Milton Herald - July 18, 2024

City Fire-Rescue toots its horn in ’23 report

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Better response times, better coverage and international recognition, the Milton FireRescue Department touted recent accomplishments in its an annual report to the City Council July 8.

Firefighters work out of four spots in Milton, with construction expected to start later this year on Fire Station 45 at the Providence Road and Birmingham Highway (Ga. 372) roundabout.

The 2023 report logs the 69-member department’s completion of 100 percent of its inspections with four fire investigations and dozens of community outreach events.

The department calculates its

protection covers more than $82 billion in property values in North Fulton County. Last fiscal year, staff estimated their efforts saved $2 million in property.

In February 2024, the Center for Public Safety Excellence recognized Milton Fire-Rescue as an internationally accredited agency for its risk assessments and strategic plan. There are only 324 accredited agencies worldwide. Milton and Atlanta are the only Fulton County cities with an accreditation.

Mayor Peyton Jamison and City Manager Steve Krokoff joined department leadership in Orlando to accept the accreditation with the second

Milton officials talk 2025 budget, reveal community survey results

City appoints Diana Wheeler as interim development chief

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@apenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Milton officials jumped into the 2025 budget process July 8 while touting positive community feedback on city services.

Communications Director Greg Botelho presented the results of the 2024 National Community Survey,

a scientific study allowing local governments to compare the public opinion of its residents with other jurisdictions.

The survey aims to show how residents’ views have changed over time, what residents think about new community initiatives and how the city ranks nationally.

There are increases to Milton’s rankings across the board relative to the 2022 results, indicating improved staff performance.

The survey shows an increase in

positive responses to questions about Milton’s quality of life, image and reputation and cleanliness.

“We’ve gone up in pretty much all those measures, which is really hard to do when you’re already in the 90th percentile,” Botelho said.

Milton scores higher than most cities when it comes to residents’ positive impressions of their local government, public safety departments and ability to raise children with good

See BUDGET, Page 4

the five-year revenue forecast and previews August hearings for the 2025 property tax rate.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Mayor Peyton Jamison and Milton Fire Chief Gabe Benmoussa hold the city’s international accreditation July 8 from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Milton Fire-Rescue reported a one-minute decrease in response times and updated the community on its programs.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA Deputy City Manager Bernadette Harvill discusses

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Police arrest three men in shoplifting incident

MILTON, Ga. — Police arrested three men June 21 for their involvement in a shoplifting incident at Home Depot on Windward Parkway.

Police were called to the scene after being informed of a suspect taking more than $1,400 in power tools from the store then leaving in a silver Honda Accord, according to the incident report.

Police found the vehicle in front of Kohls on Ga. 9, identifying the driver as a 41-year-old Atlanta man and the passenger as a 40-year-old Decatur man, the report says. The shoplifting suspect, still in the Kohl’s store, was identified as a 35-year-old Stone Mountain man.

All were detained. Once an officer requested a tow truck for the suspects’ vehicle, police conducted an inventory and found 8 grams of MDMA, 4 grams of crack cocaine and 6 grams of methamphetamine as well as a semiautomatic pistol in the glove box, according to the report.

The driver and the passenger, found to be convicted felons, were charged with shoplifting greater than $500, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, three counts of possession of a schedule I or schedule II controlled substance, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The passenger was also charged with false statements, the report says.

The third suspect was charged with shoplifting greater than $500, three counts of possession of a schedule I or schedule II controlled substance and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Police arrest man for speeding, assault

MILTON, Ga. — Police arrested a 32-year-old Roswell man June 30 for speeding at 83 mph in a 35-mph zone on Morris Road in his Nissan Sentra.

When police arrested the suspect and transported him to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta, the suspect attempted to grab an officer’s neck once his handcuffs were removed, according to the incident report.

Physical altercation between the suspect and police continued until they managed to place him in a jail cell, the report says.

Police body cameras were not activated during the struggle, allegedly due to the Fulton County Jail’s policy on outside agency body camera use, according to the report.

Fulton County deputies told police they would not take the suspect because he was too combative, so Milton officers transported him to the city’s Police Department, the report says.

While in transport, the suspect hit his head on the door and the partition between the front and back seat.

Police charged the suspect with reckless driving, battery and two counts of obstruction of law enforcement officers by threatening or offering violence, then transported him to the Fulton County Jail on Rice Street in Atlanta.

But, the jail nurse told police the suspect needed to be medically cleared because of the possible head trauma. Police transported the suspect to the hospital twice, the second hospital location taking custody of the suspect to receive a CT scan, according to the report.

Homeowner’s mailbox damaged by fireworks

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton man reported to police July 4 he was in the basement when he heard a loud noise, discovering that his mailbox off Old Northpark Lane was on fire at around 11 p.m.

When police arrived at the scene, they saw that the mailbox and bushes were fully engulfed in flames and attempted to extinguish it, according to the incident report. Fire Station 44 had to finish the job.

The man’s neighbor told police that she had also heard a loud noise and assumed it to be fireworks, the report says.

Another woman, who had called in the fire, said two girls parked in front of her home told her that someone put a firework inside the mailbox, the report says.

She told police the entire street had been packed with parked cars from a party down the street, attempting to leave the area when the fire started.

Man stopped by police charged with possession

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested a 66-year-old Johns Creek man June 24 after they allegedly found crack cocaine in his vehicle during a traffic stop on Old Alabama Road.

Police pulled the suspect over for failing to maintain his lane in his silver Honda SUV. When the suspect exited the vehicle so that police could check his eyes, police saw a glass smoking pipe in the driver’s side door panel, according to the incident report.

Police searched the driver and found two glass smoking pipes with narcotics residue in his left pocket. They also found two glass pipes, a torch lighter and 3.4 grams of crack cocaine in the center console of the vehicle, according to the incident report.

The suspect told police the paraphernalia did not belong to him and that it belonged to addicts he was housing in his single-bedroom home, the report says. He told police he was trying to help them.

Police charged the suspect with improper/erratic lane change, possession of drug-related objects and possession of cocaine, then transported him to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

THE PICTURE FRAMER

Milton wins national award for 2023 election marketing

MILTON, Ga. — The City of Milton received an award from the National Association of Government Communicators May 22 for its efforts leading up to the 2023 municipal election.

Milton received the second-place award in the Grassroots Marketing Campaign category, edging out the state of North Dakota among other submissions.

The National Association of Government Communicators says the category is for marketing campaigns with a shoestring budget that demonstrate a creative use of resources.

Communications Director Greg Botelho said the entry, “Historic, MultiFaceted Outreach as Milton Runs its Municipal Election for First Time,” was among 361 submissions in more than 100 categories at the association’s Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards in New Orleans May 22.

Botelho presented the award at the July 8 City Council meeting.

He said guidance from residents Amy Christiansen, Ann Flack and Melanie Hembree also helped keep residents informed.

CITY OF MILTON/PROVIDED

Milton Communications Director Greg Botelho is all smiles at the Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards May 22 in New Orleans after receiving an award for city communications leading up to the 2023 municipal election.

“Communications was a small, albeit key, part of this effort especially given that so much about this election – such as procedures, advanced voting times and polling places – were entirely new,” Botelho said.

easy-to-share messages, coordination with the media and outreach at community events.

Milton City Manager Steve Krokoff, who served as election superintendent, said the city spent around $115,000, including some one-time costs.

