Milton Herald - May 4, 2023

owl named Boogie, who is unreleasable due to a wing injury.

was one of three wildlife ambassadors at the April 22 Earth Day observance.

Milton celebrates Earth Day with plant, animal education

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — In the backyard of the Milton City Park and Preserve Community Center, a few dozen visitors of Milton’s Earth Day celebration April 22 had the opportunity to learn about the birds and the bees, literally.

The event, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., included a bird tour with an expert

volunteer from Georgia Audubon, who allowed visitors to use a large scope to track feathered friends along the park’s paved path.

Volunteers with the Lithonia-based AWARE Wildlife Center educated visitors on birds, too, with one of its three ambassadors — an owl named Boogie. A groundhog named Diggy, an avid fan of lettuce, and a

See EARTH, Page 7

Local farmers market begins seasonal run

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Milton plans big upgrades to area parks

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Milton residents will see upgrades to Providence Park and the Milton City Park and Preserve in the next few years with more changes further down the road.

The Milton City Council budgeted park improvements from a list provided by Milton Assistant City Manager Bernadette Harvill at its April 25 meeting. Projects were sourced from their respective master plans.

Councilmembers parsed higher priority items in a first phase of the 42-acre Providence Park, maintaining the need for stream realignment, natural surface trails, wetland improvements and parking lot resurfacing in the next one to three years for an estimated total of around $1.5 million.

A volunteer with the North Fulton Master Gardeners speaks with visitors at Milton’s Earth Day celebration April 22. Held at the Milton City Park and Preserve, the observance featured several vendors, kids’ activities and a

Business offers healing for open-minded people

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Students examine metro street art

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The all-inclusive playground, once slated for Providence Park’s Phase I, was kicked off the list. While Providence Park was thought to be an unsuitable location for the playground, Councilman Rick Mohrig said the city should prioritize an all-inclusive playground elsewhere.

“We have parts of our community where families have no place where they can take their kids if they’re on the spectrum …” Mohrig said.

Milton Parks and Recreation Director Tom McKlveen said he is

See PARKS, Page 20

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA Alex Horton with the Lithonia-based AWARE Wildlife Center holds an

Boogie

The Milton Bee Club displays a beehive at the Milton Earth Day celebration April 22.

bird tour from Georgia Audubon.

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Thieves leave store with $1,000 in items

MILTON, Ga. — The manager at the Bath & Body Works on Ga. 9 reported to Milton Police April 17 that two suspects stuffed bags with products then walked out without paying.

The suspects entered the location at around 3:45 p.m., picked up shopping bags, then placed merchandise into the bags. They left the store without paying for the products, the manager said. The total merchandise stolen was valued at $1,071.

The manager said a store in Peachtree Corners had a similar theft happen around an hour before police arrived, but no report had been filed because the dollar amount stolen was under $1,000. A store employee at the Peachtree Corners location was able to capture a photo of the suspect’s vehicle, a black 2017 Hyundai Elantra.

One suspect was described as a Black female in her mid-20s, 5-foot-5 inches tall with a medium build and complexion, wearing a green tank top and blue jeans. The second suspect was described as a Black female in her mid-20s, 5-foot-5 inches tall, with a thin build and medium complexion, wearing a hat, white T-shirt and jeans.

Man buys 3 laptops in employment scam

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton man reported to police April 18 that he had accepted a job offer, and after purchasing thousands in Apple laptops, discovered the entire operation was a scam.

The man was contacted by a company about a job offer for an entry level management position. After accepting the offer, he was sent training information through email and purchased three Apple MacBooks. He mailed the computers to New York, with money provided through a credit union account.

The man said after he made the purchases and mailed the computers, the credit union recalled the money. He told police he was out $7,300 for the products and shipping.

The man said he had a friend who went through the same situation with the same individuals and did research, finding information he believed to be connected to the individuals.

The man was able to make contact with a person who shares a building space with a company named JMD Logistics. The person told him the people at the company have been known to commit fraudulent acts.

Police arrest suspect in shoplifting incident

MILTON, Ga. — An Alpharetta woman was arrested after a Walmart employee reported that she and two juveniles stole from the Windward Parkway location April 18.

Surveillance footage showed the suspect and juveniles taking items from different departments across the store and placing them in black bags.

The juveniles passed all points of sale. But police found one juvenile with the black bags in the backseat of a car registered to the suspect’s husband. The stolen items totaled more than $500.

Police discovered the suspect had multiple warrants, one out of Forsyth County, and they placed her under arrest. She also admitted to having marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the car.

The vehicle was impounded, and the juveniles were released to the suspect’s husband.

Nike apparel thieves linked to other cases

MILTON, Ga. — Milton Police were dispatched to the Kohl’s on Ga. 9 for a shoplifting report April 19.

The store’s regional loss prevention office said three unidentified women entered the store two days before and were observed selecting three tote bags, then entering the Nike section. They filled their bags with socks and other Nike products, then left the store in a black passenger vehicle.

The suspects were not confronted by employees, the police report said. The loss prevention officer said the same three suspects had shoplifted items at two other Kohl’s locations on April 4 and April 18.

Suspicious vehicle report leads to woman’s arrest

ROSWELL, Ga. — A Roswell woman was arrested at the Flying Biscuit Café on April 14 on active warrants for felony theft and forgery after police responded to a suspicious vehicle call.

Officers arrived at the establishment to investigate the car when they found the registered owner had multiple arrest warrants. They saw a woman stick her head out of the back of the business and retreat when she saw the officers, so they followed her until she stopped walking away.

Police said the woman, who worked at the Flying Biscuit Café, had drugs inside her clothing which she said were meth. She also had a $100 bill, which police later found was missing from the establishment’s register.

The café owner arrived on the scene and said the woman was fired for stealing from the business. Security footage showed the woman going through the safe and office earlier that day.

Officers transported the woman to Fulton County Jail.

Milton Farmers Market opens for season

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — In its third year, the Milton Farmers Market opened April 22 filled with nearly 30 vendors, jazzercise and live music.

This was the market’s first year on Saturday, held from 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Its organizer Judy Hall said the vendors were happy with the turnout.

A crowd of visitors looked through the market’s offerings, including goods like fresh produce, fresh farm beef and poultry, sweets, coffee and tea, flowers, soaps, jewelry and other items.

Located by Milton City Hall, the market is expected to run every Saturday until Oct. 28.

Hall said it will feature a different activity each week. The following Saturday was set to have

an activity from the Farm Bureau, she said, and a children’s book author who would read to the

kiddos. There was also expected to be a market raffle for a bag of goodies.

Miracle League plants to help pollinators

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A team of athletes, coaches, family and friends from the North Metro Miracle League got to gardening April 23 to fill six raised planting beds at the Alpharetta YMCA on Preston Ridge Road. The North Metro Miracle League, a local chapter of a national organization dedicated to helping children with disabilities play sports, hosted the event to restore ”vital” pollinator populations with bee-friendly plants like milkweed.

