Milton Herald - March 21, 2024

New board to plan active park space

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — During a work session, the Milton City Council heard a report March 11 on the proposed formation of the Active Parks Ad Hoc Committee.

While no formal votes or actions took place, councilmembers took in information and asked questions.

Parks and Recreation Director Tom McKlveen presented an update on the department’s strategic plan and teed up a discussion about forming a committee to settle on a location for active park space.

“This project calls for the start of land acquisition,” McKlveen said. “While we have started this process, we are keeping this project marked as incomplete until the future of our parks has been sorted out.”

He turned the floor over to City Manager Steve Krokoff for the announcement of the Active Parks Ad Hoc Committee.

Krokoff said city officials have discussed forming a temporary committee through the Code of Ordinances to evaluate city-owned properties and opportunities for property acquisition.

He said the 7-member committee would be comprised of the chairs and one additional member from the Equestrian Committee, Greenspace Advisory Committee and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The City Council would nominate an at-large member for the seventh spot, Krokoff said.

“We are proposing a tentative 3-month schedule for publicly advertised meetings, providing ample opportunity for public input,” Krokoff said.

One of the committee’s tasks is to provide the City Council with recommendations for the location of active parks improvements that align with the 2027 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Krokoff said he anticipates the City Council will hear the first read for approval of the proposed committee at the March 18 regular meeting.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An ownership group teamed with National Hockey League (NHL) veteran Anson Carter has expressed interest in bringing a league expansion team to Metro Atlanta.

Alpharetta Sports & Entertainment Group (ASE Group) has announced its petition to the NHL with backing from Neil Leibman, Peter Simon and Aaron Zeigler.

According to a press release the partners have reached an agreement with New York Life, an insurer that owns North Point Mall, to use the property as a site for the potential hockey team.

The announcement says a mixed-use project will include an arena designed by architect Frank Gehry.

ASE Group also cites support from the City of Alpharetta and Fulton County.

“The location of an NHL franchise, as currently proposed in Fulton County, would bring an exhilarating sport to our community’s thriving professional sports lineup,” Fulton County Commission Chairman Rob Pitts said in the statement.

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

A group of owners is throwing their hat in the ring for a NHL expansion team, this time in Alpharetta’s North Point district.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison, left, and City Manager Steve Krokoff, right, discuss the formation of the Active Parks Ad Hoc Committee. Krokoff said there will be a first reading March 18 for the creation of the seven-member committee, aimed at workshopping active park space.

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State prison inmate charged for threats against Milton mayor

MILTON, Ga. — The Milton Police Department has charged a 30-year-old prisoner for 2023 threats made against Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison and Gov. Brian Kemp.

Police officials said Georgia State Prison system inmate Eric Elam has been charged with two counts of terroristic threats and acts stemming from a Dec. 16 phone call.

Officers traced the call back to a cellphone inside a Georgia State Prison. Officials said the phone was later located in Elam’s cell.

Elam is currently serving a life

sentence for separate charges. Milton Police officials said the department does not think Elam had any independent motive to make the threats, but there likely are other individuals or groups behind the incident whose reasons are unknown.

Jamison also reported receiving threats in September. Police officials said the department is working to determine if there is a connection between the two threats.

The Milton mayor thanked the police department for its work on the investigation that led to the charges.

“It’s a great comfort to myself and my family to know that we have the Milton Police protecting and supporting not just us, but our entire city,” Jamison said. “I know this investigation is ongoing, but I could not be prouder of what our officers have done thus far or more confident they will continue to work hard to find all those responsible.”

Milton Police Chief Jason Griffin thanked the Georgia Department of Corrections for its assistance in the case.

— Shelby Israel

Rivermont Golf Club adapts after clubhouse fire

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A portion of Rivermont Golf Club on Rivermont Parkway went up in flames March 6, resulting in smoke and water damage to around 90 percent of the clubhouse.

Firefighters responded to the scene at around 5:30 a.m. that morning for a fire that took over the laundry room area of the building. General Manager and club owner Chris Cupit said the fire was likely caused by a tree that had fallen on a power panel.

A police incident report obtained by Appen Media noted the roof above the kitchen collapsed.

Cupit said there were no injuries.

The clubhouse will be down for several months, he said. While the building’s exterior looks untouched, Cupit said the clubhouse is now a “ghost town” as carpets are being ripped up and furniture is moved off-site. Golf carts have already been relocated, he said.

Golfers were back on the course that Thursday, following rains, Cupit said, and staff is quickly adapting.

Cupit said the Golf Club’s new

pavilion, which houses a fitness studio, is providing a temporary space for offices and will continue to provide small food services. He also said there are already tents on-site to provide more space, after city approval of a permit application submitted that Friday.

[The City of Johns Creek has been] obviously very understanding, very sympathetic and are going to try to help us through as best as possible,” he said. “The building will

probably come back online in sections or phases, so we’re hoping we could get maybe a temporary certificate of occupancy.”

He said employees, including clubhouse servers, will be financially covered until the clubhouse is up and running again and has plans to increase their hourly wage.

“We’ve been here for 52 years,” Cupit said. “We made the commitment to our employees, you know, no one’s going to lose their job.”

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

The Rivermont Golf Club clubhouse, pictured here late last year, saw fire damage March 6. The club’s owner says the building will be down for several months but that golfers are already back on the course.

Kemp praises local fight against human trafficking

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp stopped by Roswell Area Park March 14 for a Rotary Club meeting to advocate for ending human trafficking statewide.

More than 250 people, including Rotarians and public officials, packed the gym in the Bill Johnson Community Building to discuss commitments to veteran families and the fight against trafficking.

The same day, the Georgia House of Representatives approved final passage of the ninth anti-human trafficking bill, SB 370, under Gov. Kemp.

The bill, if signed by the governor, would require certain establishments to post human trafficking hotline information.

The bill also secures awareness training and inspections for massage practices, with requirements for the display of licenses.

Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson touted the local push to update ordinances on massage practices, implement more regulations and enhance enforcement.

“The City Council and I made it our top priority to eradicate illicit activities in massage parlors and put an end to human trafficking in the City of Roswell,” Wilson said. “The safety and protection of our residents, especially those who cannot defend themselves, is a solemn duty and responsibility.”

He also spoke about the Sept. 20 joint operation led by Roswell Police, in which several spas around Metro Atlanta saw criminal charges, and the

See KEMP, Page 23

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

At left, Dave McCleary, vice chair of Rotarians Against Slavery, presents Georgia first lady Marty Kemp, right, with an award for her work combating human trafficking. McCleary thanked Kemp for her dedication to “service above self.”

Milton, the spring market is here!

