Milton Herald - September 7, 2023

Students raise funds for Maui recovery

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — As the wildfires slowly enclosed Hawaii’s historic coastal town of Lahaina, Kristina Benbow quickly grabbed her laptop, wallet and passport.

Milton opens Fire Station 42 with uncoupling ceremony

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — In fire service tradition, Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison and Milton Fire Chief Gabe Benmoussa performed a hoseuncoupling ceremony Aug. 31 as part of a grand opening celebration for Fire Station 42.

Over a plate of breakfast inside the drive-thru bay area, more than 100 people heard speeches from Jamison, Benmoussa, Community Development Director Bob Buscemi and representatives from the firms

responsible for the design and construction of the new fire station on Thompson Road.

While the City of Milton paid out $3.8 million for the 6,500-square-foot project as of June 19, it is expected to cost another $1.1 million.

Jamison opened with appreciation for those in the city’s Fire-Rescue Department.

“Every day, unwaveringly, you place your own safety on the line for the protection of Milton citizens and sacrifice precious time with [your]

See STATION, Page 20

At top: In middle, Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison and Milton Fire Chief Gabe Benmoussa perform a hose-uncoupling ceremony for the rebuilt Fire Station 42 on Thompson Road Aug. 31. The 6,500-square-foot facility was a $4.9 million project. Above: People gather to chat before the uncoupling ceremony for Fire Station 42 Aug. 31. More than 100 attended the grand opening that day.

“The smoke that was starting to get really black – we were starting to see orange and red,” Benbow said. “At this point, we were sobbing.”

She and her friend Natalie Moning are in their final year of pharmacy school at the University of South Carolina. To have some fun during their nine one-month rotations, they applied to a Walgreens in Lahaina and arrived at the home of Bill and Lorri Robusto July 30, about a week before the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history.

The Robustos have been integral to the Lahaina community for more than 20 years, with Bill as the pharmacist at the town’s Walgreens. He retired last year after a 46-year career in the field but continued to host students in the guest house behind his home, a 5-minute walk from the beach.

In an aerial shot taken a day after the group escaped, the Robustos’ property had been reduced to ash.

See LAHAINA, Page 22

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

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Man sees $56,275 balance for phony car purchase

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton man reported to police Aug. 22 he received paperwork in the mail indicating he purchased a vehicle in Houston, Texas.

But the man told police someone had used his information to buy the 2020 Dodge Charger. He had also received documents from different banks indicating he had been denied auto financing, the police report said, and received a toll invoice regarding the vehicle which showed a tag number.

The man provided police with two invoices he received from Chrysler Capital, showing a balance of $56,275.

Woman reports coat theft during move to Fairburn

MILTON, Ga. — A Fairburn woman reported to police Aug. 24 that she found $11,000 in items missing after contracting with a moving company to transport items from a storage facility in Milton.

She told police her contact with the moving company was on-site as his employees removed her items from the storage unit, loaded them onto two trucks and transported them to her home in Fairburn.

But as the woman began to unpack her things, the police report said she discovered several items missing, including a box of antique tools valued at $1,000 and a mink fur coat valued at $10,000.

The woman said she believes

other valuables were missing but could not provide any additional items at the time of the police report.

Report: Teen drivers tear up park field

MILTON, Ga. — Police made contact with the teenagers who were reported to have been doing “donuts” on the soccer field at Legacy Park Aug. 25.

The complainant, a Mountain Park woman, recorded one tag number for police. Before contacting the registered owner of the vehicle, an Alpharetta man, police checked the field and saw circular tire treads.

The man said his son was at the field with his friends and later provided information on two other drivers.

Police contacted all the parties involved and informed their parents that the incident would be documented due to them not knowing the value of the possible damage caused to the soccer field.

Woman reports fraud at Johns Creek bank

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — An Eatonton woman reported to police Aug. 21 someone attempted to cash a $985 check from her checking account at a bank in Johns Creek.

The woman told police she was contacted by her bank about a suspect attempting to cash a fraudulent check at a branch location on Haynes Bridge Road Aug. 14, but she said the suspect walked out before they were able to receive any money.

The woman said she had an identity theft case pending with her local sheriff’s office but needed to file a report with Johns Creek police for the fraudulent check case.

She said the bank refused to provide the sheriff’s office or herself

with information of the person who tried to cash the check, and wanted to prosecute if a suspect is found at fault.

Family discovers rummaged home

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police were dispatched to an apartment on State Bridge Road Aug. 26 after a man reported he had returned home to find his front door broken into.

When police arrived and cleared the apartment, they noticed belongings had been scattered on the ground.

The victim and his family left the residence that evening at 5 p.m. with the door locked and the lights off, the police report said, but returned an hour later to an unlocked door and the lights on. While the victim said his belongings had been rummaged through, he was not aware of anything taken.

Detectives arrived at the scene to continue the investigation.

Duluth woman reports crude package in mail

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Duluth woman reported to police Aug. 27 she believes someone she had asked to stop communicating with her contacted her by mail.

The victim told police she received a package containing a chocolate penis and a book with a derogatory title. There was no packing slip, according to the police report, and the sender had opted out of a feature that would allow the recipient to scan a QR code for their information.

The victim provided police with the name of a possible suspect. She said the items she received made her feel threatened, and she wanted to press charges if a suspect was identified.

All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Ask Appen: What is Milton’s procurement process?

Residents question formal guidelines in wake of election official changeover

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Questions about standard hiring procedures linger around the City of Milton’s decision to fire its elections consultant and hire another.

Officials had a somewhat tumultuous two or so months with Vernetta Nuriddin, former vice chair of the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections and now, former elections consultant for the city.

According to emails obtained by Appen Media through an Open Records request, Nuriddin appeared to lack the knowledge and comprehension of state code necessary to do the job. She also admitted to regularly deleting text messages related to official city matters.

City Manager Steve Krokoff was solely responsible for hiring a consultant for Milton’s first self-run municipal election, as delineated in the city charter. But Appen Media

also reported Councilman Rick Mohrig made several personal requests that Krokoff interview Nuriddin, despite her not meeting the city’s qualification of having experience as an elections superintendent.

Milton’s formal bidding process did not come into play in the hiring of either the city’s former election consultant or the consultant who took her place, Lavania White.

But in an interview, Deputy City Manager Bernadette Harvill said there are specific rules that guide the procurement process from both the city level and the state level. She said there are also federal rules that are “very stringent.”

“There's no room really to just be able to hand-select somebody you want to select,” Harvill said. “There's a process that ensures that we are doing due diligence to find qualified vendors at fair price points utilizing our tax dollars.”

Formal procurement

When the City of Milton contracts

work, Harvill said it generally receives either three written quotes from vendors, for contracts valued at $5,000 to $50,000, or three verbal quotes from vendors documented by city staff when a contract is valued below $5,000.

There are also sealed bids that use the city’s Request for Proposal, or RFP.

She said multi-year contracts must be bid out for competitive feedback and that state law requires a clause that says agreements can be ended at the end of the fiscal year or the calendar year, so a future council isn’t tied to something it can’t get out of.

Citizens can view all of Milton’s bids for work in the BidNet portal, available on the city’s website.

An exception to the city’s formal requirements is “piggybacking” another local authority’s contract if the vendor extends the same prices, terms and conditions to Milton, according to city code. Basically, the City of Milton can duplicate a contract — think Walmart’s price matching policy.

Professional services

There is another exception, which is for professional services valued at $50,000 or less. Nuriddin’s contract was for $25,000, and White had taken a prorated rate of $12,500.