Co-founder and executive director of the Metro Atlanta organization John McLaughlin said the six planting beds will be “functional and beautiful” in a month.

“Mother Nature needs a helping hand, and we were not going to let age or disability keep us from doing our part,” McLaughlin said.

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A woman holds fresh strawberries at the Milton Farmers Market April 22.

NORTH METRO MIRACLE LEAGUE/PROVIDED Members and friends of the North Metro Miracle League plant pollinator-friendly greens in six raised planting beds at the Alpharetta YMCA April 23.

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Developer unveils plans for 100-acre social venue

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A North Georgia businessman has announced plans for a 100-acre mixed-use entertainment, dining and social venue.

Plans for The Gathering at South Forsyth, a proposed entertainment hub at Union Hill Road and Ronald Reagan Boulevard, were on tap for discussion at an April 25 work session of the Forsyth County Commission. Public hearings on the project are scheduled for May.

County Commission Chairman Alfred John said The Gathering at South Forsyth will generate thousands of jobs and serve as an economic driver.

“It will enhance what our county currently offers with an added focal point for world-class events, shopping and dining,” John said. “And it will generate thousands of jobs both during, and after construction.”

The 100-acre project is the dream of Vernon Krause, CEO of Krause Auto Group, which operates a collection of

family-owned dealerships across four states in the Southeast.

Forsyth County Commissioner Laura Semanson said road projects in the area, like the widening of McGinnis Ferry Road, the Ga. 400 McGinnis Ferry interchange and the Ronald Reagan Boulevard extension will mitigate traffic impacts from the new development.

“This project will be of a similar caliber to other successfully executed mixed-use developments like Avalon and Halcyon,” Semanson said. “Finally, it will provide the county with significant added tax revenue that will benefit every resident with long-term economic viability.”

The development plan includes 1.6 million square feet of commercial and retail space, an arena, a community center, a fire station, 450 hotel rooms with meeting spaces and residential units.

New Roswell city website expands listings for events

ROSWELL, Ga. — The City of Roswell launched Roswell365, a community calendar resource for all events and activities across Roswell on April 19.

Similar to the city’s official website, Roswell365 will feature events hosted by the city and also include events from local non-profits, businesses, civic groups and anyone organizing a community event in Roswell.

The free website allows residents to search events with keywords and categories. Days after launch, the calendar is populated with events like

a concert series, a soap-making class and an “open streets” day.

“This is a wonderful tool that highlights all the activities occurring in our vibrant City,” Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson said. “Everyone wins — the community knows what’s happening in our city, and organizations have a place to call home for listing their events.”

Residents can access the community calendar at Roswell365. com and register a free account to add and edit calendar items.

— Shelby Israel

THE GATHERING AT SOUTH FORSYTH/PROVIDED

This rendering shows The Gathering at South Forsyth, a mixed-use and walkable entertainment hub on 100 acres at Union Hill Road and Ronald Reagan Boulevard.

Earth:

Continued from Page 1

snake named Jeff, wrapped around the hand of a volunteer, were also featured ambassadors used to cultivate “peaceful co-existence” with wildlife.

The center, which can hold up to 1,300 animals, rehabilitates Georgia’s injured and orphaned native wild animals. It currently houses around 200.

Nearby, the Milton Bee Club offered information about beekeeping and had a boxed hive on display, filled with bees. Volunteers with the North

AAPPEN PRESSCLU B

Fulton Master Gardeners also had a station with information about native plants and gardening.

Marten Jallad with North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) talked about the “circular economy” of the nonprofit’s thrift shop. Revenue from the donation-based store funds a significant portion of services — preventing hunger and homelessness. The organization also has the Family Choice program, which allows qualifying families to buy items using a point system.

The event featured several handson kids’ activities as well, like Earththemed face painting, constructing toolboxes provided by The Home Depot and a very active cornhole set-up.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Children and parents construct toolboxes, using kits provided by The Home Depot.

ON THE LIGHT SIDE

Eclipse Over Roswell offers spiritual healing for the open-minded

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Some people have called Eclipse Over Roswell looking for manipulative spells, like one that could return a lost love. But co-owner Michael Jerome said staff stays “on the light side.”

“We have people that will call in … and we’re like, ‘Yeah, we can’t do that,’” Jerome said.

Eclipse Over Roswell, on South Atlanta Street, is a metaphysical shop. Visitors are hit with a smell of incense as they enter and an inventory of items intended for spiritual growth and healing.

Even if the spell did work, Jerome said it would create a conflict in the brain.

“They’re gonna go crazy,” he said. “It’s never gonna work out.”

Rather than playing with someone else’s free will, co-owner Azalea Johns said staff is focused on internal light and connecting it to source energy.

Metaphysical tools

Crystals are a big portion of the store’s stock, their meanings and purpose printed on cards next to each container. There’s also a collection of tarot decks, colored candles, herbs and jewelry.

Through a door behind the retail

space, Jerome and Johns were situated in the “living room.” This is where meditations are held, like ones for the New Moon. To the right of the living room, Psychic Fairs are held on the second and fourth Saturday. Several tables were lined up.

Johns, also a house practitioner, regularly leads the meditative sessions where visitors gather round and encourage one another.

“Our New Moon Meditation is all about setting new intentions. It’s new beginnings. The moon is at its darkest point then,” Johns said. “It’s just going to grow. Light is just going to start to shine all the way up to the full moon.”

She also hosts tarot classes on most Sundays, referred to as “Sunday school.”

The business has a few house practitioners, including Mahogany Rose, the self-described “herb lady” who was in-store April 25. But there’s also about a dozen guest practitioners who come in from time to time with other specialties, like TJ Lecroy, a longtime intuitive reader, also at the front counter.

Farther back, there’s a smaller room for energy healing, featuring a bed and a poster outlining the chakras. Tarot, numerology and astrology readings are also performed there.

Jerome and Johns plan to expand

See SPIRITUAL, Page 9

“If someone is skeptical, I would just say — be open and receptive to all good, and then see what happens.”

AZALEA JOHNS, co-owner, Eclipse Over Roswell

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Opened in 2018, Eclipse Over Roswell is owned by Michael Jerome and Azalea Johns. The business offers a stock of metaphysical items, like crystals, candles and tarot cards, as well as energy healing, card, astrology and numerology readings and reflexology work.

Eclipse Over Roswell owner Azalea Johns regularly hosts meditation groups in the business’ “living room,” furnished with comfy couches and covered in tapestries. Tables to the right of the same room, not pictured, are used for the bi-monthly Psychic Fair.

Spiritual:

Continued from Page 8

the business into a studio in the same shopping center, which will be dedicated to events and classes. Current back rooms would become a place for more retail. They had spoken to an architect earlier that day.

New territory

Jerome was more of a skeptic before he took ownership of the business six months after it opened in May 2018. A veteran of the restaurant business, he would sometimes watch videos from a medium named John Edward, but that was his only experience.

When he first entered the venture, Jerome dove into the crystals and minerals for their geological aspects.

“As far as metaphysical properties, I kind of passed that off,” Jerome said.

