Milton Herald - September 21, 2023

Visitors turn out to touch-a-truck

BY ADAM DARBY newsroom@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Milton’s first Touch-a-Truck event was held Sept. 9 at the Stonecreek Church parking lot at 13540 Ga. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In collaboration between the City’s police and fire-rescue departments and the church, the family-friendly outing provided children with the opportunity to explore and interact with several different trucks, police cars, heavy-duty

equipment and other large vehicles.

First responders and local business owners were stationed at each vehicle to answer questions about how it worked and their involvement within the community.

Local sponsors included The Junkluggers, Reid Casey Real Estate, Karate Atlanta, The Yoga Loft, Goldfish Swim School, and others. The free event also included music, food

See TRUCK, Page 15

At top: Milton police and fire rescue personnel joined with local businesses to provide large vehicles and machinery for children to explore. Above: Children enjoy interacting with each vehicle before participating in fun activities such as face painting, bounce houses, and arts and crafts. Sept. 9 marked Milton’s first year hosting a Touch-a-Truck event for families and residents.

Election questions dominate Thorne town hall

Milton launches registration drive to license personal transport vehicles

MILTON, Ga. — The City of Milton has launched a registration process for personal transportation vehicles, or PTVs, that will be required to operate the machines on public streets later this year.

Owners of PTVs, which commonly include golf carts, would pay a nominal fee and agree to abide by a few simple rules to help ensure the safety of their vehicles, passengers and those they might encounter.

To register your PTV, complete a form at miltonga.gov/home/ showdocument?id=6638 on a computer or phone, then print it out and bring it to the Finance Department at Milton City Hall with a $15 payment.

Once you receive your registration sticker, put it on your vehicle’s rear quarter bumper on the driver’s side so that it is visible.

If you can’t make it to City Hall, you can mail the completed form to:

City of Milton Finance Department

Milton City Hall 2006 Heritage Walk Milton, GA 30004

Re: PTV Registration

See VEHICLES, Page 14 Page 7

PHOTOS BY ADAM DARBY/APPEN MEDIA

NEWS TIPS

Bystander wounds suspect in alleged armed robbery

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta Police Department is investigating an alleged armed robbery attempt around 10:20 p.m. Sept. 10 in the parking lot at Zaxby’s on Old Milton Parkway.

Officers reported responding to a shots-fired call and locating a male

Dawsonville man cited for driving unlicensed

MILTON, Ga. — Police arrested a Dawsonville man Sept. 5 for speeding and driving while unlicensed on Morris Road.

Police clocked the man for speeding at 56 mph in a posted 35 mph zone as he was driving northbound in his yellow 2001 Ford Super Duty truck. When police conducted a traffic stop, the man handed over his identification but said he did not have a valid driver’s license, confirmed by police.

The driver was arrested and transported to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta. The vehicle was released to a licensed driver on the scene.

Four suspects sought in theft of 99 candles

MILTON, Ga. — An employee at the Bath & Body Works on Ga. 9 reported to police Sept. 11 that four suspects stole more than $2,660 in candles from the store.

The employee told police three females and one male came into the store, grabbed a mesh shopping bag and began placing multiple candles in the bags. When she called 911, the employee said the suspects ran out of the store with 99 candles and left in a 2020 gray Jeep Compass belonging to a 20-year-old Atlanta woman. The employee provided the police with a tag number.

The employee described the first

suspect on Ga. 9 with two gunshot wounds to the leg. The suspect is in custody while receiving treatment for his injuries.

Detectives confirmed a bystander who had witnessed the incident shot the suspect.

suspect as a Black female, 20 to 30 years old, with long braids and wearing all pink. The second suspect was described as a Black female, 20 to 30 years old, with black hair and a blonde bun, wearing a white crop top, black jean shorts, and green, white and cream Jordan shoes. The third suspect, a Black female also described to be 20 to 30 years old, was wearing a black Nike sports bra, black biking shorts, and black and yellow Jordan shoes.

The employee described the fourth suspect as a Black male, also 20 to 30 years old, wearing a black top, gray jeans, and red and white Jordan shoes.

The employee said the company’s loss prevention department would gather video footage and send it to the police department.

Woman reports threats after call from fake feds

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton woman reported to police Sept. 11 that she had received a phone call from a man claiming to be with the Department of Justice parole division.

The caller told the victim that her brother, who had just been convicted of federal drug trafficking crimes, was eligible for early release but that he needed to confirm her personal information, the police report said.

The victim was unconvinced of the caller’s identity, the report said, and eventually the call was disconnected. But she began receiving threatening text messages, the report said, saying

The investigation is ongoing, but police officials said preliminary investigation and evidence indicate the bystander had used lawful force in the defense of a third party.

— Shelby Israel

POLICE BLOTTER

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.

she would be kidnaped, drugged, beaten and raped and that her brother would be forced to watch it.

The sender also threatened to kill the victim’s brother and that she had been followed, identifying her North Fulton location.

The victim said she filed a police report to discover who was behind the threats.

Woman reports car stolen on Mid Broadwell Road

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An Alpharetta woman reported her car stolen had been stolen from in front of her apartment on Mid Broadwell Road overnight Sept. 11.

The victim reported she returned home and parked her Ford Edge in front of her apartment around 7:30 p.m. the night before, and she had left her purse in her car. When she came outside the next morning her car was missing, the report states.

Officers reported searching Flock camera footage, but they only found shots of the victim in the vehicle. She also said she is current with her car payments, so it could not have been repossessed, the report states.

No suspects have been identified.

7506 Wilderness Parkway Big Canoe, GA 30143

bigcanoeanimalrescue.org

706-268-1346

This is Miss Bea!

Facts About Me

Breed: Hound mix

Color: Light Tan/ Brown

Age: 1 year 8 months

Size: (When Grown) Large 65 Lbs

Weight: (Current) 50 Lbs.

Sex: Female

My Info

Good with dogs & children

Shots up to date

Great Disposition

Spayed & Chipped

Photographer showcases Ukraine art

By LUKE GARDNER newsroom@appenmedia.com

My Story

Can you tell I’m a happy dog?

I love to play, go on hikes, give sloppy kisses and hang out with my buddies. I dream of a family who wants a sweet gentle girl to call their own and grow up with. I like belly rubs and lying in the sun. Come meet me, bring treats!

This is Stella!

Facts About Me

Breed: Lab mix

Color: Blonde/Tan

Age: 5 months

Size: (When Grown) Medium 60 Lbs

Weight: (Current) 28 Lbs.