The city manager can authorize contracts valued at under $50,000 that end by Sept. 30, before the new fiscal year, Harvill said, but the City Council must still approve it.

“At the end of the day, it always goes through council,” Harvill said. “The only thing [the city manager’s] signatures are doing is authorizing the city to move a little quicker.”

Professional services includes work that requires “the exercise of substantial discretion and independent judgment, rendered by an individual or firm having expertise due to advanced, specialized education, training, licensure or skill customarily acquired either by a prolonged course of study or equivalent experience,” city code says.

Even with this exception for professional services, Harvill said there had been conversations between Deputy City Manager Stacey Inglis and Milton Procurement Manager Honor Motes about whether other jurisdictions

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had issued an RFP for an election consultant position.

“There was no other RFP,” she said. “That kind of lets you know, ‘Hey, no one's really doing a request for proposal for this position.”

Candidate selection

Harvill said the next step was to review the necessary qualifications for the position, reviewing required training, experience and education, which led to the determination that the position fell under the professional services exception to soliciting formal quotes.

“But what we do in the city, and even if we have that professional services option, we do our due diligence to kind of vet out as many candidates or vendors depending on the circumstance,” said Harvill, who noted the city’s communication with the Secretary of State Listserv and the city manager Listserv.

Before her $12,500 contract as the new consultant, White was selected as one of three poll managers for Milton’s municipal elections this year because of her 10-plus years of experience in the role.

Krokoff said White was the “goto” poll manager for problem solving in North Fulton for elections and her introduction to city staff was a few months ago “during interactions with various experienced poll workers.”

White does not hold elections certifications, nor does she have experience as an election superintendent. Krokoff says qualifications for the position have shifted because the city has shifted focus toward polling preparations.

“Concerning the assessment of Ms. White, her competence was gauged in a practical setting, as she made indispensable contributions to our [Standard Operating Procedures] and training,” he said.

GPS Directions: City Hall, 2006

Speakers include Mayor Peyton Jamison, Erin Freeman, Jenny Doyle, Brant Gilmore and Randy Schiltz.

MILTON 2023 MUNICIPAL ELECTION FAQS

Milton has a webpage for residents, listing pertinent information for the city’s 2023 municipal election, and it can be found at miltonga.gov/residents/ election-information.

COMMUNITY OF CARE IN CRABAPPLE

KEY DATES:

• Oct. 10: Last day to register to be eligible to vote in the municipal general election

• Oct. 16: Advanced voting begins

• Oct. 27: Last day to submit an absentee ballot application for the municipal general election

• Nov. 3: Last day of advanced voting

• Nov. 7: Election Day for municipal general election

VOTING HOURS:

Advanced voting

• Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Oct. 17 and Oct. 18, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Oct. 19 to Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding Sundays)

• Nov. 1 to Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Election Day voting

• Nov. 7, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Runoff election voting

• Dec. 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

*Advanced voting for a runoff election will run Nov. 27 to Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

P: 678-474-9633

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I register to vote?

The Fulton County Voter Registration Division handles voter registration for all Fulton County residents, regardless of city or unincorporated area where they reside.

You must be registered as a resident within the area in which you intend to vote. To register, or to check your voting status, go to Georgia’s Online Voter Registration.

You will be mailed a voter registration card from Fulton County. Your precinct and polling location will be designated on the card. For more information on voter registration, contact the Fulton County Voter Registration Division at 404-730-7072.

To use the Online Voter Registration system you must have a valid driver’s license or identification card issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) with a signature on file with DDS. For more information, visit dds.georgia.gov/

voter.

How do I vote absentee?

Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot not earlier than 78 days or less than 11 days prior to the date of a general election. The first day residents can request a ballot is Aug. 21, and the deadline for the absentee ballot application is Oct. 27. They will be mailed starting Oct. 16.

While advanced voting ends Nov. 3, residents can submit an absentee ballot Nov. 7, Election Day.

An online absentee ballot application will be posted on Milton’s “Election Information” webpage as well as shared on the city’s social media in the coming weeks.

What is advanced voting?

Advanced voting generally begins 21 days prior to Election Day, or as soon as possible for runoffs. Advanced voting for the Milton municipal general election will begin Oct. 16 and end Nov. 3.

Any registered voter can participate in advanced or early voting. You do not have to provide a reason for casting a ballot during advanced voting instead of Election Day.

Where and when do I vote?

Those wishing to cast in-person ballots ahead of Milton’s 2023 municipal general municipal election, also known as advanced or early voting, can do so at Milton City Hall between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. between Oct. 16 and Nov. 3, excluding Sundays. The address for Milton City Hall is 2006 Heritage Walk.

On Election Day, Nov. 7, 2023, voters can cast their ballots between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at their assigned polling place. There will likely be three polling places on Election Day: Milton City Hall, the Community Center at Milton City Park and Preserve at 1785 Dinsmore Road, and the Milton Public Safety Complex at 13690 Ga. 9.

What are the latest election results?

In the case of its municipal election, Milton plans to share election results after all voting concludes on its “Election Information” webpage as well as its Facebook page.

Election results must be in by 11:59 p.m. Election Day.

Michelle Hall, DNP, FNP-C Johns Creek Only Samantha Lewis, FNP-C Johns Creek: Tues.,

Yianna Manolakis, FNP-C Milton Only Heather Menees, FNP-C Johns Creek Only

Dr. Samantha

Dr. Cheryl McGowan

Appen Media also has a dashboard available, where readers can find all coverage of the city’s push to run its own municipal elections. Find it at appenmedia.com/municipal_elections.

Historical society to host annual Autumn Shindig

MILTON, Ga. — The Milton Historical Society will host its annual Autumn Shindig from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 17 to celebrate its historic preservation accomplishments and national Constitution Day.

The family-friendly event will be held at Wildberry Creek Farm, a 48acre Black Angus cattle farm owned by Byron and Laura Foster, and will feature historical exhibits, antique cars and door prizes. Kids activities include hayrides, corn hole and

Georgia archaeology sessions titled “Hands on History.”

At the Shindig, there will be a popup bookstore featuring local authors and book signings. There will also be music performed by The Heard, an acoustic bluegrass band.

Six Bridges Brewing will provide the local libations. Included in the $30 admission, dinner and dessert will be prepared by 'Cue Barbecue. Kids 12 and under are free.

A Best Ice Cream on Wheels truck

will also sell a wide range of ice cream favorites.

To honor national Constitution Day, color guards with the Piedmont and Robert Forsyth chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution will salute the founding of the United States.

Space is limited, so RSVP by visiting miltonhistoricalsocietygeorgia.org.

— Amber Perry

Milton invites residents to greenspace planning

MILTON, Ga. — Milton residents will have an opportunity to share their thoughts on the city’s greenspace starting with the first in a series of workshops Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. in City Hall’s Council Chambers.

The public workshops are integral to Milton’s “Greenprint,” an initiative to identify and deliver appropriate usage and improvements on greenspace properties that preserve Milton’s rural heritage while prioritizing conservation, wildlife and natural resources.

The City of Milton purchased eight properties using part of the $25 million greenspace bond, approved in 2016 by voters. Since a few of these lots are connected, there are six greenspaces total. Two of these have opened to the public in part, like the 106-acre Lackey Road greenspace and the 130-acre passive portion of Milton City Park and

Preserve. Another, a 21-acre pasturefilled property at Freemanville and Birmingham roads, is entirely open.

There is also the 104.8-acre Cooper Sandy greenspace, 28 acres off Hamby Road and 4.8 acres off Webb Road.

At the interactive workshop, city staff will solicit big-picture input from the public on how Milton should approach greenspaces, including types of amenities, improvements and activities that would be good fits. They will highlight results from the Greenprint survey, open to residents as of last month.

