

MILTON, Ga. — A thief stole two credit cards and from $600-800 from a wallet inside a jacket left unattended while the owner ran the track at Fowler Park Recreation in Forsyth County Center Jan. 17.

The following day, the man told Milton Police he received an alert notifying him of suspicious activity on one of the cards. The alert advised him that someone had attempted to make a purchase for $504.94 at the Walmart in Milton.

He received a separate fraud alert asking him to verify three recent charges. The first two were at the Milton Walmart in the amounts of $504.94 and $643.94. The third charge was at a Home Depot in Duluth for $1,023.64, however the charge was declined.

All totaled, the man was out $1,148.93. Police advised him to follow up with his banks and their fraud departments.

MILTON, Ga. — A woman reported to Milton Police Jan. 17 that a man stole several expensive power tools from Home Depot earlier in the month.

The woman said the man entered the store, then passed all points of sale with a $299 tool kit, three $139 circular saws and four $319 drill kits.

The total value of stolen items was placed at $1,992.00, the police report said.

The woman said the store was able to identify the suspect, who was recently arrested in Roswell. The suspect is believed to have had an unidentified lookout who was also in the store, the woman said.

Both the suspect and the lookout entered a silver SUV and left the premises.

Pop-up ad traps victim in costly bitcoin scam

MILTON, Ga. — Milton police responded to a fraud call Jan. 18 regarding a man whose computer screen froze after he had clicked on a pop-up ad.

Wording on the screen advised he

The man was texted a bitcoin wallet code in which to deposit $9,900. The man withdrew the money then went to a Bitcoin of America Kiosk on Atlanta Highway in Forsyth County to deposit the money.

The man said it wasn’t until he started receiving calls from one man claiming to be from Microsoft and another claiming to be part of a fraud department that he suspected a scam.

One of the suspects called while the victim was at a Milton police station, and the call was placed on speaker. When the caller attempted to verify the man’s business account and personal checking account balances, the man refused. and his personal checking account balance.

He did not give the information, but he did tell police that what the caller stated was the correct account information.

The reporting officer then told the caller that he was speaking to police. Police told the caller not to contact the man again and that the victim would inform the fraud department of his bank.

Police ended the phone call, then advised the man to file a report with the Forsyth County Sheriff`s Department because the theft took place in its jurisdiction.

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.

Experts hold summit on human trafficking scourge

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Faith, a human trafficking survivor, was 4 years old when someone first put a price tag on her. Her mother would not hand her over to her relatives unless she was given something in return, whether it was a car or payment for utility bills.

“That was the only way that she would allow me to be free from her abuse, from her neglect, from her addiction, and from all of her unhealthy cycles and patterns,” Faith said.

Faith’s story concluded the Jan. 21 Human Trafficking Summit at the Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy, hosted by the Alpharetta Rotary. Preceding Faith, two panels consisting of experts in human trafficking spoke from varying angles on the subject.

Because she was sexually assaulted at a young age, Faith said she had a skewed version of what love was.

“I learned then that I had no voice, that I had no value, that I had no worth, and that I had no purpose, and that I certainly didn’t have a destiny anymore,” she said.

Faith’s turbulent beginnings followed her until her late 30s, when she finally escaped the cycle of human trafficking. She now works at Street Grace, a faithdriven organization whose mission is to eradicate the sexual exploitation of minors and become one of the founding members for its Survivor Advisory Council.

“Please get involved,” Faith said. “Because there are people out there who depend on you …they need someone to help them through breaking the cycles that they get wrapped up in, in the patterns that they get wrapped up in because it’s not easy.”

Defining human trafficking

Moderated by Dave McCleary, founding member of the anti-human trafficking organization Rotary Action Group Against Slavery, the first panel consisted of Susan Coppedge, former ambassador to the Trafficking in Persons Office; Alia El-Sawi, victim assistance specialist at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Hannah Palmquist, human trafficking section chief for the Georgia Attorney General’s Office; and Jonathan Leach, special agent for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit.

Human trafficking is rarely kidnapping by physical force, Palmquist said, but rather victims are lured in by promises to fill basic needs that aren’t being met.

“Sex trafficking is the exploitation of the most vulnerable victims in society,” Palmquist said.

There are three types of human trafficking, Leach said, labor trafficking,

sexual servitude and benefits trafficking. Benefits trafficking, which targets older people or people with disabilities, doesn’t see a lot of discussion, Leach said.

Most trafficking, 60 percent, comes in the form of labor. El-Sawi commented on some of her case work that found domestic servitude within multimilliondollar homes.

“It can happen anywhere,” El-Sawi said. “It could happen in an affluent neighborhood … So this is an issue that really affects all of us — all communities, all populations.”

According to data provided by Alpharetta Rotary, it’s estimated that 43 percent of johns live in North Fulton.

Coppedge asked the audience to be conscious consumers, directing visitors to slaveryfootprint.org. The website allows users to answer a series of questions informing them of how purchasing habits contribute to the global labor trafficking problem.

“Sex trafficking is horrific — it’s a bodily assault,” Coppedge said. “But labor trafficking can be a bodily assault, too, and we are all contributing to that with our consumer purchasing.”

Prevention efforts

The summit’s second panel focused on prevention within the transportation industry, health care field and the school system.

Moderated by Ashlie Bryant, CEO of the anti-human trafficking organization 3Strands Global Foundation, the second panel included FCS Innovation Academy students Sejal Whitaker, Lakshana Ramanan and Sree Hariharan; Joe McDermot, vice president of Operations and Training at Delta Airlines; and Freda Lyon, vice president for Emergency Services at Wellstar Health System.

Bryant’s organization developed a human trafficking prevention program that can be implemented in schools at all grade levels. Starting in kindergarten, students are taught to listen to their inner voice.

“A really important part of prevention is being able to meet people where they’re

at,” Bryant said.

Lyon said hospital staff are trained to ask all patients if they feel safe at home in a way that makes patients feel comfortable. She also described some of the signs of human trafficking that health care workers should look for, like tattoos.

But Lyon said trafficking victims don’t always look like they’ve been trafficked.

“We have to worry about our bias, making sure that we’re aware of our bias.”

McDermot said all 95,000 Delta Airlines employees are trained to spot signs of human trafficking. He shared a success story about two aircraft mechanics in Florida who were able to observe the signs and act as a result of the training.

“Don’t underestimate the awareness that everybody has in this room,” McDermot said, alluding to the packed auditorium.

He also said that Delta uses frequent flier miles to help evacuate trafficking victims back to their families, which has been done 326 times.

Hariharan, a junior at FCS Innovation Academy, evoked applause after giving a call to action to the parents in the room.

“What we need to do is reduce the stigma of talking about sexuality — good touch, bad touch — because you’d rather be the one to tell your children.”

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA Freda Lyon, vice president for Emergency Services at Wellstar Health System, talks about spotting signs of trafficking in the health care field at the Jan. 21 Human Trafficking Summit.

Spruill Center reports interest in the arts is growing

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Nearly three years after shuttering its doors and halting activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials say Dunwoody’s Spruill Center for the Arts is coming into the new year better than ever.

Presenting a yearly update to the Dunwoody City Council Jan. 23, Spruill Center CEO Alan Mothner said 2022 was the center’s “best year ever” thanks to a three-year strategic plan initiated in 2020 to address the pandemic and plan for the future.

Mothner said over the past year, the center held more than 700 classes for nearly 6,000 students and hosted thousands of visitors and participants to the center’s gallery, open studio and summer camp programs.

With those numbers, the center has exceeded pre-pandemic participation levels, he said.

“We had a huge reach throughout our community, throughout some of the surrounding communities and as the face of the arts within the perimeter area,” he said. “We’re doing great things in that building and out in the community with the arts.”

Funding for the Spruill Center in 2022 included more than $530,000 in donations from various community sources and nearly $1.7 million in earned revenues from classes, camps and the center’s gallery. Of that funding, Mothner said the center provided $1.17 million in “direct economic sup -

port” to artists in the community last year.

City Councilman Tom Lambert said the Spruill Center for the Arts was doing a tremendous job engaging with the community, especially after the difficulties it faced due to the pandemic.

Lambert said Spruill Center visitors never have anything but good things to say about their experiences, owed in large part to the dedication and hard work of Mothner’s staff.

“You guys do great things,” Lambert said. “I don’t think that’s an accident. I think that’s attributable to the organization and the hard work that you guys have done.”

