Milton Herald - February 9, 2023

‘State of the City’ address set for Feb. 15

MILTON, Ga. — Residents are invited to Milton’s State of the City event Feb. 15, where they can come together as a community, revisit important developments from 2022 and look forward to expected progress in the coming year.

The event will take place at Milton City Hall at 6 p.m. with a reception featuring complementary beverages provided by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and appetizers prepared by Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails. An hour into the event, Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison will begin his remarks.

Milton’s State of the City will allow residents to interact informally with city leaders and one another before the mayor gives a speech outlining some of what has happened recently in the city and what’s to come over the rest of this year.

While the event is free, residents are encouraged to RSVP because of limited capacity. Those planning to come should email RSVP@miltonga.gov on or before Feb. 9 and include the names of those who will attend.

Armed driver eludes Milton police

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Milton Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a yellow 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Jan. 29 at around 5:40 p.m. traveling northbound on Cogburn Road.

The suspect continued after police activated emergency equipment, the police report said, and made a right on Oakstone Glen. After ignoring police for some time, the suspect made a left onto North Stone Close, where he pulled into a

Senate committee to examine funding for public education

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — The formula for funding public schools in Georgia dates back to 1985 when the Legislature passed Quality Based Education. It was considered landmark legislation at a time when schools were funded primarily by local taxes.

QBE determines the cost to educate a full-time, public school student. It uses that figure to calculate how much a district “earns” each year in state funding.

With nearly $11 billion of state revenue budgeted for public schools this year through QBE, getting the formula fully funded and fair is important.

“It’s a plurality of the state budget,” said Stephen Owens, education director at the Georgia Policy and Budget Institute. “But it’s in the [Georgia] constitution as a primary obligation to provide an adequate public education free of charge.”

driveway.

An unidentified Black male driver, with a slim build, wearing a black jacket with white stripes, exited the vehicle where he fled north on foot toward the wood line behind the residence.

Police pursued the suspect on foot but lost sight of him when he jumped the fence headed toward Ga. 9.

Milton officers and Alpharetta Police K-9 responded on scene to set up a perimeter where they continued to canvass the area for the suspect, but he was not located.

Police checked the car’s dirty tag, which came back to a green 2005 Ford LGT Truck with ceased ownership. Police then checked the vehicle’s vin to contact the registered owner, where the owner said she sold the car two years before to a young Black man off Facebook marketplace.

While conducting an inventory of the vehicle, a black Sig P320 handgun was found inside a black book bag on the front passenger’s seat. The handgun had

See PURSUIT, Page 4

In developing the “per pupil” cost each year, QBE considers a variety of factors including grade level, teacher staffing and experience, class size, special services, like special education or gifted classes, student-teacher ratio and other direct and indirect costs of education.

While QBE determines how much a school earns in state funding each year, the state’s economy and budget determine how much the school systems actually receive. Since 1985,

See FUNDING, Page 4

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Customer calls in threats over restaurant order

MILTON, Ga. — Milton Police listened to irate voicemail messages on Bobby G’s restaurant answering machine complaining about an incorrect order.

The restaurant manager said the restaurant received an online order Jan. 21, which was later picked up at the take-out window. After the order was filled, the manager said four messages were left. The messages “sounded like an obnoxiously rude customer ranting about an incorrect order,” according to the police report.

The male suspect leaving the messages seemed to be upset about paying for an extra egg on a salad, the report said, but only receiving the standard egg.

The messages also implied the customer would report the issue to management, the report said, but strangely seemed irate over an egg and spoke about how the employees were not worth anything and the business would no longer be open.

The manager then played the fourth recorded voice message for police, and there were statements about breaking legs and either getting the employees “fired” or setting them on fire.

At the time of the report, the manager did not move forward with pressing charges.

Woman says helpers may have taken jewelry

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton woman told police Jan. 24 she left her wedding ring and a pair of gold earrings in her jewelry box but hadn’t seen them since October.

The woman hired a company to

provide her 24-hour care for 10 days. She told police there were a lot of nurses and helpers in and out of her home and bedroom during that period.

After the contract with the company ended, she hired an individual because she only needed a few hours of help a day. She hired the woman based on a reference from a family friend, and she worked from late September to early December.

The woman was not sure who took the jewelry and had no suspects, however she stated that she noticed some of her kitchen items missing during the time that the single employee was working.

The victim also explained that the employee’s boyfriend came over to speak with her husband about his time in the war and stayed in the residence for about three to four hours with the employee.

The jewelry had been missing since October, but the woman did not file a report then because she did not have any suspects and didn’t think she needed a report until she contacted her insurance company.

The ring or the earrings do not have unique serial numbers, the woman said, and the last time the ring was appraised was 1994 for $8,700 and has a receipt from when the earrings were purchased for $550.

The woman described the ring as yellow gold with a round 1.12-carat diamond in the center and the earrings as yellow gold hoops.

Phone scammer targets registered sex offender

MILTON, Ga. — A registered sex offender, required to follow annual reporting, said he received a voicemail Jan. 24 from a man claiming to be from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim told Milton Police the caller stated his name and badge number and called him regarding a bond that needed to be paid.

The man said when he called back, the phone number was set up with

prompts as if it were the Fulton County Sheriff`s Office. He said he asked a person on the line what the bond was for and was told it was failure to appear and failure to comply with registry requirements.

The fake officer told him if he did not pay the bond then there would be a warrant issued for his arrest, the report said. He was also told that the “Financial and Accounting Department” would text him a QR code to pay the bond.

The man confirmed with the Sex Offender Unit at the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office that he had no outstanding citations and that he was in good standing with the registry.

Man’s identity used to get job with Uber

MILTON, Ga. — Milton Police responded to a call Jan. 30 about a Social Security number fraudulently used to apply for an Uber driver position.

Police met with the fraud victim who said he received a letter on Jan. 27 from the IRS regarding taxes. On the form, it showed that the man applied for an Uber driver position and had earned $2,581.20.

The man said he never applied for an Uber driver position, the report said, and when he noticed that his Social Security number was involved in the IRS document, he contacted Uber for support.

At the time of the report, the man had still been waiting on a follow-up email from Uber.

The man said he is usually good about keeping his personal information secure and is not sure how it was obtained.

Artist pulls from days in Jim Crow South for mixed media exhibit

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Gerald Burch, an actualized renaissance man, is compelled to create art. It’s a gift from God, he said, that he sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night with visions of what to create next. One time, Burch said he woke up, took the shirt off his back and used it for a painting.