One question that the Greenprint can tackle is defining what constitutes a “passive” property. This discussion might include whether things like bathrooms, benches, a dog park and facilities for natural activities like bird watching or

Comedy show to benefit local groups with stand-up from celebrated actress

MILTON, Ga. — Southern Magnolia

Charities has scheduled its third annual “Comedy on the Green” on Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m., featuring comedian and actress Caroline Rhea, and the proceeds will benefit three local groups.

Founded in 2018, Southern Magnolia Charities is a Milton nonprofit organization that serves the people of North Georgia through fundraising events and donations, making philanthropic grants, and providing services or support that contribute to the health and vitality of the community.

This year’s “Comedy on the Green” at Crabapple Market will benefit the Children’s Development Academy, a nonprofit preschool providing highquality early learning programs to children from low-income families.

Proceeds from the show will also

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help fund the Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council, whose mission is to honor veterans and their spouses, both living and in memory of, and to support the Georgia National Cemetery and Wreaths Across America.

Meals by Grace, another benefit group, brings food, hope and transformation to children and families in need. Last year, the nonprofit distributed 482,490 pounds of food to 35,812 families.

General admission and VIP tickets for “Comedy on the Green” are now on sale. VIP tickets include early admission to set up chairs as well as food and beverages from the VIP tent. For more information, visit www. SouthernMagnoliaCharities.org or follow the Facebook and Instagram pages for Southern Magnolia Charities.

fishing should be allowed.

Dates for two more workshops in the fall have not been determined. But by the end of the year, the Milton City Council is expected to consider the final version of the Greenprint.

To view a map of the city’s greenspace, visit miltonga.gov/ government/community-development/ land-conservation/greenspace-bond.

Take the survey

Give input on the future of Milton greenspaces. Fill out the form at www.tinyurl.com/3fyajjda.

Embrace tasty traditions with the Zukerino Pastry Shop

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — If you’re ever craving sugar while heading west on I-285 through Dunwoody, it might be easy to just go for a gas station candy bar or fast-food milkshake, but that would be a big mistake because the Zukerino Pastry Shop is right around the corner.

Opened by Theodore Kazazakis and his family in 2012, the Zukerino Pastry Shop is a one-stop shop for all things tasty and delicious, from Baklava and cheesecake to Italian butter cookies and classic American turnovers.

A native of Athens, Greece, Kazazakis learned pastry making at his family’s bakery and served as the culinary pastry chef at the Landmark Diner for seven years before setting out on his own. He now runs the pastry shop with his son, Alex Kazazakis.

“He decided that he wanted to branch out and wanted to open up his own place. So that’s exactly what he did,” Alex said.

Nearly 12 years after opening, Alex said they have transformed the Zukerino Pastry Shop from a small bakery based out of an old Waffle House, into a thriving business with hundreds of customers in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee, including more than 100 restaurants.

He said about 70 percent of their business comes from restaurants they supply in the Atlanta area, but they also do a good amount of

business from everyday people who need pastry treats.

“I always have my regular customers,” Alex said. “I always try to entice them with something new.”

The Zukerino Pastry Shop is based on Greek pastry traditions like Baklava, a dessert made of phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and

soaked with honey, or Kourambiedes, butter cookies dusted with powdered sugar, and Melomakarona, honey cookies shaped almost like a pecan. But they also excel with treats from around the world like tiramisu, New York-style cheesecake, and the Kazazakis’ favorite, Italian Butter Cookies.

“When it comes to cookies, these are my favorite. All of these right here,” he said, pointing to a case of thick cream-colored cookies covered in sprinkles, M&M’s or dipped in chocolate.

Often, they might be the only

See PASTRY, Page 9

They’ll call us and go, ‘Hey, what time do you guys close?’ and we’ll wait for them because that’s extreme loyalty.

ALEX KAZAZAKIS, co-owner, Zukerino Pastry Shop

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA Zukerino Pastry Shop, located off Cotillion Drive in Dunwoody, is a one-stop-shop for traditional Greek, Italian and other ethnic deserts. The pastry shop will celebrate its 12th anniversary this December.

Pastry:

Continued from Page 8

pastry shop or bakery within several hundred miles to make a specific type of traditional dessert or treat, which draws in customers from sometimes states away.

“They’ll call us and go, ‘Hey, what time do you guys close?’ and we’ll wait for them because that’s extreme loyalty,” Alex said.

Crystal Smith, who has worked at Zukerino for the last seven years, said the business often feels like a second family. New customers, even just people passing by on the street, are quick to come on board and love their shop.

“You establish relationships with customers when you work the front,” she said. “A lot of people who don’t know about us see us in the line at Dunkin’ Donuts and then drop in here where I give them samples.”

The Zukerino Pastry Shop is located at 2230 Cotillion Drive in Dunwoody.

Learn more about their offerings and hours by visiting their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Zukerino/, or calling 770-220-1733.

At the Zukerino Pastry Shop in Dunwoody you can find simple well-known deserts like cheesecake, tiramisu and American turnovers, but your mouth will thank you when you try the honey-soaked Baklava rolls and a rainbow of cookies, cakes and other unusual pastries.

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Drake House ice cream event a sweet success

By ADAM DARBY newsroom@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Drake House held its 19th annual Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’ fundraiser at First Baptist Roswell on Sunday, Aug. 27.

Each year, over 3,000 guests enjoy more than 100 homemade ice cream flavors from community businesses and organizations competing for top awards from local judges including Best Vanilla, Best Chocolate, Best Fruit, and Best Other Flavor. The gathering also includes ice cream eating contests, music, and children’s activities. All proceeds from the event benefit the Drake House’s community outreach.

“This event has been going on since the second year that the Drake House existed. So, we’ve been doing it every year,” said Lynn Wilson, Chair of the Drake House’s Board of Directors. “We think that providing ice cream made by community organizations and businesses that support our community is a great way to bring people together and reinforce how important community is to organizations like ours.”

Since 2004 the Drake House has

served as a nonprofit organization addressing the homelessness of single women and their children within the North Fulton community. While initially taking donations, they opened their doors in 2006 to provide safe housing for those in need. The house

Pet Care...

was named in honor of Roswell native Mary Drake, a founder of North Fulton Community Charities.

The Drake House remains the only agency in the region offering a private crisis-housing program, serving two apartment buildings to help more than

50 families and 100 children each year. Since its conception, the Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’ event is the Drake House’s largest opportunity for raising funds to benefit families and programs.

“It’s named after our founder, so there’s a very sentimental perspective there…It provides programming for our residents and support for our organizational goals,” Wilson said.

Being a staple event for the community, many of the local businesses, organizations, and churches serving ice cream have lent their support for years. One of the contributing churches is Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.

“We just love supporting the Drake House. Honestly, it’s such a worthy cause,” said Walter Dean, a member of the church. “We’re uplifting the marginalized women and children in this community that are temporarily down on their luck and need support for a short period of time to get back on their feet…I am glad to be a part of it.”

To learn more about the Drake House and how to become involved with upcoming events and programs, visit www.thedrakehouse.org or call (770) 587-4712.

Dr. Shamir Bhikha Dr. James Livingston

ADAM DARBY/APPEN MEDIA

Families of all ages gather to enjoy homemade ice cream flavors from local businesses and organizations to support a helpful cause.

Is your home smart?