Sex: Female

My Info

Good with dogs and kids

Shots current Healthy

Chipped & spayed

My Story

I’m searching for you, are you coming to adopt me?

Stella was found wandering around a busy road and rescued by a wonderful lady and brought to BCAR. She is full of personality, affection and loves to play. Stella has only been with us two weeks and has won the hearts of many of the volunteers. She is the happiest when around people and treats!

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

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta City Hall turned a conference room into a photography exhibition this summer, featuring the work of local photographer Anna Rumiantseva.

“Mariupol: The City that Doesn’t Exist,” featured a collection of 18 photographs of various buildings throughout the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which is currently occupied by Russia. The exhibition ran from June 10 to Sept. 11.

“These pictures I took a couple of years before the war started,” Rumiantseva said. “We traveled with my son every summer. It was a beautiful city and I love it. … Everything I show here is gone.”

Russia annexed Mariupol in May 2022 after attacks that started in late February, claiming thousands of civilian lives and destroying most of the city.

Numbers vary on how many people were killed as a result of the Russian invasion. While the Ukrainian government said 21 thousand people died, Ukrainian citizens say the death toll is between 100 thousand and 120 thousand, according to The Guardian.

Out of the city’s initial population of 430 thousand, 350 thousand people fled, and around 90 percent of the city’s buildings have been destroyed, according to the BBC. Russia is now rebuilding the city in its image and encouraging Russians to move there.

The exhibition features several historic Mariupol buildings and cultural sites now damaged or lost to acts of violence, including the Church of Mary Magdalene, St. Nicholas Cathedral, Extreme Park and the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theatre.

In April 2022, the Theatre was bombed in an Airstrike that claimed

See MARIUPOL, Page 14

GARAGE SALES

See more garage sales in the classifieds

ROSWELL, Willow Springs Neighborhood Sale- 2500 Old Alabama Road. September 22-23, 2023, 8AM-2PM. Large 700+ home community. For more info: 404- 502-7006

DEADLINE

To place garage sale ads: Noon Friday. Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@appenmediagroup.com

ANNA RUMIANTSEVA/SPECIAL TO APPEN MEDIA Photographer Anna Rumiantseva stands in front of her photographs at the opening night of the exhibition.

Marketing Matters

Originally listed with another agent for 297 days, our team staged, painted and added new lighting to the home. We listed the property for a higher price and went under contract in five days with multiple offers and a backup contract.

Dear Milton Neighbor,

Sixty-five percent of our buyer-side transactions are off market. We love to make transactions as easy as possible for everyone and have well-qualified clients ready to go who also have flexible timing. Please contact us or have your agent reach out if you have a home or property that fits the criteria below.

• Up to $1.2M and needing renovation: Six Hills or Heritage at Crabapple

• Up to $1.5M: Birmingham Falls Elementary School district

• Up to $1.6M: Valmont, Nettlebrook Farms, Annandelle Farms, The Grove, Triple Crown and Preserve at North Valley (no pool)

• Multiple buyers: $3.5-4.5M, 3-4+ acres, modern farmhouse, pool, ideally not located on a busy road

• Multiple buyers: 3-25 acres of land in Milton

• Multiple buyers: $3-5M, houses with guest homes (30004 or 30115)

Listed and marketed numerous times by other agents with no success, our team staged the home and added new lighting to create renewed interest. We also listed at a higher price and were under contract in 18 days at the full list price.

SOLD • 1970 Bethany Way

SOLD • 14041 Triple Crown Drive

Election issues create stir at county town hall forum

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — North Fulton residents raised pointed questions about elections Sept. 14 at a town hall sponsored by Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne.

Thorne, who represents Johns Creek, parts of Roswell, Alpharetta and Sandy Springs, hosted the meeting at the Alpharetta Branch Library and invited the county’s new Board of Registration and Elections Chair Patrise Perkins-Hooker and the new Republican board member Michael Heekin to answer questions from the crowd of about 50.

The Fulton County Commission had substituted Chairman Robb Pitts’ original nominee Lee Morris, a Republican who had served on the County Commission, for PerkinsHooker, a Democrat and former Fulton County attorney. After Pitts received backlash in the strongly Democratic county, Morris backed out from his nomination to avoid divisiveness.

Heekin was appointed from a pool of two Republican nominees to the BRE, a five-member board consisting of a chair, two Republicans and two Democrats.

The County Commission rejected Republican Jason Frazier, in a 3-2 vote in June. Frazier, who attended the town hall, is known for challenging the eligibility of thousands of voters. The BRE still has a Republican vacancy.

Frazier sat beside his wife Lucia Frazier and Matt Rowenczak. All are Roswell residents.

All three had frequented Milton Election Feasibility Committee meetings, commenting to the sixmember group tasked with studying whether Milton could divorce itself from Fulton County to run its own municipal elections. Milton is one of two Fulton County cities conducting their own election this year.

In their comments to the Milton committee, the three criticized Fulton County’s election management and pushed toward the city hand-counting paper ballots.

Questions about Fulton County adopting hand-counting paper ballots were posed to Perkins-Hooker, citing

it the Fulton way, and we do it such that Fulton voters get a chance to have an experience that's better than most counties.”

Rowenczak shouted that PerkinsHooker’s response was a “cop out.”

Perkins-Hooker also answered questions about ensuring diversity among party affiliations of those who work the polls. But she said there’s not a line item on an application that asks whether the applicant is a Democrat or Republican because the selection process is nonpartisan.

County Commissioner Thorne introduced the “hot topic” of voter registration to Perkins-Hooker. Local media reported recently the Secretary of State had purged nearly 190,000 names from Georgia’s voter rolls. Earlier that day, Perkins-Hooker said the BRE reported that 20,000 of those were in Fulton County.

The process of cleaning voter rolls takes a long time, she said.

Milton residents invited to local candidate forum

MILTON, Ga. — Appen Media and the Milton Herald will have a City Council debate at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4 for those running for the Post 2 races.

The debate will be at St. Aidan’s

Episcopal Church, 13560 Cogburn Road. It will also be livestreamed on Appen Media’s Facebook page and available for viewing after the event. The debate will be moderated

by Amber Perry, reporter for Appen Media. Residents who wish to submit questions for the debate can email them to vote@appenmedia.com or by calling 770-442-3278.

Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections Chair Patrise Perkins-Hooker, left, prepares to answer questions on elections at County Commissioner Bridget Thorne’s town hall meeting held at the Alpharetta Branch Library Sept. 14.