Cost was one of two key elements that provided the city with momentum to give it a shot — the other was election integrity, a residual concern of the 2020 presidential election and what prompted a preference for hand-counted paper ballots.

Krokoff’s overall cost estimate is significantly lower than what the city would have paid had it opted to stick with Fulton County.

Last August, a Fulton County official told Appen Media that the county would have charged more than $217,000 for the general election, and that likely would have increased.

Appen Media calculated the city spent close to $192,000 in staff time from January to November 2023. The figure comes from records and interviews with City Manager Krokoff.

Some efforts to reach Milton residents included regular posts on social media,

After the City Council voted in November 2022 to take over municipal elections from Fulton County, officials made it happen with no prior experience. The awards panel commended the city’s quick and efficient effort with limited resources to update voters on new polling places, procedures and advanced voting times. Panelists said the effort achieved documented results.

While the in-house election saved taxpayers $100,000 in direct costs, some residents question the impact on other city priorities and projects.

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Report:

Continued from Page 1

highest rating available from the agency’s insurance services office.

Fire Chief Gabe Benmoussa leads the department with three deputy fire chiefs and three shifts of firefighters who cover the city’s 44-square-mile territory yearround.

“Once we complete Station 45, we will ask the ISO to come do an evaluation for us,” he said. “We’re hoping to be a Class One.”

The results of the 2024 National Community Survey show residents strongly support the Milton FireRescue with scores in the top 2 percent, compared with hundreds of departments nationwide.

The department also has agreements with neighboring jurisdictions in North Fulton, Cherokee and Forsyth counties.

“Milton Fire-Rescue has come a long way, and we’re looking forward to continuing to advance and make a difference for our community,”

Budget:

Continued from Page 1

schools.

The city received lower relative scores on its variety of housing options, walkability, garbage collection, cost of living and public transportation.

Milton ranks first out of 385 local governments in how residents feel about the service that municipal employees provide and the economic health of the city.

Mayor Peyton Jamison said Milton has the best public servants, anywhere.

“This survey makes official what many of us have known for a long time,” Jamison said. “We’re also fortunate to have an amazing community who listens, respects and works with us for the good of all of Milton.”

Staff talks 2025 budget

Around 30 people attended the first City Council meeting after the Fourth of July, including members of the Milton Fire-Rescue Department, parks and recreation community and newly appointed Interim Community Development Director Diana Wheeler.

After the city tasked Bob Buscemi with director of special projects, staff set out on a nationwide search to fill the community development position he leaves behind.

Milton officials tapped Wheeler, who ran the community development departments in Alpharetta from 1993 to 2012 and Peachtree Corners from 2012 to April of this year, to helm the spot

Benmoussa said. “This 2023 Annual Report is a way for us to shine a light on that development and also what we’re all about as a department.”

Despite a call volume increase of 6 percent in 2023, Benmoussa said the department managed to shave off a minute from its average response time.

Milton Fire-Rescue arrives on scene at an average of six minutes and 10 seconds.

Benmoussa said the opening of Fire Station 42 last August helped.

For comparison, the contract between North Fulton County and American Medical Response buys a 12-minute response time for ambulance services. Often, a municipal fire department will arrive at a call before an ambulance.

The department responded to 3,547 calls last year and achieved a 66 percent reduction in 911 utilization for low acuity or nonemergency calls.

One reason for the improvement is the Milton Fire Community Advocates for Referral and Education Services, which provides healthcare services at no cost to residents who sign up.

Services include at-home visits,

until September as they secure a permanent hire.

Before staff welcomed their newest colleague, Assistant City Manager Bernadette Harvill outlined the 2025 budget process from now through adoption Sept. 16.

She said councilmembers and staff are reviewing impacts of major capital projects, five-year revenue forecasts and new initiatives.

Harvill’s forecast shows revenues continuing to increase around $2 million each year through 2029 at the same millage rate.

Because of an upcoming budget amendment to cover costs of the Deerfield athletic complex, Harvill said the plan is to replenish the pay-asyou-go funding sources after fiscal year 2025, ending Sept. 30.

The city is sending out notices in the Milton Herald for millage rate hearings Aug. 5 and 12.

City Manager Steve Krokoff said the state mandates language stating the city has “tentatively adopted” a millage or property tax rate of 4.389 mills.

“Which is not true, but it’s the language that has to be used in that advertisement,” Krokoff said. “It’s not true that you’ve adopted it, you just can’t go above it.”

Residents question spending

Mary Cronk, former Design Review Board member, used her public

medical assessments, referrals and classes on topics like CPR.

The community paramedic is also cross trained as a firefighter and arrives at calls in three minutes and 10 seconds.

The city’s CARES Coordinator, Derek Hoffman, has served in the role since December 2021.

Capt. Mark Haskins, who leads the medical services division, said the community paramedic canceled 40 engines and 19 rescues for nonemergency calls last year.

“If he shows up and finds its not a high acuity call, he will cancel the engine, which allows them to be in service for true emergencies,” Haskins said. “That actually saves money, in addition to allowing those services to be available for higher acuity calls.”

Haskins said the program looks to continue increasing the number of residents it trains each year and improving its responses.

Milton City Councilwoman Carol Cookerly said the CPR class she took was great and gave her the confidence that she could do it in an emergency.

The city says the program helps bridge

CITY OF MILTON/PROVIDED

A map of the Deerfield study area shows eastern Milton’s interconnectivity with surrounding jurisdictions.

comment to question the $1.75 million acquisition of 10.5 acres at 12875 Arnold Mill Road across from Legacy Park.

The city entered a purchase agreement with a 90-day due diligence period for two adjoining parcels at the April 8 City Council meeting.

“I’m asking Council to terminate the agreement before due diligence ends July 17,” Cronk said. “There’s no clearly defined use for these parcels.”

She gave four reasons to terminate the contract. Cronk said the true cost of property maintenance is unknown; land at Mayfield Farm and along Hopewell

the gap between emergency care and everyday healthcare needs, resulting in better community health.

The medical services division also supports advanced life support apparatuses, critical for responses to cardiac arrests. Haskins said half the calls to Milton Fire-Rescue are medical.

All Milton firefighters are emergency medical technicians. More than 40 percent are trained to paramedic standards, allowing them to perform more advanced lifesaving procedures.

Of the four cardiac arrests so far this year, Chief Benmoussa said two patients walked out of the hospital. A 50 percent survival rate is 20 percent above the nationwide average.

Other factors improving Milton Fire-Rescue’s response times are enhancements to its emergency management plans.

Staff is now training with the new WebEOC system, Benmoussa said.

“We’re building our capacity within the city to have a very well-functioning incident management team,” he said. “That’s made up of all members of city departments.”

Road is not utilized; the Deerfield athletic complex costs $28 million; and taxpayers are still on the hook for the city’s $35 million judgement in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Even with an appeal pending, Cronk said councilmembers should terminate the contract with a full refund instead of spending $1.75 million on parcels with no purpose.

“The currently proposed Deerfield active park plan will meet Milton’s needs … negating the need to use the Arnold Mill parcels to meet documented active park needs,” Cronk said.

City Manager responds

With the Deerfield athletic complex looking like it will address field shortages for all youth sports, resident Sarah Moen joined Cronk in questioning the need for the Arnold Mill Road acquisition.

After the meeting, City Manager Krokoff told Appen Media the decision ultimately rests with elected officials.