To foster social connections in the community and increase their relevance in the community, Mothner said in 2022 they embarked on a host of new initiatives, including a partnership with Dunwoody’s Stage Door Theatre for their annual summer camp program and a free “coffee studio” event.

In addition to those programs, the Spruill Center participated in a series of community events like the Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park, Lemonade Days in Dunwoody and countless other events, popups and classes.

“If you reflect on our mission, we foster creativity, but we also foster social connections,” he said. “That’s what a true community arts center should do.”

City Councilman Joe Seconder said anytime he looks at the art programs in other cities, it drives home the benefits of having a public/private partnership art program, like Dunwoody has in the Spruill Center.

“I think it’s a great model,” Seconder said. “And we need to really commu -

nicate that to the citizens.”

But the Spruill Center’s wins aren’t over, because big things are coming in 2023, Mothner said.

Over the next year, work will start on the Spruill Center’s expansion project to add seven new studio spaces and a community room at the cityowned facility on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. The building also houses the Stage Door Theatre, the North DeKalb Cultural Arts Center and a branch of the DeKalb County Public Library.

For the expansion project, Dunwoody has pledged $1 million from its general fund to match a $1.3 million investment from the Spruill Center.

Mothner said they expect to break ground for the project in April.

In addition to the expansion project and the center’s nearly completed new kiln building, Mothner said 2023 also marks the start new social service initiatives, like their Arts for Alzheimer’s program and a digital arts program for teens. They also plan to host more visiting artist series events than ever before, he said.

“All that is through your support,” he said. “We honestly cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to do this for our community. It’s something that we have been striving for years.”

Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch said that the work done by Spruill Center employees over the last three years shows the city was right to entrust them with $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, meant to help the most vulnerable in the community during the pandemic.

“I appreciate you providing the services that allows us to spend the funds as they were meant to be spent,” Deutsch said. “I’m grateful for that.”

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Officials say the Spruill Center for the Arts in Dunwoody had its best year on record in 2022, with more classes, students, participants and visitors than ever.

Cash Buyers Make a Comeback

Although jumbo mortgage rates remain lower than conventional, in Milton, we are seeing high-net-worth buyers using cash to avoid significant interest payments on home purchases.

Stability is the Watchword in Tax-Friendly Markets

Milton offers favorable tax laws and a high quality of life. Milton also recently passed the adjustments to the 65+ tax benefits making it more appealing.

Property is Still King for Passing Wealth Between Generations

Real estate remains the most secure and efficient way for the affluent to pass on wealth to the next generation. We have multiple buyers looking for land or estates in Milton specifically.

Naturehoods: The Great Outdoors is a Top Amenity

The new “naturehood” trend and its subsequent lifestyle changes has increased the buyer demand for easy access to nature. Milton’s rural feel and larger lot sizes are a huge attraction for luxury buyers.

Cheers to a bright 2023 ahead,

15595 BIRMINGHAM HIGHWAY | OFFERED FOR $4,000,000

Solution:

elections would be feasible.

The Milton Municipal Election Committee consisted of six members. One was Milton resident Mark Amick, who was subpoenaed last June as part of a Fulton County investigation into Republican attempts to overturn the 2020 election. City staff couldn’t account for how Amick was nominated to the committee.

Using the Milton election study as a guide, an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) involving Milton, Johns Creek, Roswell and Alpharetta is in the works that will propose one regional election superintendent oversee all the cities’ 2023 municipal elections. But cities will still need to hire their own election manager.

The Alpharetta City Council approved

its own election superintendent Jan. 23. That same evening, the Johns Creek City Council confined the discussion to its work session.

So did the Roswell City Council, but the topic resurfaced the following night at the Roswell Community Development and Transportation meeting. The discussion sparked a special-called Roswell City Council meeting for Jan. 30 to further examine elections.

The Milton template

The Milton elections committee estimated that the city’s cost to run its own municipal election this fall would be $72,254 in the first year, saving Milton at least $114,090, based on the charge sought from Fulton County. With one-time startup costs out of the way, subsequent years are estimated to cost $56,589.

The cost projection was based on a number of state-regulated components.

However, the cost is also rooted in the committee’s preferences, such as exclusively using paper ballots.

While the Milton elections committee recommended paper ballots, Mayor Peyton Jamison could not confirm whether that would be the case.

Jamison said the election superintendent would look at all viable options once appointed.

There’s been some confusion as to whether the cities would conduct identical municipal elections if the IGA were to be approved.

Senior staff from Alpharetta, including City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom, met with Milton Deputy City Manager Stacy Inglis Jan. 24 to pore over details of the city’s election plan. Alpharetta Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard could not say whether Alpharetta is committed to follow the exact Milton template. For one thing, he said, Alpharetta is a much larger city.

“We have to think through those things,” Drinkard said. “There have been some conversations of all the cities having one elections superintendent, but I don’t know if that requires we have to follow the exact template of Milton.”

At the Roswell City Council Jan. 23 work session, officials discussed a possible partnership with their “sister cities,” and what an intergovernmental agreement might look like. There was some indication among some councilmembers that Roswell would follow the same template as Milton if they signed the IGA.

However, Roswell City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson took issue with the uniformity because of Milton’s decision to use paper ballots. Beeson said paper ballots are concerning for a “city of our size.”

With a population of 92,500, Roswell has more than twice the residents of Milton.

Johns Creek City Councilwoman Erin Elwood also raised the concern over paper ballots at its council work session.

With the expectation that Milton’s election study will set the IGA’s precedent, Elwood said “What Milton has come up with works for Milton. I don’t think that works for Johns Creek.”

Polling locations were another concern raised at both the Roswell and Johns Creek council work sessions.

Quick deadline

While Milton took more than a year to formulate and adopt a local election plan, Johns Creek City Manager Ed Densmore told councilmembers that Fulton County must have the city’s decision by March 1.

Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry and most councilmembers were optimistic about the endeavor, but Councilwoman Elwood kept her feet on the ground at the Jan. 23 work session.

“Truly, I am very concerned about our decision affecting the legitimacy of this institution,” Elwood said.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Johns Creek City Councilwoman Erin Elwood presents slides showing registered voters and voter turnout at a Johns Creek City Council work session Jan. 23. The Johns Creek City Council, along with elected officials from other North Fulton cities, discussed the possibility of running their own municipal elections that same night.

She said the discussion and questions are being framed “reactively.”

“We are asking the question, ‘How do we have our own election in 2023, eight months from now?’ Elwood said. “I think the question that we should be asking, and it’s our duty to ask, is if we want to take control of our elections, what does that look like? And how do we define success?”

Elwood said she’s talked to election voter protection activists.

“They’re scared about 2023. But they actually are not that opposed to 2025,” she said.

Instead of focusing on a quick decision, Elwood said she wants to see resources, like time, spent on negotiating with Fulton County. Elwood said it’s probable Fulton County will come down on cost like they’ve done in previous years.

Johns Creek City Councilman Chris Coughlin recommended the city pursue negotiation concurrently with efforts to explore self-run elections this year.

The City Council will reassess the situation once the deadline arrives, Bradberry said, but “in the short term, I think that there’s a bigger risk if we don’t investigate and pursue.”

The March 1 deadline came as news to Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson, though, who at the Jan. 24 Roswell Community Development and Transportation meeting said he hadn’t spoken to the Johns Creek mayor all week.

The night before, Roswell officials voiced their hope to push through election discussion in time for the November 2023 election.

Alpharetta City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom shared the same sentiment at the Jan. 23 City Council meeting.

“We’re not afraid of the challenge, and I’m confident in our team to be able to do this,” Lagerbloom said.

— Managing Editor Pat Fox and staff reporters Delaney Tarr and Shelby Israel contributed to this story.

Newspaper Delivery Route Openings with Appen Media Group

We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas.

Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude.

For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant background/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”

Alpharetta Fire Department announces 13 promotions

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta Fire Department promoted 13 of its members to leadership roles in a ceremony at City Hall Jan. 18.

Fire Operations Chief Brad Denkinger joined Chief of Public Safety John Robsion in announcing the promotions. Fire Administration Chief Philip Seabolt welcomed those being recognized and their families.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do,” Robison said. “I think that sometimes separates the good employees from the great ones, those who really love what they do and have that passion that we’re talking about, that passion we see in these 13 men today that we’re recognizing.”

Honorees chose someone in the department who played a large part in influence their professional development, or someone who impacted them, to present their awards.