Brought to you byTracey Craft, Realtor®, ASP®, The Craft Dolan Team at Ansley Realty | Christie’s International

Smart homes are a growing trend across all residential price points, and with good reason. While not yet as important as a home’s décor, buyers want homes to have brains. Today’s homeowners are installing technologies that enhance convenience, security, energy efficiency and overall lifestyle. Even better, these devices and systems can be automated or connected, and they can be controlled either onsite or remotely via phones, tablets or voice commands. Convenience, security and energy efficiencies at your fingertips!

In the near future, we won’t see many homes without at least one smart home

feature. Some examples:

• Home-Assistant Systems: These are central platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. Home-assistant systems often use voice commands to control devices in the home, such as setting a timer while cooking, play a certain genre of music or answer a question.

• Home Security: Smart security systems include doorbells with cameras, motion sensors and surveillance cameras that can be monitored remotely. Smart security systems can send alerts to a homeowner’s phone or tablet to report suspicious activity.

• Energy Management: Smart homes optimize energy consumption by using smart thermostats to regulate temperature, smart lighting to adjust brightness based on occupancy, and even smart appliances that run during off-peak energy hours.

• Entertainment: Smart TVs, audio

systems and streaming devices are integrated into smart home systems. Users control media, adjust volume and even create entertainment zones throughout their homes.

• Automated Routines: Smart homes allow users to set up routines or scenarios. For example, a morning routine programmed into a smart system might turn on lights, adjust the thermostat and play your favorite news podcast when you wake every morning.

• Remote Monitoring and Control: All these features can be managed remotely from across town or across the globe. Think you left the thermostat on high or the oven on after you’ve left for a trip? Check the app and make the adjustment.

• Health and Wellness: Some smart homes can even incorporate health monitoring devices like fitness trackers, sleep trackers and even medical-alert systems to provide insights into and alerts related to residents’ well-being.

While smart homes offer many benefits, there are considerations regarding data privacy, cybersecurity and potential complexities in setup and maintenance. As technology continues to evolve, smart homes are becoming more sophisticated, leading to the integration of AI, machine learning and other advanced technologies for an even smarter living experience.

Do smart home technologies increase your home value? A fully automated home will absolutely impress. Such features are emphasized by listing agents as value-adds when selling a home. But as with any home-improvement investment, make the upgrade for yourself and enjoy the convenience, comfort, security and efficiency benefits. You might not get a dollar-to-dollar return upon a sale, but your smart home features will not be overlooked. Wondering what upgrades you should start with? Give us a call and let us connect you to some preferred providers.

CRAFT

PEXELS

Making outdoor improvements pay off when selling your home

Brought to you by

- Allison Kloster, Associate Broker, Home Real Estate

As the embrace of Autumn envelops us, it is a great time to think about which outdoor improvements to your yard should pay you back the most when you go to sell your home. According to NAR (National Association of Realtors) there are 5 projects that have proven to be the best return of investment dollars, also known as ROI. When your Realtor first comes to your property to discuss marketing your home, they should evaluate the neighborhood, the street, and yes, even your driveway. The essence of arrival is critical to helping any potential buyer

see and feel that this home is special. As a seller, you want to have the buyer set your home apart from others as soon as possible when viewing your home. Having a regularly maintained yard that is nicely landscaped and groomed is a strong start. Your landscaping is the first picture that online sites will use to show the world your property.

The following percentages are what Realtors are being given from NAR as tools to help guide you on where best to spend your money when getting your home ready to sell. As a seller, it is imperative that you present your home in the best possible light (even in a seller’s market).

Routine lawn care service is the highest ROI for a homeowner at 217% of value recovered when you sell your home. Surely, a green and weed-free lawn is a huge draw to the buyer’s

eye. It most definitely shows well in professional photography and videos. Landscape maintenance like adding mulch, pruning your shrubs and planting perennials or annuals comes in at 104% ROI of value recovered when you sell your home.

Outdoor kitchens are very much a growing trend. In our market, we see them frequently. They do vary in complexity and features. We see outdoor kitchens with various grills, refrigerators, and even Kegerators. According to NAR, if you have an inset grill, stainless steel drawers, ice chest sink and concrete countertops with veneered masonry stone, you can expect 100% ROI value recovered when you sell your home.

Overall landscape upgrades like Installing a front walkway of possibly natural flagstone; adding a few stone planters, planting flowering shrubs and

installing mature trees would also yield you 100% ROI value when you sell your home.

Installing an outdoor patio is a great investment as well. Not only will you enjoy some time outside around a firepit or just sitting and reading a book, but an outdoor patio has a 95% ROI value when you sell your home.

As you can see, spending money outside is a wise investment and will make sure that your home garners the attention it deserves when it comes time to sell it and move on to your next adventure.

Investing in your home is one of the hardest and most important decisions you will make for your family. You don’t have to do it alone! Call or email Allison at 404-784-5287 or email allison@homegeorgia.com and get a response within 24 hours.

KLOSTER

You deserve to own your business’ real estate, withco makes it happen

Brought to you by - withco

As a small business owner, you know that owning your commercial real estate is a smart move. It means freedom from your landlord, freedom to run your business your way, and freedom to earn income from your real estate in the future. But buying property is easier said than done. Whether it’s finding the capital for a large down payment or navigating the complexities of the commercial real estate market, the system is designed to keep you renting. It’s hardly surprising that so many business owners opt to re-sign their lease.

But ever-increasing rents and the insecurity of leasing are not a recipe for long-term stability. withco is here to change that. Our mission is to help you own your commercial real estate and take control of your future.

Why lease-to-own your commercial real estate with withco.

Really own it, with 0% down: With a lease-to-own agreement from withco, you can own your business’ real estate in just 5 years, with no upfront payment.

Build your Down Payment Credit: Every month of your lease, the rent you pay builds up a Down Payment Credit that belongs to you. After 5 years, this equates to 10% of the purchase price.

Peace of mind, guaranteed: With a lease-to-own agreement you’ll know exactly what your property will cost when the time comes to buy.

A dedicated team in your corner every step of the way. withco’s team of commercial real estate experts help you navigate the entire process, with guidance on what your business can afford and if the property you’re looking at is a wise investment, while handling all those tricky negotiations throughout the process.

Take control and own your commercial real estate with withco. Visit with.co/ownership to learn more.

OWN YOUR BUSINESS’ REAL ESTATE IN JUST 5 YEARS. WITH 0% DOWN.

Take

Five trends to transform your space with paint

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

Looking for a way to update the look and feel of a room without breaking the bank? Consider a fresh paint job—there are multiple reasons it ranks among the first recommendations of professional stagers:

Instead of undertaking expensive renovations or purchasing entirely new furniture, painting presents an excellent way to achieve a dramatic transformation with a relatively small investment. For those concerned about resale, opting for neutral, timeless color palettes walks the line between personalization and marketability. Compared to other renovation options, painting is a highimpact upgrade with universal appeal. It’s often a DIY assignment, making it accessible for those who can’t afford a professional. Unlike structural alterations, paint transformations are relatively reversible; you can experiment without fear because it doesn’t take much to pivot if preferences evolve or mistakes happen. And finally, for homeowners looking to sell, a well-executed paint makeover can significantly boost curb appeal and overall value.

While the list below represents a compilation of our favorite painting design trends, a quick Pinterest or Google search reveals plenty of ideas and information that can be adapted to any situation.

1. The Trendsetting Kitchen. Transform ordinary cabinets into standout art pieces by pairing complementary hues to achieve the perfect balance or refresh the walls for an overall update. Popular kitchen colors for this year include earthy tones and ever-perennial neutrals like white, cream and gray.

2. The Reimagined Fireplace. Turn your fireplace into a breathtaking centerpiece by painting the surround and the mantel (or both), or tastefully update the brick and stone using sealant or whitewashing.