“It’s important to recognize that land in Milton is highly sought after,” he said. “Just like land developers, who are often our competitors in an acquisition, we need to act swiftly when an opportunity arises.”

Krokoff mentioned Georgia Department of Transportation plans to widen Arnold Mill Road (Ga. 140) in the next few years.

“For our citizens, this could be a long-term investment with promising future dividends,” he said. “However, our elected officials will need to assess whether the current opportunity cost justifies the future reward.”

WHEELER

ALEXANDRA GAVRANOVIC/PROVIDED Alexandra Gavranovic, a 19-year-old Alpharetta resident, holds her debut novel “Deception is Our Remedy,” published earlier this year.

College student releases dystopian debut novel

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — At 19, Alexandra Gavranovic published her debut novel, the dystopian “Deception is Our Remedy.”

The novel, released earlier this year, follows 17-year-old Callista as she navigates a post-climate crisis world, “stripped of all its color.” Its title is an ironic one, named after the lies fed to Cal, supposedly meant to protect her.

Gavranovic, an Alpharetta resident and sophomore at Kennesaw State University, said she is intrigued by the dystopian genre because of its wellbalanced blend of sci-fi and fantasy, but also because it often contains a layer of realism.

The protagonist is loosely built on Gavranovic’s own personality, identifying with her curiosity, intrigue and determination to question things around her, though there is some of her in

Hi, I’m Amber Perry and I report on all things in and around North Atlanta. If you have any story tips or ideas please contact me at amber@appenmedia.com

each of the main characters.

She began writing the book four years ago, inspired by album art of a favorite EDM artist at the time, and submitted an excerpt to the state’s Scholastic Art and Writing Competition.

“My first copy of the book I wrote in four months,” Gavranovic said. “It had lots of problems, and so I didn’t win the competition. But, then I was inspired to keep growing it.”

Gavranovic said it took her a while to fully realize she had published a book and to feel excited about it, carrying the tendency to dismiss her accomplishments. But now, after a few months, with the book continuing to build positive reviews, she said the feat has sunk in a bit more and that her confidence has grown.

She’s not sure whether there will be a sequel to “Deception is Our Remedy,” but she is certain about forthcoming stories, the latest idea being one that she found while falling asleep.

Gavranovic sought assistance from an editor to help develop the story, and she set aside up to 50 minutes every day to write – more during the summers. She resubmitted the book in its final stages to the same competition, and it won second place.

Landing at nearly 450 pages, the story had more than doubled in scope and size.

Gavranovic said publishing her first novel proved to her that she could successfully start and finish a story, furthering her drive to continue writing and create more stories.

“I have also found appreciation for the journey as I learned so many new skills as a writer, and I feel like I have grown a lot over the process,” Gavranovic said.

Roswell City Councilman Will Morthland and Roswell City Councilwoman Lee Hills stand with members of the Atlanta nonprofit African Americans for the Arts at the opening reception of its Juneteenth-themed art exhibit “Our Freedom” at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center June 14. AAFTA President Jeannette Barnett held the city’s proclamation recognizing Juneteenth, a federal holiday that recognizes the emancipation of the country’s enslaved African Americans.

Roswell partners with Atlanta group for Juneteenth-themed art exhibit

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Jeannette Barnett, president of African Americans for the Arts, said she creates art to impart history lessons to newer generations who may not know them.

One of her pieces, a portrait of Shirley Chisholm in pen and ink, hangs in the lobby of the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. In 1968, Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress.

“I really try to offer inspiration to people about what has been done and what can be done,” Barnett said. “... I’m really trying to recreate and retell the story so that we don’t forget about these people.”

For the first time, the City of Roswell partnered with African Americans for the Arts, an Atlanta nonprofit, for an exhibit that speaks to the importance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday recognizing the emancipation of the country’s enslaved population.

In the past, the nonprofit has participated in the juried art exhibit for Roswell Roots, a month-long Black History Month celebration held every year.

“This is another layer of art and a way to consume art in the City of Roswell,” Roswell City Councilwoman Lee Hills said, also encouraging the community to view the “Our Freedom” exhibit before it ends July 31.

African Americans for the Arts was founded in 1998 with a mission to be a proactive voice in the African diasporic community.

“We strive to present our views as African American artists and as persons to our patrons through our

The community will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite artworks in the “Our Freedom” exhibit until July 15. Paper ballots and pencils are provided on-site.

creativity and talent,” Barnett said.

The collective consists of 35 painters, sculptors and photographers as well as quilt, doll and jewelry makers who meet monthly at the Hammonds House Museum in Atlanta.

“It’s a very supportive group,” Barnett said.

Barnett joined the organization a decade ago, around the same time she picked up painting, following her retirement from Georgia Tech as a budget analyst. But, from a young age she had an interest and began ordering instructional drawing books.

“I came from a very practical family … it’s just not something you do, but I always had a yearning for it,” Barnett said.

After she retired, Barnett began taking classes at a local senior center and found her love of acrylics.

“The very first time that I put a paintbrush to a canvas, there was something within me that said, ‘Yes, this is it,’” Barnett said.

But, she works within multiple mediums. Like other fine artists, Barnett said she likes to experiment. Another of Barnett’s portraits displayed, a woman in African garb at the forefront of a Juneteenth celebration, was created using oil pastel on fabric.

“As artists, we always have something to say,” Barnett said.

Regional commission takes aim at metro mobility projects

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — A study adopted earlier this year imagines a “mobility hub” around the Ga. 400 and McFarland Parkway interchange in Forsyth County.

The “McFarland Mobility Hub Feasibility Study” seeks to seamlessly link cycling, walking, transit and cars while positioning the area for future technologies like autonomous vehicles and air taxis.

It is the first Livable Centers Initiative for the county since it joined the Atlanta Regional Commission in 2021. The grant program encourages communities in the Atlanta region to develop strategies to curtail vehicle traffic.

Eric Bosman, project manager with Kimley-Horn, provided an overview of the work to board members of the Atlanta Regional Commission at their joint meeting with the Transportation and Air Quality Committee July 10.

Bosman said the study, serving as a planning resource over the next five to 10 years, involved an extensive amount of public engagement with postcards mailed to all 1,072 residential and commercial addresses in the study area, social media campaigns and community outreach.

It evaluates how the county can leverage ongoing or planned transportation investments in the region to improve mobility for residents, he said, such as the Ga. 400 express lane project whose northern terminus is McFarland Parkway.

Bosman also considered the Ga. 400 Bus Rapid Transit project that ends at the Windward Parkway Park and Ride.

“One in three South Forsyth workers get up in the morning, and they travel south,” Bosman said. “Now, some of those are along the 141 (Peachtree Parkway) corridor. A lion’s share of those are down the 400 corridor.”

The study also looks to further the

Eric Bosman, project manager with Kimley-Horn, presents an overview of the “McFarland Mobility Hub Feasibility Study” to board members of the Atlanta Regional Commission at their joint meeting with the Transportation and Air Quality Committee July 10.

vision outlined in the county’s existing plans.

It is the first major initiative undertaken in the county’s first-ever transportation master plan adopted in 2021, Link Forsyth. Forsyth County also recently completed its Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan update.

In the short term, Bosman said a mobility hub may not be more than a significantly enhanced park and ride, situated on about 7 acres with 400 to 500 parking spaces. The small concept would also include a few buses and micro transit bays, a dozen EV charging stations and half a dozen bicycle lockers.