A loved one pinned each honoree’s shirt collar after their name was called. The five categories that were recognized each had a piece of fire equipment exemplifying the profession’s history.

Chris Brown, Sean and Ryan Griffin, Kyle Quakenbush and Richard Zabala received a pair of boots for their promotion to fire apparatus engineers.

Denkinger said firefighters wore the boots during fire suppression 100 years ago. While the boots are no

longer used, they represent the hardworking history of the role.

“You’re still very much a doer, a worker, one of the most critical jobs on the fire scene,” Denkinger said. “However, you’ve now taken a step back. You’re no longer the nozzleman. You’re now responsible for helping focus, grow and develop the next nozzleman.”

Newly named lieutenants Bruce Hartman, David Palmer and William Ziliak received radio straps.

“These lieutenants are getting a radio strap as a reminder that they are now responsible for thinking, directing, speaking to and for their crews,” Denkinger said. “What and how they communicate is absolutely vital to their success.”

Matt Bozer, Nick Marlin and Adam Wade, who were promoted to captain, accepted red leather helmets. The red helmets are a “ubiquitous symbol of the firefighter,” Denkinger said.

Bozer’s mother Donna, who traveled from California to attend the ceremony, said she was proud of her son’s growth and accomplishments.

Both Ethan Talbot and Jeff Garreau received white helmets. Talbot was promoted to fire marshal, and Garreau received a promotion to training chief.

Denkinger said he hopes the white helmet reminds the two that the community looks to them for wisdom and guidance.

Denkinger recognized retirees and former members at the ceremony for their service to the department as well.

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Members of the Alpharetta Fire Department gathered at City Hall Jan. 18 for a Promotion Ceremony. The honorees took a group photo after being recognized.

8 | Milton Herald | February 2, 2023

Roswell Firelabs serves as a gym for the brain

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Firelabs serves as a playground for visitors who like to tinker and create.

“It’s basically like a recreation center for your brain,” Roswell Firelabs Executive Director William Strika said, sitting in the facility’s multi-purpose room. The room is home to electronics, HAM radio and sewing/cosplay workstations.

“It’s just like somebody who goes to a gym to work out for physical strength,” Strika said. “You come here to kind of exercise your brain.”

Strika got together with a few people in 2017 and pitched an idea to the Roswell City Council to convert the newly vacated fire station on Holcomb Bridge Road into a makerspace. Roswell Firelabs, a volunteer-driven nonprofit, opened in November 2018 with 40 members.

Membership grew rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Strika said, when people were losing their jobs, wanting to learn new skills or just wanting to get out of the house. Now, there’s around 145 members.

Roswell Firelabs offers regular classes on a variety of skills, open to the public. Members, who pay $50 a month, can receive classes for free or at discount. Strika teaches classes like laser cutting. Because he works his regular job remotely, he’s able to spend about six to eight hours a day at Roswell Firelabs.

“I love being here and helping everybody,” Strika said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Gadgets line most of the walls and

are tucked into every crevice inside Roswell Firelabs. Loads of industrialgrade equipment are separated into rooms categorized by purpose, like woodworking, metalworking, laser cutting, 3D-printing and a glass and sculpture space.

The largest area in Roswell Firelabs

is its 1,200-square-foot woodworking area. Active use of the space’s equipment triggers the loud drone of the air filtration system, which catches wood dust. Over the deafening sound, Strika pointed to the metal, tubular air purifiers hanging out the room.

“Fine particle dust — it’s really

hazardous to your health,” Strika said with a raised voice. “We take it pretty seriously.”

Woodworking is the biggest demographic, Strika said. Across the room, member Doug Falan operated woodworking equipment to cut out small

See FIRELABS, Page 9

“You come here to kind of exercise your brain.”

WILLIAM STRIKA, Executive Director of Roswell Firelabs

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Roswell Firelabs Executive Director William Strika stands in front of the nonprofit’s logo Jan. 20 in a corridor connected to the woodworking area. Founded in 2018, Roswell Firelabs promotes community through hands-on experience in a number of hobbies like woodworking, metalworking and 3D-printing.

Firelabs:

Continued from Page 8

hearts. He plans to put them in bundles to sell to friends and family.

Falan and his family are from Michigan, but they come down for the winter. He either throws pottery or comes to Roswell Firelabs to work on wood projects. He said nobody has access to the number of tools Roswell Firelabs has.

“You can come over here and pick your project, and you’ve got something to work with,” Falan said.

Strika personally likes to operate the high-tech stuff, like CNC, or computer numerical controlled, router.

In a demonstration, Strika walked to a nearby computer that has cloud-based software, used to carve designs on a number of different materials.

Roswell Firelabs also has 3D-printing. Strika said his number one functional 3D-prints are vacuum adapters for different size hoses.

“I’ve 3D-printed more things than I can count,” Strika said. “How do I adapt a 5-inch pipe down to a 2 ½-inch part? It doesn’t exist … That’s a custom-made part that someone needs to make.”

Strika said many members use Roswell Firelabs as a launching point with prototyping. Some use the shop to sell products on Etsy for a living, he said.

Roswell Firelabs has proven functional outside of personal items. Members have built parade floats for the city’s Youth Day Parade, winning first place in the Civic Club Division in 2018 and 2019.

The first year, they built a replica of a 3D-printer that had a gantry, allowing the replica to move. The second

year, they built a float that resembled NASA Mission Control. Strika said kids were sitting at desks, pretending to be scientists.

Strika hopes to collaborate more with the city, like making public art installations.

“Since we’ve actually kind of grown into our own space, we can start

focusing outward instead of inward,” Strika said.

Early on, Strika said the board for Roswell Firelabs had to ask questions about how to get enough members to keep the place going.

“And now it’s like, how can we help the community more than just what’s inside our walls?” Strika said.

There’s a Podcast for Everyone!

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Doug Falan uses woodcutting equipment to create small hearts at Roswell Firelabs Jan. 20. While Roswell Firelabs has several areas dedicated to different hobbies, woodworking has the greatest interest among the nonprofit’s 145 members.

Roswell Firelabs is on Holcomb Bridge Road in East Roswell. Classes, which are regularly provided by volunteers, are open to the public. But members, who pay $50 a month, receive them for free or at a discounted price.

Romance, Black experience in America among topics for February book events

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

It may be the shortest month, but February is long on local literary events. From romancethemed presentations to more sobering explorations on the Black experience in America, authors will be sharing new releases and a broad range of messages with readers in and around North Fulton County throughout the month.

Book lovers yearning for light-hearted yarns shouldn’t miss A Novel Idea’s Dunwoody event Feb. 21. Celebrating a month of romance, A Novel Idea will present a pair of authors, Marilyn Baron and Kim Conrey, with much to say about the saucy subject.

Baron, who has won numerous writing awards in a variety of genres, including romance, will release her 29th work of

Literary Events Around North Atlanta

Saturday, Feb. 4: Dr. Sree Meleth: Meleth, a public health researcher and transformational life coach, will discuss and sign her book, “More than Peace, Power & Presence through Meditation.” Free. 11 a.m.-noon mini meditation workshop. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com.

Saturday, Feb. 11: George Weinstein: Weinstein, author of seven books – ranging from historical fiction to thrillers – as well as the executive director of the Atlanta Writers Club and Atlanta Writers Conference director, will talk about his most recent release, “Return to Hardscrabble Road.” Conversation, signing. Free. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Posman Books, 4105 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta, 470-509-5727. posmanbooks.com

Tuesday, Feb. 21: Marilyn Baron and Kim Conrey: A Novel Idea revels in a month of romance with two authors intimately acquainted with the subject. Baron, who writes in a variety of genres, including romance, will release her 29th work of fiction, “The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard,” in March, which she will discuss with local novelist Kathy Des Jardins. Conrey is the debut author of the sci-fi romance “Stealing Ares,” published not long after she and husband, author George Weinstein, were married. Conrey and Weinstein will reflect on life for a pair of writers finding love and literary success together. Signing. Free. Vintage Pizzeria Dunwoody, 5510 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, 470-359-5982. anovelidea.us.

Feb. 24-26: Georgia Writers Museum Writers Retreat: Numerous authors from the Appen Media reading area, including George Weinstein, Kim Conrey, Beverly Armento and Milton Davis, will be leading writing workshops and panel discussions at the second annual Writers Retreat hosted by the Georgia Writers Museum. Talks include paths to

fiction in March. “The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard” is Book 3 of her Massimo Domingo Mystery series, which she will discuss with local novelist Kathy Des Jardins.