The spring real estate market is heating up, and we are looking for a match for several buyer clients. We love to make transactions as easy as possible and have well-qualified buyers with flexible timing ready to purchase. Please contact us or have your agent reach out if you have a home or property that fits the criteria below.

• Milton or Cambridge High Schools, up to $1.15M, no pool, primary upstairs is a must

• Milton, up to $1.1M, ideally with an unfinished basement, flat backyard, open to renovations

• Crabapple Crossing Elementary School, up to $1.3M with a basement (Stuart Park, Danbury Park, Ruth’s Farm, Bethany Commons)

• Milton, up to $1.8M, turnkey with a pool (or space for a pool)

• Land up to $250K/acre, 3-15 flat acres, Milton or Cambridge High Schools

• Milton, up to $2M, 2+ acres, 6 bedrooms with an office

• Milton, up to $2.5M, Lake Haven, Six Hills, Hayfield or Valmont

• Milton, estate home up to $7M, walkout pool, 2-3+ acres

• Cambridge or Milton High Schools, up to $5M, 5+ bedrooms

• Birmingham Falls Elementary School, up to $1.6M, turnkey with a pool

• Milton, Canton or South Forsyth, up to $3M, 4+ bedrooms and bathrooms

• Milton or Alpharetta, up to $800K, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 3,000+ sq. ft.

• Cherokee, up to $800K, main-level bedroom, side garage, minimum half acre

Holy Week Schedule:

Palm Sunday – March 24

8:30am: Traditional in the Historic Chapel 9:45-10:45am: Sunday school

11:00am: Modern in the Sanctuary

Week of March 24-29

Self-Guided Stations of the Cross (throughout Midway’s campus) Follow Jesus’ passion with self-guided meditations that can be accessed on Midway’s campus at any time during the week.

Good Friday – March 29

7:00pm: The Life and Passion of Christ in the Sanctuary.

A moving service following the life, ministry, and passion of Jesus Christ.

Easter Sunday – March 31

7:00am: Sunrise Service

8:30am: Worship in the Historic Chapel

9:45am: Lite-Bites Brunch. Gathering Area (Entrance nearest the bell tower) 11:00am: Worship in the Sanctuary

5025 Atlanta Hwy. | Alpharetta, GA 30004 | 770.475.5230 | www.MidwayUMC.org

Enjoy

Bounce

Have questions?

Just

Where to snag vegan food

By ADAM DARBY newsroom@appenmedia.com

METRO ATLANTA — Whether it’s a personal lifestyle choice or a New Year’s health kick, a vegan diet does the body good. For those nights you aren’t up for cooking at home or safely ordering a salad at your friend’s favorite barbeque place, it’s important to have tasty options that align with your culinary preferences. While there are several health benefits to eating allnatural and organic foods, it can be exhausting to find a delicious vegan restaurant that fits your needs for a night out. Here are nine vegan food and dining options to keep on your radar throughout metro-Atlanta.

Alpharetta

1. Mayuri Indian Grill

• Authentic Indian eatery serving vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian dishes

• Open Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Sunday 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday/ Saturday 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.; closed Mondays

• Located on McGinnis Ferry Road

2. Madras Chettinaad

• Authentic South Indian food

• Serves vegetarian and vegan dishes and alternatives

• Open every day 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

• Located on State Bridge Road Roswell

3. Veganize It

• Vegan

• Open Tuesday-Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Closed Mondays

• Serves plant-based sides and desserts with entrees available on Saturdays

• Located on Old Roswell Road

Johns Creek

4. Ethiopiques Cafe And Restaurant

• Ethiopian restaurant with vegan dishes

• Open Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/ Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. and FridaySaturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed

Mondays

• Serves vegan offerings and platters of varying sizes

• Located on State Bridge Road

5. Rakkan Ramen

• Offers vegetarian and vegan dishes

• Japanese ramen bar and restaurant

• Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

• Located on Medlock Bridge Road

Peachtree Corners

6. Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine

• 100% vegan

• Offers variety of American, Hispanic, Asian, and Italian entrées, sides, and desserts

• Open Monday-Friday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.

• Located on Spalding Drive

Atlanta

7. Asian Vegan Kitchen

• Traditional Asian dishes with a vegan twist

• Strictly offer deliver and pick-up

• Open Monday-Tuesday/Thursday-Sunday 5:30 p.m. – 12:45 a.m.; closed

You can find an assortment of vegan food options around Metro Atlanta.

Wednesdays

• Located on Forrest Street Northwest

8. Bakaris Plant Based Pizza

• 100% vegan

• Serve plant-based pizza, burger, and wraps

• Open Monday-Thursday 2 p.m. – 12 a.m.; Friday-Saturday 2 p.m. – 2 a.m.; Sundays 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.

• Located on Lee Street Southwest

9. Calaveritas Taqueria Vegana

• 100% vegan

• Serve plant-based tacos, nachos, and burritos

• Open Tuesday-Thursday 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.; closed Mondays

• Located on Presidential Parkway

MAP BY JACOB TOMBERLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Tickets on Sale Now!

miltonga.gov/sweethearts

Sweethearts

Join us for a Father/Daughter, Mother/Son, and Special Friends Dance & Evening of Fun!

iday, April 19 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.

This special night of memory-making will feature a party-starting DJ, huge dance floor, face painting, professional photos, refreshments, and more!

So put on your best party clothes, and get ready for an incredible evening!

This is a ticketed event so scan the QR code to secure yours today!

Windward retired association presents posthumous award to treasurer, member Yosick

ALPHARETTA, Ga.

— The Windward Association of Retired Men presented late member Paul Yosick with its annual Founders Award.

A member since moving to Alpharetta in 2015, Yosick died Nov. 9 at age 79. He served as the association’s treasurer for five years and was instrumental in the Windward Veterans Day Flags Across the Dam event.

Member Leland Carawan presented the award to Yosick’s wife Barbara at a weekly breakfast meeting.

Yosick also supported the group’s participation in the annual Windward July 4 picnic and was the unofficial

greeter of visitors and members at weekly meetings.

“Paul’s passing was a tremendous shock to WARM members,” member Eric Hempelman said. “He radiated positive energy and meant so much to so many people. He is greatly missed by all his WARM friends.”

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Tri-State College in Indiana, Yosick spent more than 35 years working on air pollution control systems for power plants. He and his wife Barbara had three children.

The Windward Association of Retired Men is a voluntary organization that offers activities to current or past Windward residents who have retired or are considering it.

— Shelby Israel

Summit Counseling celebrates mental wellness at annual gala

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — More than 500 community leaders and mental wellness advocates gathered at The Hotel at Avalon Feb. 24 for the Summit Counseling Center’s 9th annual gala.