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

A citizen at a town hall meeting at the Alpharetta Branch Library, hosted by Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne, on right, asks a question about ballot readability to new Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections Chair Patrise PerkinsHooker, middle, Sept. 14.

Couples Academy isolates on marriages in crisis stage

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Hasani and Danielle Pettiford, owners of Couples Academy, will soon celebrate 21 years of marriage. But as they sat closely on the couch in their Milton home, they recalled a time when that benchmark felt impossible.

Hasani said couples tend to struggle in five areas — communication, sex, parenting, finances and loss, though communication is the common denominator.

“We suffered from all five of them. All of it,” Hasani said. “Broke, busted and disgusted, didn’t have a pot to pee in, a window to throw it out of … We had to crawl our way out.”

Danielle said she had asked Hasani to go to counseling time and time again, and eventually checked out. But something in him changed one day, she said, and he started watching therapeutic VHS tapes to begin a journey of self-repair.

“We found some therapists that turned everything around and gave us a different experience, where we were working on ourselves,” Danielle said. “... They really helped us center on our own development.”

In the trenches

The Pettifords saved their marriage and began sharing their story with other couples at casual gatherings at their home, laughing and playing cards. But the pair

realized some of these couples would pour out their marital issues in search of the same level of happiness they had discovered.

So, Hasani and Danielle decided to take their positions more

seriously and become certified as marriage and family coaches.

“Once we became infidelity recovery specialists, it seems like 99 percent of all our clients kind of fit in that category,” Hasani said.

What separates the Pettifords from other marriage counselors is that they deal with crises, those on the verge of divorce, impacted by an

See MARRIAGE, Page 9

We connect dots, and we walk you through a journey to get you to a final destination.

HASANI PETTIFORD, owner, Couples Academy

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Danielle and Hasani Pettiford, owners of Couples Academy, stand in their Milton home. The Pettifords began working with married couples around 15 years ago after therapy helped them overcome their own marital difficulties. While the pair cover a wide range of issues, they specialize in infidelity recovery.

Marriage: NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Continued from Page 8

affair.

“It's beyond ‘Hey, have a date night and just learn to communicate better,’” Hasani said. “We get in the trenches, and deal with some heavy, heavy, heavy, heavy issues that most practitioners are not equipped for, become overwhelmed by and may refer out because that's just not their thing.”

Since becoming infidelity recovery specialists a decade ago, Hasani said only eight couples who have gone through programs at the Couples Academy have divorced.

Connecting the dots

Couples can take one of two routes at Couples Academy. One is the traditional path consisting of weekly sessions led by one of 15 practitioners. But the Pettifords said this is not ideal.

“If somebody chooses the traditional weekly model, the national statistics suggest that the average couple engages in about 16 to 20 sessions before they wind up stopping,” Hasani said.

Couples stop, not because the process is completed, he said, but

because they either haven’t seen enough breakthrough or because it’s too costly. Yet, it takes one to two years to heal from an affair, Hasani said.

The preferred path is an intensive, three-prong approach.

The first step is attending a “Last Chance” weekend, where four to eight couples participate in experiential learning exercises, a process that includes a “shock factor.”

“We connect dots, and we walk you through a journey to get you to a final destination,” Hasani said.

Those weekends are three, 12- to 16-hour days that consist of teambuilding activities, like hiking Stone Mountain or climbing a 30-foot pole blindfolded.

“You see that partnership, and they make it together,” Danielle said.

Couples then participate in a 12-week program, exclusive to husbands and wives, tackling different obstacles on the individual level. This is followed by what the Pettifords call “building your kingdom,” where couples tap into the power of their partnerships.

“We're not just interested in saving your marriage,” Hasani said. “There's so much more behind that.”

Name: The Scene Art Gallery

Founder: Alpha Arts Guild

Description: We are the PREMIER Art Gallery for Georgia Artists. We exist to promote and sell local art by local artists! Whether you’re looking to consign your work, purchase art to liven up your space or simply get involved with amazing art programming; The Scene is the place to be!

Opened: May 13, 2023

Address: 2070 North Point Circle, Alpharetta, GA 30022

Phone: 470-994-6940

Web Address: thesceneartgallery.com

RESULTS FROM HERALD ADVERTISING ARE AMAZING

Advertising in the Herald newspapers has given our law firm great exposure in the community regarding our legal and professional services. There is no other paper or advertisement that compares with the rate of return on our investment in the Herald. I recommend any business or professional services to use the Herald to not only learn about the community but to also advertise your services and products. The Herald is the primary paper or advertisement that the community relies upon and reads every day for up to date information about the community and reliable source for services and products in the community.

Regards,

Holly Geerdes, Esq. Estate Law Center

For more information on advertising contact Mike Dorman at mike@appenmedia.com or call 770.442.3278.

• Does my Will protect my

(It does not.)

• Should I upgrade my Will to a Trust?

• What do I need to know about Revocable Living Trusts?

• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?

Wed., Sept. 27th – 4pm

Thurs., Sept. 28th – 11am

Wed., Oct. 4th – 6pm

• Medicaid. What’s true and what’s not?

• How do I protect my assets for my family and legacy?

• How do I remain in control?

• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?

• How can my family avoid probate?

Living Trust

or forced into liquidation to pay off creditors.

Irrevocable and revocable trusts are not limited to just protecting your assets after your death. If you’re a business owner, a living trust would also protect you while you are alive. If something happens to you when you’re alivefor instance, if you become mentally incapacitated - then a living trust would ensure that your family and those you trust will be able to continue running your business for you.

When you transfer your interest and ownership of a company into a trust, the trust becomes the owner of the business so that upon your death, it is your beneficiaries or trusted agents who inherit the business. While you are alive, you do not lose control over your business. Most Trustees of living trusts are the business owners who are transferring their businesses into the trust. Furthermore, trusts generally have contingent Trustees, so that once you pass away the ownership of the business will never be left unclear, will not be frozen and under the control of probate court, and/

Thus, a major added benefit of putting a business in a trust is that it relieves any business debts on your family members - otherwise, business assets could be used to satisfy personal/business debts and lead to bankruptcy. In addition, a trust also reduces the tax burden on your estate by minimizing state and/or federal estate taxes and may also reduce your heirs’ tax liabilities. Equally important, the right type of trust can ensure the business remains in your bloodline after your death, instead of your children and descendants losing the business to their divorces, lawsuits, creditors, or their long-term care disability costs.