“My work is not for everybody because it’s not pretty,” Burch said. “Some of the stuff that I do, I don’t even like, but I’m compelled to do it.”

Burch’s tagline, “the Artist is the Conscious of a Society,” speaks to his overall objective to create a dialogue through art, seeking to ask questions and propose answers on equality and social justice.

His pieces, on display in the Johns Creek Arts Center “Souls Grown Deep” exhibition, have a cohesive theme in how they speak to his experience as a person of color, witnessing a world constructed in oppressive ways.

Born in Albany in 1955, Burch knows the Jim Crow South. He remembers standing in front of two fountains, puzzled. His experience led him to create “Why,” a large mixedmedia painting of a girl in a ’50s style dress looking at a “White Only” water fountain in dismay.

“Does it taste different?” a young Burch asked himself.

‘Souls Grown Deep’

Althea Foster, program director and curator at the Johns Creek Arts Center, said the title for the exhibition comes from a Langston Hughes poem.

“My soul has grown deep like the rivers,” Hughes writes in “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.”

Burch is one of two artists in the exhibition, on display until Feb. 25. Accompanying Burch’s less refined folk style are Ronald Sullivan’s sleek, polished, sophisticated sculptures made of wood and stone.

Sullivan is keen on incorporating themes like spirituality, family,

nurture, completeness and balance in his work, according to his artist biography. He believes there to be a “natural warmth and beauty” to carved raw materials.

Foster thinks the two artists complement one another well and speak to two different Black experiences.

On one hand, Burch’s family had worked in the cotton fields and on another, Sullivan immigrated to the United States by way of Guyana and

England. Burch went to art school, while Sullivan started creating after a career in engineering.

“I think it’s a tendency among all people to lump people together and say, ‘the Black experience,’” Foster said. “But the Black experience for people is very, very different … Not all Black people think alike …”

‘Bits and pieces’

Burch’s work, often visceral, spans different periods of time — from the era

of cotton fields, where viewers might see a weary woman in the foreground carrying a satchel of white fluff, to police brutality in the modern day.

In “Suffocating Walls, Closed Windows and Silent Cries” Burch painted the words “I can’t breathe” on a mouth covered by the American flag, harkening back to the 2014 death of Eric Garner at the hands of a New York City Police officer who used a prohibited chokehold. The utterance became a slogan for the Black Lives Matter movement.

The background is busy with 3D white crosses marked “Unknown,” but still, there are many named victims listed across the piece. A miniature Skittles box was created that references Trayvon Martin’s murder in 2012.

Most of Burch’s work is mixed media and incorporates found objects. He’ll go for a walk, look for bottle caps, or cans flattened by cars, pieces of wire, tree bark, leaves, “some of everything.” Burch went to art school, where he was taught a more traditional style. But as he got older, he began to see life as “bits and pieces,” familiar things that everyone can associate with.

“These are the things life is composed of,” Burch said.

In “A Not So Random Act of Violence,” caution tape is strewn across the body of a man that lay sprawled on the ground in a bird’s eye view. His body is covered in script reminiscent of the U.S. Constitution. An old razor cell phone jets out from the painting in the bottom right corner, indicating that the subject may have called loved ones with his last breath. Bullets are scattered about.

Burch described a piece that he was working on, which had little bits and pieces of stuff all over it. He couldn’t find a name for it.

“Eventually, the artwork itself will tell me what it wants to do, or what it wants to be. It’s almost like a little child. And I’m looking at it now, and I ask, ‘What do you want from me?’” Burch said. “Eventually, it’ll tell me. Forgive me for being cryptic, I’m sorry…”

Wellstar North Fulton certified as comprehensive stroke center

ROSWELL, Ga. — Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center in Roswell received comprehensive stroke center certification from national health nonprofit the Joint Commission on Jan. 31.

As a comprehensive stroke center, Wellstar North Fulton offers advanced diagnostic and therapy tools to treat

highly complex stroke cases. The tools include neuro intensive care units, minimally invasive treatments, hightech imaging and around-the-clock care done with artificial intelligence.

Georgia is part of the “stroke belt,” a group of 11 states in the Southeast where the mortality rate is 10 percent above the national average.

“When you have a stroke, every second counts,” said Jon-Paul Croom, president of Wellstar North Fulton. “Getting fast, expert stroke care can mean the difference between life, death or lasting brain damage.”

Croom said the certification informs the community that they “don’t have to go far to receive the best treatment

possible.”

North Fulton is the second Wellstar medical center to receive a comprehensive stroke center certification in Georgia. There are eight comprehensive stroke centers across the state. Wellstar Kennestone Regional medical Center in Marietta is also certified by the Joint Commission.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Gerald Burch is one of two artists in the “Souls Grown Deep” exhibition on display at the Johns Creek Arts Center until Feb. 25. While Burch’s mixed-media work tends to illustrate visceral images about black oppression, Sullivan’s polished sculptured work is more subdued.

Milton seeks public opinion for Big Creek Greenway connections

MILTON, Ga. — In hopes to proactively link up parts of Milton via multi-use paths to the Big Creek Greenway, the city is looking to use federal grants to help pay for the project.

As part of the grant application process, the city is inviting public comment over the next 30 days on where and how the new “trails” would pass by, and minimally impact, two parks.

The project’s big-picture goal is to give Milton residents direct access to the Big Creek Greenway, a popular run of trails extending between Roswell and Forsyth County.

The Big Creek Greenway does not go into Milton, but it does come close.

Pursuit:

Continued from Page 1

one 9mm round in the chamber and three rounds inside the magazine.

Police also saw a black wallet containing a Social Security card and an American Express Cash card with a name. The wallet also contained various gift cards and discount cards.

Police saw the vehicle`s Georgia title inside the glove box, which was unsigned

Funding:

Continued from Page 1

the QBE has rarely been fully funded, or appropriately adjusted to the current education environment.

Four decades ago when QBE was implemented, technology in classrooms was limited. Students used typewriters to submit papers, phones were still wired to walls, and there were fewer options available for students with unique learning needs.

Georgia’s last three governors have made fully funding QBE a priority, but it will take the will of the General Assembly to see it through.

“I look forward to working with the Georgia General Assembly and other partners to strengthen supports and opportunities for students [and] support for public education,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods, who has made funding the QBE a 2023 priority for the Georgia Department of Education.