But, he said The Gathering at South Forsyth would double the capacity of the mobility hub. The $2 billion 100acre mixed-use development is slated for Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Union Hill

For more information about the “McFarland Mobility Hub Feasibility Study,” visit www.mcfarlandmobilityhub.com.

Road.

“There was a lot of conversation about access for young people, for the aging, for those with disabilities, how do we get them to the services and attractions that they need the opportunity to get to,” Bosman said. “It enabled the county to really lay out an opportunity for their investments now and into the future.”

Also at the July 10 meeting, Mike Carnathan, manager of the Commission’s Research and Analytics Division, presented a breakdown of new

population estimates.

Under state law, the agency is required to estimate the population for its 11-county region and the City of Atlanta each year for the purpose of collecting dues from its member jurisdictions.

The data shows the region’s population growth slowed a bit compared to 2022-23, which reflects a decline in housing permit activity and a slight moderation in jobs growth. High housing prices also have acted as a brake.

“If we want to continue to accommodate our steady population growth, we’re going to continue to diversify our housing style,” Carnathan said.

The Commission will vote on the population estimates at its special called meeting Aug. 28.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Appen Media buys Decaturish, newsroom staff to stay on

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Appen Media Group, publishers of the Herald and Crier newspapers, announced July 1 it has purchased the digital news company Decaturish from longtime owner and founder Dan Whisenhunt.

The Alpharetta-based company will keep on Whisenhunt and assistant editor Zoe Seiler to continue their coverage of DeKalb County along with the Decaturish core of freelance writers and photographers. Debbie Inglis will stay in her advertising and marketing role with the company.

“We couldn’t be more excited to add the Decaturish brand to our media company. We have always admired what Dan has been able to achieve and his dogmatic approach to local journalism,” Publisher Hans Appen said. “The synergies and shared values between our two companies made this an easy decision and we can’t wait to build upon what is already a success story for local news.”

In its purchase of Decaturish, Appen aims to expand its online presence and expand its geographic reach to the east Metro suburbs. Before the acquisition, its newsroom covered a mostly northern cohort of cities, from Sandy Springs and Dunwoody up to south Forsyth County.

Appen also plans to build on the Decaturish brand by introducing new print media formats. The company intends to introduce at least two new local newspapers to the DeKalb County market, continuing its focus on government, business, public safety and community reporting.

“Decaturish is a beloved brand that is relied on by members of the community for news that most directly effects their quality of life,” Appen said. “Nothing that people love about Decaturish will change. AMG’s focus will be to expand and improve on what works already, and to give the Decaturish team the tools they need to make that happen.”

The move is the latest in Appen’s efforts to reinforce the local news environment in Metro Atlanta. The company purchased the Dunwoody Crier in 2019 and launched the Sandy Springs Crier in 2021. To help finance the movement, Appen created the Appen Press Club, a member-driven program where readers can pledge financial support to the work of local news. Decaturish brings with it a similar format, with loyal followers who recognize the importance of independent reporting in their community.

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The power of teacher-student relationships

Brought to you by - King’s Ridge Christian School

In the realm of education, where knowledge is imparted and minds are shaped, an invaluable connection exists far beyond textbooks and curriculum: teacher-student relationships. At King’s Ridge Christian School, these relationships form the bedrock of our educational philosophy from Pre-K through High School. These relationships are also what continue to draw our alumni back to campus long after graduation.

Nurturing Personal and Spiritual Growth

At King’s Ridge Christian School, the commitment to individualized attention and care is at the forefront of our educational approach. By establishing strong relationships, our teachers create a safe and nurturing environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued. This feeling of being “known” encourages students to explore their passions, take risks, and discover their true potential. Through relationships and small class sizes, our teachers become mentors and leaders, providing students with the support and encouragement they need to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. By understanding students’ unique strengths and learning styles, our teachers can often tailor their instruction to meet individual needs, cultivating personal growth and self-confidence. Recognizing the importance of each student’s personal relationship with

Christ, educators at King’s Ridge Christian School actively model this for our students of all ages. We understand that a growing relationship with Christ is foundational to a purposeful and fulfilling life and a cornerstone of our school’s mission. By integrating biblical teachings into the curriculum, engaging in prayer and chapel services, and participating in small group advisement, King’s Ridge Christian School teachers guide our students toward deepening their relationship with Christ in a safe and loving environment.

Academic Success and Motivation

The influence of teacher-student relationships on academic success cannot be overstated. Our faculty and staff know that when students feel connected to their teachers, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their studies. The positive rapport established between teachers and students creates an environment where students are eager to learn, actively participate, and take ownership of their education from a young age.

As the educational landscape evolves, King’s Ridge Christian School stays true to its passion: to bring every student into a personal growing relationship with Jesus Christ while equipping them to do with excellence all that God has called them to do. Through nurturing bonds, our teachers cultivate an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to make an impact that extends far beyond the King’s Ridge Christian School campus.

PROVIDED

Great minds think differently

Brought to you by - The Cottage School

Since 1985, The Cottage School (TCS) has provided a comprehensive program for students with learning differences grades 3-12. TCS offers a business-based model that promotes self-advocacy and fosters self-confidence, preparing them for life after graduation to pursue postsecondary educational paths or vocational opportunities. Our accredited college preparatory curriculum meets all Georgia standards and HOPE scholarship requirements to take students to graduation and beyond.

Our students, in all grades, enjoy unique experiential learning with electives based on their interests and clubs including archery, drama, forensics, robotics, horticulture and amazing off-campus experiences throughout the year.

The school’s beautiful 23-acre Roswell campus is a hidden gem in North Fulton, with small class sizes our students develop meaningful connections to our teaching staff. Our cottages are unique and warm learning environments that include computer and science labs, art studios, a multi-purpose athletic and performing arts facility, indoor and outdoor classrooms, comprehensive music program and trails for mountain biking and cross-country. TCS encourages students of all abilities to participate in athletics by offering sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, cross-country, tennis, and golf.

The Cottage School has built a one-of-a-kind learning environment perfect for students who learn differently. TCS offers 12-month rolling admissions for all grade levels. Visit our website or call for a campus tour today.

NOW ENROLLING GRADES K

-

12

NOW ENROLLING GRADES K - 12

Schedule your family’s tour today!

Schedule your family’s tour today!

Students learn differently. We teach differently.

NOW ENROLLING GRADES K - 12

Schedule your family’s tour today! Students learn

Dr. Steve Palmer,

Dr. Steve Palmer, Head of School President/Chair, Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) Board

The Cottage School (TC n educational community f ith learning differe

It is our goal to change learning outcomes for students with different learning needs by providing a specialized education that best fits the way they learn. Students do their best work in classes with a 10-to-1 teacher ratio. TCS removes barriers and the stigma often associated with experiencing a learning difference and allows students to be in a community of support that caters to their strengths. The result of this work: students with mild to moderate learning differences thrive.

The Cottage School (TCS) provides an educational community for students with learning differences

The Cottage School (TCS) provides an educational community for students with learning differences. It is our goal to change learning outcomes for students with different learning needs by providing a specialized education that best fits the way they learn. Students do their best work in classes with a 10-to-1 teacher ratio. TCS removes barriers and the stigma often associated with experiencing a learning difference and allows students to be in a community of support that caters to their strengths. The result of this work: students with mild to moderate learning differences thrive.