Regardless of what business you may own, it’s never too late to set up estate planning in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Protect what you’ve worked for by making sure your company will be safe from probate and unnecessary taxes - and as always, remember to always check with a local estate planning attorney to ensure you fully understand the rules regarding trust in your county and state. Please contact Geerdes & Associates for more information on Living Trust at 770.209.2346.

GEERDES

Georgia public safety chief Chris Wright steps down

By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat

ATLANTA – Col. Chris Wright will retire from his position as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety Oct. 1 after three years in the leadership post, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday.

The state Board of Public Safety voted Sept. 14 to promote Lt. Col. William “Billy” Hitchens III, the agency’s deputy commissioner, to succeed Wright.

Kemp praised Wright for leading the Georgia State Patrol during a difficult period in its history.

“During times of civil unrest and the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, Colonel Wright demonstrated resilience, foresight, and strength that has led to reductions in crime and safer communities all across Georgia,” the governor said.

Besides serving as deputy commissioner, Hitchens also oversees the state patrol, the public safety agency’s Motor Carrier Compliance Division and the Capitol Police. After graduating from the 69th Trooper School in 1995, he was assigned to Centennial Olympic Park during the 1996 Summer Olympics and received a Meritorious Service Award for his actions prior to and immediate after the bombing.

Also on Sept. 14, the Public Safety Board confirmed Maj. Kendrick Lowe to step up to deputy public safety commissioner and promoted Lt. Col. Joshua Lamb to the role of assistant commissioner.

This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

WRIGHT

SOUNDS OF SUMMER 2023

What: This free festival will feature performances from nationally recognized musicians, like Dave Fenley from “The Voice” and “America’s Got Talent” and Paul McDonald from “American Idol,” as well as festivities and refreshments.

When: Friday, Sept. 22, 6-9 p.m.

Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody More info: discoverdunwoody.com

MILTON FARMERS MARKET

What: Every Saturday morning through October, more than a dozen vendors set up shop around Milton City Hall with fresh produce, fresh meat, sweets, coffee and tea, flowers, soaps, jewelry and more.

When: Saturday, Sept. 23, 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Where: Milton City Hall plaza, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton

More info: facebook.com/ miltongafarmersmarket

A TASTE OF RESILIENCE

What: Observe and learn from a cooking demonstration which explores stories of enslaved peoples in America as represented through their food.

When: Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Smith Plantation, 935 Alpharetta Street, Roswell More info: roswell365.com

ROSWELL RIVER SOUNDS: JACKIE VENSON

What: Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Jackie Venson is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter who has supported major acts like Gary Clark Jr. and Citizen Cope. Beer, wine and sangria will be available for purchase. There will also be on-site food trucks.

When: Saturday, Sept. 23, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell

More info: roswell365.com

12 ANGRY JURORS

What: In Sherman L. Sergel’s play adaptation of the teleplay, a 19-year-old man who has just stood trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. “He doesn’t stand a chance,” mutters the guard as the 12 jurors are taken into the bleak jury room.

GEOLOGY WALK AND TALK

What: The hills and hollows of Sandy Springs, its vistas of the Chattahoochee, and even its name, are tied to its geologic past. Learn stories of the rocks and landscapes during a 45-minute walk and a lecture.

When: Thursday, Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Lost Corner Preserve, 7300 Brandon Mill Road, Sandy Springs

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

It looks like an open-and-shut case — until one of the jurors begins opening the other’s eyes to the facts.

When: Until Sept. 24, times vary

Where: Act1 Theater, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta

Cost: $20-25

More info: act1theater.org

GEOLOGY WALK AND TALK

What: The hills and hollows of Sandy Springs, its vistas of the Chattahoochee, and even its name, are tied to its geologic past. Learn stories of the rocks and landscapes during a 45-minute walk and a lecture.

When: Thursday, Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Lost Corner Preserve, 7300 Brandon Mill Road, Sandy Springs

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

BLUE STONE ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL

What: In its debut, this free festival will have an artist market and live music of different genres on multiple stages. There

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT!

It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people, whether online, through our newsletters or in the Crier and Herald newspapers.

will also be food and beverages, a Kids Zone and a Sports Zone with a video wall.

When: Friday & Saturday, Sept. 29-30, times vary

Where: City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

RADIO ’80S

What: Bring your lawn blankets and chair to see Radio 80’s Band cover the greatest hits from the decade. Tents as well as outside food and alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome.

When: Friday, Sept. 29, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming

More info: cummingcitycenter.com

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE

What: Based on the book, this play is about Mitch, who catches Morrie’s appearance on a television show 16 years after graduation. He learns that

easy

his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Mitch is reunited with Morrie, and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life.

When: Sept. 29-Oct. 15, times vary

Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: Adults are $28; students are $20; kids are $15

More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

JOHNS CREEK LITERARY FAIR

What: The inaugural Johns Creek Literary Fair will feature more than 30 authors hailing from the southeast and around the country.

When: Sunday, Oct. 1, 12-5 p.m.

Where: Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek

More info: johnscreekga.gov

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alpharetta group to help sponsor Youth Sustainability Conference

SNELLVILLE, Ga. — A statewide event for youth interested in sustainability advocacy is coming to Snellville Nov. 4, intended to foster awareness, empowerment and lasting change.

This year, Green Cell, an Alpharettabased grassroots environmental nonprofit, is partnering with the United Nations’ Atlanta Chapter and the Georgia Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council to host the Georgia Youth Sustainability Conference at Shiloh High School from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Through dynamic workshops, interactive discussions and inspiring keynote speakers, the conference will equip attendees with the knowledge, tools and networks necessary to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.

This youth-led conference welcomes students, change-makers, members of middle and high school eco-clubs in Georgia as well as teachers and ecoclub sponsors to participate. There is expected to be 400-plus middle and high school students in attendance. Scholarships are available for

students from Title 1 schools, teachers and eco-club sponsors.

The deadline to register is for the third week of October. Now, there is an early bird pricing promotion, which slashes the cost from $30 to $20. There are also 50 percent discounts for groups of five students registering together. To register for the event, visit youthsustainability.org/registration.

The conference also invites organizations interested in setting up booths to showcase their sustainability efforts and offer internship and volunteering opportunities in various fields. For those interested in setting up a booth, visit youthsustainability.org/ product/booth-registration.

Service hour and appreciation certificates will be provided by the three partnering organizations to all volunteers. The GYSC 2023 Champion trophy will be awarded to the school with the most participants. An award for Best Poster will also be offered. For more information, visit youthsustainability.org

— Amber Perry

Stroll along Blue Stone Road

CADILLAC JACK MY SECOND ACT

New Show, Same Ride.

