Milton Herald - April 6, 2023

Joyous Acres

Athletics director leaves his mark on Fulton County

By MCCLAIN BAXLEY newsroom@appenmedia.com

FULTON COUNTY, Ga — After more than 100 state championships, one national championship, countless college signees and 11 years of building a foundation, Fulton County Schools

Athletic Director Steven Craft is stepping away.

“I think it’s time for someone else to have an opportunity,” he said. “It excites me to have a new challenge. I feel like we have accomplished so much in Fulton County in the last 11 years.”

Craft has held the post since 2012 and is set to begin April 10 as assistant superintendent for Dalton County Public Schools. He’ll go from overseeing 16 athletic departments to a school system that has two high schools. But it’ll be an exciting change for someone whose life has been ingrained in high school athletics for more than 20 years.

During his time heading Fulton County athletics, there have been new schools founded, championships won and hiring changes — and Craft has been on hand for it all.

See CRAFT, Page 26

CRAFT

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Teresita Lim King kisses her rescue horse Onaqui, one of a host of animals she has on the Milton farm she operates with her family.

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Woman reports silver taken from her home

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton woman reported a stolen chest of silver from her home off Watsons Bend March 20. The woman said she suspects a former live-in caregiver for her mother.

The victim noticed the missing chest March 19, almost three weeks after the caregiver had been terminated on March 2. She said it took the caregiver more than one day for her to gather her belongings. Access to the residence’s neighborhood, The Manor, was then revoked.

The victim said the chest had enough settings for 12 people and is valued at $4,000. She also said there were miscellaneous pans and skillets missing. The victim suspected the caregiver because she had asked the victim if she could have a skillet via text.

But there was also a new caregiver helping the family, who had access cards to enter The Manor. Timestamps of the caregiver’s work schedule were provided to police.

Man reports attempts to raid bank account

MILTON, Ga. — A man reported two incidents of an unidentified suspect attempting to withdraw money from his bank account March 21.

The victim said he was contacted March 17 by a bank employee, who informed him of the fraud activity. The suspect was denied the transaction because his signature did not match that of the account holder.

The victim said he received another

call later that day informing him the unidentified person attempted to withdraw money from his account using the same tactic.

The victim said the bank told him he would need a police report and a subpoena to receive any camera footage of either incident.

Due to a lack of identifying information, the police report said no suspect was identified, and no warrants were obtained.

Businessman defrauded of more than $350,000

MILTON, Ga. — A man told Milton Police March 22 that a contracting company he works with did not receive a wire transfer he had sent.

The police report stated it was determined someone claiming to be affiliated with the contracting company had reached out to the man’s company requesting a bank change.

The man said his company sent a wire transfer for $366,616 to the new account information they received March 10. The name the suspect used is an actual person, the man said, used to create a realistic “request for change.”

The man said he has contacted his bank, which is looking into the matter, and he was told to file a police report and have police contact the FBI. Police advised the man to file a report with the FBI on his own.

Mill Springs Academy swindled for $250,000

MILTON, Ga. — An employee at Mill Springs Academy informed Milton Police March 23 she paid $244,150 to a scam email address in late February.

The woman said she received an invoice email from someone she believed was a representative from Sluss and Padgett.

Later, after speaking with a real Sluss and Padgett representative, it

was determined that the email address the money was sent to was fraudulent.

The email was sent by the legitimate email address at 9:44 a.m. that morning, but the school received the intercepted scam email at 09:51 a.m.

Cumming man arrested for ‘stunt’ driving in lot

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A Cumming man allegedly caught doing burnouts in the parking lot of a business on Westside Parkway in Alpharetta March 14 has been arrested for reckless “stunt” driving.

Officers responded to 2900 Westside Parkway at about 6 p.m. after they heard tires screeching from a vehicle doing burnouts and saw a cloud of smoke coming from the area.

At the scene, they located a crowd of people around a silver sedan and identified the vehicle’s driver as a 19-year-old Cumming Man.

The man was placed under arrest and charged with reckless stunt driving. He was transported to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

Lilburn man arrested for speeding 100 mph

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police arrested a 21-year-old Lilburn man March 16 after he was allegedly clocked traveling more than 100 miles per hour on Ga. 400.

Police officers stopped a Chevy Cruz at about 10:30 p.m. after it was seen passing vehicles on Ga. 400 traveling at about 101 miles per hour.

The suspect driver said he was racing home to complete an assignment that was due.

Due to the heavy traffic, limited nighttime visibility and the speed of the driver’s vehicle, officers placed the man under arrest for reckless driving and speeding and transported him to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

New state law limits health care for Georgia transgender youth

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed a bill co-sponsored by state senators in Alpharetta and Roswell that will limit medical care for transgender minors.

Senate Bill 140, signed into law March 23, was co-sponsored by 23 Republican state senators. The law bans medical procedures for transgender minors including genital reassignment surgeries and hormone replacement therapies. Transgender youth will still have access to puberty blockers prior to turning 18.

The law will take effect July 1. Minors already receiving hormone therapy will be allowed to continue treatment.

The bill passed the Senate 31-21.

State Sens. John Albers (R-Roswell) and Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta) cosponsored and voted for the bill. Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) voted for the bill.

Sen. Josh McLaurin (D-Sandy Springs) voted against the legislation. Beach said he co-sponsored and voted for the bill because people should be 18 or older to make certain medical decisions.

“Before the age of 18, I don’t think a child is ready to make decisions that are permanent, and that’s what would happen if we hadn’t passed this bill,” Beach said.

A press representative for Senator Albers said he was unavailable for comment.

The law is based on a “significant rise in diagnoses of gender dysphoria in children” in the past decade, which the bill said often does not last into

adulthood. According to the American Psychiatric Association, gender dysphoria refers to psychological distress that comes when someone’s gender identity and assigned sex at birth do not align.

Opponents of the law said the ban will have negative impacts on transgender youth.

Anna Baxter, an owner, supervisor and licensed counselor at Roswellbased Love Positive Counseling, has worked with transgender people of all ages for the past eight years. The counselor said many of their clients “wouldn’t be alive today” without hormones.

“Gender dysphoria is such a complex situation, but the treatment for most folks is very simple,” Baxter said, adding that teenagers often struggle to understand that options will be available past the age of 18.

The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth said in a 2022 report that 55 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth in Georgia seriously considered suicide in the past year and 16 percent attempted suicide.

“It’s really easy for someone struggling with such crippling emotional pain to decide it’s not worth it,” Baxter said.

Beyond worries about mental health, Baxter said the state should not get involved in medical care.

“Parents and doctors need to be the ones in charge of these decisions,” Baxter said.

Senator Beach said he is “all for” parents and doctors having say in medical procedures, “but when you make those dramatic changes at a young age you may end up regretting it.”

An amendment to the law said that doctors who do provide surgeries or hormone replacement therapies will be held “administratively accountable.” Hospitals that break the law could also lose their permits.

Baxter worries the law sets a precedent in deciding who is involved in people’s health decisions.

Other opponents to the law said it goes against accepted medical standards.

Johns Creek resident Ann Miller is the mother of a transgender man and the regional director for PFLAG, a national organization focused on education and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. She said hormone therapy is “standard and accepted care” for transgender teenagers.