Conrey is the debut author of the sci-fi romance “Stealing Ares,” which she completed as a newlywed. Conrey and her husband of 19 months, author George Weinstein, will chat about romance – in books and in real life.

As for weightier themes, novelist Daniel Black will be discussing his debut essay collection, “Black on Black: On Our Resilience and Brilliance in America,” in Roswell Feb. 25 for the Atlanta Authors Series. Black, an acclaimed author and professor of African American studies at Clark Atlanta University, is the winner of the Distinguished Writer Award from the Middle-Atlantic Writer’s Association and has been nominated for the Townsend Prize for Fiction, the Ernest J. Gaines Award, the Ferro-Grumley Literary Prize, the Lambda Literary Award, and the Georgia Author of the Year Award. Issues covered in his collection, published Jan. 31, include police brutality, the AIDS crisis and the role of historically Black colleges or universities.

publication, writing short stories vs. novels, memoir writing, working with an editor, writing nonfiction, writing children’s books, and more. Several pricing options are available. Georgia Writers Museum, 109 South Jefferson Ave., Eatonton. 706-991-5119. georgiawritersmuseum.org/2023-writers-retreat

Saturday, Feb. 25: Sarah K. Lanier: Lanier will be reading her children’s book, “My Glasses Story: How I Learned to See Myself Clearly,” which she also illustrated. Signing. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566.

Saturday, Feb. 25: Daniel Black: The Atlanta Authors Series, sponsored by the Friends of the Roswell Library and the Friends of the East Roswell Library, will host Black discussing his new book, “Black on Black: On Our Resilience and Brilliance in America.” Black is a professor of English and African American studies at Clark Atlanta University and author of seven novels, including “Don’t Cry For Me.” “Black on Black” is his first work of nonfiction. Bookmiser, the event’s bookseller, will have copies to purchase. Conversation, signing. Free. 2-3:30 p.m. Roswell Public Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 404-6129700. forl.net/atlanta-authors

Tuesday, Feb. 28: Anju Gattani: Johns Creek Books and Gifts will host “A Celebration of Diversity,” featuring Gattani, author of “Dynasties,” the first book in her newly released “Winds of Fire” series. Talk, signing, refreshments and a henna artist on site. Free. Johns Creek Books and Gifts, 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Suite B500, Johns Creek. 770-696-9999. Johnscreekbooks.com

To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@ gmail.com by the 15th.

D. BLACK

M. BARON

7 timeless kitchen trends that will never look outdated

Brought

to you by – Remodeling Expo Center

Between expensive appliances, custom cabinets, and costly countertops, we spend a lot of money on our kitchens. In fact, according to John Hogan, Owner of Remodeling Expo Center in Roswell GA, the median spend on a kitchen remodel was $32,000. To make sure that all of this money isn’t creating a kitchen we’ll want to update again in five years, the trick is to incorporate timeless design elements that won’t soon go out of style. By choosing kitchen features that can stand the test of time, you’ll save yourself money (and the work of remodeling) down the line.

So what are the kitchen trends that won’t make you cringe a few years from now? Skip the trendy color of the year, and follow these timeless kitchen ideas that have been loved for decades.

Neutral Paint Colors

The classic white kitchen is sometimes critiqued for being a little boring—but there’s one solid reason to opt for this color in the kitchen: It will never go out of style. According to Remodeling Expo Center, a whopping 43 percent of renovating homeowners opted for white cabinets. Not sure which shade of white to go for? Don’t worry, soft grey’s are also just as popular and combining the two work well also.

Shaker-Style Cabinets

Known for their simple design and recessed-panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in-style for more than 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, transitional kitchens and are the perfect element to update an otherwise traditional house.

Drawer and Cabinet Organizers

I’m calling it: Organization will never go out of style. And while features like built-in baking sheet dividers and pull-out cabinet drawers haven’t been around for that long, when hidden behind unfussy, timeless

cabinet fronts, these functional features will never be outdated.

Built in Appliances

Nothing finishes off the look of a kitchen like the smooth finished look of a built-in appliance. Especially the refrigerator and the microwave. And conversely, nothing looks more outdated than a refrigerator or microwave sticking out or on the countertop. A thoughtful kitchen design should include clever and seamless appliance installation.

Natural Materials

Adding in natural materials like wood and stone will ground the space and keep it classic. If you want a timeless look, resist the urge to create an ultra-modern kitchen full of shiny stainless steel and engineered materials. Resist the feeling that “natural” equals “old” White Marble “Look” or Butcher Block

Countertops

The white marble look will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops, but if the maintenance and potential for staining has you worrying about its longevity, consider using quartz. For a more classic look consider butcher block. The go-to choice for farmhouse kitchens, butcher block will wear beautifully over the years and you can prepare food directly on it.

Subway Tile

Subway tile is not only versatile enough to work with many different decor styles, but you probably won’t get sick of it in five years (after all, the look’s been around for over 100 years). While it may be tempting to go with a trendy backsplash, like metallic tiles, sea glass, or bright geometric tiles, opt for something a little simpler if you want a backsplash with staying power.

To learn more, contact The Remodeling Expo Center at 404 910-3969 or stop in at 48 King Street, Roswell, GA 30075. www. RemodelingExpo.com

2023… Chaos to calm?

Brought to you by

– Lara Dolan, Realtor and Partner, The Craft Dolan Team at Ansley Real Estate

As we slide into a New Year, it’s valuable to take time and reflect. For 2023, we’ve spent more time than normal contemplating our experiences over the past 3 years and concluding that the first few months of each 2020, 2021 and 2022, were pretty unique times in our collective experience.

- The first quarter of 2020 had us wondering where this “corona virus” would lead. Terrifying numbers of actual and anticipated deaths, overworked hospital staffs, global shutdowns, and intense economic fear were a reality for many. In our industry, Realtors, builders, and lenders worried that the business of real estate would halt dramatically which it did, for about 8 weeks.

- January of 2021 ushered in some positivity. Vaccines were being widely distributed; however, people had left the workforce in droves and most schools

were not yet in person. Real estate prices were on a dramatic upward swing as people considered that business might never return to “normal”. The trend that began in summer 2020, of people purchasing homes farther away from cities and traditional employment hubs gathered steam. Combined with record low interest rates, the real estate market saw continued unprecedented growth in a heavily slanted seller’s market.

- Q1 2022, and Omicron was on everybody’s lips. While the impact of this variant was less severe, it was clear Covid may be here to stay. With continued low interest rates, competition remained stiff for buyers while sellers enjoyed continued profit taking for the first half of the year until the Fed’s activities resulted in an abrupt increase in mortgage interest rates and the corresponding nose-dive in real estate activity overall.

“Chaos” seems an adequate term for the past three years. So where are we now? The early weeks of 2023 find most

communities carrying on as normal; schools are back in session and many people are back to work in-person at least some of the time. Residential real estate is slowly emerging from the halt brought on by last summer’s swift interest rate hike.

A “return to normalcy” has become a common phrase, but what does it mean?

In real estate we believe it means a more equitable position between buyers and sellers without either party having a dramatic advantage. Stabilizing interest rates and inventory are helping to drive that equilibrium. Our Milton/Alpharetta/ Roswell area consistently fell below the one-month-of-inventory mark in those chaos filled months… meaning that if no new homes came on the market it would take only week or two for inventory of available homes to be zero. Now, inventory sits at approximately 3 months…still a seller’s market (experts consider 6 months to be “neutral”), but certainly it’s a leveling playing field. Most experts anticipate that interest rates too will stabilize around 5.5% which is a solid, palatable rate for buyers.

This leaves us excited for 2023 and the opportunities for buyers, sellers and investors. We are energized by the chance to engage with clients at deeper levels and spend more time evaluating their options and next steps. We see first time homebuyers coming into the market now that they aren’t beating their heads against all-cash buyers or those willing to waive every contingency. We also believe there will be buying opportunities in some second home markets later this year, and small investors are stepping forward to fill some much-needed lease options. If the past three years can be characterized by “chaos” then perhaps 2023 will bring “calm”, which should be a good thing for a while.