3. The Drama of Texture. Move beyond flat walls with finishes that create captivating dimensions while concealing defects in areas that won’t allow for re-plastering or new drywall.

4. The Statement Wall.

Accent walls infuse drama into any room, and your options range from simple (choosing a shade or two deeper than the rest of the walls) or complex (a mural).

5. The Accent Piece. For versatility and portability, try reimagining a sideboard, end table or cupboard using a distressed painting technique.

As always, a quick consult with a professional ensures access to expert color and design advice and a practiced, precise finish. If you need assistance staging your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!

Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad

Take in the mountain views at Horizon at Laurel Canyon

Brought to you by- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Georgia Properties

Horizon at Laurel Canyon, located in Canton, offers striking views of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains foothills. This popular new home community is more than just a neighborhood; it’s a lifestyle. Designed by Patrick Malloy Communities with a keen focus on active adults, Horizon offers a range of amenities and stunning home designs that blend seamlessly with the breathtaking natural surroundings.

Horizon at Laurel Canyon boasts a wealth of amenities and while not age-restricted, the community was thoughtfully planned to meet the needs of buyers who appreciate the ease of single-level living. Each home

is designed to be spacious, airy, and filled with natural light. State-of-theart appliances and well-thought-out floor plans make daily living convenient and enjoyable. For those who desire a more elevated experience, some offer sky terraces, providing a unique vantage point to take in the stunning surroundings.

What truly sets Horizon at Laurel Canyon apart are the awe-inspiring views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Several mountain view homesites are available for those who dream of building their custom home. There are also several new homes available ready for immediate move-in priced from the $700s - $1 million.

Homeowners will enjoy a 2-story clubhouse with a wrap-around veranda,

a refreshing swimming pool, charming gazebos, tennis courts, and a children’s playground. Golf enthusiasts can indulge in their passion at the nearby Laurel Canyon Golf and Country Club, just a short golf cart ride away.

Life at Horizon offers the best of both worlds. You can spend your days leisurely exploring the charming shops of downtown Canton or take a scenic drive north to discover the beauty of Ellijay, Jasper, or Blue Ridge. With easy access to I-575N, you are also conveniently located just minutes from downtown Canton, a mere 30 miles north of Atlanta, and a short 35-minute drive from the mountains.

Patrick Malloy Communities, founded in 1994 by Patrick Malloy, has over the past 27 years developed over

11,000 homesites and built more than 7,000 homes in Metro Atlanta with a total of $4 billion in sales. Patrick Malloy Communities has been on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 20 Homebuilder list multiple times and has won numerous professionalism awards including several Community of the Year awards.

For more details on Horizon at Laurel Canyon, visit PMCommunities.com, call 770/254-5357 or visit the model home and sales center at 101 Summit View Circle, Canton, GA 30114. Patrick Malloy Communities is represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division. BHHSgaNewHomes.com. An Equal Housing Opportunity.

Three common types of beneficiary

the beneficiary are much longer.

Estate planning plays a pivotal role in protecting your legacy and one of the most important parts is deciding who your beneficiaries are. This may seem simple - after all, isn’t it natural to give everything to your family? However, what you may not know is that there are different types of beneficiaries and it’s best to assign a beneficiary for every possible scenario. So, let’s learn about three common types of beneficiaries.

• The first beneficiary type is one you see often in estate planning - the revocable beneficiary. The revocable beneficiary can be an individual, an organization, or a group of people. These are the same beneficiaries you usually see associated with the “Payable on Death” on bank accounts. The inheritance of revocable beneficiaries can be revoked at any time by you.

• The second type of beneficiary is the irrevocable beneficiary. These are generally beneficiaries of certain insurances. These beneficiaries cannot be altered without their consent, due to the amount of assets involved, and the administrative processes for setting up

• The third type of beneficiary is the contingent beneficiary. A contingent beneficiary inherits only if the first beneficiary passes away. For instance, you may want everything to go to your spouse after your death – but what happens if your spouse dies before you? The money doesn’t automatically go to your children. That’s why it’s always best to name your children or relatives as contingent beneficiaries to make sure your assets aren’t stuck in limbo.

Of course, minor children should not be listed as a beneficiary because otherwise the funds have to be turned over to Probate court until the children reach the age of 18. If you have minor children and want to make sure they inherit, it’s better to create a trust and put the trust as a beneficiary to ensure the Probate court won’t interfere and try to control the assets for the children. Similarly, if you have disabled children, you should establish and put the trust as the beneficiary so the child can qualify or maintain government disability benefits.

To know what type of beneficiary you want to name for your assets, it’s always best to speak with a local estate planning attorney. The rules regarding minor children and spouses may differ depending on the county, so always seek legal advice to get the most updated information before you make such an important decision.

GEERDES

Don’t just look for a place.

Discover a home.

With one of the most competitive housing markets Metro Atlanta has ever seen, strong representation matters more now than ever before. We don’t just get homes on the market. With an extensive local presence, a deep appreciation for lifestyle and unrivaled marketing power, we get your home the attention it deserves.

Nothing compares to what’s next.

Alpharetta firm plans food drive

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta bank consulting firm Ceto will host a “Pack It Together” food drive Sept. 15 at The Plaza at Avalon to benefit North Fulton Community Charities.

The food drive is aimed at filling a 9-foot van with nonperishable items for the North Fulton Community Charities Food Pantry, which needs restocking as fall approaches. The nonprofit provides food assistance to Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park and Roswell residents.

Most needed items include peanut butter, pasta, pasta sauce, soups, macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, cereal and full-size toiletries.

Other items in need include

small milk boxes, stew, sloppy joe sauce and hash, canned fruit and canned beans. Corn and green beans are not needed.

Guests can pull up to the concierge and have their donations unloaded as well.

Chick-fil-A in Avalon will also host the Chick-fil-A cow from 4 to 5 p.m.

The food drive will run from 3 to 6 p.m. Activities and refreshments from Avalon, Chick-fil-A and Atlanta Party People will be provided.

Donations to North Fulton Community Charities can also be made online at give.nfcchelp.org/ give/502699/#!/donation/checkout.

Station:

Continued from Page 1

families for our wellbeing,” Jamison said. “And speaking of remarkable sacrifice, how about the sacrifice of the men and women of Station 42 who made their inner quarters … the Bethwell house?”

While construction was underway, Fire Station 42’s firefighters worked from the Bethwell Community Center. They moved into the new facility July 31.

“For many years, they persevered within the outdated confines of this old Station 42 which was a relic … But wherever their home base is, Milton firefighters have committed to be and proven to be the best, and they deserve the best,” Jamison said.

Jamison said the fire station, which has a rustic, barn-like aesthetic, is “uniquely Milton.” Buscemi also described its architectural design as a

seamless blend into the local context and a positive contribution to Milton’s fabric.

Emblems of the new building, with the words “The Stables,” were posted around the space.

In their new home away from home, Milton firefighters have access to a flat-screen TV and cushioned reclining chairs, a spacious kitchen and a fully equipped gym. Inside the firefighters’ new rooms, twin beds were neatly made.

Benmoussa provided more detail about some of the station’s functional features, such as a room for contaminated gear and a ventilation system that captures diesel exhaust.

He said the country’s firefighters have a 90 percent greater chance of getting cancer. There is also a high rate of mortality, Benmoussa said, but with the station safety features, he hopes to extend the lives of Milton’s firefighters.

“We want them to go home at the end of their shift,” Benmoussa said.

— Shelby Israel

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Visitors at the grand opening for Fire Station 42 help themselves to breakfast.