Now, every day when gets home, he brushes himself with a rod of Selenite, a crystal known for its ability to cleanse energy.

“I get a chill just every time,” Jerome said. “That first time, I was like, ‘Wow, this is real.’”

He also regularly uses diffusing oils for different intentions, some for prosperity.

Meanwhile, Johns, who joined the business in July 2019, has had a

longtime fascination with astrology and crystals. Tarot came later. But it wasn’t until after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 that she began to listen to the messages she had been receiving.

Johns has her own daily practice, like quiet time in the morning. She puts on her “protection” for the day by setting an intention and sometimes uses cards as a guide. Johns might pull an Oracle card, which often has a word, something to focus on. Then, she asks herself about that intention at night with the aid of tarot.

Crystals have a daily use for Johns, in her pockets and covering her wrists. Her favorites rotate, but right now, they’re lepidolite for stress and anxiety, angelite, pink calcite and strawberry quartz.

Jerome reminded Johns that she also loves Blue Goldstone, a man-made stone of glass and cobalt infused with copper particles. Online articles ascribe a variety of meanings to Blue Goldstone, like confidence and ambition, good luck.

A ‘spiritual team’

An anatomy and physiology college instructor for nearly 20 years, Johns uses her scientific knowledge of the body to connect it to the spiritual. Chakras aren’t just “ethereal” concepts, she said.

“There are real structures in your body. There’s nerve plexuses, there’s endocrine glands that are coordinated or associated with those different energy

centers,” Johns said.

She’s a certified Reiki instructor, but she most often practices tarot.

“It’s interesting to see the energy that comes through when you’re in session with someone,” Johns said.

To begin a session, Johns connects what she calls a “spiritual team” — all beings of love and light, or guardian angels. The team could be ancestors, she said, or loved ones who have passed over.

“It’s about tapping into that center of love and hope and faith, and the energy that brings you peace and comfort,” Johns said.

Religion can be part of the session, Johns said, though some have come into the store under the impression that offerings are antithetical to religion.

“People come in here and tell us straight out, ‘You guys are demons,’” Jerome said.

But Jerome shared that metaphysical practices often incorporate religion. He named Judaism and Qabalah, a variety of Jewish mysticism, as well as

Eclipse Over Roswell

Address: 408 South Atlanta Street #150, Roswell Phone: 678-682-8624

Website: eclipseoverroswell.com

Christianity as examples.

Johns has her own approach.

“If someone is skeptical, I would just say — be open and receptive to all good, and then see what happens. Listen to the messages that you may be getting, and trust that,” Johns said. “Follow that, and see how that feels. See how it feels in your physical body.”

Hours: Monday-Saturday, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA Eclipse Over Roswell has a diverse collection of tarot card decks.

Johns Creek students host exhibit chronicling area’s COVID history

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Student

Leadership Johns Creek showcased the experience of COVID-19 through a community lens in a student-led “Same Storm, Different Boats” exhibit at Northview High School April 19.

Students from four area schools demonstrated their August 2022-March 2023 research through photos, interviews and collaborative projects in the Northview High School food court on Parsons Road.

Guests toured the exhibit, which featured interviews with first responders and community public servants, COVID in the local media and firsthand experiences on colorcoordinated poster boards.

Students from Northview High School Katie Bernard, Hasini Bollampalli, Neha Gurram, Riya Havanur, Irene Huang, Rohan Mistry and Yatihya Sahoo were responsible for audio visual evidence of the project.

Johns Creek High School students Olivia Bernard, Maggie Dowd, Reagan Forkey, Yoseop Han, Heather Hutmacher, Grace McGehee and McKeith McIlhinney provided the written evidence in the exhibit.

Secretary of State ambassadors Brady Carnsesale, Neha Gurram, Alisha Kohli, Varsha Nirmal, Tiffany Obasohan, Lakshana Ramanan, Aria Smith, Nicholas Stone and Shruthi Balachander contributed to the project’s oral history evidence.

Obasohan, whose group was

responsible for interviews with judicial and public officials, as well as education and government leaders, said working on the exhibit changed her perspective on the pandemic.

“Being an opportunity to meet some people I never thought I would before really showed me what it means to have a pandemic in my community,” Obasohan said. “It truly just takes a little bit of care from everybody to get out of things like this.”

Innovation Academy students

Sana Fatima, Rebecca Gottlieb, Nyneishia Janarthanan, Chloe Lee, Aabha Muley, Tanmaya Muvva, Lakshana Ramanan, Aditi Satghare and Ananya Tadepalli also contributed photographic evidence to the exhibit.

Funded by a Humanities Seed Grant from the Mercer University Office of the Provost and a Teaching with Primary Sources Grant from the Library of Congress, the students reflected on their experiences, questions and feelings to craft a diverse retelling of COVID in the community.

“I’m really grateful to have the privilege to be able to do this because we live in a privileged community where some of us had better experiences than places that are more underprivileged or not developed,” Balachander said. “Overall, I’m really grateful and happy for this project.”

The full exhibit can be viewed online at studentleadershipjohnscreek.com/ same-storm-different-boats.

School officials set tight timeline to replace River Eves principal

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. —

Fulton County Schools is searching for a replacement after River Eves Elementary School

Principal Matthew

Donahoe abruptly resigned for “personal reasons” on April 13.

School Zone 5

Superintendent Angela Parham notified River Eves Elementary parents in Roswell on April 13 announcing his departure “effective immediately.”

In the email, Parham laid out the plan and calendar to fill the role, with a final candidate recommendation on May 16.

Fulton County Schools Chief Communications Officer Brian Noyes said the goal is to announce a new principal “before the end of the school year so they can work over the summer.”

Noyes said the resignation was solely for personal reasons and not any administrative action. He stated the details of personnel decisions are private, but supervisors “obviously” had conversations with the principal before his resignation.

Noyes stressed that the decision is not out of any specific threat or security concern, although he understands parents’ anxiety around school safety.

“We know this is an inopportune time for a community leader to leave,” Noyes said.

In her email to parents, Parham said the first step toward replacing the principal is to “build a school profile”

and obtain input through a survey and focus groups. The survey is open to all River Eves Elementary School parents, teachers and staff until Friday, April 28.

Next, Parham said there will be focus group sessions with select staff and parents starting May 1 and candidate interviews starting May 4. The top candidate will be interviewed by Fulton County Schools Chief Academic Officer Cliff Jones on May 8.

“Candidates will be interviewed on

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the competencies identified as the most critical to meeting the specific needs of your school,” Parham said in the email.

The candidate will continue to interview with multiple Fulton County Schools officials before a final recommendation to the Board of Education on May 16.

Communications officer Noyes said the school district officials will have an “open and transparent conversation about selecting a new leader.”

It’ll also remain dedicated to featuring baseball tournaments, board appointments and everything else that makes up community news. Send tips, story ideas and announcements to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Secretary of State Ambassador Tiffany Obasohan displays her team’s work at the “Same Storm, Different Boats” exhibit at Northview High School April 19. Obasohan and fellow ambassadors handled interviews with judicial and public officials, as well as education and government leaders.