Mariupol:

the lives of around 600 people, including several children, according to the Associated Press. Activist group Amnesty International called the attack a “clear war crime,” citing that Russian forces knew hundreds of civilians were sheltering in the building before they chose to bomb it.

At the exhibition, each photograph was framed and featured a QR code at the bottom for viewers to scan in order to learn more about the building and view pictures of its current state.

“This is a big deal for the Ukrainian community,” Rumiantseva said. “Every family got hurt by the war. When we had the exhibition’s opening night there were a lot of people, including people from Ukraine and Russia… There were a lot of tears at the opening event. One man was standing in the doorway and crying. I went up to him; he hugged me and said he understood my pain because he was from Syria.”

For her family, the exhibit brought back a lot of memories. Growing up as a happy child in Mariupol, Rumiantseva remembers walking 15 minutes to the sea and also spending time at the Theatre.

Vehicles:

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After the form is processed, a registration sticker can be mailed to your address.

The deadline for Milton residents to register their PTVs is December 11. After that point, Milton Police could issue warnings and, ultimately, citations if the vehicles being driven along Milton’s

“Two years ago when the war started all my family was there,” Rumiantseva said. “My Mom, my grandma, my sister, my nephew and my niece.” … I was worried about my family. When you’re under stress you start looking at moments in life differently.”

Rumiantseva’s family took shelter in the Czech Republic before eventually moving close to her in the United States.

Having lived in the U.S. for over a decade, Rumiantseva used that time to explore various types of photography, including wedding shoots, graduation shoots, and real estate photography.

“I started my photo career with landscaping and was known in Europe and here as a landscape photographer. Now, I also challenge myself with kid [photoshoots] and taking beauty pictures of models. I also do a lot of product photography.”

One day Rumiantseva hopes to see Mariupol return to Ukrainian rule. If that day comes, she plans to revisit her hometown with her family.

“I never imagined it would be gone one day,” Rumiantseva said. “Unfortunately, life is unpredictable. Humans are powerful; we can build something and in one second destroy it. With this exhibition, I wanted to show how beautiful Mariupol is, not the ruins.”

public roads are not properly registered.

If you apply for a PTV registration now, it will be good through June 1, 2029, so more than five years. That will be the expiration date for anyone who registers through June 1, 2025. After that, the new expiration will become June 1, 2030.

For questions about PTVs and the registration process, email info@ miltonga.gov or call 678-242-2500. Answers to common questions can be found at miltonga.gov/PTVs.

DNP, FNP-C Johns Creek

FNP-C

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ANNA RUMIANTSEVA/SPECIAL TO APPEN MEDIA Rumiantseva’s photos of Mariupol are hung in Alpharetta City Hall’s conference room.

Truck:

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trucks, face painting, bounce houses, crafts and other children’s activities.

“When my children were little, I used to come to Touch-a-Truck,” said Kelly Rosen, a community outreach volunteer for the Milton Fire Corps. “There are a lot of people here…and not just [from] Milton, but people come from Alpharetta, Cumming, Woodstock, and all over this area because kids love trucks…it’s a great family event.”

For more than 20 years, touch-atruck events have remained an annual staple throughout Metro Atlanta. Due to the global pandemic, gatherings like these were cancelled in 2020 before making a return the following year. While previously held in surrounding cities like Alpharetta, this marks the first year for Milton. Vehicles included a Milton Police patrol car, Milton Fire-

Rescue engine, a horse trailer and a John Deere tractor.

“It’s such a good event,” said Keith Tenuto, owner of the Junkluggers of North Atlanta, and a primary sponsor for the event. “When kids are learning at early ages, one of the first things they learn about is a firetruck or a police truck or an ambulance, and so having that stuff available so that they can be involved and physically go inside the truck and see it with their own eyes, I think it’s just an important thing for them learning-wise. For local business owners like myself, it just gives us the opportunity to be a part of that as well.”

With several hundred guests in attendance, the popular event continues to receive positive feedback from the community and its many sponsors. For more information on this or other Milton community events, contact Milton Community Outreach Manager Emily Salerno at Emily. Salerno@miltonga.gov.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 201 EVENTS

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Post 201 Parking Lot

Scout Troop 51 Paint Recycling Fundraiser

Open to the Public

All latex, oil based paints in any size container accepted Visit www.legion201.org/events for details

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29, 8:30 p.m. – “Sinatra & Friends”

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, 8 p.m. – Laughter at the Legion

Open to the Public

“Married with Laughter” featuring Jeff Norris & Renee DeLorenzo Tickets available online or at the Clubroom/Bar Visit www.legion201.org/events for details

FRIDAY, OCT. 6, 8:30 p.m. – The Simply Awesome Band

Open to the Public

A Night of Smooth Jazz! Blues! R&B! Oldies and More! Visit www.legion201.org/events for details

DANCES & DANCE INSTRUCTION – Open to the Public

Dances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday Evenings

Line Dance Instruction: Monday & Friday Mornings; Wednesday Evening

Free Dance Lessons: Thursday Evening (Donations Accepted for Troops & Veterans Services)

For Complete Details Visit: www.club201dance.com/calendar

201 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-475-9023

www.legion201.org

PHOTOS BY ADAM DARBY/APPEN MEDIA

The beauty of the Eastern tiger swallowtail, Georgia’s state butterfly

One of the most splendidly adorned insects is the butterfly. If I asked you to tell me about your favorite insect, my guess is that butterflies would be at the top of the list for most people. Because of the public admiration of butterflies, most of the 50 states have selected a state butterfly. In 1988, the Georgia Legislature passed a bill designating the Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) as the official state butterfly.

These summer beauties have four wings with yellow and black stripes on their forewings and one orange eyespot at the posterior end of each hindwing as well as a distinctive tail at the end of each hindwing. The female tiger swallowtails are adorned with an additional feature, a series of five blue circles lining the area above the tail of both hindwings. Some female swallowtails in the South are completely black but contain a shadow of the tiger stripe.

Every summer I anxiously await the arrival of the butterflies, especially the Eastern tiger swallowtails. They are the most abundant of the butterflies that visit our Georgia gardens. When the sun is shining, the swallowtails look for bright colored, nectar-producing flowers. They can also be seen at mud puddles and on asphalt to obtain water and some of the essential minerals needed for survival. During their short, two-week life as adult butterflies, they have two missions: to obtain nourishment from the nectar in flowers and to find a host plant to lay their eggs. They prefer to lay their eggs on birch, wild cherry, tulip poplar and ash trees. The leaves of these trees serve as the food supply for the hungry caterpillars after they hatch from the egg.