Todd Kroupa and his award-winning Kroupa Team are top 1% globally with over 18 years of experience in real estate. His team serves Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek, Roswell, and Canton. Todd is an Atlanta Realtors Association Top Producer. He has sold over $300 million of real estate in recent years. His team is renowned for their unsurpassed customer service, marketing, and extensive real estate knowledge.

Lahaina:

Continued from Page 1

Only the frame of Bill’s Ford pickup truck was left standing.

According to an Aug. 18 report from Maui Now, more than 2,100 acres have been burned in Lahaina, aided by winds from Hurricane Dora. There have been 114 deaths. Local media have also reported more than 1,000 people remain unaccounted for.

There was no outside communication for the town of Lahaina. Power went out at 4 a.m. that Tuesday morning, Aug. 8., and cell phone service had been lost.

After Benbow and Moning were sent home from Walgreens, they arrived at the Robustos at 10 a.m., and heard shingles ripping off surrounding homes from the violent winds. Beach chairs and tables slammed into the house.

“It was like out of a movie,” Benbow said. “It was very scary.”

Flames trickled down a hill across the street from the neighborhood, first seen by Lorri who had stepped onto a neighbor’s roof. There was a fire truck out there, but no one in authority gave orders to evacuate their area.

Everyone was on their own.

“The lack of knowledge of what was happening was really difficult,” Benbow said.

It wasn’t until the group heard explosions – propane tanks at a gas station down the street – that they gave themselves five minutes to pack belongings.

They left at around 5:30 p.m., but others didn’t leave for another hour.

“We would pass by people on the road, and we’d roll down the window, and be like, ‘Hey, do you know what’s going on?’” Benbow said. “No one really knew.”

As they were leaving the neighborhood, flames were to the left and right, but the Robustos stayed positive with the hope that winds would go the opposite direction. They told Benbow and Moning not to worry and did what they could to distract them, with pictures of cats and videos of whales.

“They were fantastic,” Benbow said.

After hours of driving, the group finally found a hotel room outside of Wailea, and Benbow made first contact with her family in Roswell. There wasn’t any sleep that night, and Benbow says when she closes her eyes to sleep nowadays, she sees the flames coming down the hill and has thoughts about what she could have done differently.

But she says she’s getting better, surrounded by family. Moning, too, is

A drone image of Bill and Lorri Robusto’s home in Lahaina, Hawaii, shows it reduced to ash following wildfires that devastated the community, reported to be the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history.

back with family in Maryland.

Since FEMA arrived on the island, the Robustos have been placed in a condo on the other side of Maui and have seen major support from Benbow and Moning, who launched a fundraising campaign to help them rebuild their lives. As of Aug. 21, nearly $27,000 has been raised.

“We’ve been blown away,” Benbow said. “There’s been complete strangers donating. It’s been incredible. We’ve been very thankful to everyone who has donated.”

To make a donation to Bill and Lorri Robusto, visit www.gofundme.com/f/ maui-fires-robusto-family-home.

PHOTOS BY KRISTINA BENBOW/PROVIDED Natalie Moning and Kristina Benbow, pharmacy students at the University of South Carolina, join a sunset dinner cruise three days before the wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii. They planned to stay with Bill Robusto, a retired pharmacist, and his wife Lorri for a month to work at a local Walgreens.

PRESERVING THE PAST

Alpharetta Library and the historic role of volunteering

Volunteering can be traced back to medieval Britain where churches aided the poor and sick. In 1865 William Booth and his wife Catherine began the Salvation Army in London. Their daughter Eva Cory Booth established the organization in the United States and supervised the volunteer “Doughnut Girls” during World War l. Benjamin Franklin started the first volunteer firehouse in Philadelphia in 1736, and the American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton in 1881.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2021 almost 61 million Americans volunteered through organizations providing $123 billion in economic value.

Library volunteers have played an important role thanks in large part to Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) who funded the construction of 2,509 libraries worldwide between 1883 and 1929 including 1,795 in the United States, of which 1,687 were public libraries and 108 were academic. About 800 are still used as libraries. Twenty-four Carnegie public libraries were built in Georgia between 1898 and 1914.

Volunteer Friends of the Library Libraries need community support. One requirement for a Carnegie grant was a commitment by a community to raise additional funds to support library programs.

The first library Friends group in the United States, was founded in 1922 in Illinois. The first university Friends group in the US was formed at Harvard in 1925.

Alpharetta Branch Library

In February 1965 the leadership of the Alpharetta Women’s Club met with the leaders of the Alpharetta Jaycees, Alpharetta Lions Club and President of the Sandy Springs Library Board to discuss the creation of an Alpharetta library. They realized the importance of having clubs, businesses, churches and private citizens working together with the Fulton Country Government to create a branch library. Up to that time Alpharetta was serviced by a station wagon bookmobile that came to town every other Wednesday afternoon.

The library opened June 1, 1966 in the Alpharetta municipal building where the City of Alpharetta provided rent-free space. In 1989 a new library opened in its own building at 238 Canton Street. In 2015 the library moved again to a beautiful new 25,000 square foot facility

Ben Statham has been winning awards for 35 years in recognition of his outstanding volunteer work for the 501c3 Friends of the Alpharetta Library, thought to be the first Friends group in the area. Here Statham receives the 2000 Special Volunteer of the Year Award from the Fulton County Library System.

located at 10 Park Plaza in the Alpharetta City Center development. It is one of the most used libraries in the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.

Alpharetta Library special Friends Ben and Linda Statham

That brings us to Ben and Linda Statham, board members of the Friends of the Alpharetta Branch Library, who have devoted the past 33 years to raising money to support library programs.

As a child in the 1940s, Ben lived in a house near the Ida Williams Branch Library on Buckhead Avenue in Atlanta.

Linda Statham speaks at a public hearing in 2007 where residents expressed opinions about the future growth of Alpharetta’s library facilities. Linda Statham made a plea for more children’s books and more library space to serve growing community’s needs.

It was a small house with three resident adults and three children which made it difficult for Ben to concentrate. He wanted to improve his grades in the 10th grade so he spent evenings doing his homework in the library and his grades improved. At the University of Georgia he used the library as a study hall as he earned his degree in business, finance and real estate.

About 1990 Ben became a Friend of the Alpharetta Library and for the next 32 years he did not miss a single book sale, except during Covid. He organized the sales, encouraged the donation of books and retrieved books from a special bin

What’s next?

What historical topic would you like Bob to write about in the future? Email ideas and questions to bobmey@ bellsouth.net.

Portrait of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie who funded the construction of more than 2,500 public and academic libraries in the United States between 1883 and 1929 including 24 libraries in Georgia. He encouraged community involvement and funding to support the libraries he built.

at the Roswell recycling center set aside for him. He has served as President of the Board of the Alpharetta Friends and has won awards every year for 30 years. No wonder since he regularly volunteers more than 1000 service hours per year. This year the Friends were able to pay for twenty-four adult and children's programs to supplement the financial support Fulton County Government gives to the library and the financial support from the City of Alpharetta.

Linda, a speech pathologist in the Cherokee County school system, served as treasurer of the Friends, secretary and helped with library programs. She also served on the Friends Board of Directors for 32 years. She says “The success of the Friends is due to the dedicated volunteers, many of whom have donated over 20 + years of tireless work.”

With Friends like Linda and Ben, good things happen.

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 MEYERS

Columnist

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

Alpharetta Branch Library where Friends of the Alpharetta Library hold used book sales on the first Saturday of each month. Proceeds support library programs and provide materials and are tax deductible.