The celebration centered on the joy of generosity, passion for community and commitment to support mental wellness across north Metro Atlanta.

The Summit Counseling Center, founded in 1990, has locations in Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Milton and Sugar Hill, with their main office at 2750 Old Alabama Road in Johns Creek.

Because suicide is the second leading cause of death for American children aged 10-14, the Summit also sports more than 30 on-site locations at K-12 schools across north Metro Atlanta.

Therapists provide school-based services, a first responder counseling program and mental health awareness, aiming to help everyone from children to seniors.

Professional counseling at the Summit integrates body, mind, spirit and relationships, its website says.

To open the gala, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr updated the room on the state’s mental health initiatives and the work of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental

Disabilities.

Shyann Malone, on-air host of CBT News, emceed a fireside chat with Lester Archambeau, senior player director of the NFL Players Association; Javis Austin, founder of JA Fitness Plus and former Clemson University running back; Mercedez Jackson, coordinator of school social workers for Fulton County Schools; Nikeisha Whatley-León, system director of behavioral health services for Northside Hospital; and Will Atkins, director of operations and clinical services for Summit Counseling Center.

Archambeau and Whatley-León also serve on the Summit Board.

The Will to Live Foundation, a Johns Creek-based organization dedicated to preventing teen suicide, donated $5,000 to the Summit on behalf of the first Summit Life Teammate award-winner, Madeline Redetzky.

With a silent auction, community donations and corporate sponsors, the 9th annual Summit Gala raised recordbreaking funds for its mission.

David Smith, executive director of the Summit Counseling Center, thanked supporters for their generosity.

“Through this infusion of hope, we are able to raise awareness about mental health issues, increase access to care, and make mental health services affordable to all,” Smith said.

YOSICK

a special needs child, your financial plan will require special consideration. The goal is to ensure that in the event you pass away or become incapacitated, your child will still be able to maintain a high quality of life. You don’t have to disinherit your special needs child to maintain eligibility for government benefits. The best thing you can do, as a loving parent, is to consult tax and estate planning professionals who can help build a plan that covers your child’s special needs and your financial situation. Here are also some other things to consider:

Letter of Intent/Personal Care:

While this isn’t a legally binding document, it helps outline your child’s schedule, their likes and dislikes, medication and medical history, allergies, and the social relationships you would like for your child. If something happens to you, this letter can inform the Guardian or Agent taking over of who to keep your child away from as well as the best ways to maintain a high quality of life for your child.

Create a Financial Plan: Special needs children are generally subject to receiving government benefits, which is why it’s important to plan carefully so you don’t accidentally disqualify your child for government assistance. The best way to ensure this is to create a special needs trust for your child. Once created, the trust can serve as the beneficiary of any life insurances and accounts, which in turn ensures your assets will never accidentally disqualify your child for government benefits.

Guardianship/Power of Attorney:

When your special needs child turns 18, they gain the right to make their own health and financial decisions. Unfortunately, not all special needs children are able to assume these responsibilities, making it imperative for you to consider alternatives such as legal guardianship or power of attorney, which are both legal structures that give you or a trusted individual the right to make decisions for your child.

In the event something happens to you, make sure your child is protected and that your assets do not end up in jeopardy. Consult attorneys and financial advisors to start strategizing a plan that will protect your child’s future and happiness.

Park:

Continued from Page 1

The City Council will vote April 8 to formally establish the committee, he said.

Krokoff told Mayor Peyton Jamison the City Council has until April 8 to nominate its at-large member for the ad hoc committee.

Any Milton resident over 18 years of age is eligible for consideration.

Parks and Recreation Director McKlveen told Jamison his goal is to hold three monthly meetings, with the first in April after final approval.

“I will include some additional times, so we don’t have to change the ordinance, but my goal is to get this done in three consecutive months,” McKlveen said.

Jamison said the at-large member should be someone who does not have a strong opinion about where fields are located.

Update from Parks and Recreation

Of the 22 Parks and Recreation projects identified in the city’s 202125 Strategic Plan, McKlveen said 19 of them are completed or “are considered operational.”

In the past six to ten months, McKlveen said his department added wayfinding signs at Brimingham Park and across city-owned recreational areas, updated maps and launched the Adopta-Trail program.

McKlveen reported residents involved with city boards and local organizations have adopted 90 percent of available trails, which receive maintenance from volunteers.

“This program requires regular inspections, giving staff good feedback and bringing even more value,” McKlveen said. “Some of the volunteers are looking to do more improvements to the trails.”

He also said Parks and Recreation worked with the Geographical Information Systems Division in the city’s Information Systems Department to compile data related to park access.

For example, the findings showed more than 4,000 residents live within a half-mile of Freedom Park.

“We have three projects tracking on schedule that we are currently working through,” he said.

There are two active projects related to the creation of public art displays at greenspaces, parks and public facilities across the community, McKlveen said.

The plan is to create a city-wide program, based off similar initiatives

across the state, for additional public art. McKlveen cited the Bulldog Statues in Athens as an example.

The idea is to support a communityled effort that prioritizes the desires of residents.

McKlveen said the pending program will come before the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the City Council for recommendations in a few months before its implementation.

Residents share opinions

Christy Hayes, who gave the sole public comment at the March 11 work session, said she hopes the city does its due diligence before purchasing property for active parks. She cited community concerns and a 1,900-signature petition from residents in opposition to the proposed active park on Hopewell Road.

At a Dec. 18 meeting, the City Council voted to move on from the property.

Hayes said city officials should keep an open mind about sharing facilities with surrounding North Fulton cities.

Speaking at the Dec. 18 meeting, Mayor Jamison said Alpharetta officials have told Jamison sharing its fields was “never gonna happen” and to “take a hike.”

Another resident at the March 11 work session, Jon Lundstedt, has spoken about the need for active parks at meetings earlier in the year.

Lundstedt said his daughter, who plays lacrosse for Cambridge High School and Eagle Stix Club, frequently encounters scheduling and field-use issues with the space available in the city.

“Everyone knows we need more active park space,” he said. “It is good to see there is a sub-committee forming to look at options over the next three months.”

Lundstedt said he would like to see the Active Parks Ad Hoc Committee present a couple of viable options.

“However, everyone I talked to who has lived here for a while and been involved says we have done this in the past multiple times, and once options are presented, real and perceived roadblocks are thrown up to stop the process,” he said.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA Parks and Recreation Director Tom McKlveen stands in front of the dais March 11 at Milton City Hall. McKlveen discussed the formation of the Active Parks Ad Hoc Committee and the initiatives at his department during the work session.