As the caterpillar increases in size and weight, it will shed its exoskeleton several times, and each time the exoskeleton is replaced by a new and larger one. When the larva, or caterpillars, reach their mature size, they pupate. The egg, caterpillar, pupa. adult life cycle is repeated one or two more times each summer. In Fall before the first frost, the last of the mature caterpillars will attach to a leaf and enter the pupa stage of their life cycle and remain suspended in this stage of development until the

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Carole MacMullan, a master gardener since 2012 and a Milton resident. Carole describes herself as a born biologist. Since childhood, she loved to explore the out-of-doors and garden with her mother. When she entered college, she selected biology as her major and made teaching high school biology her career for 35 years. In 2012, Carole completed the Master Gardener training program and joined the North Fulton Master Gardeners (NFMG) and the Milton Garden Club. Carole uses her teaching skills to create a variety of presentations on gardening topics for the NFMG Lecture Series and Speakers Bureau. She also volunteers weekly at the Assistance League of Atlanta (ALA) thrift store and acts as chair of their Links to Education scholarship program. Her favorite hobbies are gardening, hiking, biking and reading.

Learn more

• Top left photo: Female Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly on buttonbush (Cephalalanthus occidentalis), photo by Ed Navarro.

• Top right photo: Female Eastern tiger swallowtail on purple butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), photo by Carole MacMullan.

• Middle left photo: Male swallowtail on orange impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), photo by Carole MacMullan.

• Bottom right photo: Eastern tiger swallowtail close-up showing antenna and proboscis, University of Georgia photo

• Bottom left photo: Eastern tiger swallowtail larva, photo by Howard Ensign Evans, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org.

summer of the next year. The pupa stage is a time of change. Some of the caterpillar cells are lost, reshuffled, and replaced by new cells that create wings, antennae, new mouth parts and reproductive organs. This metamorphosis transforms the green, worm-like caterpillar into a colorful butterfly capable of reproducing and laying eggs.

Successfully observing butterflies requires being at the right place at the right time. They like sunny days and prefer to feed in the late mornings and during the afternoon since they are cold-blooded. On a sunny July 14, I observed a hungry, male Eastern tiger swallowtail feeding on the nectar of a cluster of orange impatiens flowers. Over a period of 10 to 15 minutes, the butterfly moved from one orange flower to the next orange flower, each time

inserting its straw-like mouth part called a proboscis to obtain lifesustaining nectar. To my amazement, the butterfly visited every orange impatiens flower in my flower bed but ignored every white flowering impatiens! My conclusion is that they like bright colored flowers, and the flower color is more important than the taste appeal of the nectar.

My suggestion to all butterfly enthusiasts is to visit your gardens, take a walk and/or visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden or Gibbs Garden in Ball Ground, Ga., and to enjoy the summer flowers, pollinators and of course, the butterflies. If you have pre-school children or grandchildren, I suggest reading my favorite children’s picture book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. It is never too early to teach our children to appreciate the out-of-

• Georgia Wildlife Federation Magazine, “State butterfly is a beautiful sight,” March 18, 2020, originally posted in fall 1991.

• Jeffrey Glassberg, “Butterflies of North America,” 2011, ISBN 978-14027-8620-4.

• Charles Seabrook, “The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is Aptly Named,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, June 20, 2013.

• James A. Scott, “The Butterflies of North America: a natural history and field guide,” Stanford University Press, ISBN-13: 978-0804720137.

doors and all the animals, plants and living things we share the planet with and are part of the web of life!

Happy Gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net.

CAROLE MACMULLAN

Guest Columnist

OPINION

Recognition and tributes for Lynwood Park and the Trailblazers

On September 12, 2023, several tributes to the community and Trailblazers of Lynwood Park were unveiled at the Lynwood Park Recreation Center, formerly Lynwood Park School. The city of Brookhaven worked with the Lynwood Park Foundation to honor and celebrate the history and people of the community.

The path to these changes began in 2018 when the Lynwood Park Foundation began work to obtain a historical marker. In October 2020, the Brookhaven City Council voted on and approved the “Historic Lynwood Park Recognition Ordinance.” The ordinance recognized Lynwood Park as the first predominantly Black subdivision in DeKalb County, a community which suffered discrimination and segregation.

Brookhaven councilwoman Linley Jones announced the various markers and tributes which are now a permanent part of the community.

The Lynwood Park School historical marker is on the lawn in front of the former school, which is now Lynwood Park Recreation Center. Black students from Lynwood Park, Doraville and Chamblee attended the school. It is one of several “equalization schools” across Georgia, where improvements or new schools were built for Black children, while keeping schools segregated.

The “Lynwood Park Trailblazers Community Room” honors former Lynwood Park students who blazed a trail for those to follow. The students were the first to integrate nearby White DeKalb County schools when Lynwood Park School closed in 1968.

The name of the gymnasium of Lynwood Park Recreation Center has been restored, named in honor of Columbus Jones, the first recreation director. The sign above the entrance reads, “Columbus Jones Gymnasium, home of the mighty Lynwood Rattlers, est. 1949.”

The turf field of Lynwood Park will honor Emmauel Wallace, long-time staffer of the park who died in 2020. His daughter shared his legacy, adding “his character and integrity shone through.”

Another tribute to the history lies within a display case placed in the community center lobby with photos and memorabilia of Lynwood Park School.

To highlight the entrance to historic Lynwood Park, Atlanta artist Turiya Clark was commissioned to paint murals in each crosswalk of the Windsor Parkway and Osborne Road roundabout. Clark, who grew up in Lynwood Park, painted images that are significant to Lynwood Park.

The little red schoolhouse, the first school in Lynwood Park, is featured in one crosswalk section. Families of the community donated their labor and money to build the school which served their children from 1942 until 1949.

The school built in 1949 is pictured in another crosswalk. Other crosswalk paintings include a large oak tree which was a central gathering place for the community, white butterflies to symbolize peace and transformation and the ancestors of Lynwood Park, red poppies represent remembrance and hope for the future, yellow wildflowers for resilience and

willpower to survive against the odds, and the sun for happiness and harmony in the community.

Markers sharing the story of the community have also been placed at the entrance to Lynwood Park. Councilwoman Linley Jones declared, “The gateway markers at the intersection of Windsor

Parkway and Osborne Road establish a permanent sense of place.”

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff 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.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

Columnist

On September 12, 2023 a ribbon cutting was held for the new Lynwood Park Trail Blazers Community Room.