STATHAM FAMILY/PROVIDED

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY/PROVIDED

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Unlock Your Green Thumb: Explore These 3 Exciting FREE Fall Gardening Classes!

gardening. Whether you have a green thumb or are just starting out, you'll discover how to create a garden that's enjoyable for all.

LEE TANENBAUM Guest Columnist

Greetings, gardening enthusiasts. Are you ready to transform your patch of earth into a blooming oasis? Looking to enhance your gardening skills and knowledge this fall? Look no further. We're excited to invite you to our free Fall Gardening Series, hosted by Fulton County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers and the Roswell Library. Join us for insightful inperson classes at the Roswell Library located at 115 Norcross Street, Roswell, GA 30075.

The classes will be presented by experienced North Fulton Master Gardeners who are passionate about gardening. They will share their knowledge and expertise with you and answer any questions you have.

Best of all, these classes are absolutely free to attend, and no registration is required. Simply mark your calendar and show up to learn, share, and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts.

Here's a sneak peek of what each session has in store for you:

September 12th - "The Meaning of Flowers" presented by Kathie Lunsford: Have you ever been curious about the stories behind flowers and their symbolic meanings? Join us as Kathie Lunsford takes you on a journey through the fascinating language of flowers. Delve into the Victorian practice of creating Tussie Mussies and discover how different flowers were assigned unique meanings, especially when paired together in bouquets.

September 18th - "Fall Bulbs" presented by Carole MacMullan: Get a head start on your spring garden! Carole MacMullan will guide you through the art of planting flower bulbs this fall to ensure a breathtaking display of blooms in the coming spring. Learn valuable tips and techniques for cultivating a vibrant and colorful garden that will bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space.

September 25th - "Accessible Gardening" presented by Willis Lanier: Gardening is for everyone, and this presentation is all about making gardening accessible to everyone, regardless of physical abilities. Join Willis Lanier to explore ingenious solutions for accommodating accessibility in

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from experts, connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts, and enrich your gardening journey. Feel free to spread the word and bring along friends and family who share your passion for all things green.

We look forward to seeing you at the Roswell Library for our Fall Gardening Series. Let's embrace the beauty of nature and the joy of gardening together.

Happy Gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener

Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.

Learn more about NFMG at nfmg. net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/.

If You Go

• September 12th, September 18th, September 25th

• 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

• Roswell Library, 115 Norcross Street, Roswell, GA 30075

• 404-612-9700

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Lee Tanenbaum, a master gardener since 2011. Lee has served as NFMG’s Communications Co-Chair for Publicity and Marketing as well as the Interim Chair of the NFMG Gardening Education Team. Lee is a retired speech-language pathologist and public health professional, a mother of three, and a grandmother of nine. Lee loves to garden and travel, especially with her grandchildren.

Learn More

• 2024 MGEV class application - https://site.extension.uga.edu/fultonag/ files/2023/08/2024-Fulton-County-MGEV-Application-Final.pdf

• Fulton County MGEV page - https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/fulton/agriculture-and-natural-resources/mastergardner.html

• Becoming a MGEV - https://extension.uga.edu/programs-services/georgia-master-gardener-extension-volunteer-program/volunteer/becoming-amgev.html

• Frequently Asked Questions - https://extension.uga.edu/programs-services/georgia-master-gardener-extension-volunteer-program/volunteer/ becoming-a-mgev/frequently-asked-questions.html

New natural water and getting outfished

I went fishing today. Actually, she and I went fishing together.

She’s getting pretty good at it, too. In fact, the last few outings, she has (how to put it) outfished me, sometimes by a factor of two or three.

Now I tell myself that this is because of the expert instruction that I have provided. That may be true, a little, but the real reason is that she appears to be a natural. She just has that intuitive sense of how to make it work. And she does.

The creek is one that I’ve fished before. I know it pretty well. But today it’s different. There was a storm a week or so ago, and it was a big one. It dumped a deluge of Biblical proportions into the little channel. The force of that hydrologic rampage moved rocks and reshaped everything, erasing long-loved pools but simultaneously sculpting new ones. And the wind? The wind toppled trees, blocking familiar pathways and redirecting currents, obscuring the familiar even as it created opportunities anew.

And so I find myself – I find us – in a familiar landscape, yet with unfamiliar

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

nuances. It is a known space, familiar from dozens of visits over the arc of many years, and yet today it is also brand new.

That can play with your mind, if you let it.

But what of the fish? There have always been lots of them in this creek, and I know that they will still be there. They will simply have adjusted, finding new spots to hold in the wake of the storm as they sit patiently in the current and wait for the likes of us to arrive.

We just have to find them.

Today, she is the first one to reach the water and the first one to cast. She’s fishing a place where she has fished before, but today there are those subtle changes and nuanced shifts in the flow. Here, a tree has toppled into the creek, and over there are new eddies and swirls. Here, high water has cut a new channel through the gravel, and yonder there are new deep spots to explore.

She apprises the situation, moves into position, and makes a cast. Thirty seconds later she has her first fish. It hits a small buggy-looking fly which sported a pink body and some wiggly elastic legs, and it is a decent fish by any measure.

She brings it in and unhooks it and admires its vivid coloration and then slips it back into the water. Then she

Postal service is more than a job

It’s my sincere pleasure serving Alpharetta as your Postmaster. Looking back on my years of service, I remember starting as a Rural Carrier Assistant with this organization.

I was fortunate having a position that paid well and provided excellent benefits and opportunities where I could grow professionally and further support my family. I worked my way up the ranks and what I learned is the Postal Service is not just about having a job – it’s about developing a career where I can be part of something historic.

That idea is part of our 10-year plan, Delivering for America, where the Postal Service is focused on building an empowered workforce.

Our employees are our greatest asset, and we are investing in them by providing training, competitive wages, benefits, and advancement opportunities.

I’ve seen firsthand the role the Postal Service plays connecting local communities. We serve as a lifeline for all our customers no matter where they are. That is a career worth having and I am thankful to be part of it.

On behalf of our employees at the Alpharetta Post Office, we thank you for supporting us and remind you that we are currently hiring for career positions. Come join us.

Teara Smith Alpharetta Postmaster

turns to me and says, “That’s one!”

She casts again, and a half a minute later I hear her voice call to me again, a lyrical counterpoint to the music of the creek as it splashes happily through a riffle on its way to wherever it is going.

“That’s two!” she says.

Meanwhile, I stand there on a shady gravel bar rigging up my own rod. I open the fly box and consider the possibilities. For perhaps a minute I peruse the available flies –

“That’s number three!” she says, her voice floating to me over the song of the dancing creek.

– and then I select a small and fuzzy creation with a body of tan yarn and wing made from the hair of an elk. I tie it to my line, taking my time –

“Four!” I hear her say, her voice a little fainter now that she has worked her way upstream a few yards. I see the sun glint off her rod as she makes another cast.

Rigged at last, I finally make my own first cast and immediately draw a strike, a good fish, a big fish. I move to set the hook, but I miss it completely, probably because I am distracted by her voice again. She is saying, “That’s five!”

I turn toward the sound and see her looking my way. And I see a splash as yet a fish rises. I see her rod bend again.

“Six!” she calls, and I hear laughter

in her voice.

That’s how it has been, the last few outings. We fish. We catch. But she catches more.

I recall something I read once, something about why we fish. If I recall it right, we start fishing simply to catch something. Then we fish to catch many fish, and then to catch big fish, and finally we fish just to be there, to be in the moment, to savor the whole thing and then some.

The water is noisy as it splashes over the rocks at my feet. I look upstream again, see her there, watch her cast. It is beautiful.

Then I turn my gaze downstream to see where the water is going, and I wonder what, in this reconfigured landscape, might be around that bend. But I can’t quite make it out. Trees toppled by the storm obscure my view. Yet I’ve fished around that bend before, in other times, before the storm came and shook everything up. I know the shape of the landscape, the broad curve of the channel. Yes, I know that it will be different in the wake of the storm. But I also know that it’ll be okay.

So I turn downstream, walking in the once-familiar channel towards new water, following a streambed that is as comforting as it is brand new.

“Seven!” I hear her call to me, and I smile.

STEVE HUDSON Columnist

DEATH NOTICES

Elizabeth Alty, 97, of Milton, passed away on August 20, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Harry Anderson, 86, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 27, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Sylvia Baldow, 84, of Roswell, passed away on August 28, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Alleen Dixon, 97, of Roswell, passed away on August 24, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

INVITATION TO BID

FY23 & FY24 ASPHALT RESURFACING AND RECONSTRUCTION

ITB NUMBER

23-PW12

Sealed Bids Due Date:

September 27, 2023 by 2:00 PM Local Time

Electronic submission via: www.miltonga.gov

Submissions will be publicly announced on the above date at approximately 2:30 PM at the City of Milton City Hall located at 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, GA 30004 (opening may be moved online due to public health conditions). The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids. If the contract is awarded, it will be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder whose bid meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the invitation for bids.

The City of Milton is requesting bids from interested parties to provide asphalt resurfacing and reconstruction services. All qualified bids will receive consideration without regard to age, handicap, religion, creed or belief, political affiliation, race, color, sex, or national origin.

The request for sealed bids for the FY23 & FY24 Asphalt Resurfacing and Reconstruction will be posted on the following websites the week of September 7, 2023.

http://www.miltonga.gov or http://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/PRSapp/PR_index.jsp

Robert King, 72, of Roswell, passed away on August 23, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Lakshma Komatireddy, 87, Alpharetta, passed away on August 24, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 201 EVENTS

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29 - “SINATRA & FRIENDS” NIGHT

Open to the Public

Featuring Dr. Patrick Sallarulo as Frank Sinatra, Sheri Winkelmann as Marilyn Monroe, and Mark Phillips as Dean Martin Visit www.legion201.org/events for details

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30 - “MARRIED WITH LAUGHTER”

Open to the Public

Featuring Jeff Norris and Renee DeLorenzo

Solution on next page

A Laughter at the Legion Series Show

Tickets available online or at the Clubroom/Bar Visit www.legion201.org/events for details

DANCES & DANCE INSTRUCTION – Open to the Public

Dances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday Evenings

& Friday Mornings; Wednesday Evening

Workforce Development Coordinator is responsible for developing programs and services for NFCC clients and students seeking employment, post-secondary education, or other career options. The workforce development coordinator collaborates with local employers to help match job seekers to open positions. They work directly with clients on the job application, resumes, and interview preparations and provide tips for successfully securing and improving employment to foster financial stability.  Bachelor’s degree in a human services, human resources, or other related field required and 2 years of professional experience in human services, human resources or career counseling preferred.

To view the entire listing visit https://nfcchelp.org/ work-at-nfcc/. To apply, please submit resume to Carol Swan at cswan@nfcchelp.org.

ACCOUNTS

RECEIVABLE CLERK

Sawnee EMC is seeking an Accounts Receivable Clerk to reconcile consumer accounts and process members’ transactions (i.e., Cash, Check, Credit Card, or Money Order). Will supply information to customers and resolve customer inquiries through face-to-face communication. Requires: high school diploma or equivalency, proficiency in mathematics, monetary, and general office skills. A minimum of two years of related experience preferred. Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours, to include evenings and weekends.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, September 8, 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 accommodation(s) may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

VETERINARY TECHNICIANS & ASSISTANTS:

Dunwoody Animal Medical Center is hiring! Send resume to office@dunwoodyamc.com

Software Engineer Specialist (Alpharetta, GA): Works throughout the software development life cycle and collaborating with software development and operations team to design and implementing processes for building, testing, and deploying software. Implementing automation tools and frameworks to improve the efficiency and reliability of the software delivery. Monitoring performance of software systems and resolving any issues that arise. Implementing best practices for security and data protection in software development and deployment process. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Associate Director, HR Risk and Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus GA 31901. Job #SK657504.

Optum Services, Inc. Software Engineer 3. Alpharetta, GA: Responsible for developing cloud applications. Support current and future TIBCO, BW, BE, EMS, Foresight and Corepoint development for company products. Can work remotely. Mail resume to GMI Recruitment at 9900 Bren Road East MN008 R120, Minnetonka, MN 55343 and indicate applying for #23-GA-6050.

Part-time

24 hour emergency service. Licensed, insured. Workers Comp, insurance

Associate Product Manager (Alpharetta, GA): Build a wide variety of solutions from automated infrastructure & cloud-based systems, to machine learning & user experiences for web, mobile & IoT. Create open API’s & content for TSYS Developers. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, HR Risk and Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus, GA 31901. Job #MCG546535

DISPATCHER

Sawnee EMC is seeking a Dispatcher with electric utility experience to dispatch workers for customer service, normal maintenance, or emergency repairs to electric-power transmission and distribution lines. Requires high school diploma or equivalency, minimum of one (1) year working knowledge of radio operation, or equivalent experience, map reading and line design knowledge, problem solving and communication skills by radio, telephone and in person. Must be available for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours, including evenings and weekends. Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, September 15, 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.

Donor Operations Associate

The Donor Operations Associate greets and removes donations from vehicles and sorts merchandise in a designated area.  They are responsible for keeping the merchandise secure, all areas free of debris and the donor door area neat and clean.  This position is the face of NFCC so they are expected to provide excellent customer service and treat each donor with a professional and friendly demeanor.  High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Ability to perform low to moderate facility maintenance tasks.  To view entire listing visit: https://nfcchelp.org/work-atnfcc/  To apply, please complete an application for employment and email to Marten Jallad,  mjallad@nfcchelp.org.

MATH TUTORS

Give Back! Perfect for retirees! Mathnasium of Johns Creek. 404-388-8701

Solution

Appen-Rated

770-450-8188

Home Improvement

DECKS BUILT & REPAIRED-DRYBELOW SYSTEMS INSTALLED – Affordable hardwood flooring-engineered flooring. Heritage Home Maintenance, 678-906-7100 HOMEREPAIRGA@GMAIL.COM, (HERITAGECONSTRUCTIONGA.COM)

PINESTRAW, MULCH

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

Roofing

ROOF LEAKING?

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

Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing

Driveway

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

Flooring

PHILLIPS FLOORING

Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen back-splashes. Regrouting is also available. Call 678-887-1868 for free estimate.

Health & Fitness

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

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

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

1-800-245-0398

HughesNet - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo!

Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs.  A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $4,500.

Cemetery

GREENLAWN ROSWELL: 2 plots on picturesque lakeview hillside. Market price, $9000 each. Bargain priced at $6000 each! 770-475-7307

Miscellaneous

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

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

1-866-479-1516

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

1-855-417-1306

MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure!

1-888-489-3936

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom!

1-833-758-3892

Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief to find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: 1-877-592-3616

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

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS

1-866-859-0405

Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on vet bills? Physicians Mutual In-surance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-844-774-0206 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/ads

Diagnosed with lung cancer & 65+? You may qualify for a substantial cash award. No obligation! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help! Call 24/7 1-877-707-5707

My Caring Plan’s local advisors have helped thousands of families with unique needs find sen-ior living. Can you afford 2k a month in rent? We can help for free! 866-511-1799

Deadline to place a Classified ad is Thursday at 4 pm