Major medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics state their standard of care is to provide “developmentally appropriate” gender-affirming care.

“We need to understand that care is very individualized and it’s not experimental,” Miller said. “We know exactly the best way to help these folks.”

The law allows exceptions for youth with “a medically verifiable disorder of sex development” or medically necessary reason for treatment not related to gender dysphoria.

Miller said the law creates a “collective worry” about how far things could go, and that it feels like the transgender community is being legislated against.

“I am greatly saddened that the general American public doesn’t really understand what these bills are saying and how they will hurt transgender youth and teens,” Miller said.

Family rescues animals, provides therapy at Joyous Acres

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Sitting on their backyard patio, a family described their surrounding small rescue farm — Joyous Acres, a place seniors frequent to visit with about a dozen of its animals.

Teresita Lim King, who gives warm, hardy hugs upon meeting for the first time, realized her lifelong dream in 2021 when she moved from Boston with her husband Andrew Nakrin and daughter Joy Lim Nakrin. When Joy was young, Andrew promised Teresita that they would have a farm when they retire.

“I didn’t realize when you retire, you’re decrepit,” Teresita said, wearing shorts, a T-shirt and rain jacket for the anticipated rain.

Teresita, 71, had knee surgery, and can’t stand for long periods of time. But she still manages to do much of the work, alongside her family. An early feminist, Teresita is blunt and independently minded.

Betty Lim King, 73, emphasized the condition of her sister’s hands, dirtied from a daily routine that begins at 3 a.m. with exercise. Andrew, who wasn’t feeling well on this particular day, joins Teresita in the barn to greet the horses in song a few hours later.

“My sister is very inspirational,” Betty said. “But she’s a pain in the [butt].”

Over time, the family accumulated 20-plus acres off Brittle Road in Milton to house animals left behind and rejected, using savings from Teresita’s career as a gynecologist and Andrew’s in anesthesiology.

They also rescued historic barns from development in the process, featured in Appen Media columnist Bob Meyers’ book, “Barns of Old Milton County.”

‘Seniors for Seniors’

A retired sociology professor, Betty spoke in broad, philosophical terms. Every so often, she dropped insight into what a fulfilled existence looks like, using Joyous Acres as a touchstone.

“We share a universe of meanings. So [Joyous Acres] will transcend all the human barriers of race, class, gender, politics, religion,” Betty said. “We share our humanity with one another through the power of animals — love, love...”

Wearing a sundress and sun hat, Betty described herself as a “pie in the sky.” She thinks of the ideas, while the rest of the family puts them in motion. It was her idea that the family share the farm with other seniors. The program started up in December.

But Betty said she’s realistic enough

to know that humans have a “disorderly soul.”

“We want to get rid of whatever is inconvenient — disposable animals … the American society has become too materialistic, even in the horse industry,” Betty said. “It’s all about making money.”

With heavy consideration, Betty left city life to follow Teresita last July. After 44 years of marriage, Betty’s husband died in 2018, and she fell into a deep depression, struggling to find purpose. First, she looked to her role in the Asian American Commission. But the farm became Betty’s resolve.

“It's such a happy place. The animals make me happy. I used to be so scared of the horses. Now, I scold them,” Betty said, gesturing and making noises. “Then, along the way you meet people … gives you purpose, you know.”

Around twice a month, the “Senior for Seniors” program invites residents from the Village Park Alpharetta retirement community to spend time with the animals.

While most of the seniors have significant memory loss, the family described moments when they return and recognize the animals. If some of the seniors are angry upon arrival, the family said the anger dissipates.

Teresita and Betty also meet the seniors where they’re at. They plan to visit again soon with the dogs, and they bought a

trailer to transport their horse, Prince.

“[The seniors] become our friends, and we think about them,” Teresita said.

Second chances

The animals at Joyous Acres are well cared for with healthy diets, natural medicine, the freedom to roam and massages.

“What’s good for us — it’s got to be good for them,” Teresita said.

Teresita puts hyaluronic acid in her drink every day — a supplement horses take for their joints. She also swears by milk thistle. The plant has helped Bella, the herd leader and the family’s first rescued horse, who has Cushing’s disease. It has also helped one 27-year-old dog.

Before Teresita migrated from the Philippines with Betty, she did rural medicine on horseback. That’s when she fell in love with horses. She later instilled that love into Joy, who grew up riding and returned to the sport when she moved to Milton.

There’s six horses — Bella, Prince, Geronimo, Onaqui, Johnny and Honor. There’s also a pig named Humphrey, who obliged Joy with tricks, a few small dogs and a couple of cats.

Most of the horses arrived at Joyous Acres with severe post-traumatic stress disorder. Onaqui, named after his suspect-

See ACRES, Page 27

8 | Milton Herald | April 6, 2023

KEEPIN’ IT SIMPLE

Samad Grill elevates food with love and a little garlic

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Jamal Samad prides himself on the simplicity of the food at his restaurant, Samad Mediterranean Grill and Market. But simple isn’t easy, he said, like most people think.

“The harder thing is to keep things simple and tasty, and make it healthy,” said Jamal, with a thick Lebanese accent.

Jamal said the kitchen staff, including himself, doesn’t compromise or cut corners. Everything at Samad Grill is made with fresh ingredients. And, everything – except the gyro meat, which is Halal, and pita bread – is made from scratch.

His wife of 28 years, Lesley Samad, sitting beside him in a small, cozy booth by the door, interjected to say the food is still rather complex and layered.

“I will tell you, I’ve never met a stranger,” Lesley said at one point, laughing. “He’s much more quiet than I am.”

See SAMAD, Page 9

Samad Mediterranean Grill and Market

Address: 8897 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs

Phone: 770-807-3700

Website: samadgrill.com/

Hours: Monday-Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There’s a lot of love in the food. Love is an important ingredient.

JAMAL SAMAD, Co-owner of Samad Mediterranean Grill and Market

Lesley Samad provides a plate filled with a variety of salads, falafel, lentil soup and fried cauliflower. Lebanese food is known for its use of fresh herbs and garlic, she said.

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/AMBER PERRY

Jamal and Lesley Samad, owners of Samad Mediterranean Grill and Market, sit at a booth inside their restaurant March 29. Opened in 2012, Samad Grill is located in a shopping center on Roswell Road.

Samad:

Continued from Page 8

Lesley offered an American perspective on the Lebanon way of Mediterranean cuisine. She said it tends to be more “elevated,” and it has more attitude, anchored in pride. She also said Lebanese food is more herb- and garlic-heavy.

“There's a lot of love in the food,” Jamal added. “Love is an important ingredient.”

The touch

Jamal opened the restaurant in 2012. After receiving his master's degree in France, he came to the states to get his Ph.D. in physics in 1992, but marriage and family happened.

“I use a formula here and there,” he said jokingly.

He spent years working in kitchens before turning to the hard sciences. But he also grew up with his mother’s and grandmother’s cooking in Lebanon. While he has tried to duplicate it, he said it’s not possible.

Lesley said the same goes for Jamal’s cooking.

“I will make things, and it will still taste really, really good — still not his,” she said. “It’s a touch.”

People ask Jamal all the time for his recipes and the ingredients he uses. He freely gives them away, knowing the real secret is balance.