Hey y’all, I’m Hayden Sumlin and I report on all things in Dunwoody, Milton and Sandy Springs. If you have any story tips or ideas please contact me at hayden@appenmedia.com

GrillFest

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

GrillFest is a celebration of all of our favorite foods that can be prepared on the grill, smoker, or flattop griddle. Guests will enjoy unlimited samples of juicy burgers, smoked BBQ, and an array of grilled meats from wings to steaks. Don’t worry veggie lovers—we’ve got you covered, too, as our restaurant partners and chefs will also have your

Union Hill Park - Alpharetta, Georgia

Saturday, April 20th 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

General Admission: $65

favorites fired up on the grill. GrillFest will include craft beer and craft cocktails, along with bourbon and tequila tastings from our spirits partners. Enjoy live entertainment all day and visit with our vendor sponsors just in time for summer—think outdoor living, summer fun, and grills and gadgets for the outdoor chef.

atlantamagazine.com/grillfest

Northern Ridge announces

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District (Cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, John’s Creek, Milton) is proud to announce its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Board of Review January 25, 2024, at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.

Completed Dec. 28, from left;

Ibrahim Hossain, of Troop 12, sponsored by Muslim American Society Youth Center, whose project was the design and construction of 4 Picnic-Benches for the Early Childhood Center branch of the School, ILM Academy.

Zain Ghazanfar, of Troop 12, sponsored by Muslim American Society Youth Center, whose project was the design and construction of a fence gate entrance, for the back grounds area for Nurul Quran, a local branch of a worldwide seminary.

Ian Hurewitz, of Troop 1818 North Metro office of the Marcus Jewish Community Center, whose project was the tear down and rebuilding of an outdoor shed, installing a paver path to the shed and also placing edging alongside the current gravel path at Congregation B'nai Torah.

Sasanka Sai Polisetti, of Troop 629, sponsored by Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of a shelving unit, a unified shelving system and a wooden folding table for the Autry Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center.

Shinhai Chen, of Troop 629, sponsored by Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of a worm compost bin, and an arbor gate for the entrance to the compost learning center and disassembling, moving, and reassembling 2 plastic tumbler composts encased in a wood stand for the Autry Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center.

Akshaj Shajeev, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church whose project was the design and construction of a large wooden swing for the North America Shirdi Sai Temple Of Atlanta.

Completed Jan. 25, from left;

Reed Hunter McMichael, of Troop 7153, sponsored by St. Brigid Catholic Church, whose project was the repairing of a trailer for Meals by Grace and then leading a food drive in which he collected over 600 food items.

Tye Miyazaki Wade, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church whose project was the design and construction of a two large storage cabinets, creating a better support system for the two current cabinets and reorganizing the current band material for Chattahoochee High School Bands.

Viraj Sumit Karanjawala, of Troop 10, sponsored by St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, whose project was the design and construction of 2 benches and repairing the current Gazebo located at Webb Bridge Middle School.

Completed Feb. 29, 2024, with Atlanta Area Council District Executive Chandler White in middle;

Aidan Pfeiffer, of Troop 10, sponsored by St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, whose project was the design, construction and installation of 2 wooden benches and 30 birdhouses for Old Rucker Farm Park.

Garrett Jackson Zaher, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of an ADA compliant ramp that would allow people to access the Patient Paws Dog Service

Ronit Sankhe, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church whose project was the removal of old plants and replacing them with Azelia Bushes and a red maple tree in the parking lot as well as cleaning up the area, mulching it and replacing the stones at the outdoor chapel stairs for Johns Creek Presbyterian Church.

Nikhil Adlakha, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church whose project was the installation of concrete brick borders in two locations adjacent to the Shiv Mandir Temple, as well as recultivating and planting new flora in five distinct areas along the adjacent road.

Eagle Scouts

PROVIDED

Top: December 2023 Eagle Scouts, Middle: January 2024 Eagle Scouts, Bottom: February 2024 Eagle Scouts

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Roger Wise Jr. Colt Whittall

Kate Seng

Carol Williams

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Cheryl Rand

Jean Rearick

Neil Robertson

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Carla York

44 Flip over

46 Colorful carp

47 Hightails it

48 Butter up?

49 Atomic devices

51 Glimpse

53 French sea

54 Mexican entree

59 Host

64 Food thickener

65 Tremors

68 Gr. letter

69 British ___

70 Moxie

71 Ooze

72 Farm animals

73 Marquis de ___

Down

1 Mother ___

2 Demonic

3 Discovery group inits.

4 Bed board

5 Forty winks

6 Altar vow

7 Blue-pencil

8 Dugouts

9 Bonus

10 Savvy about

11 Persian spirit

12 Time periods

13 Alaska city

18 Hide

22 Stepped

24 Bunsen burner

25 Actor Guinness

27 Father

28 Tricks

29 Broker

30 Call forth

32 Rocket type

33 French romance

34 Reverses

35 Sea eagles

36 Slap on

41 Gad about

42 Riviera city

45 He loved Lucy

49 Hot dog condiment

King’s Ridge Baseball at the Legion JV vs West Forsyth, 5:30 p.m., Monday, Mar. 25

Varsity vs Weber, 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 26

Varsity vs Whitefield, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Mar. 27

JV vs Cambridge, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 28

Season Schedule:

www.krtigers.com/sport/baseball/boys/

Dances & Dance Instruction

Dances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday Evenings

Line Dance Instruction:

Monday & Friday Mornings; Wednesday Evening

Free Dance Lessons: Thursday Evening

(Donations Accepted for Troops & Veterans Services)

For Complete Details Visit:

www.club201dance.com/calendar

Sandy Springs seeks to level home linked to drug trade

By CARL APPEN carl@appenmedia.com and HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs City Council authorized its legal counsel March 5 to prosecute the condemnation and seizure of a home at 4808 Kitty Hawk Drive.

City Attorney Dan Lee said the action comes because the house is a tool in a drug manufacturing operation and because the property is unfit for habitation.

Police Chief Kenneth DeSimone and Building Inspector Jonathan Livingston filed the petition, Lee said.

In June 2023, local and federal law enforcement raided the property and discovered a marijuana growing operation.

City officials said the home had been modified to be a large-scale grow house, filled with hydroponic equipment, air scrubbers and processing stations.

The transformations contributed to the unsafe conditions of the house, according to the filing.

Because of the presence of black mold, exposed electrical wiring and compromised structural integrity, Lee said the condition of the home has rendered it unfit for habitation.

During a conversation with City Councilman Andy Bauman, who lives on the same street, Lee said prosecution of the two people arrested during the raid is pending.

While the two suspects directly tied to the house have not gone to trial, Lee drew a connection from them to others associated with the property who, he said, have pleaded guilty to similar charges.