It is our goal to change learning outcomes for students with different learning needs by providing a specialized education that best fits the way they learn. Students do their best work in classes with a 10-to-1 teacher ratio.

TCS removes barriers and the stigma often associated with experiencing a learning difference and allows students to be in a community of support that caters to their strengths. The result of this work: students with mild to moderate learning differences thrive.

Healthy approaches to using social media

Ed., Summit Counseling Center

Social media plays a central role in how we communicate, share information, and connect with others. However, there can often be cons to social media and our use of it as well. It is essential to approach social media use mindfully to maintain mental and emotional well-being.

Setting boundaries is crucial. It is helpful to establish specific times of day or specific amounts of time for checking social media to prevent it from dominating your entire day. This can help prevent feelings of overwhelm or anxiety that can arise from constant connectivity. Social media can be a great way to relax or distract from stressful situations, but there are also many other ways to recharge. Going for a walk, watching a movie/tv show,

listening to music you like, journaling, or art can all be other forms of selfcare.

It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others or feeling inadequate based on others’ content. Remember that social media often presents a skewed version of reality, showcasing highlights rather than the full spectrum of human experience. If you find yourself feeling negatively impacted by social media, consider taking breaks or unfollowing accounts.

Lastly, use social media as a tool for positive connection and selfexpression. Engage in communities that align with your interests or values and participate in meaningful conversations. By approaching social media with intention and self-awareness, you can harness its potential to enhance your life while safeguarding your mental health.

Nurturing curiosity and growth: summer enrichment

Brought to you by – Woodward Academy

Summer is a wonderful time for relaxation and fun, but it also offers countless opportunities for students to engage in activities that stimulate their minds, foster creativity, and build essential skills. It's essential to consider how summer can continue the educational journey. Here are some enriching summer activities for students from pre-K through 12th grade that support whole child education and make the most of the private school experience.

The Benefits of Private Schools: A Summer Perspective

Private schools are renowned for their robust and well-rounded curriculums, which can extend into the summer months through carefully selected activities. By aligning summer enrichment with the private school curriculum, students can seamlessly transition from one school year to the next while maintaining their intellectual and creative growth.

Exploring Private School Resources Over the Summer

Many private schools offer exceptional resources that families can tap into during the summer. Even if your child’s school does not provide formal summer programs, the same principles and resources can be applied to at-home activities. Here are a few ideas:

• STEM Exploration: Utilize online resources, local science museums, and DIY kits to delve into science, technology, engineering, and math projects. Engaging in hands-on experiments and problemsolving tasks can ignite a passion for STEM subjects.

• Creative Arts: Encourage participation in arts and crafts, music lessons, or drama workshops. Local community centers and online platforms often offer summer classes that can help nurture creativity and artistic skills.

• Athletics: Summer sports camps and clinics are perfect for keeping children active. Look for programs that not only focus on skill development but also emphasize teamwork, leadership, and healthy competition.

Nurturing Curiosity and Growth During the Summer

Whole child education emphasizes the importance of nurturing every aspect of a child's development. Summer is an ideal time to focus on this holistic approach by engaging in activities that promote social, emotional, and physical growth. Here are some suggestions:

• Leadership Camps: Many organizations offer leadership programs for young

students. These camps can help build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility.

• Community Service: Volunteering is a great way for students to give back and develop empathy. Look for local community service opportunities or create family projects that involve helping others.

• Mindfulness and Wellness: Introduce activities that promote mental and emotional well-being. Yoga classes, mindfulness workshops, and even family nature walks can be excellent for reducing stress and fostering a positive mindset.

Tailored Programs for Every Age Group

Choosing age-appropriate activities is crucial for maximizing summer enrichment. Here are some tailored suggestions for different age groups:

• Pre-K to 2nd Grade: Young learners thrive on playful and exploratory activities. Organize story time sessions, simple science experiments, and interactive games that build foundational skills.

• 3rd to 5th Grade: This age group benefits from more structured exploration. Consider enrolling them in coding camps, art workshops, or nature exploration programs that encourage curiosity and skill development.

• Middle School: Middle schoolers can start to dive deeper into specific interests. Look for academic enrichment programs, sports clinics, and creative arts camps that cater to their growing passions and talents.

• High School: High school students can use summer to prepare for their future. Encourage participation in college prep courses, internships, or advanced subject camps that align with their career interests. These experiences not only enhance their resumes but also provide valuable insights into potential career paths.

Conclusion

Enriching summer activities are a vital part of the educational journey, particularly for families who value the benefits of private schools. By focusing on whole child education, parents can ensure that their children make the most of their summer break. Whether through academic enrichment, creative exploration, physical development, or community involvement, there are countless opportunities for students of all ages to learn, grow, and thrive during the summer months.

Make this summer an enriching and memorable experience for your child by exploring the many activities available that support their overall development. Encourage your child's growth with enriching summer activities and watch them thrive in every aspect of their life.

Brought to you by - Maddie McGarrah, M.

Education solutions for every mind, every age

Eaton Academy offers multiple programs, both in person and online, since a “one size fits all” approach to education is not effective in today’s world.

Academic Programs

The full-day K-12 school with its 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio allows instructors to address students’ individual learning styles. Through the use of STEAM-related activities and multisensory instruction, students achieve academic and personal success. The challenging, college-prep curriculum is delivered in a safe, nurturing environment.

For students with more significant academic and social needs, the Pace Program helps them develop life skills and independent living strategies. This approach is perfect for students on the spectrum, those with developmental delays, and individuals with other scholastic challenges. Pace students follow the traditional school day and work to develop greater self-sufficiency and independence, on their way to earning a high school diploma.

The Independent Study Program (ISP), tailored to students’ schedules and academic needs, permits individuals to work at their own pace. The tutorial setting

enables aspiring athletes and performers to work toward graduation while following their dreams. Some students enroll in ISP

EATON ACADEMY NOW ENROLLING

A Challenging Approach to Education that Features:

• STEAM-Oriented Classrooms

• Attention to Individual Needs

• Customized College-Prep Programs for K-12

• 5:1 Student: Teacher Ratio

• Independent Study Classes for Credit

• Supportive, Nurturing Environment

• Post-Graduate Options Available

to accelerate their scholastic work; others seek academic remediation. ISP arranges the one-to-one sessions on a schedule that accommodates the students’ needs for flexibility. Sessions can be in person or online.

Post-Graduate Programs

LEAP is designed to help individuals strengthen their life skills in order to achieve greater independence. Participants benefit from job readiness training, life skill development, and scholastic support.

The LIFE program places young adults into their own apartments. Participants meet with a LIFE coach several times each

week for support with topics such as budgeting, hygiene, roommate relations, and housekeeping.

Supported Employment prepares young adults for the workplace. Assistance is given with resume writing, applying for positions, and keeping a job.

College Exploratory offers individuals college level, non-credit courses so they can gauge their readiness for university life.

Eaton Academy is the ideal place for families to discover education options and independent living solutions. Whatever students need, Eaton works to create the perfect education solution for them.

Retirement is a lie when you get there

RAY APPEN

Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

I am not one of those folks who plans a lot or sets many goals. I generally deal with life by moving forward and managing stuff as I encounter it –“ready, fire, aim.” It has served me well all these years. Almost 100 percent of my major “life decisions” were less than planned and frequently simply spontaneous decisions that generally worked out well.