Those queries are partly the reason for the market. In the back corner of the restaurant, Jamal sells items he uses in his own cooking. There’s a couple of aisles stocked with mostly exported goods with labels in other languages — herbs and spices, jams, desserts, coffee, other items.

Many countries are represented in the market, Lesley said. In addition to foods from Lebanon, the shelves boast products from Croatia, Turkey, Greece and Egypt.

“A lot of people comment — they'll say, ‘I haven't seen this since I was a little kid,’” she said.

An ethos

Food is the star of the show at Samad Grill. Jamal once spent thousands on renovations, but the space remains unpretentious like the Styrofoam foodware.

Diner-style tables are spread throughout on unpolished floors, eaten away with time. Ketchup bottles along with salt and pepper shakers are at the ends.

Regular customers have advised Jamal not to change anything, lending to a down-to-earth personality and a certain ambience that restaurant hidden gems tend to have.

“When it’s busy, it has a life of its own,” Lesley said. “The energy is great

in here. Some of our customers have become friends with each other.”

Underneath chalk board menus, several potted pothos plants sit on the ordering counter, their tendrils hanging off the side. Lesley said Lebanon is rich with gorgeous fruit trees, making the greenery an appropriate touch.

Other decorations are minimal, save around 10 quirky clocks on the back wall with the customer-created chalk designs on the bottom half. The black paint was a contentious design element, Lesley said, but it grew on her husband.

“It’s the small victories in marriage,” she said, on her way to wipe down tables.

Lesley handles the front of the house, and Jamal stays in the kitchen with other staff. Their daughters help at the business, too. Once the doors opened and customers began trickling in March 29, their daughter Maya arrived.

Community-based eats

Spread out on several Styrofoam plates, Lesley provided a bit of everything. On one, there was an array of salads — chickpea, spinach, cabbage, beet and pasta salads with various bases seasoned with fresh herbs and garlic. There was also a thick lentil soup.

The falafel, each ball with a crisp coating and soft center, came with pita bread and an assortment of dips, including tahini and garlic sauce. While Jamal said the whole menu is his favorite, he highlighted the falafel as a top tier pick along with the kafta kabob.

Lesley brought over one of her favorites, too — the flash-fried cauliflower, seasoned with salt and coated in tahini dressing.

“People will say, ‘We got off the plane and came straight here,’” Lesley said. “And that is a huge compliment because there are only two places in the world I do that to.”

The Samads know most customers by name and still see some that have been coming since day 1. While the customer base in the first few years was primarily repeat patrons, the dynamic shifted with strong community support and word of mouth.

The restaurant also saw more light during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many restaurants, the pandemic impacted Samad Grill. Most of the money rolling in came in the form of take-out orders. But the space changed in a more exceptional way — it became a pop-up food pantry for Sandy Springs schools.

In March 2020, Lesley received a message from a PTO president who said all the subsidized school breakfasts and lunches would be closed, even for those facing food insecurity. Samad Grill saw up to 400 families a day over the course of 18 months, a line wrapping around the corner of the building.

“This area is the haves and the havenots,” Lesley said.

A balloon artist creates a figure for a child at the Daffodil Days Market March 25.

A week-long give-back and volunteer effort culminated into the Saturday market at Johns Creek City Hall, which featured around 60 artisans, kids’ activities and food trucks.

Daffodil Days Market draws crowds

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A week of giveback and volunteer efforts culminated in the Daffodil Days Market at Johns Creek City Hall March 25, which featured around 60 artisans, kids’ activities and food trucks.

A banner was posted, listing more than a dozen organizations that participated in community service, including the Rotary Club of Johns Creek North Fulton, Girl Scout and Brownie troops, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and area schools.

The “genesis” of the special event was Daffodils 4 Hope, Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry said. The program, sponsored by the nonprofit Johns Creek Beautification, is a planting campaign that raises awareness for CanCare Atlanta — an organization that provides

counseling support to cancer patients and caregivers in the community.

Daffodil Days Market, which ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., saw children line up in front of balloon artists. Some kids had their fun at bounce houses and visited with Disney’s Princess Ariel. A DJ provided music.

Crowds circled through several rows of vendors from The Gibson Co. Marketplace and farmers market applicants, selling baked goods, local honey, coffee, candles and other items. There was also a flower-arranging cart.

Images of daffodils were sprinkled throughout the space, in hand-painted pictures at the entrance, vases for the eating area and planters in front the City Hall. Clusters of yellow balloons were on most corners.

“The daffodil is a great symbol of hope and spring renewal,” Bradberry said.

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

A dozen or so hand-painted daffodils greet visitors at the Daffodil Days Market March 25.

Roswell adds restrictions on open records requests

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell City Council passed a resolution March 27 requiring people applying for public records to provide “verifiable” names and addresses along with their requests.

Those who wish to remain anonymous will have to go to Roswell City Hall to view requested records in person.

Officials say the move is to address a large volume of requests, some made by “fraudulent” people who do not pay for the records.

All but one councilmember, Sarah Beeson, voted in favor of the resolution. Beeson left the dais and took the podium to speak against the resolution saying the measure adds barriers to accessing public records.

Under the resolution, the city will not send requested records to “unverifiable” names and addresses. The definition of “verified” is not given, but Roswell City Attorney David Davidson said you should be able to “Google” a name and address or

offered a second option.

“If people want the records mailed or emailed anonymously, the agency will mail them after the requester sends a money order or something,” Colangelo wrote.

City Councilwoman Beeson asked if the money order option could be added to the resolution.

“That’s going to be a policy decision for the mayor and council to decide legally,” City Attorney Davidson said.

Councilman Mike Palermo said he was not comfortable “taking on the risk” of money orders at that time. He said he could support the measure in the future if the risk of impersonation was mitigated. The money order option was not added into the final resolution.

Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson said the decision to verify names has been spurred by people requesting records under other residents’ names. He cited one example, in which Roswell resident and former mayoral candidate Jason Yowell’s name was used to file an open records request.

Beeson argued that Yowell was a “public figure” who had publicly engaged

records request. He said he favored the resolution.

“If we’re going to have information available freely and open to the public, we’re also entitled to know who is seeking to obtain that information,” Yowell said.

Another resident, Eric Schumacher, suggested that open records requests become anonymous after they move from the clerk’s office to the rest of city staff. Schumacher said that in past years, he had issues with people not granting him certain records requests, and a level of anonymity could “protect privacy” among people filing requests.

The mayor said he “likes that idea” as a way of preventing bias from city staff. The suggestion was not added to the final resolution.

Beeson, a proponent of anonymity in public records requests, said anybody who wants to remain anonymous can use her name when filing open records requests.

While the open records resolution was formally approved at the March 27 City Council meeting, Appen Media found the policy was implemented in February.

Documents obtained by the news organization show that in response to an open records request regarding the city’s February retreat to Opelika, City Attorney Davidson told the applicant that

the directive had been implemented on Feb. 28.

Davidson said the city administrator, who leads day-to-day operations, “instructed the city clerk and city attorney” to follow the same procedures presented in the open records resolution.

When asked about the change, City Administrator Randy Knighton said the question would need to be answered by the mayor, who is the city’s spokesperson. Appen Media is awaiting comment from the city.