“It is evident and uncontested that the house was purchased with Mexican cartel drug money for the purpose that was discovered by our police department,” Lee said. “That is to grow and manufacture, not just marijuana, but THC products to be sold.”

Lee also claimed the two arrested last year during a traffic stop and cash seizure were “undocumented aliens.”

In records obtained by Appen Media last year, Sandy Springs officers classified one subject as a U.S. citizen and did not provide resident status for the other. Those same records also say the incident was not gang-related.

Part of the city’s argument is that the drug operation reaches far beyond the scope of the two who were arrested. Lee alleges that the lender, the purchaser and the seller were all

“involved in it.”

“If I’ve ever seen a property that was used in the commencement of a crime, this is it,” he said.

To remedy the situation the city seeks not just to seize the property but condemn and destroy it.

The actions are rare in the city, according to Lee. In his 11 years with Sandy Springs, “we may have done this once,” he said.

City Councilman John Paulson asked about the requirements for issuing a condemnation and seizure.

“I don’t know if we’ve ever done both of those at the same time,” Paulson said. “The condemnation, I get, the place should be torn down, raised and regraded.”

Lee said state law allows for the seizure of a property that is acquired with ill-gotten gains or used in an illegal manner.

As explained at the meeting, the city will notify the county, the lender and the property owner of the condemnation process.

From there, “they have to come and make a claim for it,” Lee said.

Lee said the lender is in Denver, Colorado, and the property owner is currently incarcerated in Los Angeles, California.

“The property will be seized, taken off the criminal market and placed back on commerce,” Lee said. “It will become a viable part of the neighborhood again.”

The City Council voted unanimously to move forward with the condemnation and seizure.

CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED

An image shows a street-facing view of 4804 Kitty Hawk Drive. City officials said local and federal law enforcement discovered a large-scale drug operation at the residence last June.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

From left, Assistant City Manager Chris Owens, City Attorney Dan Lee and City Manager Eden Freeman discuss the condemnation and seizure of 4804 Kitty Hawk Drive. City officials said the home is uninhabitable after local and federal law enforcement discovered a marijuana growing operation there last June.

Who you gonna believe? ‘The marketplace of ideas’

PAT FOX

Managing Editor pat@appenmedia.com

The Pew Research Center asked me recently to participate in a survey on current affairs. I consented to offer my opinions on religion, politics, immigration and other assorted issues because it is important to help paint an accurate picture of American sentiment.

I’ve always found Pew, a division of the Pew Charitable Trust, to be a reliable source of valuable information.

Thanks to the galaxy of internet and broadcast outlets, we now have an exhaustive supply of “expert” policy statements on social and political stances. I find few of them trustworthy, and yet the shelves overflow in the marketplace of ideas.

That term, “marketplace of ideas,” is attributed to Supreme Court giant Oliver Wendell Holmes in his dissent on a 1919 case relating to the Espionage Act. Two defendants were convicted of distributing leaflets, signed “revolutionists,” calling for an end to U.S. efforts to intervene in Russia’s civil war.

Holmes argued, unsuccessfully, that the leaflets presented no “clear and present danger” to the country and that, “The best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market.”

Holmes’ marketplace of ideas is now an industry, fueled by special interests with deep pockets or pecked on the keyboards of provocateurs in their parents’ basement.

On a grander scale, there are “think tanks,” teams of data jugglers paid to manufacture viewpoints to suit any social or political persuasion. Most of these policy statements begin with some basis in fact, but their route to a conclusion is often skewed with partisan detours before landing on any “truth.” The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard reports more than 1,200 think tanks operate in the United States.

Not all think tanks are evil. Some provide valuable research devoid of bias.

Whether they admit it or not, the seminal purpose of most think tanks is to spread information, often to sway public opinion in a predetermined direction. Many identify

Opinions

Appen Media aims to present a variety of views in its opinion pages. Send your thoughts, questions and letters to pat@appenmedia.com.

themselves as “non-partisan,” but most really aren’t.

All receive funding from someone – people, organizations, and in some cases, grants. No one has ever given money to anyone without a reason.

Many think tanks are alchemists of thought, often turning raw propaganda into gold. It’s their job to tell you what to think, not how to think.

Cable news – and I use that term loosely – supports a cast of characters spewing arguments culled from think tanks.

Cable news is today’s ESPN, politics as sport – moderators as coaches; guests, either Stepford cheerleaders or hapless quarterbacks in a collapsing pocket.

Is it any wonder that people today cite facts that are, in fact, not facts at all?

Only recently, the Miami Chronicle reported online that the U.S. is softening its stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin. The information was attributed to an unnamed State Department official via a leaked recording. The Chronicle also carried other news out of South Florida, information that had already been aired or published by local outlets.

For the record, there is no Miami Chronicle. It is a fiction.

It presents a stream of legitimate local news, then adds baseless propaganda disguised as articles.

A team from the Media Forensics Hub at Clemson University traced the invention of the Miami Chronical to a pro-Kremlin website, according to the New York Times (if you trust the Old Gray Lady).

If it’s not evident already, the greatest threat to this democracy is that we’ve forgotten how to establish facts first, then disagree. And it’s gone on so long that an entire generation now knows of no time when truth existed.

With apologies to the brilliant Justice Holmes, the best test of truth comes not from the marketplace of ideas. It emerges from facts stripped down to the marrow.

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.”

7506 Wilderness Parkway

Big Canoe, GA 30143

Facts About Me

Breed: Boxer Mix

This is Miss Eva!

bigcanoeanimalrescue.org

706-268-1346

Color: Black & White (Short Haired)

Age: 1 1/2 years-old

Weight: (Current) 45 Lbs.

Sex: Female

My Info

Good with adults & dogs

??? w/cats

Healthy

Shots current

Spayed & Chipped

Great walking on a leash

My Story

Eva’s stance reminds you of a statuesque female, except in a dog version!

She came to us after being on the run for a few weeks, shy, hungry, and scared. Slowly she has regained her spirit and loves the volunteers and going for long walks on the trails. She is yearning for affection and a family environment. This girl will surprise you with her sweet disposition.

All BCAR dogs are placed as indoor family pets. No electric fences, please. Visit pets every Saturday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (706-268-1346) or visit our website for adoption information at www.bigcanoeanimalrescue.org.

A hand built stone house is something special

There is something unique and special about stone houses. A person can even build one by himself with the help of a few friends as farmers sometimes did years ago. Basic raw materials, field stones and sand from a creek, are free for the taking. Tools are relatively inexpensive: shovels, wagons, hammers. Then of course there are expenses for a roof, windows, doors, plumbing and electrical connections.