PHOTOS BY VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF/APPEN MEDIA

The Lynwood Park Recreation Center gymnasium name has been restored to honor Columbus Jones.

Local artist Turiya Clark painted murals on the crosswalks of the Windsor Parkway/Osborne Road roundabout.

Book chatter with a group of lifelong bookworms

Book chatter is what you get when you join a group of avid readers. Believe it or not, it can be hard to get a word in edgewise.

spot. Instead, I went right home and reserved it at the library.

KATHY

In August, I met with a Mystery Book Club in Highlands, N.C. What a fun time. Not only did Shakespeare & Company bookstore host the group, the manager also provided a tasty charcuterie board to fortify us for the meeting.

I gave an informal presentation about my serendipitous path to becoming an author, and a freewheeling back and forth ensued. Imagine a group of avid readers offering their opinions not only on mysteries but on all kinds of books. Picture all of us sharing the names of our favorite authors — from Agatha Christie to Rita Mae Brown. From Dorothy Sayers to Sophie Hannah. Their eyes lit up when they heard that the books in my series all include either a book club meeting or a literary festival.

We reflected on the joy that reading brings us. We were all lifelong bookworms. Someone mentioned Anna Quindlen’s book, “How Reading Changed My Life,” and I was the only one in the room who hadn’t read it. If there’d been a copy available in the shop, I would have bought it on the

We even had a conversation about grammar when one reader bemoaned the mistakes in a newsletter at a senior living facility. Laughter greeted the story of the residents circling the errors and bringing them to the front desk. The group was aghast but not surprised that the college grad who composed the publication seemed unable to produce an error-free product.

That launched a discussion of our favorite books about grammar. I had to come home and scan my bookshelf and fire off an email with a list of my favorites:

• “Dreyer’s English—An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style”

• “Between You & Me—Confessions of a Comma Queen”

• “Lapsing into a Comma—A Curmudgeon’s Guide to the many things that can go wrong in print—and how to avoid them”

• “Eats, Shoots, & Leaves”

Ten days later, I met with a Dunwoody book club to discuss the first book in my mystery series. This group of women formed their club in 1997 and are still going strong. Because they’re Dunwoody residents, they’re familiar with my “Crier” columns about books. I smiled when one member walked in with a clipping from the column in which I’d recommended “The White

Lady,” a novel by one of my favorite authors. In her other hand, she carried a copy of the book.

Once again, I shared the tale of how I came to write my first work of fiction after I retired. I still credit Dick Williams, former editor of the Crier, with launching my writing career when he hired me as a columnist. This group had read “Bells, Tails & Murder,” book one in my series, so there were plenty of questions about the plot, the characters, and the setting. As I described the many Cotswolds sights and facts that appear in my books, I felt as though I were reliving my 2018 bucket list trip to England.

My heroine lives in a schoolhouse cottage we drove by, but the village where she lives is fictional. A waterwheel we saw in Upper Slaughter inspired the imaginary Olde Mill Inn in the book. It’s true that J.M. Barrie summered in Stanway and donated a cricket pavilion to the village, but the literary mystery in the book exists only in my imagination. The spunky octogenarian in the book? The inspiration for that character comes not from the Cotswolds trip, but from closer to home. She’s the embodiment of a 93-year-old Dunwoody friend.

You can always count on a group of avid readers to share the names of their favorite authors. Mine, of course, were all British — Kate Ellis, Colleen Cambridge, and Jacqueline Winspear. The list changes depending on when I’m asked, though there are a few constants.

When one person commented that it must take lots of imagination to write a novel, I had to think. I write what I know and pluck characters and situations from my life. Describing bicycling, reading, or tossing together a Greek meal comes easily to me. How much imagination does it take to weave stories around those elements? I’m not sure. What I know is that I get immense joy from writing. Talking books with groups like these is an unexpected bonus. Who knew retired life could be so rewarding?

NOTE: Join the fun at the Oct. 1 Johns Creek Literary Fair from noon to 5 p.m., at the Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park. Enjoy New York Times bestselling writers discussing and signing their books. Witness a literary version of “Speed Dating” when twenty local authors give two-minute talks about their books — yes, I’ll be one of them. Books plus light hors d’oeuvres, wine, and other beverages will be available to purchase. What could be better than strolling through the park on an autumn afternoon chatting with authors and picking up a book or two or three?

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

Bidenomics, mixed messages and your 10-year plan

In late June, President Biden was in Maine touting the benefits of his economic plan, proclaiming that Bidenomics is driving an American manufacturing boom and is helping workers and innovators invent and make more goods here at home. On the same day, speaking in Iowa, Vice-President Kamala Harris said, “Most Americans are a $400 expense away from bankruptcy.” So which is it? Joe says his plan is

benefiting workers while his veep says most Americans are broke. Talk about “mixed messages!”

At the household level, economics is about income and expenses. Incomes are rising and jobs are plentiful. But is your income keeping pace with inflation? Does your net after-tax income exceed your monthly expenses, allowing you to save for future expenses, say, big ticket items like buying a first home or a vacation home, upgrading your existing home, raising children, paying for educations, weddings, career advancement, ultimate retirement?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on a net after-tax basis, it takes $118.27 as of June, 2023, to equal the buying power of $100

in January, 2020. That’s inflation!

Years ago, Milton Friedman, the acclaimed economist and educator at the University of Chicago, told students that inflation, pure and simple, is a monetary phenomenon. “It’s always and everywhere, a result of too much money, of a more rapid increase in the quantity of money than in output.” In other words, “too much money chasing too few goods.”

We know what happened. During the height of the Covid-19 epidemic, people stayed home, factories shut down, and the supply chain was interrupted. President Biden poured trillions of dollars into the economy, and while some folks saved money and paid down debts, most of the created and borrowed money found

its way into increased spending midst shortages of goods. Why was surging inflation a surprise?

Long range forecasting is an exercise in guesswork. But suppose you are in your mid- to late-50s, and in ten short years, by 2033, you want to retire, or just be economically self-sufficient to the point where work is optional. According to the Alliance for Lifetime Income, 51% of consumers age 45 to 75 don’t have sufficient retirement savings to last their lifetime. What would a thirtyyear non-working time frame look like? Pensions are increasingly rare and distributions from tax-qualified retirement accounts are taxed at

MANOS PENN Columnist

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ordinary income rates. If your total annual income is more than $25,000 for an individual or $32,000 for a married couple filing jointly, you must pay federal income taxes on your Social Security benefits. Also, depending on your total taxable income, which can include interest from savings or from bond portfolios, dividends from stocks or other income producing assets, and capital gains from asset sales, you may pay more for Medicare Part B premiums. Premiums for a current year are based on your tax return filed two years ago. For 2023, for example, Part B premiums range from $164.90 per month, up to $560.50 per month for top earners. Medicare is not free! Tax planning is important in preparing for retirement, especially if major asset sales involving a closelyheld business or other property are contemplated as prelude to retirement or financial independence.