In other matters at the March 27 meeting, the council moved forward on an agreement with Fulton County to have the county run municipal elections in 2023 at a cost no higher than $814,420. The agreement was brought to the floor for a first reading, which the council unanimously approved.

Councilwoman Lee Hills, an avid supporter of Roswell-run municipal elections, said the city is not ready to run elections this year. The mayor and council said they will pursue self-run elections for the 2025 election cycle.

The councilmembers agreed to propose an addition to the Fulton County agreement that would provide two advance voting locations in Roswell, rather than the single voting location that the county proposed.

You have a house contract, now what?

By Lara Dolan, The Craft Dolan Team at Ansley Real Estate

After weeks, months, or even years of searching online sites then touring homes with your Realtor, you’ve finally found THE house, made an offer and secured a binding contract. Celebration and excitement are warranted, but this is just one step in the home-buying process. In Georgia, most Purchase & Sale Agreements have a due diligence period during which the buyers may be released from the contract for any reason or no reason the true intent being to provide the buyer with an opportunity to inspect the home and property. This due diligence period is typically 5-14 days; understandably buyers want as much time as possible, and sellers want a short timeframe to limit how long the property is off market in case the deal doesn’t materialize.

Most sellers provide a Seller’s Disclosure which the buyer should review prior to making an offer. The seller is obligated to disclose known problems, repairs and defects. Most buyers will hire an inspector who will spend several hours at the property investigating the structure, roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and other features and systems. An inspector must be licensed, knowledgeable and able to point out issues without creating unnecessary alarm.

I recently met a couple who purchased a home during the competitive 2021 market. Their urgency to find a property and get an offer accepted resulted in a sloppy inspection and undiscovered defects that have since cost them more than $50,000. In this case, if a structural engineer had been called, they would have noted visible defects. The buyer may still have purchased the home but likely would have negotiated consideration from the seller or at a minimum, finalized the purchase with a better understanding of the issues.

One of our preferred inspectors is Mark Caffiers with D.S. Murphy Inspections. Mark is the perfect example of experience matters. Mark relayed a recent story of an inspection at a home with an old clawfoot tub. “Sometimes intuition helps,” he said. “These old tubs can be notorious for issues with the drain trap

below the floor. So, I filled the tub, let it drain and initially there was no leak. Two hours later I took another look and found a bit of water in the screened-in porch…right below that tub.”

We work with experienced inspectors, but they recognize they are generalists. In many homes it is prudent to have specialists thoroughly evaluate structures and systems. In tight due diligence timeframes, it is good practice to set these appointments in conjunction with the main inspection rather than wait until the inspector’s report comes out recommending further evaluation. For example, the buyer may want the HVAC, roof, septic, pool, and potentially structural, electrical and plumbing specialists to review the home particularly if the home is older or if there are visible items

that raise an eyebrow.

Depending on the size of the home, the general inspection should cost $450800, and most inspectors offer a radon test option. Additional specialists mean more cost, but $1000-$1500 on inspections is money well spent if it provides the right insight into what is most buyers’ largest financial investment and asset.

We maintain a list of experts who are eager to assist our clients with all types and levels of inspections and because of our longstanding relationships, our referral partners are typically available on short notice.

For sellers, inspections can be nervewracking, and it can be easy to take an inspector’s findings personally. “A good inspection report will be well written and

just the facts, inspectors should not be hypothesizing on what might happen, but should state current conditions,” says Caffiers.

A good inspection protects everyone in the transaction and gives both parties the opportunity to negotiate repairs and sometimes financial compensation. On both sides of the deal, experienced Realtors can assist in this negotiation; helping the buyer determine what is most important and the seller determine which items to agree to address and which not to.

The goal of due diligence? Ensuring both parties understand and have confidence in the property central to the transaction so that signing at the closing table is a happy, amiable experience for everyone.

DOLAN

Nothing Compares.

Five tips for managing house hunting stress

Often compared to dating, shopping for the right house involves investing time and energy with no guarantee of return, putting yourself out there to “try on” options that don’t fit, getting stood up a time or two and showing up to do it all over again until you meet “the one.” Also, it’s often paired with other stressful events—getting a mortgage, relocating or starting a new job.

No surprise, then, that it ranks so high on the life stress inventory; however, there are ways to soften the impact. Here are a few strategies that take the pressure from intense down to manageable:

1. Acknowledge the overwhelm. You aren’t crazy. You’re buying a house. This comes with a lot of decisions, details and perhaps a few

tough conversations. It’s going to involve some waiting. You’re going to feel heightened emotions and secondguess yourself. All of the above is extremely normal.

2. Work with the right agent. Do yourself a favor and make the complexities of lending, negotiating and buying as easy as possible by working with experienced, qualified professionals who are worthy of your trust. A good agent will anticipate your needs, listen to your concerns, offer vetted resources and make the process seamless.

3. Only view a few houses at a time.

An easy way to get overwhelmed? Pack a lot of showings into a small time frame, and not allow yourself time to process your impressions and responses. It’s easy for all those options to blend together. Whenever possible, take your time.

4. Face facts from the beginning. Being upfront and disclosing everything at the outset might mean you have a few tough conversations ahead of you regarding financing or timing, but those conversations are always preferable to realizing too late that a negotiation fell through because you didn’t have them.

5. Act without regret.

When it’s time to make an offer, don’t act from fear or take the easy way out. Make an offer you won’t regret later.

Stress always accompanies change and transition, but it doesn’t need to be the only thing you remember about the experience. The best way to handle the overwhelm is to ask for help. If you need assistance staging your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!

Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad

North Fulton market update

Brought to you by Wesley Hansard,

Harry Norman Realtors

The North Fulton Real Estate Market had a very strong Q1 in 2023. We continue to see home prices rise and the lack of inventory in the overall market is pushing the demand and prices higher. We did see a longer, but normal, average days on market for the start of Q1. Coming out of the holidays and the high interest rates, compared to 2022, contribute to this. We are, also, not seeing as many over asking price contracts, as compared to 2022. In the first Quarter, the average sales price to listing price ratio was 98.3%. In 2022, this ratio was around 101%! If you are looking to buy or sell, you need to be informed about what is going on in the industry, and I would be happy to help you out.

How does a School District impact home values?

Brought

to

you

by - Sam DiVito, REALTOR® HOME Real Estate, The Kloster Group

We all know the age-old saying location, location, location. When it comes to school districts, this reigns even more true. Even if you never plan to have school-aged children, buying in a good school district brings a multitude of benefits to your home's value. A good school district typically means safer neighborhoods, access to sidewalks, restaurants and shops, better parks and recreation departments and active communities. All of

this leads to the higher price points for homes located in these areas. The link between school districts and property value is so strong that there has been a recent trend of foreign real estate investors buying property in certain school districts without ever seeing the house. That's how sure they are that the value of the property will increase.

When a market starts to correct itself or has a downturn, the schools can significantly impact how much

the pricing fluctuates in those areas. People will always pay more to invest in their children's future, so it is a great strategy to buy in an area that will likely maintain stable and rising home values.