Christina and I near literal retirement – as in 100 percent no working. Right now, we still are minimally involved in our media company, but soon even that minimal involvement will cease as we turn the company over completely to our sons, Hans and Carl. They have basically been running it on their own anyway for the past few years – and doing a better job than we ever did. I do hope to continue to write some and will probably continue to help out some with circulation, but that will be about it.

I have friends who counted down the days until they retired, like counting down the last several thousand days, one at a time. I have never understood that. Like, how awful would it be to be doing something that you really didn’t like that much – for years? And I also recall how many folks that I know who – the first day of retirement – suddenly see the sun shining, the grass greening, and finally discover that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I don’t get that either. I mean, I get it, but I can’t relate to it very much.

It is not that I didn’t make any changes as I transitioned from “working” to “retiring.” I did make a few. I made the monumental decision to never, ever be in a hurry again – not for anything or anyone. I no longer run late yellow lights. I stopped speeding. I sometimes even turned down a road or two I didn’t know just because it looked interesting. And ironically enough, I almost completely stopped being late for anything.

When I stopped being in a hurry, I discovered that I also stopped getting mad or upset, generally – especially while out driving from point “A” to point “B.”

And that was a good thing, because coming to full stops at stop signs, driving the speed limit, and generally driving peacefully and not in a hurry

tended to upset other drivers out there. Sometimes their faces turned red. Their horns blared, as if their hurry was my problem or my concern – and, well, it wasn’t. And I just didn’t care so much, especially since the vast majority of them weren’t in a hurry for a reason anyway, except of course the parents with multiple young kids. Being in a perpetual hurry was just how they live. And they wonder why they are on blood pressure medicine or why they never seem to have enough time.

I did make a couple strategic decisions about my time and how I use it. I finally severed most of my connections to social media, including deleting my Facebook and Instagram accounts. My next step is to go the rest of the way and figure out how to cut, or greatly reduce, my remaining “screen use.”

At this point the majority of that time is spent on news sites, checking email and texts. Surely, that should not be hard to cut back on. I also have a theory that one of the reasons we all over-expose ourselves to “screen time” is that it gives us something to do with our hands. I remember when I first quit smoking that a huge problem was what to do with my hands if I was not holding a cigarette. I think the phones are a similar thing.

So, anyway, I do find myself making a few changes for “retirement,” but honestly, it is not like “retirement” is much different than “work” for me –hence “retirement is a lie.”

I stay just as busy as before, but in different ways. I still run out of time to do stuff I want to do, hence my work on cutting screen time. I am spending more time with our grandchildren, something that gives me great pleasure. And while I have worked really hard to manage how I spend my time, I continue to run a time deficit.

I think I want to invent a “retirement theme” for myself. That theme is probably going to be something along the lines of “back to analog.” I want to distance myself as far as I can from anything digital and embrace more real/ human experiences – person-to-person encounters; time alone doing nothing; time spent in silence; more time spent reading (printed) books, especially those classics I have put off reading for decades. And yes, for sure, I actually do hope to do some more hiking, but when, where, and how far, well, I’ll probably know those answers when I start walking.

I am in no hurry.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 201 EVENTS

Saturday, July 27 – Laughter at the Legion Comedians Joseph Anthony & Jeff Norris General Admission Tickets $45 per person Show Starts 8 p.m. Doors Open 6 p.m. Ticket Includes Italian Diner prior to Show Purchase Tickets at www.legion201.org/events

Saturday, Aug. 3 – Old Soldiers Day Honoring All Women Who Served Post Open to General Public All Day Ceremony: 10 a.m. on Post Grounds Guest Speaker: Martina Schmidt, USAF-Ret. Chairwoman, She Served Initiative Reception Immediately After Ceremony For All Women Vets and those on Active Duty Special Drink Prices

OPINION

The Maxwell Family, early North Fulton pioneers

Like many pioneer families in North Fulton, the Maxwell family journeyed from Europe to Virginia and then to Georgia. They came from Scotland, migrated to Virginia and then went to Elberton in the Georgia Colony before the Revolutionary War and eventually settled in Milton County. The Georgia Colony, or Province, was the last English colony in North America and was founded by James Oglethorpe.

John T. Maxwell (1763-1840), son of the Rev. Thomas Joel Maxwell, Jr. (1742-1837) and Mary Pemberton Maxwell (1744-1827) was born in Virginia and served as a private in the Culpepper County Militia of the Virginia Militia during the Revolutionary War when he was 14. He is buried in the Maxwell Cemetery in Alpharetta.

Like his son, the Rev. Thomas Maxwell also served in the military during the war and is buried with his wife in the Old Maxwell Cemetery in Elberton. The reverend was imprisoned several times for preaching the Baptist faith and was defended by famous patriot Patrick Henry when jailed in Culpeper County, Virginia. At the time, most churches were Church of England. According to one newspaper account, Thomas was credited with bringing the Baptist faith to Georgia.

After the war, in 1792, John married Agatha Agnes Henry (1770-1851) in St Thomas’s Parish in Virginia. The couple moved to be near his family in Elbert County, Georgia. They had nine children born between 1793 and 1813. Some of them married into other noteworthy pioneer families including the Turners, Ruckers, Holbrooks and Hembrees. The Maxwell name is very common in Scotland and is the 404th most popular surname in the United States, with an estimated 69,636 people so named, according to House of Names.

John built a house as a wedding gift for his daughter Nancy Maxwell Camp in 1825. (Some historians maintain that John’s son William Pemberton Maxwell (1810-1885), known as Uncle Billy, built the house.) Over the years, various members of the Maxwell and Turner families have owned the property on Maxwell Road in Alpharetta. In recent times, prior to the 1920s, Conley W. Turner (1888-1929) owned the house and all the property on Maxwell Road. His brother, Guy Lloyd Turner (1894-

BEN HOLLINGSWORTH/PROVIDED

The Maxwell-Turner House is thought to have been built by Revolutionary War soldier John Maxwell for his daughter in 1825. The house is currently owned by the Waste Management Company which restored it and uses it for offices. It is reportedly constructed with mortise-and-tenon joints, a construction technique that dates back to Biblical times. It is one of the oldest and finest houses in North Fulton.

1970), purchased the house in the mid1920s. He and his wife, Bessie Moore Turner (1900-1977), had 13 children, eight of them born in the house. Known as the Maxwell-Turner House due to the closeness of the two families, it was restored circa 2006 by its current owner the Waste Management Company and houses company offices. The house is considered one of the oldest and finest in North Fulton County.

Brad Gardner, retired Waste Management vice president responsible for North Georgia, was in charge of the restoration.

“The house was structurally sound because it was made of cedar, but the floor had collapsed and was sitting on the ground,” he says.

The company spent $300,000 to bring the house to its current state.

“Thirteen babies were born in the house, and we planted 140 trees and bushes to beautify the property,”

Gardner says

The house is located near the family cemetery. John, as a former Revolutionary War soldier, was reportedly deeded the property for his service to his country. He donated land for the family cemetery and was the first person buried there.

John died in Milton County at age 77. After his death, Agnes moved to be with her family in Alabama where she is buried in the Maxwell Family Cemetery in Alexander City. Agnes' tombstone is engraved, "Widow of John Maxwell, a Revolutionary War Soldier."