DONAHOE

Spruill Center students tour Atlanta street art

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Since moving to Virginia Highlands in 1981, Taylor Daly said she has watched the “march of gentrification” throughout Atlanta.

“This city was built on a really strong African American economy,” Daly said, “and we have not honored it.”

Daly had just finished the introductory class on street art at the Spruill Center for the Arts, part of a six-week curriculum developed by Brave Nu Ventures. In it, Leigh Elion, an academic who examines street art in the context of urban development, lectured about the rhetoric of the medium as a response to gentrification in Atlanta’s historically Black communities.

“Street art is so important because it’s still people’s voices,” Daly said. “It’s people’s voices, and I want to be able to listen to it.”

Daly, alongside her sister and longtime friend, are among about a dozen of the course’s students. “Exploring Street Art in Atlanta” was designed over a year, with the help of local artists and scholars. Rachel Griner, founder of Brave Nu Ventures, says it’s one of only a handful out there.

“If we looked at street art with that same kind of lens of educational validity, intellectual validity, creative validity, we would have courses,” Griner said.

Griner, who lived in Atlanta 20 years ago and has recently returned, noticed how street art had grown to be a defining part of Atlanta.

“It really hit me how much of a cultural asset it is,” Griner said. “It’s everywhere.”

Griner is expected to lead one class about the merits of street art. Other instructors will be Malcom Turpin, who teaches graffiti, and Aysha Pennerman, a muralist. The course will culminate in a student-produced chalk mural on one of the Spruill Center’s walls, using insights and techniques provided by Pennerman.

As one student pointed out — the class had exclusively White women, late to middle-aged. Before the class, students shared why they decided to sign up for a course on street art.

Answers varied — whether it be the love for its aesthetic or the story, which is often political. Some also shared how they’re “illiterate” in street art and simply wanted to know more about a medium that permeates the City of Atlanta.

“One thing that I love about it is the message comes from the people and not from the media,” said one student

who had been a fan of street art for 20 years.

Street art rhetoric

Elion, director of Emory’s Writing Center, described the uniqueness of street art in how it is an active, transformative process that tells viewers something about what artists, or communities want the city to look like and how they want people to relate with one another.

“Street art, to me, offers us a powerful tool for understanding how other people want to be able to exist and live their lives in a city,” Elion said. “It’s a really powerful tool for understanding the experiences of other people, even those who might be different from us.”

Elion said Atlanta’s street art tends to deepen ties to community roots, revise narratives about belonging to include the marginalized as well as model an ethics of community engagement.

One of Elion’s objectives with her presentation was to provide students a set of questions they could use to approach or interpret street art, despite abstract qualities or personal unfamiliarity.

When viewing street art, Elion recommended that students ask themselves questions about elements of the mural, what they notice, where the mural is located — how a neighborhood might explain what is seen, and vice versa.

She also recommended students look at themselves when they look at street art.

“We might not always like an artist’s stylistic choices. We might not always get a reference. We might not agree if something is overtly political,” Elion said. “We might not agree with it. We might not understand it.”

But Elion said the art might prompt students to take up its argument and to take action like meeting their neighbors, advocating for historical preservation or affordable housing, challenging racial and gender stereotypes, or by learning about the histories important to other people.

“Street art really invites us to look at the city, so that we might, with our communities, develop a shared vision for the future,” Elion said.

To the streets

The following week, students took Elion’s instruction to the streets of the Castleberry Hills and South Downtown in Atlanta April 22, under the guidance of Claudia Hart, founder of ATL Street Art Tours.

Calling the tour an “open air gallery,” Hart used a Maya Angelou quote to define its premise: “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” She said her objective was to create a shared experience with a diverse group of people.

Starting on Peters Street, Hart highlighted around 10 murals across a 2-mile walk, describing their history

and connection to the neighborhood as well as through her own perspective. Most of the murals offered social commentary, which Hart and Griner would ask the students about.

Some murals on the tour had been around for years, like Faatimah Stevens’ on Peters Street which has “Hey Brown Girl You’re Beautiful” in bold, black letters and an outline of a Black woman wearing a cultural headdress.

Hart said street artists in Atlanta are good at preserving murals, whereas artists in other cities might be less respectful. But walls easily become a free-for-all, she said, once someone breaks into frame with their own tag.

One mural sparked Hart to recall a conversation she had with her mother.

“She’ll say, ‘Kids are so resilient,’” Hart said. “And I’m like, ‘Please stop saying that. I understand that may be the case, but kids shouldn’t have to be resilient.”

Painted by New Orleans-based Brandan Odums, Walker Street featured a black-and-white image of a Black child with his arms raised and fists clenched. The child, genderless, appeared as though they hadn’t slept. Their eyes had a haunted look. Ribs were pronounced.

But the backdrop was bright yellow, and flowers burst forth from behind the child’s head. The words, “God is Love” were painted to the far right. Hart said the contrast could represent the need to protect innocence.

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

ATL Street Art Tours founder Claudia Hart, at right, leads students from the Spruill Center for the Arts through the Castleberry Hill neighborhood in Atlanta April 22. Behind the group is a mural by Faatimah Stevens with “Hey, Brown Girl You’re Beautiful” painted in bold black lettering and an outline of a Black woman wearing a cultural headdress.

Rachel Griner, founder of Brave Nu Ventures, introduces the first class of a street art course offered at The Spruill Center of the Arts April 15. Leigh Elion, on right, taught around a dozen students about the rhetoric of street art within the context of urban development.

Conducting your due diligence

Brought to you by -

Caroline Nalisnick, The Kloster Group at HOME Real Estate, caroline@homegeorgia.com

You’ve spent months searching for the right home and you’ve just received the call that your offer is being selected and you are finally under contract! What comes next in the process?

Georgia is a “buyer beware” state. This essentially means that a buyer is responsible for doing their homework to learn of any defects in a home before purchasing the home. This is typically done during the due diligence period where a buyer can walk from the contract for any reason or no reason at all. The record low inventory levels combined with an increase in the number of buyers often pushes the market to write offers with more and more competitive terms.

In the past few years, we moved from a world where 10-14 days was

typical for a due diligence period to today, where most contracts have a maximum of 7 days. In multiple offer scenarios, we are still seeing the market push for 2-5 day long due diligence periods. In an ideal world, a buyer would complete all their desired inspections, bring contractors to the house to quote repairs or renovations, research schools and the area, negotiate repairs, and more. This leads to a big question – how is a buyer supposed to get all of this done in so little time?

The unfortunate truth is that too many buyers are not only choosing to waive their due diligence contingency, but they are also foregoing their inspections all together. The importance of completing your due diligence prior to closing on your home purchase continues to be equally as important

as it has been in the past - you might just be completing this earlier in the process or outside of a contingency period. The contract is typically held together by a negotiated amount of earnest money that proves to the seller that the buyer truly intends to purchase the home. Once the contingency periods have ended, the earnest money becomes at risk should the buyer default on the contract.

While a buyer might have a substantial amount of earnest money on the line, it is still critical for the buyer to have a full understanding of the condition of the home they are purchasing. With the findings from the inspection, a buyer will be able to comprehend the full financial commitment they are making in this purchase. This is the true purpose and value behind the due diligence period.

If you are working with an experienced full-service Realtor or Realtor Team, like The Kloster Group, you’ll be guided throughout the entire home buying process. An experienced agent will help to provide resources and contacts to do the necessary area research early on in your search for the right home so that you can focus on home specific questions after going under contract. An experienced agent will also help share their knowledge and connect you with vetted service providers to quickly work through inspection concerns, estimated repair costs, renovation experiences, and survey issues to help give you the confidence you need to move forward in the buying process.

Caroline Nalisnick The Kloster Group at

HOME Real Estate

caroline@homegeorgia.com 404-513-9226

NALISNICK

Top features that increase your home’s selling price

Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

According to Zillow, certain features and corresponding keywords have been shown to stand out in listings to help a home sell for a higher price. In spite of the uptick in mortgage rates and the trend toward homes appraising at higher values, serious buyers are still attracted to specific features that help them visualize their best life.

Traditionally, homeowners have been advised to renovate or update for mass appeal and avoid assuming potential buyers’ tastes. However, data from Zillow shows that the same features that turn off one type of buyer will attract others who are willing to pay more for them, especially if those elements improve lifestyle quality and add to the fun factor. Knowing which features to emphasize before you list your home can help boost its profile (both online and in person), attract serious attention and ultimately sell at a higher price point.

1. High-end cooking amenities. Discerning foodies and gourmets appreciate deluxe cooking facilities such as steam ovens, pizza ovens and professional-grade appliances, and these features earn sellers an average of

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between three and five percent more.

2. Retreat spaces. The concept of home as a retreat space has grown exponentially in popularity following the pandemic as more people work and play from home. Although the home may sit on the market slightly longer, features such as shesheds and wine cellars are prime assets, earning sellers around two percent more.

3. Upmarket materials. If your home build or renovation includes materials such as terrazzo, soapstone and quartz, make sure to include this in your listing description. Data from Zillow shows that they are worth at least a two percent price increase.

4. Modern Farmhouse elements. From natural wood accents and apron sinks to stainless steel and polished stone, the ‘modern farmhouse’ aesthetic popularized by Joanna Gaines is the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. Homes that fit within this category have been shown to sell for approximately two percent more.

While this information can help you prep and list your home, be sure to approach the selling process from a wellrounded point of view, understanding that regional variations always impact how a home sells in a particular area. 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!

Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/Copyeditor

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PEXELS

Your Will

Brought to you by-

Geerdes & Associates

Anyone who’s read a Victorian novel or watched Knives Out has heard about the Last Will and Testament. A Will is a document that contains an individual’s wishes for his or her asset distribution upon his or her death. There are four major parts to a Will: First, it lists identifying information for the Testator or Testatrix- the person who is writing the Will. This information generally includes the full legal name and residential address of the Testator. It can also include the birth date and contact information. Next, the Will details the powers that would be granted to the Executor of the Will. The Executor is the person named or appointed by court to distribute the decedent’s assets. After that, the Will names

Guardians for any minor children that the decedent may have. Some Wills may even name Guardians for their beloved pets! Finally, the Will should provide supplementary information that specifies terms used in the document, which prevents ambiguous terms from slowing down probate. Although these four parts may seem simple, don’t underestimate how complicated a Will can get, particularly if you want to designate specific assets such as a ring or even a property to a specific person. Properties in particular are often contested, as mortgage companies will try to claim a property after the owner’s death. Wills can also be contested if the decedent’s heirs fight amongst themselves. That’s why it’s important to not rely on generic templates or Will generators that you may find online. It is always recommended to find the help of an attorney specializing in estate planning to decide on how you can encapsulate all of your wishes in your Will.

GEERDES

Soleil Belmont Park - An extraordinary resort-level 55+ Community

After much anticipation, Soleil Belmont Park, a 55 plus gated community located between Milton and Canton, has started construction of their resort-style amenities. Built by award-winning Patrick Malloy Communities, this extraordinary new neighborhood was expertly designed with active adults in mind and features a model home park with five stunning, designer model homes.

Soleil Belmont Park’s exciting resortstyle amenities are right outside your door and include a 9,800 square foot

community clubhouse with a coffee and cocktail bar, health and fitness center, catering kitchen, arts and crafts studio, club/card room and a community post office. Homeowners will enjoy a country club-style pool, tennis and pickle ball courts, bocce ball, a community garden, and nature walking trails. In addition, Soleil Belmont Park will have its own lifestyle and travel director.

There are nine homes currently under construction of which five are READY TO CLOSE NOW. Each of these

breathtaking homes are situated on a large maintenance-free homesite. For a limited time, take advantage of a 4.99% fixed 30-year interest rate on any of the available homes making it the perfect time to purchase your new home.

Everything is all within reach with shopping, dining, and entertainment nearby in Alpharetta, Milton, and Canton, plus Northside Hospital-Cherokee is just down the road. Easy access to major interstates makes for a quick trip to downtown Atlanta or the North Georgia

Mountains. Soleil Belmont Park offers world-class resort amenities and endless opportunities for adventure.

New friends, new beginnings and new memories are all waiting to be made at a moment’s notice. There is something for everyone at Soleil Belmont Park. Priced from the $500s - $800s. Visit www.SoleilBelmontPark.com or call 770.635.4080. Sales and marketing by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Georgia Properties New Homes Division. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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.

Brought

Parks:

Continued from Page 1

actively communicating with Children’s Charities, a fundraising nonprofit, and working toward plans for an all-inclusive playground.

Phase II of Providence Park, with a time frame of four to eight years, calls for expanded parking, a performance green, a wetland boardwalk, quarry overlook, nature center and lake dredging for an estimated cost of around $3.8 million.

The City Council agreed to remove a proposed campground, which would need around-the-clock supervision, from the plan.

Milton City Park and Preserve

The City Council also discussed new features to the active and passive spaces at the Milton City Park and Preserve April 24 in more initial and final expansion efforts.

Councilmembers agreed that the first set of projects for the park’s active space entails reconfiguring the indoor space at the Community Center, a larger back patio, two additional tennis courts and a tennis viewing deck with additions. With landscaping, costs for the projects total around $1.2 million.

There was some discussion to allow pickleball on the tennis courts, but

McKlveen referenced a public input meeting in which residents voiced concerns over noise. City staff recommended another location for the sport.

For a future project, the City Council agreed to replace a planned water slide for the park pool with a splash pad. City staff identified other considerations, like a new parking lot with lighting and a small playground totaling $680,000.

Some projects of the park’s passive space, which encompasses 130 of the park’s total 137 acres, have been funded. Completion of the North Woods loop as well as hydrology and habitat improve-

ments throughout the North Woods have been funded.

Plans for the South Woods, which includes 4.5 miles of a perimeter trial and connectors, were estimated at $2.3 million. But more property has been acquired since the master plan was drafted, which may change the cost.

Before giving feedback on plans for the South Woods, the City Council decided to wait for insight from the Milton Trails Advisory Committee.

There are opportunities for grant funding for specific projects at both parks, Harvill said, alleviating some of

the estimated costs. She also said capital improvements are updated every year, allowing leeway.

“Plans do change, as we all know,” Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison said.

Flag lots

Also at the April 24 meeting, councilmembers heard from Milton Planner II Michael Cardamon, who was tasked with finding a middle ground solution on flag lots in the city.

Flag lots, known to yield more density, are narrow strips of land serving as the road frontage and the driveway. With the “flag” moniker, the narrow strip serves as the flagpole with the larger residential area resembling the flag.

Cardamon recommended that flag lots be eliminated in major subdivisions. He also said there should be a minimum 1.5-acre flag lot size requirement and that a maximum of 10 percent of the total lot size count toward the flag stem.

But Councilman Paul Moore said the recommendation seems unbalanced, placing the burden on the development community.

Most of the council was in favor of Cardamon’s proposal. Community Development Director Bob Buscemi also said there had been no demand from the development community to keep flag lots.

“This is more for the small landowners, who have been here a long, long time,” Mayor Jamison said.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Milton Assistant City Manager Bernadette Harvill requests feedback from the Milton City Council about next steps for Providence Park and the Milton City Park and Preserve April 24

PRESERVING THE PAST

A downtown Alpharetta barber shop that made history

Q: Why is a barber shop like an Irish pub?

A: Because, historically, both were places where neighbors gathered to socialize, where friends congregated, and new friendships were made. Some of these shops were hardly known outside their neighborhoods, others achieved near cult status. The Alpharetta Barbershop was an example of the latter.

Hoke Wallace (1906-1990) was born in Gainesville, the son of a farmer. He started working in a local barber shop at age 12 shining shoes and sweeping floors. One day, a halfsober gentleman asked the youth to cut his hair. The result was pretty good, and Hoke gave a few more haircuts, he recalled later. Two years later he opened a barbershop in his parents’ home and charged 10 cents a haircut. He attended school through the seventh grade in Gainesville.

In 1932, at age 26 he moved to the Brandywine Community in Forsyth County and cut hair in his home. He was a barber in Roswell for two years, then worked for three years at the Bell Bomber Plant, now Lockheed Corporation, during World War ll. Then, he worked for five years in the Sims Barber shop near Georgia Tech. Later, he moved to a small brick house on North Main Street in Alpharetta where he continued to cut hair. He opened his one-man barbershop in downtown Alpharetta in 1953 and charged a quarter for a haircut. He also ran the Old Milton County Jail and helped the local undertaker. His shop was in a small wood building on Main Street. It had a barber pole mounted on one side and the name of the shop on a large Coca Cola sign above the door. (After World War I, Coca Cola Company printed the name of businesses on metal Coca Cola signs called “privilege panels”). It had room for one barber chair and about four chairs for waiting customers. He had a loyal clientele, some of whom traveled 30 miles for one of his haircuts.

Hoke was a talented musician. He played the guitar and drums. When business was slow, he picked up his guitar, often joined by his brother Clyde who played the fiddle. Hoke, Clyde and a few other musicians could usually be found entertaining folks at the Saturday night street

dances in downtown Alpharetta. Several nights each week, Hoke played guitar at square dances with his own Hoke Wallace Band throughout North Georgia and South Carolina. He became known as “the pioneer of country music.”

Hoke was a little eccentric. He refused to have a telephone in his shop because it cost too much and because clients might get phone calls in the middle of their haircuts. Whenever a customer wanted a fancy hair style, Hoke sent him to one of the two other barbers in town.

A few people have memories of Hoke. Jim Spruell, who as youth accompanied his father to Hoke’s barber shop, remembers that Hoke was always joking and “usually had a dominos game going in the back of the room where farmers and retired men would spend hours.”

Ben Hollingsworth says that clients arriving while Hoke was playing his guitar would have to wait until his song was finished to get their haircuts.

Connie Mashburn recalls that Hoke liked to fish and would close the shop on a moment’s notice if someone came in and suggested they go fishing together. Jim, Ben and Connie are board members of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society.

Hoke retired in 1986. The barbershop stood vacant for about four years, and then rather than knock it down Hoke gave it to Carlos Bagwell who owned the adjacent property. Carlos and his three sons placed telephone poles under the building and moved it to his property where he used it as a storehouse. The building was torn down when Carlos

converted the property into a parking lot in 2017.

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.

BOB MEYERS Columnist

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

Hoke Williams talks with a customer in his cramped barber shop on Main Street in downtown Alpharetta. Photo, circa 1960s, is in the Alpharetta History Museum

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA Hoke Williams used this barber chair for many years in his one-man barber shop in Alpharetta. The chair is on display at the Alpharetta History Museum at Alpharetta City Hall.

GARDEN BUZZ

Gardeners can take steps to help monarch population

“If you build it, he will come.”

It worked in the film classic “Field of Dreams.” Kevin Costner played Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer who heard a voice whisper those words to him one evening while he was walking through his cornfield. A baseball fan, Ray took it as a sign that if he had faith and went ahead and built a baseball diamond on his farm – even plowing under part of the corn crop – the great “Shoeless” Joe Jackson would show up. He went ahead and put together the field and oh my, did the baseball greats from the past show up.

So, what does a movie about baseball, albeit one nominated for three Academy Awards, have to do with monarch butterflies coming to your yard?

The eastern monarch butterfly population is in decline, and many people are motivated to help by creating their own version of a field of dreams by planting a butterfly garden.

However, sometimes we hear: “Why am I not seeing any monarch butterflies?”

Just as a baseball field has requirements —three bases, a home plate, the pitcher’s mound, etc. — there are features that a successful butterfly habitat includes. While there are no guarantees (and know that it may take some time), these tips should help.

Bring monarchs to your garden Location matters. Butterflies and other pollinators love the sun and so do their favorite flowers. They also need some protection from the wind.

Butterflies love a buffet. Asters, Anise Hyssop, bee balm, Black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, Joe Pye (a.k.a. Swallowtail Delight), lantana, milkweed, purple coneflowers, sunflowers and zinnias are favorites.

No milkweed, no monarch babies. Monarchs will happily sip nectar from different species of milkweed and other plants. However, in Georgia, the milkweed (Ascleperis tuberosa) is the host plant for their caterpillars. Check online to see what the native milkweeds for your area are. Also, remember young’uns like to eat. One or two plants probably won’t

be enough. The more milkweed, the better chance that you’ll see monarchs and eventually find their tiny pinhead-size eggs and larvae. Beware tropical milkweed. Tropical or exotic (non-native) milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) actually harms the monarchs, according to Monarch Joint Venture. Instead of migrating to overwintering sites, year-round tropical milkweed encourages monarchs to linger, unlike the native North American milkweeds that die back. Winter larvae feeding on the tropical milkweed face multiple threats, including a higher chance of becoming infected with Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) parasites. Tropical milkweed should be cut back in the winter and fall months in the southern U.S.