It's not just important to find a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about houses. They should also have extensive knowledge of the house's surrounding area to best guide each buyer on school districts and the areas in which each school

excels to best fit their specific needs. Homebuyers are encouraged to gather information and research from various sources and tour each school to find the right one for their family!

Investing in your home is one of the hardest and most important decisions you will make for your family. You don’t have to do it alone! Call or email Sam today and we’ll evaluate your needs and get your family into the best schools the area has to offer. Call 404-803-5999 or email sam@homegeorgia.com and get a response within 24 hours.

Move-in ready Charleston inspired homes available now at Hillandale in Historic Downtown Roswell

Brought to you by - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division

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

In addition to amazing interior details, the impressive homes at Hillandale include a variety of features including an irrigation system, tankless water heater, free-standing tub, gas lanterns per plan on front patios, pebbled driveways, and community sidewalks. Front and year lawn maintenance are also included in the HOA.

There are several move-in ready homes available including the popular Windham situated on lot 9 which offers a lavish owners retreat on main level. The grand 2-story entry foyer gives glimpse to the wonderful flow and functionality of this home. The dining area with butler’s pantry has room for seating 10+ guests. The chef’s kitchen with oversized island and breakfast bar opens to the fireside family room with beamed ceilings. This four-bedroom and four and one-half bathroom home is offered at $1,049,395.

On Lot 10, the Galway plan does not disappoint with its spacious open concept living and guest suite on the main level. The impressive kitchen boasts upgraded finishes, center island, stainless steel appliances and double ovens. The covered patio off the kitchen is ideal for large scale entertaining. Upstairs find an impeccable owner's suite with sitting room, a loft, and generous secondary bedrooms for a total of four-bedrooms and three-and-one half baths. Offered for $1,126,060. Looking for a basement? There is also a Galway situated on Lot 23 with a full unfinished basement for $1,209,965.

The Tierney situated on homesite 11 is a striking two-story home featuring four bedrooms, three and one-half baths and is perfect for entertaining with open living spaces and a chef’s kitchen with the latest in design. There are three large secondary bedrooms and a large loft. Priced at $1,128,955, this discerning home includes hardwoods on the main level and an extensive list of designer upgrades.

Homeowners at Hillandale enjoy a convenient and central location with easy access to local dining and shopping in historic downtown Roswell. The Chattahoochee River and pristine parks envelop the area creating a

wide array of recreational activities. The Chattahoochee River Nature Preserve is just a short drive away with kayaking, biking, and walking trials, and a summer music series. Districted in Roswell's highly acclaimed school system, Hillandale is a neighborhood suited for any lifestyle.

Patrick Malloy communities, founded in 1994 by Patrick Malloy, builds new homes in Metro Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. To date, the company has developed over 11,000 homesites and built 7,000 homes with a total of more than $4 billion in sales. Accolades include multiple mentions in the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s top 20 Homebuilders and

PROVIDED

numerous professionalism awards, including community of the year awards. Patrick Malloy communities also received a 2022 Guildmaster Award from GuildQuality for demonstrating exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry.

For more details on Hillandale, visit PMCommunities.com, call 770/254-5372 or visit the sales center at 3025 Barnes Mill Ct. Roswell, 30075. Patrick Malloy Communities is represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division. BHHSgaNewHomes. com. An Equal Housing Opportunity.

The first thing you should do after buying a property is to protect it. This sounds like common sense, but we are not talking about insurance - we’re talking about protecting your house after your death. People don’t usually think about what happens after they pass away, which is unfortunate, because oftentimes their property ends up in court and at the mercy of creditors. Especially in Georgia, where properties aren’t protected by an automatic right of survivorship, many end up losing their homes after the homeowner passes away or are forced to pay exorbitant court fees to keep it.

How can you make sure your hard work doesn’t go to waste? The best way to protect your property is to place it in a trust. Unlike a Will, assets in a trust never have to go through probate. There are two types of trust: Revocable and Irrevocable.

A Revocable Trust, if set up correctly, can ensure that your property passes to your beneficiary right after your death. An Irrevocable Trust provides more protection as assets. However, there are different types of Irrevocable Trust depending on the level of asset protection and estate tax planning. An advanced estate planning attorney is important to set up any trusts, especially the more advanced Irrevocable Trusts. It’s best to consult an estate planning attorney to see your options for protecting your home and life savings. Time is of the essence, and don’t wait to protect what’s important to you, for those important to you before it is too late. Contact us today at 770.209.2346.

Newly opened Roswell museum tells history of city, its residents

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — On the second floor of the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, centuries of the city’s history from Native American artifacts to the stories of mill workers are on display.

The Roswell History Museum, operated by the Roswell Historical Society, opened in January and allows visitors Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with free admission.

Archivist and head curator Elaine DeNiro said the destination looks at history from all aspects of the city.

“Our purpose was to make sure we were inclusive of all groups that would be involved in the history of Roswell,” DeNiro said.

The museum was a long-term goal for the Roswell Historical Society. DeNiro said when the Cultural Arts Center was designed, there was an idea for a heritage center with a museum inside. That plan didn’t come to fruition, though.

Until 2021 the second floor of the Cultural Arts Center was a shared office space between the Georgia Ensemble Theater and the Roswell Historical Society. When Georgia Ensemble Theater moved out, the Historical Society jumped at the opportunity to expand.

“We went to the city, and we petitioned to have the whole space to create a museum,” DeNiro said. “We were granted that, and the city renovated the space.”

The city spent $150,000 to paint, add new floors, new ceiling tiles and lighting. The Historical Society raised $120,000 through fundraisers and a capital campaign to hire design group Building Four Fabrication to design the museum.

The museum has a permanent installation that lines the perimeter of the space and a temporary exhibit in the center, which will change about twice a year.

DeNiro said the museum has plenty of artifacts to fill the space. Three rooms on the floor are packed with textiles, furniture, metal goods and paper pieces.

“We had the artifacts locked and loaded, which was one of the reasons we were trying to petition the city,” DeNiro said.

The Historical Society did have a few history gaps — DeNiro said she had to put out a call on Facebook for Indigenous artifacts, which she

took to the University of Georgia Archeology Department to identify. The effort was part of the museum’s focus on inclusivity.

“Our history is complex, and we want to make sure we get the whole story out,” DeNiro said.

She made sure the museum included the stories of Native American women, Black women, wives, mothers and working-class women across Roswell’s history.

“They’ve been present from the very beginning, whether they were workers or maybe the wives of farmers,” DeNiro said. “They were maybe in the background, but they were strong.”

The curator said the Historical Society looked outside of its volunteers to ensure they told Roswell’s “complex” history well.

“The thing we’re very proud about is that a professor for Morehouse College vetted the exhibit text,” DeNiro said.

The Africana studies professor and public historian Dr. Clarissa MyrickHarris told organizers she wanted to read the museum’s whole text, not just the materials about enslaved people. DeNiro said the museum implemented the professor’s changes and included additional information she suggested.

In the months since the museum opened, DeNiro said the feedback has been positive. The city has been a major supporter of the project.

“Part of what makes Roswell is its history, good or bad,” Roswell City Councilwoman Christine Hall said, adding she has been a longtime advocate and fan of the Roswell Historical Society. She hopes in the coming years the city will continue to support its preservation efforts through things like a historic assets plan.

The councilwoman called the museum a “hidden treasure,” but she hopes in the future it will find a more “front-and-center” home. In the meantime, curator DeNiro is looking to expand audiences by bringing in student field trips and new residents.

“There are a lot of newcomers to Roswell, and we want to make sure they have an understanding of the history of the adopted home,” DeNiro said.

Councilwoman Hall said Roswell history includes its residents.

“If we didn’t have our history, we would be just another town with a river and some parks,” Hall said.

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

The Roswell History Museum at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center takes an “inclusive” approach to the city’s history and, is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

A centenarian’s story of World War II (Part 1)

Americans owe a great debt to WW ll veterans, especially those very few who reach a major milestone, celebration of their 100th birthday. While the debt can never be repaid, we can recognize those who came home and those who did not by telling their stories to current and future generations. This is the story of one centenarian, Henry Cockerill of Sandy Springs. who will celebrate his 100th birthday in May. His life reads like a book with many chapters, each one worth telling.

Henry (Hank) Cockerill (1923) was born and raised in Detroit. His father worked in a machine shop and then became a superintendent at Kermath Marine Industries, maker of marine engines from the 1910s until the 1950s including engines for Liberty Ships built to carry men and supplies to Europe during WW ll. Hank also worked in the Detroit commercial dis

trict at one of the two gas stations his father owned.

In March 1943, Hank joined the Army with a friend. They stayed together until the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion. Hank was inducted into the Army at Fort Custer, Michigan, a facility that dates back to WW l and where 300,000 troops were trained during WW ll. The fort is still used as a training facility by the Michigan National Guard. Hank did his basic training at Camp White, Oregon, a large WW ll training camp that was deactivated in 1946.

Hank was trained in bridge building as well as installation of anti-tank mines and their removal using bayonets as prods. In combat, mines were also dismantled using tanks fitted with flails, rapidly rotating rollers mounted in front of a tank with heavy chains attached. The chains would whip around and strike the ground with such force that the mines would detonate without damage to the tanks.

His first assignment was Normandy, France. On June 11, five days after the D-Day invasion by Allied Forces, Hank landed on Utah Beach, one of five beaches invaded on DDay. Hank’s group of engineers had to construct floating docks to get the heavy equipment to shore. Tanks, tank destroyers, other artillery and a company of machine gun specialists were all pushed to shore on these floating docks by use of a boat with an

outboard motor.

Although D-Day (code named Operation Overlord) had successfully established a beachhead at tremendous cost in lives, the Germans still occupied most of Normandy and Western Europe, and American troops continued to suffer significant loses. Allied Forces knew they had to capture major ports and towns to force the Nazi troops to retreat.

Hank spent a few days on Utah Beach and then convoyed for about three days to the port of Cherbourg. The objective was to surround the port so the German soldiers there could not leave. Hanks group, the 990th Combat Engineers Battalion, then moved on toward the town of Saint-Lô.

The fighting was intense in the hedgerows around Saint-Lô in July, 1944. The town was a major transportation hub used by the Germans to carry men and equipment to the French coast. Hedgerows in Normandy date back to Roman times and were

used by farmers to surround fields. Each hedge consists of an earth wall up to six feet wide at its base with shrubs and trees on the wall up to 15 feet high and nearly impenetrable by tanks or soldiers. The Germans had dug fortifications within the hedgerows, making forward progress very slow and dangerous for American troops.

Following the capture of Saint-Lô in July 1944, Hank’s group went by convoy to the large German submarine base in the town of Lorient on the west coast, formerly the site of a French naval base. Prior to converting the French base to a submarine facility, German U-boats had to travel from ports in Germany. Hank’s group attempted to get the Germans to surrender, but they would not, and the fighting continued. Later, after U.S. forces heavily shelled all above-ground structures, the Germans surrendered when they ran out of provisions. After the war, the base reverted to the French Navy until it was converted to civilian use in 1995.

Hank’s group then left Lorient and joined up with the 7th Armored Division in Malmedy, Belgium, for what

became known as the Battle of the Bulge.

Battle of the Bulge

One of the most important battles in the war was the Battle of the Bulge in December and January 1944-45 in the Ardennes Forest in Belgium. It represented the last major offensive campaign by Germany in Europe and opened the way for American troops to enter Germany. The U.S. Army Center of Military History quotes Winston Churchill as stating, “This is undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war and will, I believe, be regarded as an ever-famous American victory.”

In a future column we will continue the wartime story of Henry Cockerill with details of the Battle of the Bulge as seen through Henry’s eyes, the famous Battle of the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen, Germany, and his highly successful post-war business career.

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.

BOB MEYERS Columnist

FAMILY/PROVIDED PHOTOS

Henry (Hank) Cockerill joined the Army in March 1943 at age 19. This photo was taken later that same year.

Craft:

Continued from Page 1

“I think Fulton County has become the standard,” Craft said. “When you look at what we’ve done top to bottom, north to south, there isn’t a sport that we’ve not been at the top of the mountain. It shows that we have a true commitment to being great — academically and athletically.”

In a last tune-up before the 2013 season, the Creekside High School football team played at Banneker for a preseason scrimmage two weeks before the Seminoles’ season opener. It was August 16.

During the scrimmage between the two South Fulton schools, star cornerback De'Antre Turman, a 16-year-old junior for Creekside made a play on the ball, forced a fumble and fell to the ground. Paramedics were called and he was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead following a fractured third vertebrae, the Fulton County Coroner's Office later confirmed.

Tragedy and heartbreak to the highest degree. A child’s life was suddenly taken away while doing what he loved. The impact of Turman’s loss swept throughout the Fulton County community.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of this student,” then Fulton County Schools spokeswoman Samantha Evans said to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “This is a truly horrific way to begin a school year.”

Two weeks after that scrimmage, Creekside played its season opener against Langston Hughes with the memory of Turman still heavy on their minds. Craft was on the sideline as the 2013 high school football season began.

“That could have torn apart that community, but it banded them together,” Craft said. “On the opening kickoff, one of Creekside’s players took it all the way to the 1-yard line, and they punched it in on the next play. It was the perfect tribute to Deuce, and I think it was just incredible to see that team come together and win a state championship.”

The Seminoles posted a 15-0 season, ending with the program’s first state championship — capped with a dominant 52-28 outing against Tucker.

That was the first football state championship Craft saw during his time in Fulton.

Most recently, Langston Hughes went 15-0 and finished the 2022 season as 6A state champions and the No. 15 high school football team in the country, per MaxPreps.

Asked about moments he’s most proud of and Craft was able to list off a champion-by-champion — the 2021-22 Tri-Cities’ boys basketball team taking over Macon Coliseum, Westlake girls basketball winning four-straight state championships before winning a national title, Milton girls lacrosse’s 18-year-long dynasty.

And as he was gleaming with pride seeing another program reach the pinnacle of high school football as the Langston Hughes Panthers won state, he was also proud of the support within the county.

“There’s seven other head coaches from around our county cheering on Langston Hughes,” Craft said. “If it wasn’t them, they wanted it to be someone from the county.”

Craft said its part of the culture now, unique to Fulton County.

“I think that’s what separates us from anywhere else is we have some great rivalries, but we’re going to support each other,” he said. “Our kids support each other, our coaches, ADs. It’s the secret sauce, whatever you want to call it.”