“We have an enormous opportunity as we move beyond the pandemic to build a public education system that is truly centered on the needs of Georgia students.”

In an amended 2023 budget, Gov. Brian Kemp has requested an additional $745 million for schools and proposed more than

Once this project finishes, many Milton residents will no longer have to hop in a car to reach the Greenway. Instead, they’ll be able to get there directly and safely by walking, strolling or biking without mingling with cars on a busy road.

New multi-use paths would stretch from the Cambridge High School area along Cogburn Road, on Webb Road, then to Morris Road and ultimately to McGinnis Ferry Road, the Milton border. The route would meet up with the Georgia Department of Transportation’s McGinnis Ferry Road/Ga. 400 interchange construction project that features a trail connection to the Big Creek Greenway.

The Milton route runs by North Park,

with the named original owner. The handgun, title and wallet were all collected as evidence on scene. No returns were found on the handgun. The vehicle was impounded and removed. A hold was placed on the vehicle for the investigation of fleeing and eluding. The handgun, wallet and its contents, and vehicle’s title were all placed into Milton evidence. The name that appeared on wallet contents was used to conduct a search. The man had a suspended driver’s license status for a failure to appear and had a warrant for a probation violation for

an Alpharetta space surrounded by Milton, as well as Freedom Park. The impact on the park properties would be minimal, affecting only small slivers where they meet the roadway. Still, one condition of the federal grant application is that the public be notified and have an opportunity to share their views on these park impacts.

Citizen input on this matter can be sent to Milton Engineering Project Manager Rob Dell-Ross at robert.dellross@miltonga.gov. The opportunity for public comment lasts 30 days, closing on March 3. Details on this project, including relevant documents and imagery, can be found on the Milton’s online transparency portal at cleargov.com.

dangerous drugs out of Clayton County Sheriff’s Office.

Police attempted to contact the man, but his number was disconnected. His probation officer said the suspect had not checked in since 2017 and there is an active probation warrant for him. The officer also said the man is a convicted felon and that he was on probation for a felony Schedule II narcotics charge.

Police were unable to positively identify the suspect driver as the named man at the time of the report.

$1.1

billion to fully fund the QBE formula. Committee to review QBE

Last year, the Georgia Senate approved a resolution to form the “Senate Study Committee to Review Educational Funding Mechanisms.” Meetings were held across the state last fall to gather input from the public as it looks to address shortfalls in QBE this session.

The five-member committee is tasked with reviewing the “efficacy and sufficiency” of school funding, primarily the QBE, to determine if it is meeting the needs of Georgia’s 1.7 million public school students and 2,300 public schools.

Owens said the QBE formula is working for the most part, but in serious need of review and updates.

“Georgia has one of the fairer funding systems in the nation,” Owens said during a recent media symposium hosted by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education. “But it is getting less fair year after year.”

He noted in the recent past Georgia was among the top 10 states in the country for how much money was directed to public schools with high numbers of economically disadvantaged students. Georgia has now dropped to 16, and is one of only six states that does not have targeted funding for students in poverty.

Owens also pointed to the state’s $6.6

billion in surplus revenue above the “rainy day” fund that sits at the discretion of the governor and Legislature.

“So we will all be watching with bated breath on how that money is spent this year [to see if it is used] to increase services for the people of Georgia,” Owens said.

Local districts pay ‘fair share’

QBE is considered a funding partnership between state and local school boards. Local school districts are expected to contribute revenues equal to five mills on the property tax digest to the school system – whether they actually assess it or not. This is referred to as the Local Five Mill Share.

This local share is calculated for each county, then subtracted from the QBE formula before state dollars are allocated. According to the Georgia Department of Education, the Local Five Mill Share in FY2021 equaled $2 billion of funds deducted from QBE. This is the equivalent of $1,176 per student earned but not provided by state funds.

For less wealthy districts with low property values and limited tax revenues, the state provides most of the school funding, and offers “equalization grants” to cover some of the gaps. For wealthier counties with high property values, local taxes still fund the majority of public education.

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Northern Ridge lists January Eagle Scouts

The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District, which includes the cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton, is proud to announce its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Board of Review on January 26, 2023, at Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. Top Row, from left:

Josh Arneson , of Troop 1134, sponsored by St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church, whose project was the design and creation 40 fleece blankets for CURE childhood cancer.

William Giesler , of Troop 431, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of three picnic tables for Fulton Academy of Science and Technology

Edgar Adrian Martinez Morales , of Troop 10, sponsored by St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, whose project was the design and construction of four benches for the Soccer Fields at Friendship Christian School.

Alan Albert , of Troop 10, sponsored by St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, whose project was the collection of over 1,200 food and household items (such as cooking oil, dishwashing detergent, toilet paper, kitchen paper napkins, laundry detergent, rice, salt, sugar, dry beans, cereals, toothpaste and hand soap) to give to the Missionaries of Charity in Atlanta.

Yudhajith Murugan , of Troop 27, sponsored by the Johns Creek Christian Church, whose project was the design and construction of three picnic tables for the Sri Shiva Durga Temple.

Bottom row, from left:

Joshua Gaus , of Troop 1134, sponsored by St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church, whose project was the design and construction activity boards for

special needs individuals. Joshua built 12 boards of manipulable objects and another set of 12 boards of tactile materials that provide sensory feedback for adults with dementia, for the St. George Village Retirement Community. Joshua also constructed three activity boards of fun manipulable objects, and another set of three boards will consist of tactile materials that provide sensory feedback for youth with special needs disabilities, at St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church. Joshua also built wooden rolling carts to house all these activity boards.

Roumika Patil , of Troop 432, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of wooden ramp, two metal shelves, and a raised pollinator bed for the Mabry Community Garden.

David Breen , of Troop 1486, sponsored by North River Baptist Church, whose project was the design and construction of six benches for the outdoor meeting area, at North River Baptist Church

Mason Myhand , of Troop 629, sponsored by Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church, whose project was two parts; first, he collected over 33 feed and supply items that feed and aid in care of the animals such as ducks, chickens, rabbits and goats, at the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center. Myles also led volunteers in a total cleaning of all the animal pens and shelters at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center

Brian Jeffries , of Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church whose project was design and construction of a firewood shed for Birmingham United Methodist Church.