No insecticides. Insecticides sprayed to control mosquitoes also control butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and more.

It may take time, but the monarchs, along with the other butterflies and pollinators, will come.

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

More information

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.

•U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Monarch Butterfly - https://www.fws.gov/savethemonarch/

•How to Build a Pollinator Garden - https://www.fws.gov/midwest/news/PollinatorGarden.html

•Project Milkweed - https://xerces.org/milkweed

•UGA Extension: Environmental Enhancement with Ornamental Plants: Butterfly Gardening - https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/C%20 975_4.PDF

About the Author

This week’s guest Master Gardener “Garden Buzz” columnist is Pam Rentz. Pam, a Roswell resident, 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.

PAM RENTZ Guest Columnist

See solution Page 29

Fun, fond memories at drive-in theater

projection equipment in the beautiful new Peachtree Drive-in Theatre. (Atlanta Constitution, July 14, 1950)

The price was $1 for adults, 50 cents for children, or a carload of people for $2.25. The sign at the entrance included reminders to turn off your headlights and advertised “family fun by the carload.”

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

Columnist

Going to the drive-in theater was once a popular activity for families, teenagers and adults. If you do not have drive-in movie memories, think of the movie “Grease,” and you will get the picture. A couple of friends hopping out of the back of the car, parking next to a speaker, a refreshment building and often a playground or swings are part of the story.

The Peachtree Drive-In Theatre was on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Chamblee, across from where Chamblee Plaza would later open. On July 14, 1950, a grand opening was held at the drive-in. The Southeastern Theatre Equipment Company announced, “We are proud to have installed the latest RCA sound and

The Peachtree Drive-in had not only a playground but also a miniature train for children to ride. Butch Armstrong, an alumni of Chamblee High School worked as a conductor on the train. He also worked in concessions. James Wyckoff worked at concessions selling popcorn. Bruce Jones and Jerry Beatty worked at the drive-in. Beatty recalls making 75 cents an hour.

Other Chamblee High School alums recall riding the train and playing at the playground. Trudy McElroy loved the playground, swings and train. Some recall an extra friend or two hopping in the trunk.

Karen Hansen Legg recalled, “We kids would be all bundled up in the back of our station wagon in our pajamas.” Tammy Eder Parker’s mom popped a bag of grocery store popcorn to bring along, as did Debbie Decker Kay’s dad before getting in the family station wagon.

Rita Wolf Deese remembers her mother taking her to the drive-in to see the Beatles “A Hard Day’s Night” in 1964. Michael Satterlee remembers seeing “Mondo Cane.”

The Peachtree Drive-in closed in 1968.

According to cinematreasures. org the North 85 Drive-in at 3265 NE Expressway in Chamblee opened in 1965 with Gregory Peck in “Mirage” and Tony Young in “Taggart.” The drivein was converted to a double screen in 1975 and closed in 1998. Today, this is the location of Regal Hollywood Theatre.

For the last years North 85 Drive-in

was open, a flea market was held on the weekends. Memories of North 85 Drive-in also include a playground.

North 85 Drive-in and Northeast Expressway Drive-in were not far from each other. Northeast Expressway drive is now 3200 Atlanta Silverbacks Way in Chamblee. This drive-in opened in 1963 with “Hootenanny Hoot” and “Where the Boys Are” as the featured films.

Northeast Expressway Drive-in converted to a double screen theater in 1975. Spaghetti Junction was built close to the former theater, and it closed in 1983.

Thanks to the Chamblee High School alumni for sharing their memories of drive-in theaters.

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.

With suffering a part of life, planning is important

Fundamental to successful financial life planning is understanding the known vagaries of life and strategizing how best to deal with them. There are certain “known knowns,” as Donald Rumsfeld, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, famously observed, among them the inevitability of death and the likelihood of suffering along the way, whether from injury, sickness or other bodily or emotionally related happenstance. Painful and disruptive occurrences are not pleasant to think about so it’s easy to defer advance planning in favor of more pressing or more enjoyable life circumstances.

These thoughts came to mind on Holy Thursday during Holy Week, on the day before Good Friday, as Christians contemplated the last week of Jesus’ life on earth. Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist and new priesthood. It was the night that Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested. Good Friday focuses on the passion of the Lord, his scourging, the carrying of his cross while in excruciating pain, and his bloody

crucifixion and death on the cross. This was the Son of God, our Creator, sharing fully in our human condition, suffering rejection, humiliation, pain, emotional distress and a gruesome death. All of this was prelude to the good news of Easter and of resurrection.

As mortals with complex and interdependent bodies and souls, we do at times endure excruciating pain and emotional anguish. The adjective, excruciating, stems from the Latin words excruciatus and excruciare. These were Roman words meaning “to afflict, harass, vex, torment,” in a manner as gruesomely painful as a crucifixion. The crucifixion process produced suffering so intense that new Latin words came into usage to describe them, and they exist today in English as the root of excruciate. Excruciating may also seem to apply to the pain caused by tedious tasks, paperwork snafus, or long waits, such as those suffered by both the patient and loved ones in overburdened emergency rooms and hospitals.

If you are an adult age 18 or older in Georgia and need medical attention, you are protected by federal privacy laws regarding your medical condition. However, in a serious circumstance you may not be able to make rational decisions about your care or be able to communicate your wishes. This also applies to end-of-life care. Someone you know, someone who

loves and cares about you, someone who understands your wishes and religious preferences, should have the authority to work with doctors, hospitals, and emergency workers, legal authorization to make decisions that he or she knows reflect your wishes and values.

The person to whom you delegate power of decision-making, and a backup person if the primary designee is not available, may be contained in legal documents such as a Living Will, an Advance Directive for Health Care, or a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. You can easily find sample documents on the internet, but a better option is an overall and comprehensive living and testamentary estate plan formulated with the guidance of an experienced financial adviser who can coordinate with an estate and trust planning attorney, along with input from those busy loved ones who may have to step in on your behalf. Medical care overall and end-of-life care in particular is complex with all parties demanding reams of paperwork and funding to protect them from, among other things, rising costs and complex malpractice and legal claims.

The Archdiocese of Atlanta recently published a new Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care in conformity with Catholic teaching. Whether you are Catholic or not, the document is worth reviewing as it contains

important things to consider relative to a myriad of choices. See archatl. com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ georgia-advance-directive-catholicteaching-2015.pdf

Baby boomers, with the oldest turning 77 this year, remain a massive population cohort and long-term care represents the single largest potential financial and emotional burden for seniors and their families. A recent article in the Atlanta JournalConstitution (4/2/23) noted that costs for 40 hours of weekly home health assistance can exceed $56,000 per year. Nursing home intensive care can cost someone an average of $120,000 per year out of pocket unless one qualifies for Medicaid. While sometimes a son, more often it’s a daughter who steps up to take care of mom or dad, or grandma or grandpa. She is likely to be in her late 40s or early 50s with children of her own with demanding needs, including education and car pooling, while juggling work and other challenges. What’s your plan for family care, including time, money, and resources?