Alan Rucker and his wife Shelia live in a stone house on Arnold Mill Road in Alpharetta. Alan’s grandparents L.G. (Lawrence) Rucker, a cotton farmer, and his wife Byrd Broadwell Rucker built and lived in an oak and pine frame “shotgun house,” a narrow rectangular home, usually no more than about 12 feet wide, with three to five rooms arranged one behind the other and doors at each end of the house with one hallway running the entire length of the house. It was a very popular style in the South from the end of the Civil War through the 1920s.

Unfortunately, the house burned down in 1939. The entire Crabapple community came to the rescue and built the stone house that exists today. Granite from Stone Mountain was used in the construction. Sand from Little River about 3 miles north of the house was brought in by mule drawn wagon and mixed with Portland cement and crushed stone to make concrete. Timber was cut on the property. Rocks were shaped by hammer on site. To assure straight walls, a frame was built and covered with 1 x 6 or 1 x 8 inch rough cut lumber with the stones set outside the frame much in the fashion of modern bricklaying. Plumb bobs assured vertical walls. Only the exterior walls are stone. Inside construction is tongue and groove pine. The floors are heart pine. Two fireplaces provided the only heat. Alan’s grandparents added propane tanks to the fireplaces a few years later. Like many farmhouses of the time, the house had no bathroom. Alan’s grandparents installed one in 1950. Water came from a 35 foot deep hand dug well on the back porch until the 1980s when the county required conversion to county water.

Down the street a few hundred yards where Cagle Road and Arnold Mill Road intersect is one of the most recognized stone houses in the area,

A very special stone house in Milton is currently undergoing major renovation and restoration while preserving its historic character. When the transformation is completed this spring, I will write a column that will interest those who love local history. Stay tuned.

confirming the origin of the building, based on the date of a well cover on the property, the house was built around 1913. Both the exterior and interior walls are stone. It had been vacant for several years until Rob bought it. It has been undergoing major renovations to bring it up to code and to create a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant will feature family friendly casual dining and a full bar with 24 taps of draft beers. It will accommodate 50 patrons inside and 80 outside.

Unfortunately, some historic stone houses have been demolished in recent years, victims of urban development. Selina Kent, great granddaughter of William David (Dave) Rucker, knows of a stone house built in the early 1900s that used to be where Charlotte Road joins Rucker Road in Milton. She recalls that Anita Murdock Wright, granddaughter of Dave Rucker passed ownership of the property to her daughter Dorcas Wright Berthod who sold it to developers about 20 years ago. The house was made entirely of field stone, not granite. It had pine board interior walls because Dave Rucker was building his rock house across the street and gave the lumber he had planned to use in his house to his neighbors whose house burned down. Dave Rucker’s house had one bedroom upstairs, two bedrooms downstairs as well as a kitchen, dining and sittings rooms, big back porch with a well and a front porch with a swing and willow chairs.

built in the 1970s in the shape of a castle. The house has a moat that serves as a swimming pool. The castle was reportedly made of marble from the quarries in Tate, Georgia, and granite from Stone Mountain and Elberton. It has round rooms and interior stone walls, according to Sheila Rucker Chapman who lives near the house and remembers watching it being built.

Sheila’s great uncle Irving Barnett built a stone house on Rucker Road in the 1950s. It still stands and is noteworthy for the large flower design on the front of the one story home.

A stone house, currently being brought back to life by restauranteur Rob Forrest, will soon be the Stone House Tap restaurant, situated on the highest point in downtown Crabapple. Although there are no records

Selina also recalls the rock house across the street from the Milton Library owned at one time by Claude Holcombe. The house was on a large corner lot and was vacant and for sale for several years. The land was sold about two years ago and is now a Northside Hospital facility. The stone

was demolished.

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 welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

house

BOB MEYERS Columnist

PHOTOS BY BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

This beautiful stone house owned by Alan and Shelia Rucker was built by Alan’s grandfather L.G. (Lawrence) Rucker in 1939 using granite from Stone Mountain. The original house was heated by two fireplaces. A 35 foot deep hand dug well on the back porch provided water until the county required conversion to county water in the 1980s.

The Cagle Castle is one of the most recognizable stone homes in the area. It is a private residence located at the intersection of Cagle Road and Arnold Mill Road in Alpharetta. It features a moat, drawbridges and turrets. It is sometimes referred to as the Dwarf Castle because of the gnomes that decorate the property. This castle is not open to the public.

Tips for creating a four-season garden show

Are you thinking about making changes to your garden this year?

Now is the time to consider what plants to add and what to remove. I view a great garden as a well-thought-out play. The spotlight moves, and there’s always something going on to engage your interest. Watching the same scene, day in and day out, gets boring. So just as there are key elements that make up a good play, there are tips to keep in mind to make your home landscape entertaining all year long.

Establish goals and roles — Whether you want your garden to provide your own farm-to-table vegetables, attract more birds and butterflies or be a peaceful retreat where you can stop and smell the roses (or gardenias) at the end of the day, it helps to have a plan in mind. Improv can be entertaining, yet sometimes a performance is better if it follows a basic script. For example, if you would like to see butterflies, consider planting asters, anise hyssop, bee balm, Black-eyed Susan, Joe Pye weed (a.k.a. Swallowtail Delight), milkweed, coneflowers, sunflowers, and zinnias. In Georgia, milkweeds (Asclepias species) are host plants for Monarch caterpillars.

Year-round interest — Identify roles for your landscape plantings, keeping in mind any bloom times. Each season new plants enter the spotlight. Camellias, daffodils, azaleas, dogwood trees, roses, hydrangeas, abelias, asters and our fall foliage call for oohs and aahs during different seasons. A supporting cast of reliable evergreen plantings adds structure and can also provide privacy. Foliage, branches, sizes, shapes, and textures all catch the eye. Blue, yellow, gray, reddish, jade are all intriguing shades of green. Remember, monocultures are unhealthy and boring.

Right plant in the right place

— What role do you want a plant to play in your landscape and what’s the best spot? Trees, shrubs and woody perennials are your key performers. When choosing plants such as trees and shrubs, keep in mind what their mature size will be. Consider scale, distance in relation to your house and location. On a hill, plants at the top play a different role than those at the bottom. Also, landscapes have both sunny and shady areas. Morning

About the Author

This week’s guest Master Gardener “Garden Buzz” columnist is Pam Rentz. Pam lives in Roswell and has been a North Fulton Master Gardener since 2010. Along with a background in marketing communications for tech companies, she has a longtime passion for plants and our planet.