Support and working to help peers is something that became a staple in Craft’s repertoire. Jasper Jewell witnessed it first-hand.

Jewell, Director of Athletics for Atlanta Public Schools, has been friends with Craft since he took the job in Fulton County.

“A lot of our schools mirror each other in socioeconomic status, diversity and background, so it makes it an easy sell for us to mesh and work together,” Jewell said. “At the end of the day, we just want to be the best athletic directors we can for our student athletes.”

While they’ve known each other for a decade, their relationship — personally and professionally — got a boost in March 2019.

The two were at the annual Georgia Athletic Directors Association conference, sitting in seminars and going through training sessions to improve as athletic directors. One night, Jewell, Craft and several other ADs from around Metro Atlanta got together and formed the “Metro Mafia.” The group included ADs from Fulton County, City of Atlanta, Clayton County, Forsyth County, Paulding County and Gwinnett County.

“We all just formalized this group because we bounce so many ideas off of one another, whether it’s school closings, weather, issues, how we handle different issues in our district to see if it can be implemented in a neighboring district,” Jewell said. “We’re all so close to one another so we tend to lean on one another a lot. We talk a lot and develop things that we can take back to our superintendents that can make our districts better for the betterment of our kids and the betterment of teachers and coaches.”

One of the other group developments Craft was crucial in founding was the Aspiring AD Cohort in Fulton County.

With open athletic director positions at several high schools, Craft sifted through resumes and realized how many qualified candidates came from within the district. So, Craft and

other ADs and administrators founded the cohort to help train coaches, teachers and prospective athletic directors in Fulton County.

“It used to be: sit behind a desk and figure it out,” he said. “Now we have a training program that can be replicated and shared with other districts,” Craft said.

The initiative has essentially created a labor pool to fill positions with a sense of continuity and consistency, he said.

Today, six of the 16 ADs have come from the cohort.

“I think Fulton County has become a state perennial power when you look at school systems in athletics,” said former Johns Creek AD Jason Holcombe, who is set to become the Gwinnett County Public Schools Athletic Director in April. “That all starts with what Steven started 11 years ago. He made me a better athletic director, a better coach and a better mentor.”

It was late on a Wednesday night, maybe early Thursday morning, in late May 2017, but Craft picked up the phone.

Holcombe was down in Lee County where his Johns Creek baseball team had just suffered a heartbreaking 5-3 loss in Game 2 of the GHSA state semifi -

nal series, ending their season. The loss was extra painful because they thought they had won the game. The Gladiators won on a walk-off run, but after further review the umpire reversed the call, the game went to extra innings, and the Trojans won.

“(I) called Dr. Craft and told him that it wasn't right, and we needed to do something,” Holcombe said. “We explained everything, he saw everything, and he was right there. We took it to GHSA, they agreed with us and the original decision was upheld so we got the opportunity to play a Game 3.”

The Game 3 was played the following week, and Johns Creek lost, but Holcombe said that the players were grateful for Craft’s involvement, allowing them a fair opportunity to extend their season.

Doing what’s right for students has always been at the center of Craft’s mission and his work. No one expects that to change.

“To say that Fulton County is losing a giant is an understatement,” Jewell said. “He’s a man of high character, a great leader and I can’t say enough about him.”

Acres:

Continued from Page 6

ed mountain home in Utah, had the worst case. He was born in the wild, rounded up then taken to an abusive home where his pasture mates starved to death.

But the family described a total transformation, from a horse with alarming behavioral quirks to one with a more even temperament. Onaqui, the “Lieutenant Stallion,” now acts as shepherd to the other horses. He also knows how to kiss — in the pasture, Teresita demonstrated with a piece of granola between her teeth.

Honor, Joy’s $2,500 rescue, began competing against imported warmbloods in under two years. He was adopted from Blue Bloods Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement, which pulls race industry re-

jects out of the slaughter pipeline. More than 7,500 former racing thoroughbreds are sent to slaughter from the United States each year, Joy said.

“One of the things I've been trying to do is kind of bridge the gap between the show world and the rescue world,” Joy said.

Last year, Honor won as the overall champion in the Green Hunter division at the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association Finals & Grand Finale.

Geronimo and Prince were hovering around the patio table, Prince sometimes warding off Geronimo — he’s known to be a bully. Prince is the first ownersurrendered horse, given away because he refused jumps and bucked a child off his back.

“They say he's a very bad boy, but look, is that a bad boy?” Betty asked, pointing to Prince innocently sniffing around in the grass.

CITY OF MILTON

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR USE PERMIT/CONCURRENT VARIANCE

Case No. U23-01/VC23-01

Location: 14725 Wood Road

Existing Zoning: AG-1 (Agricultural)

Applicant: Fortitude Farm, LLC (Carolyn Bell) represented by Brumbelow-Reese and Associates, Inc.

Request: Use Permit for “Barns or riding areas” (Sec.641840) to construct a 180’ x 130’ covered riding area and a five-part Concurrent Variance:

1) To allow parking within 75’ of the east property line (Sec.64-1840 (b)(1))

2) To reduce the 50’ City undisturbed stream buffer and 25’ impervious setback (Sec.20-426(1) and (2));

3) To allow a riding ring/arena that is covered to be located less than 100’ from property line (Sec.64415(a)(8));

4) To allow an existing stable and an addition to the stable to be located closer than 100’ to any property line (Sec.64-415(a)(2));

5) To allow an existing accessory building to be closer than 25’ to a side property line and closer than 50’ to a rear property line (Sec.64-416(c) (1) and (d)).

Public Hearings/Meeting: Mayor and City Council Meeting

Monday, May 1, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

Location: Milton City Hall – Council Chambers

2006 Heritage Walk Milton, GA 30004

678-242-2540

CITY OF MILTON

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR TEXT AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 64 ZONING OF THE CITY CODE

RZ23-02 – A text amendment with respect to notification requirements for various types of land use permits and variance requests and other procedural updates to comply with latest amendment to Georgia state Zoning Procedures Law in Chapter 64, Zoning of the City of Milton City Code.

RZ23-03 – A text amendment with respect to the following alcohol related uses of Limited Food Service Restaurant and Limited Tap Establishment within Chapter 64, Zoning of the City of Milton City Code.

Public Hearings/Meeting: Community Zoning Information Meeting (CZIM)

Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting

Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

Mayor and City Council Meeting

Monday, June 19, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

Location:

Milton City Hall – Council Chambers

2006 Heritage Walk Milton, GA 30004 678-242-2540

Veterans Hospital was on Peachtree Road in Brookhaven

Before the current Atlanta Veterans Administration Hospital was built in 1966 on Clairmont Road, Atlanta’s veteran hospital stood at the corner of Peachtree Road and Osborne Road in Brookhaven. This is now the location of DeKalb Services Center and Brookhaven Park.

Known as Veterans Hospital #48, the hospital was established in 1919 to take care of veterans of World War I and the Spanish American War. The buildings of Cheston King Sanitarium were purchased for $90,000. An additional $100,000 was spent to remodel the hospital and increase the bed capacity to 85. Nurses’ quarters were built on hospital property. (Atlanta Constitution, Dec. 24, 1919, “King Sanitarium, beyond Buckhead, purchased by U.S.”)

Charles Lindbergh stopped by on October 11, 1927, “Lindbergh Day” in Atlanta. He was escorted by the American Legion, Legion Auxiliary and commander of the Georgia Department of the Legion, Asa Warren Candler. Lindbergh took a tour and visited patients, along with Candler and Col. George L. Johnson, commander of the hospital. (Atlanta Constitution, Oct. 11, 1927, “Official Lindbergh program for today”)

The hospital closed from July 1929 until July 1930 to construct a new facility. A recreation building, nurses’ quarters, officer’s quarters, and administration building were also built. The campus was dedicated as a Veterans Administration Hospital in September of 1930 with John M. Slaton, Jr. as the first manager.

As World War II came to an end, the conditions of the hospital came into question, along with other veterans facilities across the nation. Albert Maisel, investigator and author, received a letter from a patient claiming neglect. The hospital quickly denied the charges. (Atlanta Constitution, April 1, 1945, “What are the true conditions of Atlanta’s Veterans Hospital?”)

Maisel pointed out that although the hospital reported an increase of beds from 317 to 415, these were emergency beds added to existing rooms. There was no expansion during this time. The Veterans Hospital had a lengthy waiting list.

He adds that while Grady, St. Josephs and Emory University Hospital had residents and interns, Atlanta’s Veterans Hospital had none. The number of nurses, doctors and ward attendants did not compare with these hospitals when the patient load was considered. Maisel also speculated on why a doctor was not placed in charge of the hospital.

By 1953, Dr. W.H. Thiele was manager and recognized 200 volunteers with

certificates for their service during the previous year. Volunteers were recognized for between 100 and 1,000 hours. Operating at capacity with more patient applications than they could accommodate was still an issue for the hospital. (Atlanta Constitution, April 29, 1953, “Volunteer Workers Receive VA Hospital Service Awards”)

From 1947 until 1951 the hospital changed its purpose two times, once to a tuberculosis hospital and the second time returning to a general medical and surgical hospital. In 1955, the hospital’s history was written by Dr. Thiele to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The Silver anniversary recognized 25 years since the 1930 hospital was built. (DeKalb History Center Archives)

Veteran’s Hospital #48 was demolished in 1969, according to Franklin Garrett’s “Atlanta and Environs Volume II.” Between 1966 and 1969 the hospital sat empty. A Dunwoody Crier reader remembers the building was opened as a haunted house during this time. If you remember this bit of history, please share

those memories with me.

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Sandy Springs. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

Columnist

Full-time

Sales Controller (Roswell, GA): The Sales Controller will be involved with conducting quantitative analyses of information involving sales and financial data.

Resumes to: HR, B&R Industrial Automation Corp, 1250 Northmeadow Pkwy, Ste. 100, Roswell, GA, 30076.

SVK Systems, Inc. (Duluth, GA) seeks Software

Developers to analyze user requirements, design, develop, test and deploy various client-servers, software applications. Requirements: BS or foreign equivalent in Comp. Sci./IT/Engg. /Tech/Mathematics/ Commerce/BBA or related plus 2 years of relevant IT experience using Java, Microsoft SQL Server, .Net, and DevOps. Position involves travel to client locations all over the USA. Please submit resume to: HR Manager –SVK Systems, Inc., 3057 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., Suite 100, Duluth, GA 30097 or Email: hr@svksytems.com

EXPERIENCED PASTRY CHEF Downtown Alpharetta. Apply online at www.2bwhole.net.

Now Hiring: Office Coordinator

Local commercial real estate company is hiring an Office Coordinator. The role includes coordinating administrative tasks between our property management, leasing and accounting departments. The position requires exceptional communication and organizational skills, knowledge of MS Office, a strong work ethic, internal drive, and a positive attitude. This is an office only (not remote work) position. Please contact us Employment@mpshoppingcenters.com for more information.

Part-time

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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• Turnkey – Everything provided

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• 24/7 access

• Private office suite within Appen Media Group’s building

• Easily accommodates up to 5 people

• Office has great light. Ground floor

• .7 mile to Alpharetta City Hall on Hwy. 9

• Smaller office space also available in same building

• Short or longer term lease. Reasonable $

Plumbers

Pinestraw

PINESTRAW, MULCH

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

Workforce Development Coordinator

Develop programs and services for clients and students who are seeking employment, post-secondary education, or other career options. The coordinator collaborates with employers in the community who are hiring. The role also includes working one-on-one on job applications, resumes, interview preparations and offers tips for successfully securing and improving employment. Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field required.

For full job description see: https://nfcchelp.org/wpcontent/uploads/2023/02/Workforce-DevelopmentCoordinator-2023.pdf. To apply, send resume to cswan@nfcchelp.org.

Accounting Specialist – PART TIME

Responsible for the day-to-day transactions within the accounting department. The specialist is accountable for preparing financial transactions, processing invoices, and entering general ledger data which will assist in balancing the income statement, managing budgets, and preparing financial reports. Role works closely with the Finance Manager and Director of Finance and Administration. Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or related field required.

For full job description see: https://nfcchelp. org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/AccountingSpecialist-02.21.23-1.pdf. To apply, send resume to jrice@nfcchelp.org.

Administrative Assistant for Youth and Children

Protestant church in downtown Alpharetta seeks a parttime (15-18 hours per week) Administrative Assistant for Youth & Children’s Ministries. In addition to normal administrative duties the candidate will assist with scheduling, social media, securing supplies, maintaining attendance records, planning events and mission trips.

Qualified candidates are a person of outstanding character who is friendly, organized, able to prioritize, exhibits an understanding of the importance of confidentiality, and is willing and able to work in an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of all people.

A degree from an accredited college or university is preferred. Computer competence within Office 365, editing, and writing skills are required. Experience with REALM is a plus.

Successful completion of a criminal records and child abuse background check is required.

Send resumes to alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.

Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 5 pm

Contact Ray Appen via Text (770-527-4042) or email me at RayAppen@Gmail.com – or just call me but best to text and I will return your call.

Gutters

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

GUTTER DONE,

LLC

Gutter cleaning, roof repair, free DRONE roof, picture inspection, tree service. 770-905-9682

www.gutterdoneamerica.com

Bargins – Miscellaneous

Roofing

Flooring

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.

770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing

DECKS BUILT & REPAIRED-PAINT

Decks repaired/built. Labor payment upon completion. 30-plus years experience. John Ingram/678-906-7100. Act now before prices increase next year! Heritage Home Maintenance HOMEREPAIRGA@GMAIL.COM, (HERITAGECONSTRUCTIONGA.COM)

Appen-Rated

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

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

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.

1-855-417-1306

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos

Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3

Unlimited wireless 4G LTE or 5G internet. Only $50/month. 15day trial. No contract. Includes hardware. Fast & reliable. 888996-6799. https://broadbandq.com

Diagnosed with lung cancer?

You may qualify for a substantial cash award - even with smoking history. No obligation! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help!! Call 24/7, 1-877-648-2503

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

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

20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

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

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

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

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

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

Inflation is at 40 year highs.

Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief to find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote:

1-877-592-3616

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

Call

1-855-417-1306

CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445