Those who are young and healthy may not think they have a stake in such planning, but accidents, serious illness and death do not respect age. Making decisions to cope with the vagaries of life is best done in a period of calm, not under duress, stress,

See SUFFER, Page 28

LEWIS J. WALKER, CFP Columnist The Investment Coach

H R NG ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

The Proud. The Few. Always a fit.

Shame on me for not seeing the big picture a lot sooner. As a coach of a 12-year-old baseball team, Jud Howard was a kid who could part the clouds on a bad day.

There was an assistant coach so infuriating he could’ve made any preacher cuss like a Marine. With a comment and some encouragement, Jud offered perspective that was wise beyond his years. Sitting on a bucket between innings, often it was difficult for me to appreciate who was doing the coaching.

Of course, without exception, I always walked away giggling at the perspective of a 6th-grader well on his way to being able to invent curse words that were both creative and appropriate. It’s also germane that Jud could do a spoton imitation of me as a third-base coach, complete with signs, armwaving and facial expressions.

No fear from a 12-year-old. It was a preview of what would be his life five years later. Tack on another five years and Jud, last week, left California and his life as Sgt. Howard USMC, behind. Prior to hopping on a bus and heading for legendary Parris Island in South Carolina, I joined The Order of The Restless Nights (Jon Howard, Cheech Milano and Papa Kenny Cagle) sat around his dad’s pool, smoking cigars and trying to find the words to express our feelings.

We guys aren’t the best at that type of thing, so we wished him the best, handed him a little spending money and saw him off. Kenny has since died. Rest assured he would have been about to pop when Jud came home.

It’s hard to fathom the terror going through Jud’s mind on that bus ride headed for the low country swamps. A stop at a gas station

Continued from Page 26

pain, and immediacy. The life of Jesus teaches us many things, including the reality that life is relatively short when measured against eternity. The excruciating pain and suffering of our Lord God Creator were meant as a lesson for us all.

before passing through the base gates resulted in his last purchase for a while.

“I drank a Yoo-Hoo. Don’t know why, but that’s what I wanted.”

He probably would have opted for something stronger, had Jud known what awaited him. And the fact that he was 17 and about to meet his drill instructor precluded any cutting up.

We’ve all seen the movies about what occurs when you meet your drill instructor for the first time. It was sobering seeing his boss, inside the gates, arms crossed and looking like he was in the foulest of moods. From that moment on, until it got better, the instructors wreaked havoc on the recruits. The molding into Marines started at that moment.

“They broke us down, then built us up. We were the lowest scum on earth. They stripped us down. They knew what they were doing. It was controlled chaos.”

After three months, he had become a Marine. He had accomplished something most couldn’t survive, with the peace of mind that he would never have to go through it again. But it didn’t stop there.

After distinguishing himself while going through infantry school, Jud was chosen as a member of FAST (Fleet Anti-terror Strike Team), an elite unit that is deployed whenever things will probably get messy.

In deference to Jud as he tried to decompress from his five-year hitch, we didn’t talk much about specific missions, except for being on a ship somewhere “over there,” with Jud as a leader of 18 teammates who were ready to hit the ground and fight.

Luckily there was no Chinese invasion, but Jud was ready. He had trained his team to be outstanding.

“It’s like football, training all day like it’s a scrimmage. Being the first Marines on the ground was going to be like the Super Bowl.”

Suffering, whether physical or emotional, is part of our human condition. You can respond in ways that are destructive, such as aggressive actions, anger, excessive drinking, drugs, imprudent and immoral behavior. Or you can respond in positive ways that illustrate life lessons well learned, a process that builds character and resilience. A life of purpose and meaning, one of gratifying success and happiness, is

It was heartwarming to read on Facebook the comments from the men who Jud led. He was like a father figure to men some 10 years his senior. He thought about staying in but says “The juice wasn’t worth the squeeze.”

His dad is thrilled to have Jud home. No more wondering what part of the world his son is in. Not much traveling when you embark on a career as an Atlanta fire inspector. As a youth coach, you want to be a hero to your players. Jud is now my hero. “The Few. The Proud” has never been more appropriate.

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

about choices. Choose wisely! Lewis

otherwise unaffiliated with CIG. Lewis a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).

MIKE TASOS Columnist

JUD HOWARD/SPECIAL TO APPEN MEDIA

DEATH NOTICES

Robert Henson, 60, of Roswell, passed away on April 24, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Linda Jane Kelly, 70, of Milton, passed away on April 20, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Tommy Partin, 85, of Alpharetta, passed away on April 25, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ENGINEER

Sawnee EMC is seeking an Electrical Distribution System Engineer. Requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, civil engineering or similar engineering discipline. Preferred experience in design, modeling and maintenance of distribution power systems. Must have strong computer, mathematical and communication skills.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, May 12, 2023. Apply online: www.sawnee.com/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

Landscaping Full Service LANDSCAPING Company

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.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Home Improvement

DECKS BUILT & REPAIRED-PAINT

Software Developer:

Degree in comp/eng related. MS (2yrs) or BS (5yrs) expr.

Expr in SDLC, Data Analysis, Datawarehousing & Data Mgmt, algorithm design & analysis for code optimization, AWS, Prog. Lang (C#.Net, JavaScript, Angular JS, Python), SQL & Oracle Server, Scrum & Agile. Travel/ Reloc/Telecommuting allowed. Resumes to: Before You Solutions LLC, 2970 Davidsonville Dr, Cumming GA 30041

Email: bhavana.d@beforeyousolutions.com

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)

Bargains – Miscellaneous

ELECTRIC PRESSURE WASHER, A.R. Blue Clean plus surface washer $115. ABOVE GROUND POOL PUMP and motor, new ETJ $200. 770-640-6250

Concrete/ Asphalt Retaining Walls

Brick or Wood

Retaining walls (brick or wood), grading, sod, tree services, hauling, topsoil & more.

Ralph Rucker 678-898-7237

Garage Sales

SUWANEE 30024

Multi family. Glencree Subdivision; Glencree Drive & Old Atlanta Road. Look for signs. FRIDAY 5/5 and SATURDAY 5/6, 8AM-2PM.

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

Office Space

Wonderful Office Suite Available

Near (.7 mile) Downtown Alpharetta

• Turnkey – Everything provided

• Utilities included

• Marketing can be included

• Conference Room

• Parking

• 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 $

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

Tree Services

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

Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts 770-512-8733 • www.yellowribbontree.com

COMPLETE TREE SERVICES

Appen-Rated 98

Text or Call us for a FREE quote appointment.

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

Emergency 24/7 770-450-8188

Pinestraw

PINESTRAW, MULCH

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

Haulers

Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc.

Many local referencesCall Ralph Rucker 678-898-7237

Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 4 pm

Eliminate

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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.

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