Learn more

• UGA Cooperative Extension Bulletins - https://extension.uga.edu/ publications.html

o Native Plants for Georgia Part I: Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines

o Native Plants for Georgia Part II: Ferns

o Native Plants for Georgia Part III: Wildflowers

• Georgia Green Landscape Stewards Program - https://site.extension.uga. edu/georgiagreen/

sun is different than afternoon sun. Full sun is at least six hours of direct sunlight. Consider sun, soil, moisture level, spacing, and temperature when selecting plants. Make sure your plant’s needs match those conditions at the site you choose. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has updated the plant hardiness zone map in 2023 and it’s getting warmer. To determine your USDA plant hardiness zone, click on https://planthardiness.ars.usda. gov.

Soil testing — To optimize your plantings, it’s helpful to know nutrient levels and soil pH. Don’t automatically assume you should simply add fertilizer. (Full disclosure: I killed a bed of beautiful dianthus by doing this.) Take soil samples from various spots in your landscape. For a small fee, soil tests for basic soil nutrients and minerals can be obtained at UGA Extension Fulton County. Learn more at https://extension.uga.edu/countyoffices/fulton/agriculture-and-naturalresources/testing-services.html.

Do no harm — Invasive plant species are known to harm the environment. In Georgia, kudzu, English ivy, Chinese privet, and Nandina are among those plants considered invasive. For more information, “Invasive Plants of the Southeast” (https://botgarden.uga.

edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ Invasive-Species-Brochure.pdf) by the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and The Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance lists the top 20 invasive species.

Consult reliable resources — The University of Georgia Extension, the Georgia Native Plant Society, NCSU’s Plant Toolbox, and Doug Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park websites are a few helpful online resources. The Georgia Green Landscape Stewards certification program developed by the University of Georgia Extension service offers excellent information to help residents and businesses adopt sustainable landscape management. Plus, if your landscape meets the scorecard metrics, you can gain “Certified Georgia Landscape” status (and have the option to purchase this sign for your yard)!

Visit wonderful gardens — Years ago a friend introduced me to the Charleston Festival of Houses and Gardens where we embarked on our own walking tour. It was a chance to see “behind the iron gates” of those wonderful private and public gardens that opened my eyes to possibilities I would have never considered. During April, the Historic Garden Week in Virginia features tours throughout the state. The Brandywine Valley in

northern Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania also has many wonderful and inspiring gardens, including Winterthur, Longwood Gardens, Nemours Estate, Mt. Cuba Center and more. Keep a journal of your garden visits and what works and what doesn’t in your own garden. You’ll be glad you did!

Finally, have fun and enjoy yourself as you grow! Ralph Waldo Emerson was a wise man: “Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.”

Happy Gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/.

Save the Date! Garden Faire 2024 will be held on April 20, 2024, at The Grove at Wills Park. https://www. nfmg.net/garden-faire.html

PAM RENTZ

Guest Columnist

PAM RENTZ/PROVIDED

Top left photo - Sheffield mums (Fall)

Bottom left photo - Ferns/heucheras (Winter)

Top right photo - Rose (Spring)

Bottom right photo - Butterfly weed (Summer)

OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!

Let’s take a nice walk in the rain

Welcome to March, everybody. It that’s time of year when one minute it’s high summer and the next it’s deep winter gray. And sometimes it goes from one to the other just like that.

Today was one of those quick-change days. It was blue sky at dawn, so I decided to go hiking at the Gold Branch Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Of all the CRNRA units, it’s the one that to me feels the most remote. It’s like you’re out in the wilds, far from everything, and the illusion of true wilderness is comforting.

But then it clouded up. The temperature is dropping, and now it’s 42 degrees outside, but I’m hiking anyway ¬- walking what seems like a million miles from nowhere out in the middle of the woods, even though deep down I know that Roswell Road is just right over there somewhere.

And now it’s starting to rain.

That’s okay though. I’ve got a poncho

in my day pack, and it’s supposed to be a good one. The package told me it’s the latest thing, ripstop and water resistant and probably bulletproof too. Ripstop is good since thorn bushes try to torpedo it on occasion. Water resistant is good, too, though I’ve discovered a couple of inefficiencies up by the neck.

Is it bulletproof? It occurs to me that I don’t know, and without even an instant of warning my mind jumps back to what I’ve started calling, at least to myself, the Incident on Roswell Road.

I’m amazed how clearly I recall every little detail.

II.

Memory is a wonderful thing. In it I see two vehicles, a van and a car, drivers waving arms and shouting, stopped at a traffic light. The driver in back got out. Words were exchanged. He went back to his car, reached inside, pulled out a pistol, and fired three times. One, two, three. Pop, pop, pop, like flat and dimensionless firecrackers. Then he jumped back in his car and with screeching tires roared away.

I was frozen 20 yards away, held prisoner by a red light, boxed in by a Toyota

and a light blue Ford, mesmerized by the movie unfolding before my eyes.

I remember part of me thinking, briefly and almost instantaneously, “No big deal. You’ve seen it hundreds of times before.” Belligerence and bluster, violence and force. Every night it’s on TV, in the programs, in the news.

But this time the movie had three dimensions instead of two, and I was one of the extras.

I couldn’t see the faces of the drivers ¬– neither gunner nor gunnee – but I could make out every detail of the instant terror in the eyes of the young mother in the car to my right. And I remember two little heads that popped up from that car’s back seat, appearing as soon as the shooting started, perhaps to see what was causing all the neat noises and whether they would sound again –

III.

At Gold Branch, the rain continues. I sit down on a soggy log and look across the little pond nearby. The downpour has turned its surface into a continent of tiny liquid explosions. Each drop makes a sound, but the notes are undistinguishable.

There’s just a muted roar, like an angry mob, a rumbling continuous explosion, a cacophony of impacts blasting the quiet surface of the pond.

I sit for a while, watching, until a new sound eases into my mind. It is soft, a flannel sound almost as soft as rain, and it comes from the bushes ten yards to my right.

Another hiker? Not likely. Not here. Not now. Not in this rain.

What, then?

It is a cat. It is not a family cat, I surmise, though it may have been so once. It may have had a collar with a bright metal tag, may have curled up on sofas and sat in warm laps, may have dined nightly on tidbits from the rich man’s table.

We look at one another, the cat and me, and I can tell that the cat is thinking. I had a cat once, and I know their looks. One says, “I am hungry and I want to be fed.” Another says, “I think it is time for me to be scratched behind the ears.”

Yet another says, “I think it is time to visit the little box behind the door.”

And there is one more. It is the look

See RAIN, Page 21

Don’t miss the Dunwoody Library Sale March 21-25

The popular Friends of the Dunwoody Library Adult Book Sale is coming up this weekend at the Dunwoody Library, 5339 ChambleeDunwoody Rd. If you’re an avid reader, this is the event for you.