According to “The Wall Street Journal,” as of August 3, 2023, since June, 2022, “All Items” inflation is up by 3%. “Core Inflation” which measures the change in the costs of goods and services, excluding food and energy, is up by 4.8%. Use the latter figure in thinking about your next ten years, especially if you plan

PH-23-AB-10

to eat and move around.

Suppose you and your significant other want to take a quality dream trip in 2034 in comfort, say an eleven day European sojourn featuring Switzerland and a Rhine River cruise on a top-tier ship with a highly rated tour operator, upper deck with a French balcony. The 2024 fare for a couple is $22,790, air transportation not included. In ten years at a mere 2.50% annualized inflation and cumulative inflation of 28.01%, the price for our happy couple would approach $30,000. With Congress fighting over federal budget restraint, and with continued borrowing and money printing required to support federal spending, what’s your outlook as to tax rates and inflation rates going forward?

Some tour operators and cruise lines proclaim “air fare is included from select cities.” That normally is for basic economy, not upgraded economy, or first or business class. Always look for the “tour only” price and then compare that with what you could book on your own, especially if you can use airline points. An experienced travel agent can help you sort out options and make good choices.

What do your “next ten” years look like, in terms of basic necessities compared to higher style dreams and comfort? What about needs for other family members or grown children or grandchildren that

CITY

OF MILTON

PLACE CITY HALL 2006 HERITAGE WALK MILTON, GA 30004

you may be called on to fund? What about your health care needs or that of loved ones?

Planning can tax the mind. But “someday” is not a time frame. Procrastination is not a strategy. Your “next ten” can get complicated fast. Start planning now!

Plan: AAPPEN PRESSCLU B appenmedia.com/join

PH-23-AB-08

DATE & TIME:

10/2/23 6:00 PM

PURPOSE: Chapter 4

Alcohol Beverage License Application for Consumption On-Premises

Wine, Malt Beverages, Distilled Spirits, Resident Caterer, and Sunday Sales

APPLICANT:

La Mer Seafood Cuisine LLC

3100 Heritage Walk, Suite 102 Milton, Georgia 30004

PURPOSE: Chapter 4

Alcohol Beverage License Application for Consumption On-Premisies, Wine, Malt Beverages, Distilled Spirits, and Sunday Sales

APPLICANT: Elizabeth United LLC

d/b/a Bobby G’s

12990 GA 9 North Milton, Georgia 30004 Brandon O’Mahoney, Contact 404-576-7613

DATE & TIME:

10/2/23 6:00 PM

PURPOSE: Chapter 4

Alcohol Beverage License Application for Consumption On-Premises

Wine, Malt Beverages, Distilled Spirits, and Sunday Sales

APPLICANT: Nal Bheem LLC

d/b/a Persis Biryani Indian Grill 631 N Main Street, Suite 100 Milton, Georgia 30009 Venkata Suresh Palepu, Contact 480-363-6547

Alpharetta Animal Hospital has been serving the Alpharetta community and surrounding area for over 50 years. We offer a variety of medical services to treat your dog or cat and strive to provide excellent care with established and emerging medical technology.

Full-time

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.

VETERINARY TECHNICIANS & ASSISTANTS: Dunwoody Animal Medical Center is hiring! Send resume to office@dunwoodyamc.com

WestRock Services LLC has multiple openings for a Manager, IT Engineering in Cumming, GA. Job duties include: Responsible for supporting Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) infrastructure and leading the development of system integration capabilities for the IT organization. Criminal background check and drug testing required. Email resume to: kathy.engler@westrock.com Requisition #ATR33563,. Job code #ATR33563 must be included in resume, cover letter, and subject line.

Zscaler has the following position available at its Alpharetta, GA office (various types/levels)):

- Software Engineer [Job Code 15775]: $99,008$109,008/yr.: Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs for Zscaler products. Some telecommuting is permitted.

TO APPLY: Go to www.jobpostingtoday.com, search for job code & submit resume.

Part-time

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Tree Services

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

GENERAL STORE DUTIES & FRAMING PRODUCTION for Custom Frame Shop. Experience s preferred but not required. Flexible Part-time hours, can lead to Fulltime. Call Maria 770-667-2112

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

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

COMPLETE TREE SERVICES

Appen-Rated 98 Text or Call us for a FREE quote appointment.

Tree removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Free mulch. Fully insured. Emergency 24/7. 770-450-8188

Home Improvement

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

Gutters

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

Pinestraw

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

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.

$250

OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

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

Deadline to place a Classified ad is Thursday at 4 pm

Legal

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

Health & Fitness

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos

Español

Dental Insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real in-surance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www. dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Attention oxygen therapy users!

Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Miscellaneous

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

LOST CAT, missing since Aug. 6. Rory, 4 y/o solid white, green eyes domestic short hair, fixed male. Very affectionate. Saddle Bridge Drive, Johns Creek 30022.  Very much loved & missed. NOT A STRAY.

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

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

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

1-800-245-0398

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

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

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

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 1-844774-0206 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! 866511-1799

This year, I am proud to partner with the Atlanta chapter of StandUp for Kids, a non-profit organization committed to ending the cycle of youth homelessness, which extends to every part of Atlanta, including our North Atlanta suburbs.

TRUE NEEDS:

• $10 food gift cards (Chick-fil-A, Domino’s, Starbucks, Subway, etc.)

• Clear backpacks (18 inches or larger)

• Thank you cards (small inexpensive box)

If you would like to donate, please contact me for information on drop-off locations.

Nestled in the sought-after Highland Manor swim and tennis community of Milton, this charming home boasts picture-perfect curb appeal. Ideally situated in the highly ranked Cambridge High School district, this property offers an exceptional opportunity for those seeking top-tier education and a tranquil suburban lifestyle.

Effortlessly appealing, this residence features a serene setting on a quiet, fenced cul-de-sac lot. With its stunning exterior and inviting ambiance, this home exemplifies the quintessential suburban dream. Don't miss your chance to experience the best of Milton living with this remarkable Highland Manor gem! Now priced below appraisal. 1695