For more on some of the hot topics facing the real estate markets please check out The Craft Dolan Team’s “Tastings and Teachings” calendar for 2023. On March 2nd we will host a panel on Aging Parents, a situation we are facing along with many of our clients.

https://www.ansleyre.com/site/thecraft-dolan-team/pages/6283/tastingsteachings

Selling your home this spring

Brought to you byCaroline

Nalisnick, The Kloster Group at HOME Real Estate

We are only a few weeks into 2023 and the spring real estate market is already in full force. Buyers felt defeated going into the fall with high interest rates causing a lot of buyers to pull out of the market. Now that interest rates are starting to settle down, buyers are resuming their home search. As we trend towards a more neutral market, one aspect has changed from last year - buyers are more selective.

While we are seeing average days on market around 30-45 days, multiple

offer situations are out there. Buyers are willing to compete for a home when the home is move-in ready. As a Seller, that means that preparing your home for market is more important than ever. Buyers value a clean and well-maintained home. A well cared for home that is clean with up-to-date renovations, fresh landscaping, and staging all play into how desirable your home will be this spring.

Some of the easiest ways to make your home standout include cleaning windows, refreshing landscaping with new mulch and pine straw, de-cluttering your home, deep cleaning the house from top to bottom, updating light fixtures, replacing burnt out light bulbs, pressure washing your exterior, blowing leaves off your roof, cleaning out gutters, and touching up paint

on trim, doors, and walls. You want a buyer to walk into your home and be able to spend their energy and time envisioning their lives within those walls. You don’t want a buyer to leave with a checklist of small projects to tackle immediately upon closing which overwhelms and scares a buyer away. Without taking on full renovations, staging is an excellent way to showcase how to best utilize the space with furniture that is on trend and neutral to a wide buyer base. Homes that are staged are selling quicker and for more money.

Buyers are also expecting to include contingencies in an offer they present. Due diligence is rightfully back as well as appraisal and financing contingencies. While it is still competitive, it is a lot more even playing field than last

spring. Buyers want to take the time to make sure they know what they are buying and have had the proper time to inspect and analyze such a large purchase.

If you need help determining what preparation is necessary to sell your home, reach out to a full-service realtor like The Kloster Group. We are happy to walk through your home and help set you up for success in your sale. The effort you put into prepping your home will pay off every time!

Investing in your home is one of the hardest and most important decisions you will make for your family. You don’t have to do it alone! Call or email Caroline at 404-513-9226 or email caroline@homegeorgia.com and get a response within 24 hours.

NALISNICK

Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

New Homes Division

For a limited time, Patrick Malloy Communities is offering a 4.99% 30-Year Fixed interest rate on available homes at Hillandale a charming Charleston inspired neighborhood. Offering elegant interior finishes and unique designs, Hillandale is located just minutes from the heart of Historic Roswell and features sophisticated four-and five-bedroom thoughtfully curated homes with an abundance of entertaining spaces both indoors and out. Luxury features can include a unique moving wall of glass doors that lead to outdoor living areas, primary suites, 10 ft ceilings and hardwoods on the main level, as well as high-end stainless-steel appliances and basements. In addition, the Patrick Malloy Design Center is available to help customize each home’s interior.

In addition to impressive interior details, the homes at Hillandale include a variety of features including an irrigation system, tankless water heater, freestanding tub, gas lanterns per plan on front patios, pebbled driveways and community sidewalks. Front and rear

lawn maintenance are also included in the HOA.

There are several move-in ready homes available including the popular Windham situated on lot 9 which offers a lavish owners retreat on main level. The grand 2-story entry foyer showcases the wonderful flow and functionality of this home. There is a dining room with butler’s pantry and seating for 10+ guests. The chef’s kitchen with oversized island and breakfast bar opens to the fireside family room with beamed ceilings. This fourbedroom and four and one-half bathroom home is offered at $1,098,820.

On Lot 10, the Galway B does not disappoint with its spacious open concept living and guest suite on the main level. The impressive kitchen boasts upgraded finishes, center island, stainless steel appliances and double ovens. The covered patio off the kitchen is ideal for large scale entertaining. Upstairs find an impeccable owner’s suite with sitting room, a loft, and generous secondary bedrooms for a total of four-bedrooms and three-and-one half baths. Offered for $1,126,060.

The Tierney situated on homesite 11 is a striking two-story home featuring four bedrooms, three and one-half baths and is perfect for entertaining with open living

spaces and a chef’s kitchen with the latest in design. There are three large secondary bedrooms and a large loft. Priced at $1,126,005, this discerning home includes hardwoods on the main level and an extensive list of designer upgrades.

Homesite 12 features the Galway A an open and inviting home design with three bedrooms, four baths and a loft perfect for a home office. The elegant, sleek kitchen offers a huge island with breakfast bar and a hidden walk-in pantry with appliance bar and floating shelves. Enjoy easy access from the kitchen to the covered patio for additional outdoor entertaining space. Other assets include a mud room, an abundance of storage and three-car tandem garage. Offered for $1,105.310.

Homeowners at Hillandale enjoy a convenient and central location with easy access to local dining and shopping. The Chattahoochee River and pristine parks envelop the area creating a wide array of recreational activities. The Chattahoochee River Nature Preserve is just a short drive away with kayaking, biking and walking trials, and a summer music series. Districted in Roswell’s highly acclaimed school system, Hillandale is a neighborhood suited for any lifestyle.

Patrick Malloy Communities, founded in 1994 by Patrick Malloy, builds new homes in Metro Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. To date, the builder has developed over 11,000 homesites and built 7,000 homes with a total of more than $4 billion in sales. Accolades include multiple mentions in the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 20 Homebuilder and numerous professionalism awards, including community of the year awards. Patrick Malloy Communities also received a 2022 Guildmaster Award from GuildQuality for demonstrating exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry.

For more details on Hillandale, visit PMCommunities.com, call 770/2545372 or visit the sales center at 3025 Barnes Mill Ct. Roswell, 30075. Patrick Malloy Communities is represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division. BHHSgaNewHomes.com. An Equal Housing Opportunity.

For a limited time, 4.99% 30-Year fixed interest rate at Hillandale in Historic Roswell

Five on-trend housing design predictions for 2023

Brought to you by –

Bill Rawlings, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

Curating the details that fit your home and make it yours is always an individual process based on your personality, needs, budget and preference. The best design is not a replica of the latest trends but a custom articulation of the individual designer or homeowner’s interpretation of them. Ironic, then, that personal expression is very on-trend for 2023. That, and smart homes…

1. Cozier spaces.

As spacious and expansive as openconcept floor plans are, post-pandemic the consensus seems to be that there is such a thing as too much togetherness. Intimate retreats reimagined from nooks and crannies and in-between spaces are in demand, along with areas that promote privacy, such as libraries, home offices and yoga rooms.

2. Moodier use of color.

Although timeless, the Scandinavian aesthetic characterized by white and wood is now giving way to richer, more emotional color palettes. Dramatic, evocative palettes— including jewel tones—have increased in popularity, part of a larger trend toward self-expression.

3. Floating vanities.

Popular for its versatility and use of space, the floating vanity now figures largely in residential bathroom renovations and new builds, and for

good reason. They are more portable, just as durable as floor-standing vanities and generally competitive in price.

4. Elevated mindset.

Less about the glam or expensive furnishings, taking a luxe approach to design in 2023 is about an appreciation for the finer things, creating a custom space that feels warm, inviting and timeless. Interpreted in any number of ways, this principle might be rendered through the quality and sustainability of the materials, the type and amount of available light or the rustic comfort of wood and stone accents.

5. Black Accents.

From doors to cabinetry to lighting fixtures and other finishes, the trend toward accenting in black appears to be growing, especially since it pairs well with different colors and mixed metal finishes. Sophisticated and dramatic, it complements any space well.

Whether you are remodeling your space for personal enjoyment or looking to sell in 2023, figuring out the best way to interpret design trends and create a comfortable, inviting space is a process. If you need assistance staging your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!

Georgia’s housing market still highly desirable

Brought to you by – Wesley Hansard, Harry

Norman Realty

As we enter 2023, Georgia’s housing market continues to be desirable as our state attracts individuals and businesses. Now the 8th most populous state, Georgia was the 4th highest state for population growth last year. These movements continue to create economic activity and demand for housing, supporting a solid housing market.

This growth will help fuel on-going demand for housing in 2023, a positive if you are considering selling your home. For buyers, we anticipate inventory to remain lower than historical averages, though not as drastically low as we have seen over the past couple of years. The potential impact of rising mortgage rates will be top of mind for buyers.

Regardless of where interest rates move in 2023, Georgia and Atlanta are the place to be. The National Association of REALTORS® recently named Atlanta the No.1 Market to watch in 2023. To get a better understanding of your opportunity, reach out today for a market update specific to your situation. We’ll provide what you need to make 2023 a real estate success.