According to Find a Grave, the Maxwell Cemetery in Alpharetta has 195 memorials. Every second Saturday

in August descendants of John Maxwell have a family gathering at the 2-acre cemetery and tidy the grounds, setting out fresh flowers while enjoying a potluck luncheon on three large granite tables in the cemetery. The annual tradition goes back more than a century. Additionally, unlike many family cemeteries, the Maxwell Cemetery has been well maintained throughout the year thanks to yearly donations.

According to Susan Turner Hopkins, an organizer of the summer tradition, “Family members work hard and have a wonderful time getting together to honor our ancestors. It is a very special place for all of us.”

Of historical note is that there are 12 military veterans buried in the cemetery representing the Revolutionary War, Civil War, Korean War and World War ll.

A further note: Julia Rebecca Maxwell (1808-1892) in 1825 married Roswell King, Jr, whose father Roswell King founded the City of Roswell and who in 1792 married Catherine Barrington, of another famous Roswell family.

Thanks to Susan Turner Hopkins, to Pat Miller who has studied local cemeteries extensively, and to historian Ben Hollingsworth for their help with this column and to reader Chip Jones for suggesting the topic.

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.

HATCHER HURD/ALPHARETTA-ROSWELL REVUE & NEWS

Until his death in 2012, Neil Turner was for many years the patriarch of the descendants of Revolutionary War soldier John Maxwell buried in the Maxwell Cemetery. Here is Neil supervising the annual clean-up of the Maxwell Cemetery in 2005. Neil was born and raised in the Maxwell-Turner house by his parents Guy and Bessie Moore Turner.

BOB MEYERS

Columnist

RICHARD MAXWELL PARDUE/PROVIDED

Family members pause for a group photo during the traditional August Maxwell Cemetery clean-up in 2017. The annual event has been going on for more than a century.

The story of my native pollinator garden

About ten years ago, I attended a Georgia Master Gardeners Association (GMGA) conference in Athens, GA. The keynote speaker was Doug Tallamy, an entomology professor at the University of Delaware in Newark, DE. He talked about his theory of how we, humans and gardeners, have affected the decline in insects and birds by the introduction of exotic plant species in our environments. He explained how insects have evolved with certain native species and depend on them for food and habitat to lay eggs and raise their offspring. And how our native birds depend on those insects for food to raise their young. It follows that we humans depend on those insect pollinators and birds for our food plants’ pollination and seed production. A very common-sense idea and one that should be obvious to us all. In his 2007 book, Bringing Nature Home, Tallamy encourages each of us who have any land to begin to eradicate non-natives, to plant our native species, and to turn our pristine acres of non-productive grass lawns to a more productive use.

In 2018 my husband and I sold our home in Atlanta and moved to Ellijay. Our new home is on seven and a half acres and has both woodlands and former pastureland, which means a lot of sun. A perfect spot to grow natives and to create gardens for our pollinators. The land was already graced with many native trees, oaks, tulip poplar, hickories, maples, redbuds, dogwoods, sour woods, beech, and pines.

I wanted to create a pollinator garden. I also wanted as much variety as possible and for it to be beautiful. There was a raised bed made of timbers already on our property. Though it was filled with weeds and grass, it was the perfect spot to plant this garden. After cleaning out the weeds and adding bags of compost, I could begin the fun part, selecting and planting the native pollinator plants.

I started with plants I had brought with me from Atlanta: Stokes’ aster, mountain mint, yarrow, bee balm, purple coneflower, and phlox. After visiting a native nursery near me, I added rose milkweed, butterfly weed, cardinal flower, downy skullcap, Penstemon, native hibiscus and Gaura.

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Judy Peacock, a master gardener for thirteen years. Judy is a former resident of Atlanta, now retired and living in Ellijay, GA. She graduated from the University of Georgia majoring in Art Education. Judy volunteered at the High Museum of Art in the Department of Children’s Education. Judy loves gardening and is developing various types of gardens on their seven and a half acres. She is a member of the Speakers Bureau of the North Fulton Master Gardeners.

I have also planted some nonnatives that are not invasive. I like to tuck in nasturtium seeds along the front so that they will cascade over the walls, and the hummingbirds love them. I have added herbs: comfrey, oregano, rue, catnip and fennel. And have planted some very tall lilies for my own viewing pleasure. There is nothing more serene than to view this bed on an early summer morning or late afternoon as the pollinators make their way from flower to flower. Some mornings I find bumble bees sleeping on flowers. And we have a plethora of birds in our yard, including cardinals, goldfinches, blue jays, bluebirds, sparrows, wrens, various woodpeckers, phoebes, crows, hummingbirds, and many other bird visitors as they travel from the north to south.

As Doug Tallamy has proposed, if each of us used just a small portion of our land to create a habitat of native plants, we could make a native highway for our native pollinators and establish habitat, food, nectar and pollen to support them. We would not just be helping them but ourselves as well and the whole world. Many small steps can make a huge difference.

Happy Pollinator Gardening!

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

JUDY PEACOCK Guest Columnist

A butterfly on Blue Mist Flower in my pollinator garden.

PHOTOS BY: JUDY PEACOCK/SPECIAL TO APPEM MEDIA My pollinator garden in midsummer 2023.

OPINION

Union soldiers on the path to Atlanta and Decatur, July 1864

In the previous Past Tense, 20,000 Union soldiers marched through Dunwoody on July 17, 1864, on their way to Atlanta and Decatur.

After fording the Chattahoochee River, they followed the railroad bed of the future Roswell Railroad from Sandy Springs to where today’s Nandina Lane forks off Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

Along the way, they stopped at the home and well of Obediah and Salina Copeland, now the site of Dunwoody Springs Elementary School, for water and food. The story passed down from Salina to her granddaughter Lee Eula Copeland tells of a Union lieutenant returning one bag of food to the family when Salina begged him not to take everything. At the fork of Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Nandina Lane, Dodge’s 16th Army Corps moved right, heading to what is now Ashford Dunwoody Road. At Nancy’s Creek, there was a skirmish between Confederate Colonel Dibrell’s brigade of Wheeler’s Cavalry and Dodge’s 16th Army Corps. Dibrell’s brigade was “driven across the creek and beyond Old Cross Keys,” according to a Georgia Historical marker located along Nancy Creek near Marist School. (Georgia Historical Marker, Dodge’s 16th A.C. Camp on Nancy’s Creek, July 17, 1864)

Cox’s Division, Schofield’s 23rd Army Corps crossed the Chattahoochee at the mouth of Sope Creek at Isom’s Ferry on July 8, 1864. They remained near Isom’s Ferry until July 17. Isom’s Ferry became Heard’s Ferry in 1868, when John Heard took over its operation.

When they finally moved, Hascall’s Division of the 23rd took Long Island Drive to Mt. Paran Road. Cox’s Division turned southeast on Johnson Bridge Road toward Nancy Creek and Old Cross Keys. (Georgia Historical Marker, General J. C. Cox’s division to Old Cross Keys)

Old Cross Keys was where Johnson Ferry Road met presentday Ashford Dunwoody Road. There was a crossroads settlement with

Notice of Public Hearing

City of Milton 2006 Heritage Walk Milton, GA 30004

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing shall be held at the City of Milton City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, Georgia, on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. before the Milton City Council to receive public comment and consider adoption of an amended Development Impact Fee Ordinance, in accordance with the authority provided by Article 9, Section 2, Paragraph 3 of the Constitution of the State of Georgia and the Georgia Development Impact Fee Act (O.C.G.A. § 36-71-1 et seq. as amended).

a post office near the intersection. Federal dispatches, maps and reports of military operations in 1864 identify the location as Old Cross Keys. Dodge’s 16th and Schofield’s 23rd met briefly at this crossroads on July 18. (Georgia Historical Marker, Old Cross Keys Marker)

Schofield’s 23rd went to the right on Peachtree Road and turned left on what is now Briarwood Road. The 16th Army Corps turned along what is now Chamblee Tucker Road and Shallowford Road on their way to Decatur.