You’ll find adult fiction and nonfiction selections, with most hardbacks priced at $2 and paperbacks at $1. Some books and materials are specially priced by value. You’ll be able to shop to your heart’s content knowing that cash, check, and Credit/Debit payments are accepted.

Do you like mysteries, thrillers, romance or other popular fiction genres? Mysteries are my thing, but I do occasionally branch out. Given the low prices, I always see this event as an opportunity to try something different.

Are you a nonfiction enthusiast? You may not be able to tear yourself away from the offerings on a variety of topics:

Art, Religion, History, Drama, Poetry, Shakespeare, Science and Math, Music and Show Business, Travel, Health, Sports, Gardening, and more.

Because I so often read of the demise of paper books, I went in search of data. Imagine my surprise when I read that the demand for physical books is still going strong—and, in fact, growing. This excerpt from the “Guardian” about Gen Z reading habits was enlightening.

“They have killed skinny jeans and continue to shame millennials for having side partings in their hair. They think using the crying tears emoji to express laughter is embarrassing. But now comes a surprising gen Z plot twist. One habit that those born between 1997 and 2012 are keen to endorse is reading – and it’s physical books rather than digital that they are thumbing …

“Last year in the UK, 669m physical books were sold, the highest overall level ever recorded. Research from Nielsen BookData highlights that it is print books that gen Z favours, accounting for 80% of purchases from November 2021 to 2022. Libraries are also reporting an uptick in gen Z users who favour their

If you go

What: Dunwoody Library Sale

When: Thursday, March 21: Open to all, 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, March 22 & 23: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Monday, March 25: 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., BAG DAY. Fill a large grocery bag for $7.00!

Where: 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd.

quiet over noisy coffee shops. In the UK, in-person visits are up 71%.”

That data tells me that the work the FODL does is increasingly important. The money they raise through the sales is used to support the library by enabling it to serve the community in a variety of ways.

• Children’s programs offered during the summer and fall totaled over 140 with crafts, Take & Make, sticker posters, and LEGO club among them.

• Adult offerings include jewelry and

weaving (full with a wait list), programs on Alzheimer’s education, Georgia native trees, and working as a movie extra.

• Beyond the four walls of the library. FODL members also assist with library outreach by helping with presentations, books, and school supplies at National Night Out and Truck or Treat events.

My weekly visits to the local library with my mother made me a library lover at an early age, and the work of FODL is helping to grow a new generation of library lovers. Friends of the Dunwoody Library Vice President Jackie Willey says it well:

“I believe libraries are the center of a community. As an FODL volunteer, I work to make our library a place where everyone feels welcome.”

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

STEVE HUDSON Columnist

GET

that says, “Don’t bother me. I am a cat, and I am thinking cat thoughts. They are secret, and you will never know them, but I know them always and am thinking them now.”

That was the look that this cat has. It is the cat thoughts look, and the cat is looking at me.

The cat sits motionless, then ever so slowly eases into a crouch, as if to spring, tail straight out, not so much as the twitch of an ear.

Still the cat looks at me. Deciding –

Deciding what?

I blink first. The tip of the cat’s tail twitches. I blink again.

The cat slowly stands and turns and starts to walk away.

For a moment, I watch. A second more, and he is gone.

IV. – but they did not.

In times of stress, they say, you resort to basic conditioning:

The mother, apparently petrified, did not scream, and so the children, no longer interested, disappeared from view and resumed whatever child’s game they were playing.

Me? I went on when the light turned

green.

I drove about 100 yards before it dawned on me that I really should go back…to help? To lend aid? To see what I could see?

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And so I turned around and drove back past the scene.

The car had not come back.

The guys from the van were standing around looking at three little holes in the back door of the van. They pointed and gestured, then got in their van and drove away too.

The mother and her kids were gone.

Time to be on my way too, I told myself. My assistance was not needed, and I did not want to be involved. No. I did not want to be involved at all.

Later I watched the news at both six and 11. There was no mention of the incident. No mention at all.

That was good. If there was no incident, there was no need.

V.

Remember the Salvadore Dali painting? The one with the timepieces that seem to be flowing like soft plastic off the edges of the tables? Remember it’s title?

I did not want to be involved. But I was I was…

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Kemp:

Continued from Page 4

subsequent ordinance changes the City Council made March 11 regarding massage establishments.

Some updates included clarifying the role of a registered agent and the requirement for massages to be performed by a Georgia licensed therapist.

“While we may not be able to eradicate illegal massage parlors and human trafficking on a global scale,” Wilson said. “We are going to eradicate illegal massage parlors and human trafficking in the City of Roswell.”

He said he hopes the local effort inspires other jurisdictions across the state and country to follow suit.

Dave McCleary, vice chair of Rotarians Against Slavery, presented first lady Marty Kemp with an award for her efforts to combat human trafficking in Georgia and across the United States.

“Thank you for your outstanding contributions and leadership that exemplifies service above self,” McCleary said.

McCleary said that Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott attributed her state’s trafficking task force to inspiration from Marty Kemp’s work in Georgia.

Gov. Kemp then took the podium to discuss his commitment to public safety and the economic impact of the North Fulton cities.

“There’s some great work going on here,” Kemp said. “I appreciate what Roswell Rotary is doing, not only for our community but also for our state.”

The governor thanked Detective

Natalie Fields and the first lady for their work combatting human trafficking and commended Roswell Police and the city on their efforts.

“We appreciate this club for being in the fight,” Kemp said. “People like Dave McCleary and a lot of people in the room were in the trenches long before we got involved in the fight.”

Fields, a special investigations detective at the Roswell Police Department, received an award for her work combating human trafficking in North Fulton from the Roswell Rotary Club, the Roswell Action Group Against Slavery and End Human Trafficking Now.

Detective Fields said McCleary invited her to the Governor’s Mansion for a meeting with the Georgians for Refuge, Action, Compassion and Education Commission.

Police Chief James Conroy, credited with leading the September operation with other North Fulton cities, said it’s an honor to have the governor and the first lady recognize the department’s work in Roswell.

“Detective Fields has done a tremendous job,” Conroy said. “We started looking at one thing, which is the sex violations, and uncovered organized crime and human trafficking.”

He said the investigation into organized crime has become much larger than he originally anticipated.

In 2024, Roswell Police have shut down six illegal massage practices. Conroy said there is more to come.

“[The City Council] just passed a stronger ordinance this week,” Conroy said. “You can expect more, now that we’ve got some more tools in our toolbox.”

REAL

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson speaks about the push “to eradicate illegal massage parlors and human trafficking in the City of Roswell.” Wilson thanked Gov. Kemp for the support of the city’s efforts to lead the state in the fight against human trafficking.