Know your rights with estate planning

some notable contenders include Medicaid, creditors, debtors, and of course, the government.

Estate planning isn’t about how much money you have. It’s about protecting what you have for you and your loved ones. Whether your estate plan includes just a Will and Power of Attorney, or if you’ve set up a trust, estate plans go a long way in making sure that what you leave behind goes to the people you care about.

So, what is an estate plan and why should you create one? To answer the second question first, Georgia is a state in which the right of survivorship is not automatic - meaning that you could lose control of your house if your spouse passes away while owning the property jointly. Not to mention, if you don’t prepare an estate plan that avoids probate court, you could lose a significant amount of your assets, as probate court is the only way to reclaim an estate - even if you have a will. In probate court, anyone can go after the assets of your loved ones, but

The last thing anyone wants to do is to have to fight for the assets of their loved ones right after losing someone precious. That’s why an estate plan is essential if you want to leave your family with a peace of mind. An estate plan is an asset protection plan that focuses specifically on ensuring that what you own goes to the people you want it to go to. Simple estate plans generally include establishing a trust, which is one of the few ways to avoid probate court. More advanced plans will include not just a trust, but also a healthcare directive, Power of Attorney, will, and many more documents to prepare for every scenario.

If you pass away tomorrow, are you certain that everything will be in good hands? If not, then it’s time to start strategizing to make sure no court battles or obscure law will take what you own from you.

ALPHARETTA-ROSWELL HERALD | FORSYTH HERALD | JOHNS CREEK HERALD MILTON HERALD | DUNWOODY CRIER | SANDY SPRINGS CRIER

Delivering Readers Award-Winning Newspapers

2022 Georgia Press Association

1st – Health Care Advertising

1st – Serious Column

1st – Investigative Reporting

1st – Food Advertising

1st – Signature Page

2nd – News Photograph

2nd – Feature Writing

2nd – Food Advertising

2nd – Service Advertising

2nd – Special Issues/Sections

2nd – Business Writing

3rd – Business Writing

3rd – Page One

3rd – Locals News Coverage

3rd – Spot News Photograph

3rd – Breaking News Writing

3rd – Lifestyle Feature Column

2022 Association of Community Publishers

1st – Orig. Editorial Photo Sports

1st – Orig. Writing Opinion

1st – Orig. Writing Sports

2nd – Feature Article Layout

2nd – Front Page Special Section

3rd – Orig. Editorial Photo Feature

3rd – Food & Drink Single Ad Color

3rd – Grocery/Liquor Single Ad Color

3rd – Special Promotion/Section

Stand-Alone Gloss

GEERDES

Brought to you by - Holly Geerdes, Geerdes & Associates

THE PAST

Tombstones can tell us stories

A simple tombstone in a small cemetery in Johns Creek marks the final resting place of a young man who died too soon. Ervin

O. (Oscar) Jones was killed in the World War II battle of Okinawa at age 20. His tombstone has a portrait of Ervin in his Army uniform, with his garrison cap askew as was often the fashion back then. He looks proud to be serving his country. This is his story together with four sub-stories.

I am indebted to Ed Malowney, president of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society, who took me to visit Ervin’s tombstone. Thanks also to Craig Gleason former coordinator for the Nashville Songwriters Association who interviewed Ervin’s younger brother Curtis, Ervin’s last living sibling, a decade ago.

Ervin was born June 22, 1924, in Alpharetta, the son of H. (Harmon) B. Jones (1898-1983) and Jennie Mae Stapler Jones (1901-1988). His father farmed cotton and corn at the intersection of Jones Bridge Road and Barnwell Road, and Ervin grew up working the land. Growing up on a farm, hunting came naturally to Ervin, and he was known as an excellent shot. He joined the Army on April 10, 1943, at Fort McPherson in East Point near Atlanta, a major recruitment center during the war. He was only 19 years old.

Ervin was sent to the South Pacific in May 1944 and quickly saw action in Saipan and Leyte. The Battle of Saipan, in the Mariana Islands, was a major victory for the United States in June to August 1944. In October, U.S. troops invaded Leyte, 110 miles long with 4,000foot mountain peaks making it one of the largest Philippine islands. The U.S. won decisively in December.

On April 16, 1945, the 77th U.S. Infantry Division arrived on le Shima, a small island 3 miles off Okinawa where Ervin was assigned to a wire line team laying communication wires to support efforts to capture the important Japanese airbase on the island. What was expected to be a quick and relatively easy operation turned out be six days of living hell for the 6,100 U.S. troops on the island as dug in Japanese soldiers fought to the death and kamikaze pilots wreaked havoc on US ships offshore. By April 21 when the US troops accomplished their objective, the U.S. had lost 1,155 men killed, including Ervin who

was shot on April 17 while singlehandedly trying to attack some Japanese soldiers who had pinned down his platoon.

Sub-story 1. Ernie Pyle was the most acclaimed war correspondent of World War II. He told the war’s story from the points of view of ordinary GIs and won their respect and that of the American public. He spent four years covering the war in North Africa, Italy and France before arriving on le Shima. On April 19, a jeep carrying Pyle and three officers came under fire from a hidden 30 caliber Japanese machine gun. Pyle was shot in the left temple and

died instantly two days following the death of Ervin Jones at almost the same spot. Ervin died almost two years after he was sworn into the Army.

Sub story 2. Ervin had a dog named Champ, a bulldog mix who was never allowed in the house. When Ervin’s coffin was placed in the living room of the farmhouse at Jones Bridge Road and Barnwell Road, Champ barked incessantly and finally broke the screen door get in. He sat defiantly under the coffin and would not let anyone near it for several days until the hearse took it away. Champ followed the hearse 1 mile up Jones Bridge Road to the Pleasant Hill Cemetery and returned every day for the rest of his life to visit Ervin’s gravesite.

Sub story 3. When I visited Ervin’s grave, there were two pennies on top of

the tombstone. A coin left on a headstone lets family know that another member of the military stopped by to honor the deceased. In military cemeteries, the coins are collected monthly and used for cemetery upkeep or for charitable reasons. Each type of coin has a special meaning. A penny simply means you visited. A nickel means you and the deceased went through boot camp together. A dime means you and the deceased served together. A quarter means you were with the deceased when the veteran died.

Sub story 4. A decade ago, singer/ songwriter Craig Gleason took his young daughter to visit the small Mount Pleasant Cemetery where Ervin is buried to teach her how cemeteries can help us learn about people who came before us. When he came across Ervin’s marker, he was overcome with emotion as he thought of this long-forgotten young man who gave his life for his country. Craig tracked down Ervin’s younger brother Curtis, now deceased, and learned enough about Ervin to compose a song as a tribute to his life. You can listen to his beautiful song by searching YouTube for “The Ballad of Ervin O. Jones.” You can also visit his website www/craiggleason.com.

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

BOB MEYERS Columnist

PRESERVING

CRAIG GLEASON/PROVIDED Ervin O Jones and his younger brother Curtis stand on the farm where they grew up where Jones Bridge Road and Barnwell Road meet in Johns Creek.

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

The tombstone marking the final resting place of local resident Ervin O Jones in Mount Pleasant Cemetery on Old Alabama Road in Johns Creek. He died in 1945 serving his country on a remote Pacific island during World War ll.

PBR: The greatest show on dirt

Every one of them don’t walk.

They sorta limp/ amble while not working.

Their job is seemingly so simple: Eight seconds. Eight measly seconds can spell the difference between a payday and more pain.

Even the winners grimace, tightlipped as they gingerly head into the bowels of whatever arena they find themselves in on any particular weekend.

In my many years ago days as a sportswriter, I grew to appreciate the sheer brutality of just how physical life on an NFL playing field actually was. The clash of pads escalated at every level of football, from high school to college and finally to the crescendo of on-field NFL battles.

To put it bluntly, to close your eyes on a pro football sideline, sounds like a sickening car crash. And that’s on every play.

But we’re getting away from what I feel I need to impart this week: The riders who make their living on the

Professional Bull Riders tour are the toughest athletes in the world.

The PBR Tour made a stop recently in North Georgia, replacing the ice used for hockey with a layer of dirt, no matter how thick, would never provide nearly enough cushion to assuage the sheer fact that there is little give provided to a cowboy who is flung scarily off the back of a 2,000-pound beast who doesn’t want anyone on its back.