PROVIDED

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| Milton Herald | February 9, 2023

Fly fishing shop recasts image under new ownership

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Jeff Wright worked at Alpharetta Outfitters for more than 10 years before he bought the business in December. He began work there in 2010 as a new college graduate and worked his way up until he decided to purchase the shop from its founder.

The ownership has changed, but Wright wants customers to know “the spirit of the shop remains.”

Today, Alpharetta Outfitters on Main Street is a full-service fly fishing destination. The retail store offers a variety of gear from Yeti cups to fishing rods. It also hosts fly fishing excursions, guided trips and community events.

Wright has been with the business from nearly the start. The store opened in 2009, and he hired on a year later. He majored in biology in college, but originally planned to pursue a career in dentistry or nursing. At Alpharetta Outfitters, Wright realized a desk job wasn’t for him.

“I needed to kind of be able to move around and talk with people,” Wright said.

He loved fly fishing, a hobby he practiced with his father. Wright also cared deeply about water health and natural resources. Together, his interests created a “perfect storm,” and Wright knew he would be at Alpharetta Outfitters for the long haul.

The business looked different when it began. Chuck Palmer, the founder and original owner, sold all kinds of outdoor equipment, like backpacking

gear, hammocks and fly fishing supplies.

As similar businesses popped up around Alpharetta, the store shifted focus.

“We decided to go ahead and specialize with larger businesses coming in town, like REI,” Wright said.

“We needed to branch away from that

kind of (shop).”

The store doubled down on fly fishing, becoming a one-stop shop offering trips, equipment and events like “Bugs and Suds,” a fly-tying night when the store serves pizza and beer. Wright said the decision made sense, because Alpharetta had an interested and affluent customer base.

“People that are going fly fishing typically have some disposable income,” Wright said. “Its not a cheap hobby.”

In Alpharetta, where the store has most of its customers, the average household income is about $119,000, according to U.S. census data.

See FISHING, Page 9

I needed to kind of be able to move around and talk with people

JEFF WRIGHT, owner, Alpharetta Outfitters

DELANEY TARR / APPEN MEDIA

From left, Ross Tew, e-commerce specialist; Jeff Wright, shop owner; and Brent Goodman, marketing magician, stand at the counter of Alpharetta Outfitters on Feb 1. The store is a fly fishing retail and guided trip destination on Main Street.

Fishing:

Continued from Page 8

Wright said a beginner can buy the necessary equipment for a few hundred dollars, but the higher-end pieces and additional gear can add up to the thousands. A single fishing rod can range from $200-$1,000.

“A lot of guys get into it and love getting gear, and they’re fine spending money on higher-end stuff,” Wright said.

The costs increase with things like guided trips and excursions. Alpharetta Outfitters offers trips to Idaho, Alaska, Patagonia, Argentina and Belize. Wright said the trips can cost anywhere from $4,500 to $9,000, depending on the destination.

Alpharetta Outfitters spent 12 years in business operating on a different business model than most shops of its kind. Palmer founded the store as a “not-for-profit” business.

After expenses were covered, any additional income the store brought in was donated to organizations and individuals. One year, the store gave $1,000 to an organization or person in need every day of December.

When Wright bought the store, he knew the model would change.

“I don’t have pockets as deep as

Chuck,” Wright joked.

The store moved to a for-profit model at the start of 2023, but Wright said he will continue to donate to charitable organizations at a smaller level.

A key focus for Wright is the preservation of the “natural treasures” in the environment around Alpharetta

Outfitters. The store sponsors organizations in the area, including Upper Chattahoochee Trout Unlimited.

Wright said the store also donates to specific environmental projects the organization does, like its work on Crayfish Creek, the first feeder stream on the Chattahoochee River.

Alpharetta Outfitters donated

$5,000 help reduce silt that comes into the streams from nearby development. The silt coats the rocks on the creek floor, which trout need to spawn.

The contributions are about protecting natural resources, but water health also helps the business. The better shape the streams and rivers are in, the easier it is to catch a prize trout.

“Trout don’t survive well in warm, stagnant water and polluted water, so they’re a pretty good indicator of general water health,” Wright said.

The store owner hopes his work on natural resources will raise awareness, especially for his customer base. Wright said when people get out in the field, they notice their environment more, and ask questions about its condition.

“They start to kind of understand their resources, what’s at stake and how to get involved,” Wright said.

In the future, Wright hopes to expand the store to create a dedicated community space for events, where people can hang out and share their love for fishing.

“Those bonds that are created at those events and on those trips, they’re so fun,” Wright said. “You see these guards drop, and you see these men and women really ultimately having fun and enjoying each other.”

Tara Tucker

Paras

DELANEY TARR / APPEN MEDIA

Alpharetta Outfitters on Main Street sells a host of fly fishing equipment, like lightweight lures that mimic the appearance of flies. The store’s team also lead guided fly fishing trips in Georgia and across the world.

North Fulton cities may cede election decisions to six people

The process for which Alpharetta, Roswell and Johns Creek officials are changing the way nearly half a million people can cast ballots this November stinks.

The cities are relying – seemingly entirely – on a report generated by an exploratory committee sanctioned by the Milton City Council last year.

Let me tell you what we know (and don’t know) about that report, and what led to it.

In the summer of 2021, a group of Milton citizens petitioned the City Council to run its own municipal elections. It had unfounded concerns about election integrity amid the 2020 General Election and legitimate concerns about increased costs imposed by Fulton County.

At the time, city representatives said they didn’t have enough time to make any changes before that November’s elections, but promised

to move forward with an exploratory committee after that.

And they did. In April of the next year, the City Council approved the committee and designated two of the its six members be filled by community members.

One was Lisa Cauley, a surrogate for several partisan Republican organizations, and the other was Mark Amick – who we now know is a “target” in a Fulton County investigation into attempts to overturn an election.

In a city of 40,000 people, its City Council allocated a grand total of two spots for ordinary citizens to give input and then gave them both to partisans with axes to grind.

To make matters even less serious, when we asked the city who appointed, or even recommended Mr. Amick for the committee, no one knew.

I repeat, no one within the City of Milton – not the mayor, not the city manager – no one can account for how someone being investigated for crimes related to elections interference found himself on a sanctioned committee to reform elections!

But that’s not all.

Our reporters started asking more questions, and after we received a response to an August open records request, we discovered that there were about half a dozen meetings of an “informal” committee (made up of the same members) held long before the City Council formalized the panel at the April 18 City Council meeting.