Gen. William T. Sherman spent the night of July 18, 1864, at the home of Samuel House at Ashford Dunwoody Road and Peachtree Road. The home still stands and has been part of the Peachtree Golf Club since 1948. The House family had abandoned the home in anticipation of the Union Army’s arrival. Sherman issued a dispatch identifying his location. “I am at Sam House’s, a brick house well known, and near Old Cross Keys.” These are just some of the events in the area during the month of July 1864, before the Union Army reached Decatur and Atlanta. In addition to the information provided by the Georgia Historical Society and their markers, this history came from “Charged with Treason, the ordeal of 400 mill workers during military operations in Roswell, Georgia, 1864 to 1865” by Michael Hitt and “The Campaign for Atlanta” by William R. Scaife.

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

HISTORICAL MARKER DATABASE WEBSITE

This Georgia Historical marker describes events of July 1864 along Nancy Creek at Ashford Dunwoody Road. It is located near Marist School.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

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During these turbulent times, we would like to highlight the continued courage and commitment of everyone who works in the health care, law enforcement, childcare, food service and utility sectors. We are extremely grateful.

In Memoriam

Kathryn “Katie” Ann Thielens

With her loving husband John by her side, Kathryn “Katie” Ann Thielens passed away at home on the 25th of June after a 12 year battle with Metastatic Breast Cancer. She was 64.

Katie is survived by her husband John, their three children, Maggie, Jack, and Claire, her 5 siblings Mariclair O’Connell, Alec Nelson, Barbara Nelson, Patrick Nelson, and Jim Nelson, and many nieces and nephews. She is barely survived by her pets Tommy and Lollipop. She is greeted in Heaven by her parents Jim and Mary Nelson, and her nephew Tim O’Connell.

Katie’s fight against Metastatic Breast Cancer extended far beyond countless rounds of chemotherapy. She was a passionate supporter of METAvivor

AAPPEN PRESSCLU B

and their advocacy of increased funding for Stage IV Breast Cancer research. Only an estimated 2-5% of all funds raised for ‘Breast Cancer Research’ is allocated towards the detection and treatment of the disease in its late-stages, despite the fact that metastasized cancer is responsible for the majority of cancer deaths. Last October, Katie joined METAvivor’s Stage IV Stampede in Washington, DC to bring awareness to this discrepancy on Capitol Hill, knowing she would not live to see the progress herself.

In continuation of this fight, Katie and her family ask for donations to METAvivor, in lieu of flowers. https:// donate.metavivor.org/KatieThielens

DEATH NOTICES

Edna Dahlgren, 96, of Roswell, passed away on June 30, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Janet Frazer, 84, of Alpharetta, passed away on July 7, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

CITY OF MILTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR USE PERMIT AND CONCURRENT VARIANCES

Case No. U24-02, VC24-02

Location: 900 Pleasant Hollow Trail

Existing Zoning: AG-1 (Agricultural)

Applicant: Keith (Andy) Campbell and Courtney Bartik Request: To request a use permit to utilize the existing Accessory Structure as an "Artist Studio" (Milton Unified Development Code Sec. 8.5.14.C) with four (4) Concurrent Variances:

1) To allow the existing accessory structure to remain in front of the primary residential structure (Milton Unified Development Code Sec. 3.1.4)

2) To allow the existing accessory structure to remain as is, without being designed in accordance with the predominant commercial building types (Milton Unified Development Code Sec. 6.3.4.H.1.a)

3) To allow the existing accessory structure to remain as is, without having a ratio of openings to solids from 30% to 50% (Milton Unified Development Code Sec. 6.3.4.H.4.a)

4) To allow the existing accessory structure to remain as is, without the existing accessory structure having the same window arrangement as the side with the principal entrance (Milton Unified Development Code Sec. 6.3.4.H.4.e)

Public Hearings/ Meetings: Community Zoning Information Meeting (CZIM) Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Design Review Board (DRB) Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Mayor and City Council Meeting Monday, October 7, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Location: Milton City Hall - Council Chambers 2006 Heritage Walk Milton, GA 30004

678-242-2540

Eric Graves, 55, of Alpharetta, passed away on June 27, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Joel Kummins, 81, of Milton, passed away on July 3, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jeanne Motley, 77, of Roswell, passed away on July 8, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Nancy Riemenschneider, 85, of Roswell, passed away on July 1, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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Cloud Engineer (Alpharetta) to ensure proper mgmt. of services on Amazon Web Services (AWS Cloud Mgmt). Reqs: Bach. or higher (or frgn equiv.) in IT, Comp. Sci. or rel. fld. Knowledge &/or exp. w/ AWS platform is req. Knowledge and/or exp. w/ RDS DynamoDB, AWS Lambda, Microsoft Visual Studio software, Version Control, Git, & GitHub also req. Knowledge &/or exp. could be gained during course of studies. May work remotely 100% from IL, TX, MN, NC, DE, or GA. Email resume to Integrated Analytic Solutions at mreck@intanalytic.com

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Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving all installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 6/30/24.)

SYSTEMS ENGINEERS Duluth, GA area. Build & manage IAM infrastructure. Install, configure & maintain security solutions such as IBM security access manager, Forgerock AM & IDM. Some job duties can be performed from home. Travel / relocate to various unanticipated U.S. locs as reqd. Send res to: INDU LLC DBA intiGrow, hr@intigrow.com.

24 ON Physicians PC seek multiple FT Hospitalist Physician (Alpharetta, GA). Diagnose & provide non-surgical medical treatment of diseases & injuries of internal organ systems to hospitalized patients. Must have MD, DO or foreign equiv degree. Must be board certified or board eligible in Internal Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine. Must possess Georgia Medical License or able to obtain. Subject to periodic transfers to various unanticipated locations in US. Must have legal authority to work in US. EEOE. Resume to: C. Fann, 24 ON Physicians PC, 13000 Deerfield Pkwy, Ste 100, Alpharetta, GA 30004 or cfann@incompasshealth.com. Ref:HospitalistNB25

Part-time

North Fulton Community Charities, a non-profit in Roswell, Georgia, is seeking a Part Time Donor Operations Associate I.

This entry level hourly position is available now, averages 28 hours per week, and requires the ability to lift up to 75 pounds and work outside during the day.

NFCC have been serving individuals and families in the North Fulton area for 40+ years. Our Mission “To Ease Hardship and Foster Financial Stability in our Community”. We provide opportunities for the whole community to thrive. NFCC is committed to provide professional development and pathways for advancement to all members of the NFCC team. To view the complete job descriptions, please visit our website at https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/. If you wish to apply, please send your resume to mjallad@nfcchelp.org .

EEO Statement: NFCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NFCC does not discriminate based on race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disabilities, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis protected by the law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

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