The riders wear helmets. The padded protective vests really don’t provide much help but have to be better than nothing.

Accompanied by two Cumming buddies, “Buckshot” Bob Milano and Jon “Hondo” Howard, I got as up-close-and-personal as possible, marveling at the cowboys’ ability to take a gargantuan dose of punishment and walk away, sometime with the aid of the PBR medical staff, back to a locker room that resembles a war-time infirmary.

Forget the Advil. Give me the “good” stuff.

Hondo joked before the show that he was prepared to ride should there be an opening. On the ride home, we Cumming cowboys for the day, tried to process what we had witnessed.

I used to marvel at the skills and

toughness of a world-class boxer. The fight game is a nasty business. But after every bout, the opponents hug and shake hands.

If given the opportunity, these bovine beasts would just as soon, stomp, kick or gore anyone foolish enough to stand in the way.

After getting smacked in the noggin, former World Champion Dener Barbosa was prone in the dirt for several minutes. The 7,000-plus spectators reverently quiet as they hoped for the Brazilian to come to. PBR officials and fellow riders were shown on the arena screen with heads bowed in prayer.

You could have heard a dirt clod drop, the air seemingly sucked out of the building. The biggest roar of approval of the afternoon came when Barbosa was helped on his walk to the locker room.

He traveled back to his Texas home, with no word from the PBR officials as to when he would compete again. Barbosa had just returned to riding, recovering from back surgery that involved 10 screws being utilized to help him in his attempt to regain championship form.

With rodeos scattered around our area (Wills Park and Cumming), with

bull-riding being the main event, the PBR is big-time. Flint Rasmussen, the grease-painted emcee for the day, was a featured guest on ESPN’s College Game Day.

Rasmussen was days shy of his 55th birthday while in Georgia, poised to catch an early-evening flight back to Montana. It’s a marvel to see him work a crowd and keep his material fresh.

“These hallways (under the arena) all look the same and we don’t get a weekend off until May.”

Rasmussen, as personable and accommodating while talking (sans greasepaint) before the event, has a sweet gig.

Never a rider but growing up in a rodeo family, he knows he’ll not do this forever.

He’ll have collected many souvenirs from his PBR days.

Not immune to injuries, Rasmussen, like the riders, will always have his limp. He’ll just have to do it without the greasepaint.

Mike Tasos has lived in Forsyth County for more than 30 years. He’s an American by birth and considers himself a Southerner by the grace of God. He can be reached at miketasos55@gmail.com.

The Friends of the Dunwoody Library are at it again

The Friends of the Dunwoody Library are back in a big way, with four sales planned for 2023. In my book, that’s huge news and there’s nothing better than being able to mark my calendar with the sale dates.

• Mar. 23, 24, 25, 27 - Adult sale

• July 28, 29, 31 - Children’s & YA sale

• Sept. 14, 15, 16, 18 - Adult sale

These days, the FODL accepts credit and debit cards in addition to cash. And you can’t beat the prices—$2.00 for most hardbacks and $1.00 for paperbacks. For me, it means I can afford to take a chance on an author I haven’t tried before. And don’t forget that the

final Monday of each sale is Bargain Day. What’s the worst that can happen? I don’t finish a book and I donate it back to the FODL for them to sell again. It’s a win for everyone.

The sales will be held indoors with a maximum of fifty people permitted in the shopping room at any one time, and face masks are encouraged but not required. Should there be a wait to enter the main sale area, you’ll be able to shop for puzzles and DVDs in the library lobby.

If you’re unable to make the sales events, you can visit the library lobby to shop the sales carts during library hours. Located near the donation bins, the carts carry books and DVDs at the same prices you’ll pay at the four events. The only difference is that these purchases are exact cash only, so you’ll want to come prepared. On the other hand, you can always leave a bit extra to support the work

of the FODL.

Where does the money go?

What you spend at these sales supports a variety of projects that enhance the library. The FODL was busy last year completing “home improvements” for the library:

• Replaced the wire magazine racks in the lobby with a wooden one

• Replaced the old message board with a new one

• Painted the wall for the hall gallery where you can find Dunwoody Fine Art Association works on display

• Finished up the new tall bookcase which was delayed by what else? Supply chain issues

The FODL is also taking book donations, and you can drop yours off at the library during normal library operating hours. You can put them in the bins in the lobby. Even boxes of books are accepted, but the FODL requests that you be careful

not to block the hallway with these. Do you need help unloading a car full of books? Visit on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 until noon when there are always volunteers available to help you.

If you’re de-cluttering your house this winter, this could be the perfect time to scan your bookshelves for donations to deliver to the library. The good news is that de-cluttering makes room for new books!

You won’t see me at the Children’s & YA sales, but I hope to run into you at the others. Happy shopping and reading to all!

Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her cozy mysteries locally at The Enchanted Forest in Dunwoody and Bookmiser in East Cobb or on Amazon. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook. com/KathyManosPennAuthor/.

MIKE TASOS

Columnist

KATHY MANOS PENN

The Ink Penn, inkpenn119@gmail.com

GARDEN BUZZ

Top Gardening Jobs for February

Get your soil tested.

Once you have taken your samples to the North Fulton Service Center’s Cooperative Extension Office in Sandy Springs (Room 248), along with $12 per sample, UGA’s soil lab will email the analysis report to you. You can locate your nearest Extension office as well as get instructions for submitting a soil sample by visiting the University of Georgia’s Extension website: extension.uga.edu.

You may also obtain Soil Test Kit for $15, includes container and prepaid postage. Soil testing will be extremely helpful for your property’s future success.

The recent flash-freeze in December 2022 caused damage and injury to many broad-leaf evergreens and possibly some thin-bark trees. Refrain at least for a month from cutting back anything until you notice new growth. The UGA Extension website has detailed information, including a circular, “Winter Protection of Ornamental Plants.”

On the ground

Clean up your plant beds. Remove excess leaves, weeds and fallen branches. Renew mulch if needed. Clay soil needs lots of help, so remove old mulch and add soil conditioners and decomposed compost. Till it in around the plant roots and tamp down the soil. Replace it with 2-3 inches of fresh

mulch.

Do you have an established vegetable garden? Till the soil when it is dry to eliminate overwintering insects and weeds.

Clean and sharpen garden tools. Spray paint the handles a bright color. There will be less chance of losing tools when traveling from one section of the yard to another.

Chop English ivy and other invasive ground covers. Cut back liriope and other ornamental grasses.

Trees

Tree planting is ideal from January through mid-February. Make sure you site your tree in the proper location according to its requirements. Check often to ensure that it has enough water during the first several months after the planting date.

In order to establish its root system, a tree requires watering regularly. While we are on this subject, Georgia’s Arbor Day is always the 3rd Friday in February, so, plant it then to celebrate Arbor Day Feb. 17.

Selectively pruning trees and evergreens is also best done at this time of the year. The “sap” is dormant due to the lower winter temperatures. Topping trees or evergreens is highly discouraged.

Other tips:

• Keep watering fall-planted material when rainfall is sporadic.

• Work inside with houseplants. If the root ball is very tight and water penetrates slowly, it’s time to repot. Untangle the roots and loosen the soil around the root ball. Cut

leggy or overgrown plants back, then repot with fresh potting soil.

• Perform hardscape projects during the winter months when possible. Adding walking stone paths provides definitive ways to travel through your property, without trampling on turf or beds.

• Fescue sod can be planted or fescue seed can be applied where the lawn is thin. Because of the lower temperatures, it may take longer for the seeds to sprout.

• Check for unwanted weeds in the lawn and, if possible, remove them by hand with the proper tool instead of using chemicals. If you remove the weed’s root (and seed head), it won’t return.

• Don’t allow leaves to pile up and suffocate your turf. Even though bermudagrass turns brown during its dormant phase, it still needs sunlight.

• Early bulbs will begin to emerge. If you notice flowers blooming prematurely, cover them with pine straw. Remember that all bulbs have their own internal time clock!

• Generally, by February (but maybe not this February, due to the extreme recent freezes), bush roses (such as Knockouts) should be pruned to a height of 15-18 inches, with only 4-5 main canes. Important to remember: when using any of your pruning tools, clean the blades with Isopropyl alcohol or bleach before moving to the next plant. It reduces the chances of spreading fungi, bacteria, and other pathogens.

• Do not fertilize spring-flowering shrubs or trees until after they bloom. Summer-

flowering shrubs and shade trees can be fertilized in late February through March. 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.