No announcement or advertisement of the informal meetings, as would be standard, could be located.

When we asked about these informal meetings, the qualifications of the member panelists, or minutes, agendas or records related to any of the above, we were greeted mostly with “no comment” and “no records exist pertaining to your request.”

Eventually, the panel did finish its report. Mr. Amick, who had not resigned or been asked to resign from the committee, gave the presentation to the City Council in which he concluded that Milton should take its elections in house and use paper ballots, primarily due to cost concerns.

The City Council voted unanimously to accept the

recommendations laid out in the report.

Now, Milton’s sister cities want in on the action.

Using the Milton election study as a guide, an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) involving Milton, Johns Creek, Roswell, Alpharetta and Mountain Park is in the works that will propose one regional election superintendent to oversee all of the cities’ 2023 municipal elections.

All under the assumption that Milton’s exploratory panel report is both impartial and accurate.

Johns Creek has not formed its own exploratory committee.

Alpharetta has not formed its own exploratory committee.

Roswell has not formed its own exploratory committee.

So, in effect, two unelected people – one whom no one wants to take credit for empowering – have created the framework for how 400,000 people will be able to cast their votes this November and we are all supposed to just go along with it.

If you ask me, the whole thing smells.

HANS APPEN Publisher

While February brings thoughts of those we love and Valentine’s Day cards, the best gift of all is to remember it’s also American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of hospitalization for those over age 65 and is still the leading cause of death in this country. Over 800,000 deaths a year are due to cardiovascular disease. The good news is it’s largely preventable, so let’s review how to improve and maintain your heart health.

Monitoring your blood pressure is a key indicator of where you stand with your heart health. Yet only 48 per cent of people aged 50 to 80 who take medication or have a health condition affected by high blood pressure (or hypertension) monitor it on a regular basis. Preventing hypertension lowers your risk of heart disease and stroke. So setting a regular schedule and getting a blood pressure monitor you can learn to use at home is the start of knowing the numbers for your heart health journey.

Eating a healthy diet with a variety of food with potassium, fiber, protein, and importantly is lower in salt is critical. Flavor your food using more spices, eat salads and steamed vegetables. Select grilled poultry or fish and avoid heavy sauces, salad dressings and fats. This will help you get to or keep a healthy weight.

Staying physically active and reducing stress comes next. Moderate walking or other forms of physical exercise can do wonders. While 150 minutes of moderate activity a week is recommended, be sure to check with your doctor about

forming a personalized plan of action and regular visits that are right for your current health status. Social isolation can also impact your stress levels, so staying in touch with friends, community groups and family is an important part of the picture.

Sleep is emerging as an ever increasing factor in heart health. It keeps your blood vessels healthy, and not getting enough sleep on a regular basis correlate to increased rates of stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease. Aim for a regular schedule and seven to eight hours of sleep.

Stop smoking and be careful about alcohol consumption for a healthy heart. So, if this is an issue, monitor your use and start a plan to cut back.

At Home Helpers, we know how important a skilled and well-matched Caregiver is to helping an older loved one maintain their heart health. Whether it’s making sure a moderate walk can be done without fear of a fall risk, regularly monitoring blood pressure and vital signs, following a nutritious diet, keeping a regular sleep schedule, or creating social bonds to battle loneliness, we strive to make each day the best it can be.

Our heart centered Caregivers can assist with all personal care, help around the house, safely speed up recovery from surgery, or provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, etc.

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

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

It’s time to focus on heart health

Get a GLO-ing smile

Brought to you by – Roswell Dental Care

Have you always dreamed of a kilowatt smile? Or just want to lighten up your darkened or yellowed teeth? Tooth whitening, or tooth bleaching, is a fast and easy procedure that can whiten and brighten your natural tooth color, for an average of 8 shades lighter.

What causes yellow, stained teeth?

Some of the toughest stains come from various foods and beverages, such as coffee, soda, wine, and smoking. Over time, these stains can infiltrate the enamel and get packed into the inner layer, called dentin, causing yellowing. Other stains can be genetic and still others can be from a chemical interruption during tooth development, such as too much consumption of fluoride or from the medication Tetracycline.

How does whitening work?

Whitening agents approved by the FDA contain hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide has a whitening effect because it can pass easily into the tooth and break down complex molecules. At Roswell Dental Care, we utilize the GLO whitening system, which has a mouthpiece to apply gentle heat and a blue LED light to the teeth. When heat is applied to a peroxide gel on the teeth, it increases the speed with which that gel does its work, creating brighter, whiter teeth in less time.

Is tooth whitening safe?

Yes. The American Dental Association and the FDA have extensive clinical studies proving its safety, under the supervision of a dentist. Whitening is considered the safest cosmetic dental procedure by most dental professionals. However, whitening is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women or children under 13 years old.

What are the side effects?

The most common side effect is temporary tooth sensitivity. This is due to the stains being broken down and bubbled out (imagine the classic science fair volcano experiment). This goes away within a few days after treatment and there is no long-term harm to the nerve of the tooth.

What is the difference between athome and in-office tooth whiteners?

The main difference is the time it takes to whiten your teeth, which is based on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. At-home or over-the-counter whiteners can be anywhere from 7 percent to 10 percent. We use a 30% formula during an in-office treatment, so there’s a much better chance that your teeth will whiten even the toughest stains.

The GLO whitening system has a patented dual-whitening experience, providing an in-office teeth whitening procedure, plus an easy-to-use take-home device for maintenance.

How long does tooth whitening last?

After your whitening appointment, avoid dark foods and drinks like marinara sauce, red wine, or blueberries. Whitening your teeth and keeping your smile bright is a little like coloring your hair: maintaining your results requires maintenance. You will be given instructions for care before and after your treatment. For touch up care, you will be provided with take-home vials, so you can recharge your pearly whites before a dinner party or event.

Roswell Dental Care is nominated to win “BEST OF THE BEST” Dental Practice in North Atlanta by Appen Newspaper for the 8th year. We’ve been serving patients in the area over 40 years.

As your cosmetic dentists, Drs. Hood and Remaley give your comfort and trust top priority. We assure you feel confident

See GLO-ing, Page 26

Sunshine on healing skin — one step forward, two steps back?

to you by - Brent Taylor, MD, Premiere Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta

The most common pre-cancerous lesion dermatologists treat is the actinic keratosis or “AK.” These rough growths are often frozen with liquid nitrogen and gone in a zap. Sometimes, however, a patch of skin is covered with precancerous lesions. One almost doesn’t know where to start. For such a patient, the correct treatment is often not to spray twenty or thirty AKs with liquid nitrogen. If the whole patch of skin is affected with precancerous lesions, then spot treatments like liquid nitrogen zaps will just result in a game of whack-a-mole. One AK is beaten down only to have one or two more pop up by the next visit.

Field damage demands field treatment. Rather than spot-treating individual AK’s, an entire patch of skin can be treated with certain creams and therapies to reduce the number of precancers and the amount of sun damage in an entire area. Field treatments like fluorouracil cream, imiquimod cream, and photodynamic therapy (“blue light therapy”) can reduce the AK burden across an entire zone such as the entire scalp or face. These treatments reduce the number of future cancers and get the number of AK’s back down to a reasonable number.

I often recommend field treatments to my patients but with one big caveat. I tell them, “Don’t undergo a field treatment unless you can stay out of the sun during the treatment and for a week or so afterwards.” I advise patients that I am worried that sun damage on skin that is being treated or is recovering may not only cancel out the benefits but might leave them worse off.

Why the worry? Am I overcautious? I believe not. I’m concerned about more than just a little sunburn. I’m concerned about the sun hitting cells when they are at their most vulnerable: when they are replicating – such as when cells fill in tiny wounds and even micro-gaps created from the killing of precancers like AKs.

Every system has its vulnerabilities, and our DNA repair processes are no different. Our cells’ repair processes work well during the resting phases of cell life when they are happily performing their usual functions. But when a cell decides to duplicate its DNA and divide into daughter cells in a process called mitosis, some of the repair processes are temporarily shut down.

Remember in the movie Jurassic Park when getting the park back online requires temporarily turning everything off? The electricity to the fences had to be shut off, too, and some of the carnivorous dinosaurs escaped and wreaked havoc. Well, the same thing happens in our cells when they duplicate their DNA and divide from one cell into two cells. When cells synthesize new DNA, many of the DNA repair processes are temporarily turned off to allow DNA duplication and cell division to take place. If a mutation, such as from sunlight, occurs when the repair systems are off, then the mutation is often not corrected. The resulting daughter cells are permanently affected with the mutation. Such mutated cells can develop into cancer.

Field treatments like fluorouracil, imiquimod and photodynamic therapy kill bad cells. The healthy neighbor cells must then start dividing to take the place of the bad cells. More cells dividing means more cells with DNA repair processes in the “off” position. Treatments aimed at eliminating cancerous lesions temporarily create a vulnerable state.

Advice to avoid the sun during AK treatments is not just a case of preventing your usual sunburn or of healing skin being more sensitive. Healing skin is more susceptible to mutations and DNA damage from sunburns than resting skin is. Biology argues against taking a “cheat day” and getting sun exposure during or after any treatment that requires skin to heal. If you find yourself in need of field treatment such as PDT, fluoruracil or imiquimod, remember it is only a good idea if you can stay out of the sun during the entire treatment and for the time it takes afterwards for your skin to repair itself.

Brought

Resolved to lose weight in 2023? Take a look at Semaglutide

Brought to you by - Hydralive

Therapy Milton

You’ve probably heard a lot about once-weekly Semaglutide, which is making headlines as one of the most successful weight management drugs. Are you wondering if Semaglutide is right for you?

Semaglutide mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is secreted in the gut and targets receptors throughout the body, including the brain. In other words, it sends a message to the brain, letting it know that the body is full – which causes people to eat less throughout the day.

At the beginning of the treatments, Semaglutide also decreases gastric emptying – the process by which stomach contents are moved into the first part of the small intestine as part of the digestive process, which can help dramatically with weight management.

While medication-assisted weight loss has been around for more than 15 years, Semaglutide has been making a name for itself thanks to its documented results.

What to Expect

At Hydralive Therapy Milton, Semaglutide as part of our holistic wellness

service offerings. Our Semaglutide program starts with a virtual consultation. During this initial screening, our medical team will determine whether this medication is a good choice to help with your weight loss. Our practitioners will assess your medical history and review medications you may be taking. Your current body weight, history of weight loss attempts and body mass index will all factor into the decision to try Semaglutide for losing weight.

The initial treatment will be a subcutaneous injection of a low dose of Semaglutide. This is a deliberately low dose, since possible side effects include a serious drop in blood sugar and it takes time to adjust. Over time, the dose is gradually increased until you’re getting the full dosage once a week. The injections are to be administered on the same day each week for a specified time determined with the practitioner. During your treatment period, our team will

work with you to develop viable weight management strategies that go beyond the medication.

Getting Started

If you’re living with obesity or related medical conditions and you think Semaglutide might be a viable choice for shedding excess weight, get started today by contacting Hydralive Therapy Milton at (470) 359-4815. We’re ready to help you succeed!

5 ways to revitalize your relationship routine

Brought

you by - Will Goodwin, Licensed Associate Professional Counselor at Summit Counseling Center

With the beginning of a new year well underway and the somewhat cliché mantra of “New year, new you!” still ringing in the air, many of us are starting to look around and wonder what has really changed. The problem with this phrase is that it often implies that there must be a complete and total change - whether in our habits, our work, or even in our relationships. However, you may not need a complete relationship renovation. Instead, perhaps a simple “refreshing” in some areas that have grown stagnant or mundane might be the appropriate course to take. Just like the warmth and satisfaction that can come from simply rearranging or reorganizing a space, your relationship can be revitalized as well.

Here are five ways to breathe some new life into your established routines:

1. Strive to Surprise. There is a certain satisfaction that comes from knowing one another’s habits, tendencies, and preferences. However, this capacity for anticipating what to expect from one another can also promote boredom, complacency, and indifference. Going out of your

way to gift little surprises to one another can be a way to spark those feelings you shared back when you were first discovering each other. It could be preparing their favorite dish, treating them to their favorite hot or cold beverage/snack, cleaning their car and filling up the gas tank, or arranging a date if you don’t typically plan them. Whatever you choose, choose to make it a surprise.