About the Author

This week’s guest Master Gardener “Garden Buzz” columnist is Marlysa Raye-Jacobus. Raised on the coast of southern New Jersey, Marlysa arrived in the Atlanta area in 1997 after five corporate moves. Initially, she became a Master Gardener through Ohio State University’s program in 1996 and interned in 1997-98 in North Fulton County. She is an active member of several horticultural organizations in addition to North Fulton Master Gardeners. Marlysa is the current co-chair of the Plant! Milton gardening classes presented by the North Fulton Master Gardeners in partnership with the City of Milton. Her passions are: six wonderful grandchildren, traveling, playing tennis, reading, and attending cultural events in the Atlanta area with her husband and friends.

World War II veteran W.T. Donaldson

William T. Donaldson was born in 1921 in the family home on North Shallowford Road where the Dunwoody Emory Clinic sits today. Dr. Puckett came to the home for the delivery. W. T. Donaldson’s parents were Mattie Azilee Eison Donaldson and James W. Donaldson. I had the honor of meeting and interviewing World War II veteran W. T. Donaldson in 2011.

The location of the Donaldson home on North Shallowford meant that the children attended Chamblee School, which included elementary and high

school all in the same location. Back then, school went through grade eleven.

The Donaldsons were dairy farmers, delivering their milk to Atlanta. When Mr. Donaldson was old enough to drive, he would deliver milk in a Chevrolet pickup truck, rising early in the morning to make deliveries before high school. His first class each morning was a study period, so being a little late didn’t matter.

The family grew corn and wheat on the farm and took it to the Cheek mill for grinding. The Cheek mills and cotton gin were located in the area of the southeast corner of Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Mount Vernon Road.

As a young boy, Mr. Donaldson attended the Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church, which was the church of

his mother’s family. Church services were not held every Sunday, because the preachers travelled and delivered sermons at more than one church. Preachers would be hosted for the night by a local family. Mr. Donaldson recalls Pastor Bartow Phillips of Ebenezer staying overnight with his family.

When the Dunwoody Methodist church built a new parsonage, Mr. Donaldson was hired by Mr. Marchman to help with the framing. When the parsonage was complete, all the church and community were invited to a dinner on the ground.

In later years, W.T. Donaldson visited Winters Chapel Methodist Church and that is where he met his future wife, Lillian Grace Robbs. Her friends dared her to sit next to him on the church pew. They married in Sioux Falls, South

Dakota in 1943 during World War II. Mr. Donaldson was working at the Cochran base in Macon when he received his draft notice. At first, he was deferred because of the necessity of the work he was doing. Later, he was inducted at Fort McPherson here in Atlanta. From there he went to Miami Beach for basic training and then Sioux Falls, South Dakota for radio school.

He served with the Army Air Corps in the Pacific as a radio operator on B-24’s, beginning in Darwin, Australia. This was soon after Darwin had been bombed by the Japanese. Mr. Donaldson went on many missions, but the longest lasted 16 hours. The mission involved flying over Borneo and Java. His outfit fought in the Battle of Coral

MARLYSA RAYE-JACOBUS

Guest Columnist

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

Veteran:

Continued from Page 26

Seas and New Guinea and received commendations for their service.

After the war, W. T. Donaldson returned to Dunwoody and his father gave him 5 acres of land on North Shallowford Road near where The Columns at Lake Ridge Apartments are

today.

He and his wife and family lived there for twenty years before moving to Sandy Springs.

The Donaldson Bannister Home at the corner of Vermack Road and Chamblee Dunwoody Road was built in 1870 by W. T. Donaldson’s great grandfather, W. J. Donaldson.

W.T. Donaldson died on Dec. 4, 2015, and is buried at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs.

DANNY ROSS/PROVIDED

Cousins Fred Donaldson, left, and W.T. Donaldson gather at a 2009 family reunion held at Donaldson-Bannister Farm. W.T. Donaldson died in 2015. Fred Donaldson died in 2022.

Call today to place your ad 470.222.8469 or email

Full-time

SERVICE DIRECTORY

POOL TECHNICIANS WANTED

NFCC is looking for a full-time executive assistant to support the Executive Director and leadership team.  This person will play a vital role in help keep the NFCC leadership team organized and productive and will interact with the board of directors and other important stakeholder groups. Sensitivity, discretion and attention to detail are a must. Candidate must have a two-year degree, bachelor’s degree preferred and should have at least 2-3 years of relevant experience. For a complete job description visit https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/

Client Services Specialist

The full-time Client Services Specialist greets visitors to NFCC and assists them with obtaining services. In addition, this person conducts followup interviews, enters data and may participate in additional follow-up activities.  A high school degree or equivalent is required along with at least one year in customer service or other relevant experience. Discretion and strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish are also required. For a complete job description, please visit https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/

Truck Driver

NFCC needs a reliable driver to work part-time picking up scheduled donations. The person in this role may also assist with facility maintenance and must maintain accurate vehicle maintenance records. It is crucial that they represent NFCC with a professional and friendly demeanor. 1-2 years of box truck delivery experience is preferred. Candidate must maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license and be free of any traffic violations for the past three years.  Work on Saturdays or Sundays may be required occasionally. For a complete job description, please visit https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/

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

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

Call Bill: 404-245-9396

Agilysys NV, LLC seeks Lead Software Engineer - Technical Services in Alpharetta, GA. Dev code solutions to business needs. Apply https://www.jobpostingtoday.com/ Ref # 30535.

Process Control Engineer (ANDRITZ Inc.; Alpharetta, GA): Perf.s contracts startups, server HW inst’n, sales pres., proposal tech’l review, solution implmnt’n & operation, doc’n w/ ANDRITZ engrg tools. Min req: Bach or foreign equiv in Engg, Electrical Engg, or rltd fld + 5 yrs exp in process control engg or automt’n +add’l reqs. Some domestic travel req for client site visits, mtg, and/or conferences. Send resume to: Suzanne Fulton, IMM, ANDRITZ Inc. 5405 Windward Parkway, Suite 100W, Alpharetta, GA, 30004. Ref: 37762. An EOE.

SELL IT, FIND IT, BUY IT PLACE YOUR AD HERE

Tree Services

Roofing

ROOF LEAKING?

24 hour emergency service. Licensed, insured. Workers Comp, insurance claims. 25+ years experience. Family business. Free estimates. We Love Challenges!

Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts

770-512-8733 • www.yellowribbontree.com

COMPLETE TREE SERVICES

Appen-Rated 98 Text or Call us for a FREE quote appointment.

Tree removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Free mulch. Fully insured.

Emergency 24/7

770-450-8188

Driveway

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

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

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.

BASEMENTS-FRAMING-DRYWALL-TRIM-PAINT

Decks repaired/built. Labor payment upon completion. 30-plus years experience. John Ingram/678-906-7100. Act now before prices increase next year! Heritage Home Maintenance homerepairga@ gmail.com. heritageconstructionga.com

Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 OFF Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123.

Christian Brothers Roofing

Cemetery

ROSWELL GREENLAWN

1 lot, Crucifiction Section. $3995. 678-232-6816

SAVE $12,000! Greenlawn, Roswell. Regularly $7995 each.

Owner: $12,000/all 3. Side-by-side Fountain B. 26-c. 1.2,3. 770-490-6425

Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 5 pm

Concrete/ Asphalt

Retaining Walls

Brick or Wood

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

Flooring

PHILLIPS FLOORING

ALPHARETTA BUILDING & REMODELING

New home builder. Additions. Electrical. Plumbing. Architectural Drawing. Kitchens. Bathrooms. Deck design & installation

Lic/Ins. BBB A+ rating. 41 yrs. 352-449-5697

Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen back-splashes. Regrouting is also available. Call 678-887-1868 for free estimate.

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

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

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

HughesNet - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo!

Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

Become a published author. We want to read your book!

Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-7294998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

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

1-866-479-1516

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

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today.

20% off Entire Purchase. 10%

Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

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

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

1-877-539-0299

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

1-855-417-1306

Switch and save up to $250/yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time get $50 off any new account. Use code GIFT50.

1-855-903-3048

Attention Homeowners! If you have water damage and need cleanup services, call us! We’ll get in & work with your insurance agency to get your home repaired and your life back to nor-mal ASAP! 855-767-7031

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! 1-888-489-3936

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom!

1-833-758-3892

Caring for an aging loved one? Wondering about options like senior-living communities and inhome care? Caring.com’s