2. Reassess Your Roles. While knowing “who does what” can simplify and streamline the management of household chores and responsibilities in a way that sets up a relationship for success, it can also create ruts. As change enters our lives, we may grow to dread a task or become overwhelmed by it. Talk to one another about these shifts and consider switching things around. If possible, team up on tasks and responsibilities that you previously did alone. You may surprise yourselves one day by discovering that you feel eager and excited about a chore because you know it is a chance to spend time together.

3. Freshen Up Your Look. Of course, no one is saying that the way someone looks is the most important feature about them. However, there is value to be acknowledged in

See ROUTINE, Page 28

Treating and preventing heart disease

Brought to you by - Ryan Wilson, MD, interventional and structural heart cardiologist at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center

Now that the holidays are over and people are getting back into their regular routines, it’s time to focus on Heart Month, which is observed each February. The importance of heart health cannot be understated since heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death in the United States each year. In 2020, nearly 700,000 people died from heart-related diseases. That is more deaths than all cancers combined or COVID-19 related illnesses. Heart disease is a largely preventable problem in many circumstances.

Prevention is always our primary focus when it comes to heart disease. Your risk of heart-related disease can be significantly reduced if you focus on some of these key areas in your life:

• Don’t smoke, and if you do smoke or use other tobacco products, seriously consider quitting. This is one of the most serious risk factors. If you are ready to quit, please contact your healthcare provider for assistance. There are patches, gums and medications that can help you quit.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Reducing your weight into a healthy category can significantly lower your risk of heart disease.

• Maintain a healthy blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, follow up with your healthcare provider regularly to make sure this is controlled. If you don’t have high blood pressure, get checked intermittently.

• Maintain healthy cholesterol levels

and a low-fat diet. If you have high cholesterol already, make sure you are getting regular blood work to ensure your treatment is working. If you don’t have high cholesterol, continue to focus on a healthy diet and lifestyle. Try to avoid fried foods with lots of butter, fat and grease, which is where a lot of cholesterol comes from.

If you already have heart disease, it’s important to follow up regularly with your cardiologist to ensure we are doing everything possible to minimize the progression of disease and prevent any major problems like a heart attack or stroke. Heart disease can often be managed with medications and lifestyle modifications. If you ever have symptoms such as ongoing chest pain/ pressure, new onset of significant shortness of breath, excessive sweating or nausea associated with chest pain or shortness of breath, severe dizziness or heart racing (palpitations), call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.

If you have more mild symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to get diagnostic testing done. If you are ever in doubt, check it out.

Dr. Ryan Wilson is a cardiovascular disease specialist with Wellstar Health System. He specializes in heart and vascular interventions and treats patients with structural heart and valve conditions. To make an appointment with Dr. Wilson at his office on the campus of Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, call (770) 410-4520. To make an appointment at his office at Wellstar Avalon Health Park, call (470) 267-0430.

to

WILSON

Digital Dentistry- A Better Way

Brought to you by - Dr. Bradley Hepler and Dr. Jeffrey Priluck, The Atlanta Center for Dental Health

Have you ever been to the dentist and the dentist needs to take an impression of your mouth? If you have done this before, you may have just taken a deep breath and started to get nervous. Traditional impressions have always involved a large tray loaded with impression material (goop!?!) that must be inserted into your mouth to make a mold of your teeth. Isn’t there a better way? Yes! The latest technology now allows your dentist to take a digital impression instead.

Digital impressions (also called 3-D intraoral scanning) construct a three-dimensional digital model of your teeth and your entire mouth. Digital impressions are less messy and more pleasant than traditional impressions. Patients with a gag reflex or sensitive teeth have a better, more comfortable experience. A small (radiation-free) laser wand takes a series of images of your teeth and your gums and stitches them together into a 3-D virtual model of your mouth. You can immediately touch the screen and rotate and adjust the image to see your

teeth from all angles. You very likely have never seen your teeth and your mouth like this. It’s amazing!

The Atlanta Center for Dental Health has the iTero Element intraoral scanner imaging system. The 3-D model of your mouth is immediately on the IPadlike screen right beside you. It can immediately be adjusted and looked at from all angles. This image can be

PROVIDED

uploaded to the dental laboratory for the construction of a crown or clear aligners or other dental prosthetics and appliances. This allows for the rapid fabrication of amazingly accurate, perfectly fitting, artistically created natural looking dental restorations that improve your smile and your appearance and wow your friends. One of the most amazing uses of this technology is the ability to immediately see

a Smile Simulation. In about a minute, your dentist can show you what your smile would look like if you straightened your teeth or improved your bite with clear aligners, like Invisalign™. Again, you can touch the screen so that you can see your smile from all angles. Dr. Hepler and Dr. Priluck at the Atlanta Center for Health would love to show this technology. Please call or stop by for a quick no cost Smile Simulation of your very own.

“Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life.” -Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic

Dr. Bradley Hepler, Dr. Jeffrey Priluck and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the most modern advances in cosmetic dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover your options, please call us at 770-9922236. Dr. Hepler and Dr. Priluck are highly trained and certified to provide you with the latest and best techniques to allow you to achieve your cosmetic and restorative goals.

PRESERVING THE PAST

When the Alpharetta Women’s Club and Sears Roebuck came together

Sears Roebuck was founded in 1886 as a seller of watches by mail order. It has undergone many changes over the ensuing decades, but one of its most ambitious undertakings was the sale of house kits by mail order catalog.

Sears claims to have sold more than 100,000 mail order homes in North America between 1908 and 1940 via their Modern Homes program. During that period. Sears designed 447 different home styles, each of which could be modified by a purchaser, thus creating an infinite number of unique homes. Depression era mortgage loan defaults and pre-World War II shortages of lumber and other building materials forced closure of the business. Some estimates are that up to 70 percent of the Sears houses are still standing, but no one knows for sure where the houses are because Sears destroyed the sales records during a corporate housekeeping. There are ways to determine if a given house is from a Sears kit, such as identifying stamps on the lumber.

Seven companies provided kit houses, but Sears Roebuck was by far the largest. As an alternative to the purchase of a complete kit, customers could buy house plans and use local lumber to build the homes.

One of the best-known homes in Alpharetta from that era is found at 112 Cumming Street. The most common and accepted version of its origin is that B.F. (Benjamin Franklin) Shirley (1879--1963) built the Queen Anne style home from a plan purchased in 1908 from a Sears Roebuck catalog. Shipping a complete kit

from the factory to Marietta by train and then hauling the lumber over dirt roads to Alpharetta posed many challenges and B.F. Shirley would have used local lumber for the project.

However, according to a July 1999 article in the Atlanta Constitution, “Right out of the Sears catalog,” the cost of the home was less than $1,000 including shipping and construction of a complete Sears house. In 1911 two other possible Sears houses were built nearby. B.F. Shirley’s brother Obadiah built a house next door, and Sherman Gardner built a house across the street.

According to another version based on research and a book by Fred Shirley

treatment. For touch up care, you will be provided with take-home vials, so you can recharge your pearly whites before a dinner party or event.

of Alpharetta, now deceased, the house was built by his great-great grandfather John Franklin Shirley (1841-1906), a Civil War veteran who became a successful farmer after the war, accumulating 1,000 acres. He built several family homes on his property plus three tenant houses, a cotton gin and two sawmills. To build the house he used lumber cut from his property and processed in his sawmills. He moved his family and mother into the Cumming Street house prior to 1905, according to Fred who noted that it later became the headquarters of the Alpharetta Women’s Club.

It is interesting to note that John Franklin Shirley’s father was named

Benjamin Shirley and that John had a son named Benjamin Franklin Shirley which may be the cause of some confusion.

The Alpharetta Women’s Club, founded during World War II, purchased the Shirley home in 1962 and used it as its headquarters. It held fundraisers to pay off a bank loan signed for by three of the ladies’ husbands, Troy Carroll of Carroll Realty, Louie Jones, owner of a funeral home, and Q.A. Wills, mayor of Alpharetta and business owner. The club paid off the loan in 1969. Fulton County Bank President, William Barrett presented the club with a silver tea service from the bank. The club had about 30 members at its peak. The women had a favorite charity, Tallulah Falls School, founded in 1909 with 29 mountain children. Located in the town of Tallulah Falls, Georgia, the school serves 500 students today.

The club took an active role in 1965 to establish a permanent library in Alpharetta. Up to that time, the city was serviced by a bookmobile which came to town every other Wednesday afternoon.

The club was a social and community services organization, but over the years membership dwindled and it eventually closed. Former club Vice President Vespa B. Smith says “the Alpharetta Women’s Club was an integral part of the community for decades.”

Postscript: The house was sold in 2017 and is being restored and renovated. Special thanks to two outstanding local historians, Ed Malowney and Connie Mashburn for their help with this column.

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.

Continued from Page 19

in any dental solution before beginning treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE conscious sedation, including nitrous oxide. Rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding. Take the first step in feeling great about your smile. Schedule your COMPLIMENTARY smile makeover consultation by calling (470) 288-1152.

Whitening your teeth and keeping your smile bright is a little like coloring your hair: maintaining your results requires maintenance. You will be given instructions for care before and after your

Roswell Dental Care is nominated to win “BEST OF THE BEST” Dental Prac tice in North Atlanta by Appen Newspa per for the 8th year. We’ve been serving patients in the area over 40 years.

As your cosmetic dentists, Drs. Hood and Remaley give your comfort and trust top priority. We assure you feel confident in any dental solution before beginning treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE conscious sedation, includ ing nitrous oxide. Rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding. Take the first step in feeling great about your smile. Schedule your COMPLIMENTARY smile makeover con sultation by calling (470) 288-1152.

BOB MEYERS

Columnist

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

The B.F. Shirley home at 112 Cumming Street in Alpharetta has been undergoing major restoration and renovation. It was home to the Alpharetta Women’s Club for many years and may have been built based on a Sears Roebuck architectural plan. (January 2023)

Routine:

Continued from Page 22

continuing to make an effort, no matter how long you have been in a relationship. Perhaps you could trim your beard or experiment with a new hairstyle. Maybe showcase an outfit that feels fun and playful, paint your nails, or try out a new accessory. You may feel that you have already “sealed the deal,” but that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t continue to garner your partner’s

interest.

4. Spend Time Apart. Though this may seem counterproductive, it can, at certain points and for certain lengths of time, play a vital part in enriching your time together. By reserving some time for both of you to “do your own thing,” you can eagerly return to one another feeling recharged mentally, emotionally, and relationally – and feeling ready to reconnect.

5. Swap Out the Usual. Sometimes exchanging a common experience for an uncommon one can really do the trick when it comes

to re-energizing your relationship routines. Collaborate to pick something you routinely do together and trade it out for something new. If you tend to rely heavily on watching tv shows, try exchanging that screen time for some kind of face-to-face engagement (board/ card game, reading together, go for a walk/exercise). This exchange doesn’t need to be a total or permanent removal of watching tv together, but changing things up from time to time can create some healthy variety and novelty.

Many times the act of rearranging furniture or replacing just a few

items, as opposed to a total overhaul, can give a space a new lease on life. In a parallel sense, your relationship may simply require some minor adjustments to bring life flowing back into your various shared experiences. Whether your relationship is on the rocks or rock solid, all couples can benefit from therapy - and the therapists at Summit Counseling Center are here to help! We see couples involved in every stage of a relationship and assist them in finding harmony and balance in their lives together. To learn more about our services, meet our therapists, and schedule an appointment, visit our website at www. summitcounseling.org.

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POOL TECHNICIANS WANTED

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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

Infor (US), LLC has an opening for a Senior Network Administrator in Alpharetta, GA.

Position will provide network technical support assistance and troubleshooting to all company Professionals; provide support via telephone, email and direct interaction with end users by on-desk or remote support. 100% Telecommuting permitted. How to apply: Mail resume, referencing IN1006, including job history, to: Infor (US), LLC Attn: Lynn Tracy, 13560 Morris Road, STE 4100, Alpharetta, GA 30004.

IT - Nexwave Talent Management Solution LLC, an Alpharetta, GA – based IT Solutions Firm. Multiple openings for JOB ID 10537: Software Engineer. Education and Experience requirements along with Remunerations as provided on the website. Travel/relocation may be required. Details at http://nexwaveinc.com/. Send resume to: b.vamsi@nexwaveinc.com including the JOB ID. Equal Opportunity Employer

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

Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts

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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.

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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

ROOF LEAKING?

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

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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

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

PHILLIPS FLOORING 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.

Gutters

AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS Installed. Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aaronsgutters.com. Senior citizen discount! 678-508-2432

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 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

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

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

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24.

1-866-479-1516

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 1-833610-1936

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

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

1-877-539-0299

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855417-1306

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 normal ASAP! 855-767-7031

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP