Milton Herald - October 13, 2022

City extends ban on alcohol applications

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — The Milton City Council extended a moratorium prohibiting new alcohol license applications for another seven weeks until it can finalize a new alcohol ordinance.

At their Oct. 3 meeting, council members considered recommendations from the city Planning Commission that would tighten restrictions on businesses that draw a large share of their revenues from the sale and consumption of alcohol on their premises.

Residents packed City Council Chambers, most in pro test of further alcohol restrictions.

The moratorium was enacted late last year to give city staff and the City Council sufficient time to establish alcohol-based land use and alcohol licensure entitlements, City Attorney Ken Jarrard said. The council has extended the moratorium twice since then, and it was set to expire Oct. 4.

Milton currently uses the state alcohol code as a guide, which limits production in brewpubs to 10,000 barrels. Meanwhile, the state code has no barrel limitation on breweries or distilleries, whereas microbreweries and mi crodistilleries have a 15,000-barrel limitation.

But, the Milton Planning Commission has recom mended changes to the definitions for brewpubs, breweries and distilleries, which would further restrict those busi

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

More than two dozen Billy Allen’s supporters turned out Oct.

let City Council members know they supported keeping the entertainment venue operating. Billy Allen’s was given a licensure exception last year allowing it a 70-30 alcohol-food

to remain open

a.m.

Critics raise Cain over latest plans for redistricting attendance zones

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Parents who thought the redistricting of school enrollment zones would result in minor adjust ments for area schools were in for a surprise when draft maps were revealed last week.

Community expectations at the Oct. 3 redistricting meeting were fo cused on adjusting enrollment imbal ances in the Windward-area elemen tary schools in Alpharetta and filling the new Crabapple Middle School in Roswell.

What they saw were three draft maps with changes to attendance and feeder alignments affecting nearly every school in North Fulton, from elementary to high schools.

“I think there is chaos being represented [on the maps],” said Martine Zurinskas, co-president of the Alpharetta High School PTSA and a resident of the Windward commu

Sunny Stevens was area’s ‘Equestrian Godmother’

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

BALL GROUND, Ga. — As an equestrian figurehead, Sunny Stevens will forever be a part of Milton’s rural heritage.

Ruth Corinne “Sunny” Stevens, who passed away Oct. 2 at 75 years old, leaves behind a legacy. Deemed the region’s “equestrian godmother,” those in the horse community, and beyond, knew the native Atlantan and her steadfast attitude about training riders.

According to her Legacy.com obituary, Sunny began riding at 8 years old after her sister, Ann, discovered the sport. To gether, they founded Stevehaven Stables in the late 1960s. Sunny would go on to train hundreds of riders there.

Sunny won numerous awards for her equestrian work. Most recently, she received the Georgia Hunter Jumper As sociation Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 for her devotion to protecting the wellbeing of the horse and safety of the rider. Sunny was a founding member of the association in 1973 and continued to serve on its board of directors and served as its president for two terms.

In 2019, the U.S. Hunter Jumper

Association recognized Sunny with the Jane Marshall Dillon Award, which is awarded to equestrians who devote their lives to teaching and mentoring riders in the hunter/jumper discipline. Another of Sunny’s many awards was the Old Sa lem Farm Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, according to her obituary.

Raising professionals

Some of Sunny’s students would become professionals, like Laura Bent ley’s daughter, Tori. Sunny also trained Bentley’s daughter, Carlee.

Bentley, a Milton resident and former Milton City Council member, began riding with Sunny in 2006 along with her two daughters. Clients who have stayed with Sunny for years, her best clients, bought into the “Sunny School of Thought,” Bentley said.

In her final days, Sunny and Bentley had a lot of time to sit and talk. During those talks, Bentley came to know that Sunny kept a running tab of people on her phone, of students she trained who went on to become professionals. That was one of the things she was most proud of, Bentley said.

Bentley described the nonverbal communication between a horse and its rider, a magical process and a skill that takes a lot of time to develop.

“Sunny had an innate ability to think like a horse,” she said.

Bentley recalled Sunny showing Tori her bit collection, explaining what each bit does, each communicating something different to the horse. Sunny spent a lot of time figuring out new ways to teach kids how to ride, a difficult sport to finetune.

As an “old school” instructor, Bentley said Sunny would tape a ruler to kids’ wrists when they broke them while riding. She recalled Sunny tying stirrup leathers to the girth on her kids’ horses.

“Taking the time to do it right was always the Sunny Stevens way,” Bentley

said.

Bentley talked about the way Sun ny’s students respected and feared her, wanting so much to please her.

“When you are in the ring with her, you are her number one,” Bentley said. “You just felt like no one else existed, and so many kids needed that.”

To Sunny, educating was less about winning contests and more about instill ing life lessons, Bentley said.

In a tribute she wrote on Facebook,

Bentley described one of Sunny’s endur ing legacies.

“Her riding lessons were life lessons … Stay on your rhythm, find your focal point, right rein, left leg — support your horse,” Bentley wrote. “Her reverence for the horse was the foundation for her being.”

A friend to many Friend and fellow equestrian Susan Day said Sunny was honest to the point of bluntness, but not to be hurtful. She was relatively quiet and reserved but had a tremendous sense of humor at the same time, Day said, choosing her words and timing carefully.

Day, who serves on the Milton Equestrian Committee, knew Sunny for 40 years. While Sunny primarily did hunter-jumper training, Day rode in one of her very first dressage shows on Sunny’s Green Road farm in the early ’80s.

The two had really become friends when Day started boarding her horses with Sunny 15 years ago, knowing that Sunny had incredible knowledge of

LAURA BENTLEY/PROVIDED

Tori Bentley, a professional horse rider, walks alongside Sunny Stevens. Sunny, who passed away Oct. 2 at 75 years old, inspired many of her students to become professionals in the equestrian business. Tori, her sister Carlee and mother Laura began riding with Sunny in 2006.

Sunny:

horses and horse care.

Day said Sunny enjoyed going out to eat and had a particular love for Mexi can food. They talked about life, ani mals. Sunny had Jack Russell terriers and so did Day.

“She just was one of those people who is solid gold through and through,” Day said. “Completely trustworthy.”

Glynis Young was one of Sunny’s nurses at the beginning of her breast cancer diagnosis. Young recalled chat ting with Sunny, a delightful person she looked forward to seeing at the office, about the horse community and know ing the same people for years.

About three years ago, Young was in the yard of her daughter’s new home in Ball Ground, when she saw Sunny, unknowingly her daughter’s neighbor.

“She was magnetic with her kind, plain-spoken way of talking,” Young said.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, Nov. 7 at the covered arena at the Wills Park Equestrian Center in Alpharetta at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wills Park Equestrian Foundation in honor of Sunny, www.willsparkfoundation.com.

Emily Groth, Milton’s environmental program manager, gives a presentation about the formation of a new trash and advisory committee to the Milton City Council at its Oct. 3 meeting. The committee’s primary objective is to see through the adop tion and implementation of the city’s forthcoming 10-year Solid Waste and Recy cling Management Plan, to be completed by 2024.

Milton advances trash and recycling strategy

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — After several Milton City Council meetings, gathering direction from council members, the city’s Public Works department has gotten the ball moving on different trash and recycling initiatives.

Three big projects are underway. In January, the city will implement the Trash and Recycling Advisory (TARA) Committee, which will oversee the forthcoming 10-year Solid Waste and Recycling Management Plan. In ad dition, the Public Works Department applied at the end of September for a grant-funded program for hard-to-recy cle items and for the recycling expan sion at Bell Memorial Park.

The grant allots money to various eligible projects. Milton focused on re cycling and waste diversion infrastruc ture, hub and spoke development and waste reduction.

Along with a 20 percent match of $6,000 from the city, the grant would fund expanded contract maintenance and nine collection bins/signage at three different city facilities, including City Hall. The city would also purchase a storage hopper for the Public Works Yard. Bell Memorial Park would see an addition of a mobile hopper bin/signage next to the existing glass recycling bin. New bins would be tailored to commu nity needs.

EMILY GROTH Environmental Program Manager, City of Milton

Emily Groth, Milton’s environmental program manager, said the opportunity for this grant hadn’t come around for a while.

“[The grant] was new and exciting for all municipalities that were going to kind of try and take a shot at it,” she said.

Before joining the Public Works Department, Groth worked closely with the city’s passive parks and trails in Parks and Recreation.

“I’ve always been a pretty avid sup porter of the environment, whether you’re on the trails, in the water, or even, out of a more developed area,” she said. “It’s all super important, and anything that we can all do feeds to a greater cause.”

If awarded the grant, the city antici

It’s all super important, and anything that we can all do feeds to a greater cause.”

Council:

nesses. The Planning Commission also recommended to discontinuing licenses for limited food service restaurants and limited tap.

The City Council has four options: Discontinue licensing with no license renewals; discontinue new licensing with only renewals; discontinue licensing with only renewals for a limited amount of time; or continue offering the license.

A final council vote on the items is set for Oct. 17.

At the Monday night meeting, the City Council weighed in on two key features of the Planning Commission’s recommendations, barrel production and the licensure process for limited food service restaurants. Right now, there’s only one in the city – Billy Allen’s, a Crabapple restaurant and piano bar that opened in March.

In a coordinated effort, more than two dozen residents wearing pink Billy Allen’s branded T-shirts were in the au dience, listening to Milton City Manager Steven Krokoff present the Planning Commission’s recommendations to the city’s alcohol code.

The City Council granted owner Billy Allen an exception in October 2021, allow ing him to renew the alcohol license under the same terms and conditions as when it was approved. Those terms allowed a 70-30 alcohol-food ratio and permitted the business to remain open until 2 a.m.

Through the amendment approved at that same meeting, other businesses that use a 70-30 ratio are prohibited from staying open until 2 a.m.

Business draws support

During the public comment portion of the hearing, Billy Allen’s drew repeat ed support from residents.

But, Milton resident Mary Cronk agreed with the commission.

“I don’t know of a single person who moved to Milton because of our nightlife scene … I’m sure that you as mayor and council feel a great deal of pressure when you’re confronted by an emotional crowd attempting to make you feel that you’re be ing unfair,” Cronk said. “Most people don’t understand the issues and are easy prey to emotional pleading and half-truths.”

Cronk’s comments drew a chorus of boos from the partisan crowd.

While limited food service sits at a 70-30 ratio, several council members agreed that future businesses should abide by a 50-50 alcohol-food ratio.

Councilman Jan Jacobus recognized the torn situation that is Billy Allen’s.

“Personally, I feel that we should just stay with the 50-50. That works well for us and a lot of other cities,” Jacobus said. “However, I’m conflicted by the fact that a city council approved the one we

had, allowed for that investment and then to pull that — that doesn’t sit well with me.”

Mayor Peyton Jamison agreed.

“I’m perfectly fine with keeping the current one intact and not having any new ones,” Jamison said.

Councilwoman Carol Cookerly asked Allen if the 20 percent change, from 7030 to 50-50, would impact his business.

“In order for me to provide you with quality entertainment, not just enter tainment … that 20 percent keeps me off the fence,” Allen said.

While the city strives for a 50-50 ra tio, Cookerly said she’s not interested in “torturing” anyone the council previously promised.

Councilman Paul Moore said the council is not legislating on behalf of one business but is considering all the city in the present and in the future.

“We have been very clear from the get-go, that the way our city’s license works is that it’s renewed every single year,” Moore said. “And that we are of fered the consideration for any reason to approve it or not approve it based on the direction of the city.”

Setting barrel limitation

While offering comparisons to other North Fulton cities — Alpharetta, Can ton, Johns Creek and Roswell — for reference points, City Manager Krokoff presented other types of licensures in question: brewpubs, distilleries and breweries.

The Planning Commission recom

mended 3,000-barrel per year limita tions across the board. But, the state code limitations far exceed that number.

Councilwoman Cookerly asked why city planners favored lowering the limits.

“From the Planning Commission per spective, it’s about the size of the loca tion and the impact on the community,” Krokoff said.

Cookerly repeated her concern over the barrel limitation.

“So, Mr. Krokoff, there’s no backstory on why the Planning Commission picked 3,000?” she asked. “Because that just seems very arbitrary and small.”

Councilman Moore asked if the 3,000-barrel limitation on distilleries is restrictive. Krokoff said that in conversa tion with the one distiller/brewer in the city, he gathered that it was not restric tive to that owner’s plan.

Moore also asked that Krokoff consider how bigger facilities might encroach on residents close to brewer ies and distilleries, respective of delivery strategy.

Milton Zoning Manager Robyn Mac Donald will present the use permits per the recommendation of the Planning Commission at a future meeting. Her presentation will include those condi tions, Krokoff said.

Councilman Rick Mohrig said he doesn’t know what’s viable in the in dustry and asked that he receive more information before making a decision. However, he referred to the state code’s limitlessness on breweries and said pro duction shouldn’t exceed 15,000 barrels.

New park space added

In other action at the meeting, the City Council approved a $3.5 million park land purchase of 34 acres. Mil ton Parks and Recreation Director Tom McKlveen said the contract is for three properties in the southern portion of the city.

McKlveen said the contract is sup ported by the 2027 Parks & Recreation Master Plan and the city’s strategic and comprehensive plans.

“I know we’ve been working on this for a long time, so I think the commu nity will be excited when it’s all said and done,” Mayor Jamison said.

In another matter, the council ap proved a conflict waiver that would authorize Jarrard’s law firm to repre sent Forsyth County, Cherokee County and the City of Milton in an anticipated intergovernmental agreement regard ing a new residential development that touches all three jurisdictions. Plans call for an agreement that would allow Forsyth County to provide water services to the site, which is under development by Toll Brothers.

Toll Brothers attorney Ethan Under wood told council members the closest water connection is The Manor, a Milton subdivision. But, he added that because of creek crossings, it would be cheaper to draw water from Forsyth County.

The City Council also approved a resolution to extend the deadline for the Municipal Election Feasibility Commit tee’s final report to the end of the year.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Billy Allen, who operates an entertainment establishment in Milton, explains his business model during public comment at the Oct. 3 City Council meeting. Allen told councilmembers the difference in impact between the current 70-30 alcohol-food ratio he is allowed and the city’s preferred 50-50 split.

Probe into former judge referred to state officials

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A report into accu sations made against retired Alpharetta Municipal Judge Barry Zimmerman has been referred to state authorities for further investigation.

Zimmerman stepped down from his post in June amid accusations of “im proper involvement” in local cases.

Alpharetta City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom forwarded to the City Coun cil Oct. 3 a four-page redacted report on the allegations from Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge Randolph G. Rich to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Georgia State Bar Association.

“We particularly charged [Rich] with discovering what events led to the JQC investigation,” Lagerbloom told coun cil members. “Whether parties other than Judge Zimmerman were involved in any wrongful activity, whether the city could access the content that was deleted [from] city-issued electronic equipment and whether there was any criminal conduct.”

Report alleges impropriety

Lagerbloom said Rich’s investiga tion probed whether Zimmerman had

Judge Zimmerman

Barry Zimmerman served on the municipal courts of Roswell, Milton and Alpharetta, as well as the Ful ton County Magistrate Court.

been “improperly involved” in several cases he presided over in the city court, whether any other parties were involved in alleged wrongdoing, and whether there was any criminal con duct. Rich’s report appears to conclude that allegations made by the Judicial Qualifications Commission are valid.

The investigation report cites six cases from Alpharetta Municipal Court in which Zimmerman is alleged to have represented criminal defendants, using another attorney’s name and signature as a “straw man” defense attorney to file pleas with another Alpharetta judge.

The alleged scheme reportedly in volved attorney Keith F. Brandon, who shared an office space with and was a tenant of Zimmerman’s, and former city Solicitor Fran Shoenthal McQueen.

“Instead of removing the case from the Municipal Court of Alpharetta

to the State Court of Fulton County, Judge Zimmerman would negotiate the case with Solicitor Fran McQueen,” the report said.

Zimmerman has a long judicial his tory in Fulton County, having served on the municipal courts of Roswell, Milton and Alpharetta, as well as the Fulton County Magistrate Court. He was ap pointed chief judge of the Alpharetta Municipal Court in 2014, after having served as Milton’s chief judge.

McQueen, who served as city solici tor for Alpharetta and Milton for more than a decade, prosecuting thousands of cases with Zimmerman presiding, accused both cities in May of discrimi nation for replacing her with a “far younger and less experienced African American employee.”

Recently, city officials agreed to pay $100,000 to settle the case with McQueen.

McQueen is required to fully coop erate for up to one year “in any and all investigations, inquiries or litiga tion in any judicial, administrative, or public, quasi-public, or private forum,” directly involving how she handled or oversaw any case that she prosecuted on behalf of the cities, whether or not she is a party to or a subject in them.

Council reacts to report

During the workshop on Monday, council members unanimously voiced their concern and disgust at the re port’s findings, but they were split on whether the investigation needed to continue locally.

Councilman Doug DeRito said he was appalled by the facts laid out in the report and wants to know if there were more cases threatening the judicial integrity of the city’s court system.

“I think the public needs to hear, the general distaste I have when read ing the investigative report on our pre vious judge in the city,” DeRito said. “I do have severe concerns remaining, I’m not satisfied to just walk away tonight and put this to bed.”

Other council members agreed with DeRito’s concerns but suggested the city had reached the limits of what it could do with the findings.

“This is an embarrassment to our city,” Councilman Donald Mitchell said. “It’s an embarrassment to our taxpayers and to have this go on with out our knowing it at all … I want to see what checks and balances we put in place as a city to make sure this never happens again.”

Crabapple Fest returns with bubbles, monsters

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — With vendor tents on either side, Crabapple Road bustled with people for Milton’s annual arts and antiques festival Oct. 1.

Crabapple Fest has been a part of Milton’s fabric for at least 10 years. In its early days, the festival had few vendors and food tents, children’s ac tivities and antique sellers, said Anita Jupin, Milton Economic Engagement manager. The event has grown and evolved into the large festival and cel ebration that it is today, she said.

Based on aerial drone footage, an estimated 30,000-35,000 people at tended over the course of the 7-hour festival, Jupin said.

Over 100 vendors and close to a dozen non-profit organizations, service providers and food vendors participate in Crabapple Fest each year.

If visitors took a right into the area in front of Milton City Hall, they may have seen a section of vendors, operat ing independently from Crabapple Fest. These were kid vendors, 46 of them, Renee Dierdorff said.

The young entrepreneurs are part of Kid Biz Expo, an organization that was

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

The City of Milton closed Crabapple Road for its signature event of the year Oct. 1. Crabapple Fest, which drew upwards of 30,000, has been part of Milton’s fabric for at least 10 years, said Milton Economic Engagement Manager Anita Jupin. The festival featured more than 100 art and antique vendors.

founded by Dierdorff and Amy Guest last August. Its slogan, “Empowering kids to go beyond the lemonade stand,” came to life at its fifth expo Saturday.

Adeline Aldridge, an exuberant 14-year-old sporting elf ears, partici pated in the expo with what she calls,

“Chaotic Creations.” On the table in front of her were more than a dozen small boxes, painted with different colors. They were monster-like boxes, though, with sculpted eyes bulging from the lids and teeth hanging from their edges, creating a mouth.

The Oct. 1 expo was Aldridge’s sec ond time selling her work. She’s based in Dallas, Georgia. Aldridge said she’s been making stuff for forever. But one day she got bored.

“I was scavenging around, and I found a box, and I said, ‘Hey, you should keep my feathers, and I’m gonna turn you into a monster be cause I like monsters,” she said. “And I thought, ‘Hey, would other people like this? I mean, I know I like it. There’s other people who’s gotta like it. There’s no way I’m the only one that likes this type of stuff. Right?’”

Aldridge said she wants to share what she can do with the world.

“Sometimes people can’t find the things that make them happy,” she said. “And I want to be that thing. I want to be the entertainment.”

For those interested in utilitarian creatures, email Aldridge at chaoticcre ations07@gmail.com.

Music from Atlanta Acoustic Art ists resounded from the front porch of Crabapple Family Dentistry, near the intersection. The group played cov ers, like “Wagon Wheel” from Old Crow Medicine Show, a Grammy-Award-win

See FEST, Page 18

Celebrating

Before studios were cool, we were cool.

Balance Salon owner reflects on 25 years

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Not many can say they have both good and bad luck, nor mally it’s just one or the other.

But for longtime salon owner CJ Nicotera, every cloud has a silver lining, and with a little hard work, even the worst luck can be overcome.

For the past 25 years, Nicotera, who runs Balance Salon in Dunwoody, has battled every kind of bad luck, from the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19 pandemic to roof collapses, but still she hasn’t lost her love of providing top ser vice to loyal clients.

“There’s something about her energy and her spirit,” said Lisa Rayner, a long time customer and friend. “She’s just such a vibrant, uplifting person I went, ‘This is what I need in my life.’ Then she turned out to be a great hairdresser as well.”

Nicotera got her start in the business in 1997, working with partners out of a house on Buford Highway in Atlanta. She said they were so broke and so new to the business, they cut hair with clients sitting in lawn chairs and saved every penny they could to get real equip ment and outfit the salon.

“So, I did that for 10 years,” Nicotera said. “It was Buford highway, but it’s the cheapest rent we could find. So, before studios were cool, we were cool.”

Nicotera and her partners would literally walk neighborhoods throughout the Metro Atlanta, putting flyers and postcards in mailboxes for the salon, earning the business of locals with hard work and sweat.

“That’s how we grew the company the first 10 years,” she said. “We would

pound pavement and pound doors, and just did whatever it took to, you know, pay the bills the following month.”

Eventually, people began to notice them, especially after they made friends with and a client of a local Atlanta radio personality.

“Next thing you know, she’s putting us on the radio as one of the best finds in Atlanta because we were just so hard working,” she said. “It was the help we needed.”

It wasn’t like they were instantly flooded with business and money, but it did give them a bit of breathing room.

Hard work counters bad luck

After 10 years, Nicotera left the part nership, wanting to move and open a more corporate type of salon, with more resources and help on the business and marketing side of things. So, she borrowed $10,000, signed a lease, and started putting in the elbow grease to make her idea a success.

Unfortunately, it was the exact worst time to start a new business, and just a year after she opened, the 2008 financial crisis hit the like a thunderbolt.

“I got shingles, I was so stressed out during that one,” she said.

But about 6 months into the crisis, Nicotera said she got some unexpected help that kept her business going, when a nearby salon in Dunwoody unexpect edly went out of business.

“So immediately, I got four people with a clientele,” she said. “And I still have two of them with me.”

Through the years since the 2008 fi nancial crisis, there have still been spots of bad luck, like when her salon’s roof caved in after Atlanta experienced sev eral weeks of torrential rains. But each

BALANCE SALON/PROVIDED

Balance Salon owner CJ Nicotera

launched her career cutting hair in a house on Buford Highway in Atlanta, us ing lawn chairs for customers.

months, she said. But they never had to let any employees go and were quickly able to get back to business, thanks to the small business loan opportunities offered by the state and federal govern ment at the beginning of the pandemic.

“I had no idea what I was filling out. I just had to figure out how to find money to keep my company open,” she said. “I was on my kitchen floor … bawling my eyes out. Two days later, the money showed up in the in the business ac count.”

Finding Balance

But even when they were given the go-ahead to reopen, it wasn’t like before. Nicotera said that even with the precau tions they were taking, nearly 20 percent of her business was lost by the pan demic.

But the clients that did stay, are more loyal than ever.

Rayner said she admires her friend for persevering through the pandemic, especially because the salon business is based so much on touch and letting a stranger into your personal space.

“As a client, I just feel like it’s such a warm and welcoming environment, everyone who works there,” Rayner said. “They honor your time as much as they do theirs.”

time, her business was able to move on and survive.

“My first year I actually hit a million dollars in business was 2019, and then in March of 2020, we were shut down for being unessential,” she said.

In total, they were closed for four

After all these years, Nicotera says she still leads her employees by ex ample, putting in the hard work that her clients expect and deserve, because that’s what’s led her to this point, and anything else would be a betrayal of her years in business.

“As the owner, I could say, ‘Hey, I’ve been doing this 30 years. I don’t have

CJ NICOTERA, owner of Balance Salon

For 25 years CJ Nicotera of Balance Salon in Dunwoody has been putting in the hard work, providing top service to clients in the Atlanta area. Nicotera and her staff will celebrate their clients and supporters with a week of events starting on Tuesday, Oct. 18.

Salon:

Continued from Page 12

to work and work hard like I do,’” she said. “But I still feel the way I did when I opened up that first one. Anyone can cut some bangs, anyone can do some foils, there’s tons of us out there. But what we’ve worked so hard at is to not forget where we come from and how hard we’ve worked to get it.”

To say thank you to all of the clients that supported them over the years, Bal ance Salon will open its doors for a week

of events Oct. 18, to celebrate how far they’ve come and everything they’ve gone through.

Throughout the week, Balance Salon will have special promotions, special guests and special events, culminat ing with an “open-air” cocktail party on Friday, Oct. 21.

“I want to give back to them,” Nico tera said. “I want to give back to my team for standing by me this whole time and all the people that have helped me.”

For more information about Balance Salon and their week-long celebration of “inner and outer beauty” visit balancesalon.com/dunwoody-event.

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Smith’s Five & Ten Cent Store had everything you need

Smith’s Five & Ten Cent Store at the corner of Elizabeth Way and Canton Street in down town Roswell was a small-town store that people relied on in a town of 2,000 people. The store was opened in 1946 by Ruben A. Smith (1911-2000).

He rented the space from Arthur William Smith (no relation), owner of the nearby Smith Plantation built in 1845.

The historic building housing the store dates back to either the late 1860s or 1880 and was originally one story. At some point a second story, or loft, was added, which may have been used to store hay because there is evidence of a hay door. This raises the question about the original use of the building, possi bly as a stable for the Smith Plantation. Through the decades, it has been home to a number of businesses including the Lyon’s Drug Store and a barber shop with public bath in the early 1900s, Gallery V art gallery and Bradford Florist in the 1980s, and most recently a water sports store. I believe that the building is named for Dr. G. T. Lyon who owned a local drug manufacturing company at the turn of the last century.

The store occupied two individual retail spaces separated by a 2-foot-thick wall and connected by a door. Portions of the walls have been removed exposing the original stacked stone covered with two inches of mortar on each side.

Smith’s Five & Ten Cent Store had just about everything a family needed, except food. One side carried dry goods such as buttons, zippers, thread, cloth and Simplicity patterns, because back then people made their own clothes. Also popular were dungarees, shirts, Buster Brown children’s shoes, and lingerie. The store sold window shades and 9x12 and 8x12 linoleum “rugs” rolled up in

Want to go from restless... to well rested?

The building that housed the Five & Ten Store is vacant today and its interior has been demolished. The walls are bare in places, revealing a stacked stone wall separating the two stores that were sometimes rented separately and sometimes rented together as in the case of Smith’s Five & Ten.

cardboard tubes.

The other side housed toys, house wares such as pots and pans, school supplies and paint.

Teenagers came in to buy plastic kits of model cars and airplanes, popular items in the 1950s and 1960s. Because these had to be assembled and painted, the store sold a lot of glue and hobby paint.

The business was open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

It was closed on Sunday due to blue laws that restricted many commercial activities on the Sabbath.

Ruben and his wife Ophelia (19132000) had six children, all of whom worked in the store as sales clerks. They also stocked shelves and swept.

“We kids had to do it all,” says namesake son Ruben Jr. “The worst was doing inventory January 1 and 2 with at least 1,000 items to count and record.”

Every Friday the store cashed paychecks for workers from the lo cal Roswell Mill and Roswell Company (previously the Oxbow Pants Factory). Ruben walked to the Roswell Bank, the only bank in town, early Friday to get $2,000 in cash which he carried back to the store in a metal cash box. He carried the cash box home every night under his arm. He was never robbed even though people knew he had money in that box.

On Wednesday, all stores closed at 1 p.m., and Ruben would go to Atlanta to restock his merchandise. Saturday was the busiest day when people came to town from the surrounding area to shop.

“It was our make-or-break day,” says Ruben Jr.

Ruben’s store had a Coke machine and charged 5 cents a bottle. In 1960 The Coca-Cola Company increased the price to 10 cents which completely stopped Coke sales. After a few weeks,

SMITH FAMILY/PROVIDED Smith’s Five & Ten Cent Store which occupied the entire building on the corner of Canton Street and Elizabeth in downtown Roswell was a special place for area residents for 20 years, from 1946 to 1966.

Coke reduced the price to 6 cents, and sales resumed.

In 1966 Ruben retired from the business and entered divinity school to become an ordained Baptist minis ter, preaching to seniors in retirement homes, until his death in 2000.

The building is now vacant, the interior stripped to the bare bones. The flooring is gone.

The plan is to have a restaurant oc cupy the highly desirable space in the heart of the vibrant downtown Roswell dining district.

Ruben Jr. became a minister in 1973. His first church was Grace Baptist Church in Roswell. Then, as is common in Baptist churches, Ruben Jr. served in several churches in Cherokee, Forsyth and Gilmer counties and now does interim church work as needed. He and his wife Connie now live on a farm in Waleska, a small community in north western Cherokee County.

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net.

Inspire is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you, and review important safety information at InspireSleep.com.

Hear from doctors in your area about Inspire, a sleep apnea treatment that works inside your body.

No mask. No hose. Just sleep.

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

CLUB

AA PPEN PRESSCLU

CHARTER MEMBER

Robin Fricton

Roderick Liptrot Bob Meyers

Roger Wise Jr.

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Rita Brown Mark Casas

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Anne Peer Robert Popp

Mark Rundle

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Leslie Berry

Tom Billings

Joe Bowen

Clea Calloway

Kirk Canaday

James Carr

Pat Check

Rebecca Donlan

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Danny Elkins

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MEMBER (Cont.)

Penn Hodge

Tyler Jones

Mark Kelly

Allison Kloster

Ken Leffingwell

Karen Magill

Al Merrill

Fred Moeller

Stephanie Schuette

Cindy Simpson

Faye Sklar

Andy Smith

Lisa Tilt

Ollie Wagner

Lewis Walker

Green:

pates bin installation in spring 2023.

At a Sept. 7 City Council meeting, Groth sought council feedback on the formation of the TARA Committee to oversee the 10-year environmental plan and weigh in on any future sustain ability initiatives, like support for Green Communities certification. The Atlanta Regional Commission recently upgraded Milton from a bronze to its first silver Green Communities honor for its 2021 environmental efforts.

Milton had a similar plan in place from 2008-2018, a requirement from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. But the state has loosened its involvement, although it still lists gen eral requirements to be included in the Milton 2033 plan. They include some ef fort by the city to maintain an adequate level of trash and recycling care.

For at least 10 years, the plan should provide adequate solid waste collection and disposal capability for the planning area. It should outline the size and type of solid waste facilities as well as identify sites that are not suitable for solid waste handling facilities. The plan will also include relevant challenges, like updating the status and capacities of regional landfills, changes in labor

and industry shortages and an increase in population.

Groth said the plan should be completed by 2024, alongside the city’s strategic plan.

Groth returned to the Council Oct. 3, when council members agreed that the committee should be formed based on citywide appointments, rather than by district.

The committee will have seven Milton residents, 21 years and older. The mem bers would be appointed based on a set of desired qualities. They should be pas sionate, have an adequate understand ing of the waste and recycling industry and have planning/project knowledge.

The committee should represent various Milton stakeholder groups, like residents whose homes are on gravel roads, roads that are “near and dear” to residents, Groth said. Other represented groups would be those who use acces sible services and residents from both suburban and dense areas of the city.

The committee will be added to the city code. Groth said she foresees the committee meeting monthly.

When asked about the duration of the committee at the Oct. 3 City Coun cil meeting, Groth said the committee would be geared toward the plan in an immediate sense.

“But in the end, I would want it to be more longstanding to additionally help with general sustainability initia tives,” she said.

Schools:

Continued

nity. “As a parent I am very hopeful the district will take a pause and look at the feedback.”

She noted the greatest applause of the evening came when district plan ners said the three draft plans could be rejected with an entirely new fourth op tion brought forward in the next round on Oct. 18.

Fulton School Board member Katie Reeves, who represents Alpharetta and Milton schools, said even she was caught off guard by the scope of the changes on the draft maps. She noted the board had been told the redistricting would be a “light touch” with a narrow focus, and she had relayed that to the public.

“Had I known it would be this much [movement] I would have prepared my community,” said Reeves, who noted she has been involved in more than 40 redistrictings over her 24 years in office. “I’ve never seen anything like this…and we need to recognize we are playing with people’s lives.”

A district spokesman noted the re districting process is in its early phases, and the district is still actively soliciting and listening to the feedback from par ents on the attendance zone draft plans that were released Oct. 3.

“No final decision has been made…and [a vote] on the measure will not be until December after more rounds of public meeting and comment periods,” said Brian Noyes, chief communications officer for Fulton County Schools. “Staff is using this time to discuss the needs of the district and review options with our stakeholders.

Maps were a surprise Reeves said the changes to high school feeder patterns in the draft maps came as the biggest surprise to her and

KATIE REEVES

the community.

“The justification is simply not there since our high schools will not become overcrowded even if we don’t change lines,” Reeves said, noting enrollment forecasts do not support significant growth in the near future.

Additionally, when the maps were presented to the public the data behind the decisions was not made available. This is in contrast to past redistrictings, Reeves said, when drafts and data were released together.

The data was made available on the district website in the days following the Oct. 3 meeting.

Noyes said community members should always be aware that redistrict ing is a complex process, and direction can evolve over time.

“We started last spring [looking into redistricting] and as we’ve been gather ing more information, we been adjusting the scope of the process appropriately,” Noyes said.

Zurinskas said she believes district planners may have “overreached” on the current maps, and estimates the district is now sifting through thousands of comments. She remains confident they will bring back maps to the third round which makes better sense and reflects the community’s wishes.

She noted geographic proximity is the top criteria for attendance zones, yet

in the draft maps several neighborhoods sharing a boundary or in very close proximity to a school are being zoned to schools miles away.

“On the website it says Fulton’s redistricting is to address capacity at targeted and overcrowded schools,” Zurinskas said. “But there is so much more on the [draft] maps…and it just doesn’t make sense.”

Politics at play

Former Alpharetta city councilman Ben Burnett, who was a driving force in bringing Auburn University classes to the school district, said something more sinister is in play with the redis tricting.

He fired off a letter to Fulton Schools Superintendent Mike Looney following the Oct. 3 redistricting meeting saying the widespread disruptions to schools

would “dissolve the community of Al pharetta, Milton and Roswell.”

He said it is the quality of the schools that have drawn people to the region, and not the developments and down towns.

“The schools here are the golden goose of this community,” Burnett wrote.

He also asserted the redistricting disruptions seemed focused on board member Katie Reeves whose outspoken manner has often left her at odds with her fellow board members and staff on occasion. Burnett noted most of the questionable decisions on redistricting were found at schools in Reeves’ District 2 region. Reeve’s is retiring in Decem ber after six terms on the Fulton School Board.

“I see through the politics of this,” wrote Burnett, adding that Reeves was not aware of the zone changes until the Oct. 3 meeting. “That means, a group of bureaucrats didn’t want an elected official to know what was going on.”

Fulton Schools spokesman Noyes called Burnett’s claims “preposterous.”

“There is nothing personal in the maps and it’s all about the numbers,” Noyes said. “Obviously people have their personal opinions but we [create the maps] without political consider ation.”

“The justification is simply not there since our high schools will not become overcrowded even if we don’t change lines.”

Fulton County School Board member

Fest:

ning folk band.

In the office’s front yard, next to several covered picnic tables, children and adults alike attempted to catch the giant bubbles floating from Deborah Mosher’s bubble wand.

Mosher, owner and founder of Bub bles Over Georgia, created a bubble mixture on top of a black tarp. While wearing a sun hat, adorned with an orange boa, and a fall-festive Bubbles Over Georgia T-shirt, Mosher watched the result of her work with a big smile.

Down Crabapple Road, Lisa Si mons-Kaminsky was tucked into her tent, which held her mother’s stainedglass work. Gloria Simons, who was absent for the festival, has been mak ing stained glass art for 40 years. This year was their second year participat ing in Crabapple Fest.

Lisa, who’s based in Alpharetta, began learning the process from her mother about 12 years ago, a process that calls for foiling and soldering. Recently, Lisa has been learning how to do different cuts, requiring different techniques based on whether the glass is curved or straight.

“It’s a great outlet,” Lisa said. “It takes a lot of skill, a lot of patience.”

Lisa said her mother picks glass from different places, like antique stores, and designs a piece from what ever she picks, which could be some thing like a plate or an old perfume bottle.

Lisa said most of her mom’s work is customized.

For leaded, foiled and beveled stained states, suncatchers, panels and custom orders, contact Gloria at (334) 272-5311 or by email at ssgstu dio9@gmail.com.

Coal Mountain Panjo, based in Forsyth County, was another vendor on hand. Yes, panjo is a portamento, a combination of pan and banjo.

This year’s Crabapple Fest is Jimmy Loudermilk’s fourth or fifth time serv ing up visitors with banjos made from repurposed wood and brown ie pans, cake pans and other kinds of pans. He’s been playing music for almost 50 years.

The craft dates to the mid1800s, Loudermilk said, when folks in Appalachia made banjos from cigar boxes. The cigar-box banjo was the first kind of banjo he ever built.

But, people seem to like pans more than cigar boxes, he said.

Both panjos and cigar-box banjos are $40 each, which comes with a songbook of 30 songs, how to play and tune instructions as well as picks. Loudermilk can add pickup to

Adeline Aldridge, one of more than 40 vendors in the Woodstock-based Kid Biz Expo, stands by her mother. Aldridge, 14, sells boxes, right, that she painted and sculpted to resemble monsters. Founded last year by Renee Dierdorff and Amy Guest, Kid Biz Expo is a vendor market ex clusively for kids interested in showcasing their business, honing their sales pitch and earning a profit.

For online orders and shipping, visit coalmountainpanjo.com.

the instrument to make it electric for an additional $10. A copper blues slide is $3.

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

A woman and children try to catch bubbles made from a wand held by Deborah Mosher. Mosher is the owner of Bubbles Over Georgia.

Help with Navigating the Road to Recovery

Brought to you by – Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs

In time we all are faced with the need for a planned procedure or an emergency that may require surgery. The next critical step is understanding how to navigate the road to a success ful recovery. It’s important to take stock of the care you or a loved one will need when you get home, whether it’s directly from the hospital or from a rehabilitation center.

The transition home can be very chal lenging as your mobility, health and emo tional needs have changed. As we age, we may also heal more slowly and have more complications.

Juggling physical or occupational therapy visits, managing nutritional needs and therapy homework can be overwhelm ing. Home visits from Physical or Occupa tional Therapists typically happen one to three times a week. The hardest part for you or an older loved one can be carrying out therapy homework instructions daily and exercising faithfully, but this can determine your mobility and best quality of life going forward.

Initially your doctor will do a medical assessment to determine your in-home care needs, and what level of assistance you’ll need with the activities of daily living (ADL’s). With in-home care, you may be discharged directly home. If you enter a rehabilitation facility, that assessment will happen when you’re ready to be dis charged. In either case, it’s important to determine a plan of care in advance.

At Home Helpers, we know the benefits that in-home care with a skilled caregiver can bring as we become a partner and work with you on your recovery journey. Our Care Managers also form a critical communication and coordination link with you and your family. They can go that ex tra step and visit a rehabilitation facility to observe your daily therapy regimen before you are released, providing informed sup port for your recovery.

The first few days home can be in tense, and we can provide round the clock care for the first 48 to 72 hours. Being disoriented on the return home is com mon, so preventing nighttime falls and a reinjury is important. As your strength improves, the schedule can quickly be adjusted according to your needs. The question we constantly seek to answer is where are you today, and what can we do to move your recuperation and your personal independence forward?

Your skilled Home Helpers caregiver can take notes at therapist visits, help you follow a therapy homework schedule and remember any restrictions you should follow. A carefully matched caregiver can help around the house, assist with personal care, hydration and nutritional needs, infection control, medication reminders and provide specialized sup port for stroke recuperation, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc.

We’re here to help – from eight hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 and live-in care. For a free consultation please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta suburbs at (770) 681-0323.

Taking charge of your health can make all the difference

Brought to you by – By Dr. Laura Pearson, breast surgeon at Wellstar Health System

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. That’s probably not news to any one. It’s a month of pink ribbons, walks and awareness campaigns. I would rather use it to not only bring aware ness to breast health but to discuss how breast health awareness can be good for your whole body.

There are factors, such as fam ily history and breast density, that are unchangeable in terms of breast cancer risk, but there are certainly many modi fiable risk factors and behaviors we can affect to protect ourselves from breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other diseases. The list below includes my go-tos when I counsel women regarding real ways they can protect and maintain their breasts, heart, brain and body.

1. Maintaining a healthy weight: A nor mal range for BMI lowers risk for cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and

orthopedic issues

2. Quitting or not start ing smoking

3. Exercise: The Ameri can Cancer Society rec ommends that adults get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week

4. Avoid or limit alcohol intake: Even small amounts can increase your risk for breast cancer, and there is a limit to the benefit of red wine for your heart health

5. Eating a balanced diet of carbohy drates, protein and fats (yes, our body does need some fat to maintain healthy cell and brain function), with a focus on brightly colored fruits and vegetables to give you vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients that can help protect cells and organs from environmental stressors that can lead to cancer, cardio vascular disease and dementia

6. Staying current on all recommended preventives and screenings: Colon can cer screenings (the age to start has been lowered to 45 from 50), regular skin cancer checks, yearly mammograms, heart screenings like heart calcium scans, ultrasounds to check for carotid artery narrowing (stroke risk), bloodwork to check for diabetes, thyroid issues, etc. and gynecological exams as indicated by age and other factors

At Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, we take women’s health seri ously. By offering comprehensive screen ings, diagnostics and treatment for all your health issues, there is no reason to go outside your own community to find world-class healthcare. Our providers take an individualized approach to care, tailoring treatment to each patient to help them achieve their health goals.

Our Breast Cancer STAT clinic offers consultations that include your entire breast cancer team (surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, genet ics and nurse navigation) in a single

visit. We offer state-of-the-art treat ments, including oncoplasty and hidden scar surgery, one-dose intraoperative radiation and access to clinical trials. Our Center for Best Health provides multidisciplinary care for weight man agement, which can lower the risk of or even help treat conditions such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. We have highlytrained specialists for cardiovascular diseases, neurology including movement disorders, rheumatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and pain management.

By being proactive with our breast health, we can also protect the rest of our health.

Dr. Laura Pearson is a Wellstar breast surgeon who serves as the direc tor of the Wellstar North Fulton Breast Program and the Wellstar Breast Cancer STAT Clinic. To make an appointment with Dr. Pearson at her office on the campus of Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, call (470) 956-4270.

NANCARE

For years, Nan Harman-Dempsey has loved practicing law in the community where she was born and raised: Alpharetta. But when her mammogram revealed breast cancer, even she was surprised to find such high-tech care less than five miles away. At Wellstar North Fulton , Nan was a candidate for intraoperative radiation therapy, or IORT.

During her lumpectomy, Nan’s medical and radiation oncology surgeons worked side-by-side as one removed the tumor and the other gave Nan radiation therapy, seamlessly in one fell swoop. Instead of weeks, her radiation took moments. After her fasttracked treatment, Nan’s newest love is her care team at Wellstar. No two people named Nan are exactly alike, and at Wellstar, we would never treat them that way. wellstar.org/peoplecare

Treating cavities without a drill?

Brought to you by – Dr. Destinee Hood Roswell Dental Care

One in 7 U.S. children ages 2 to 8 years old has untreated dental decay. While fluoride varnish application is a well-established, highly effective intervention for preventing decay, it does not restore cavities extending deeper into teeth. Traditional treat ment for cavities was limited to remov ing the decay with a drill. Now, there’s an alternative for treating decay- Silver Diamine Fluoride.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a liquid applied to teeth with a small brush. The use of silver nitrate, pre cursor to SDF, dates to the 1800’s. Its natural antimicrobial properties have given silver nitrate a large field of treatment applications, such as wound care. The combination of silver, am monia, and fluoride provides immediate relief from dental hypersensitivity, kills cavity-causing bacteria, and hardens softened tooth-structure caused by demineralization.

Initially, SDF received Food and Drug Administration approval in 2014 for treating dental hypersensitivity, much like its predecessor, fluoride var nish. However, dental practitioners have seen the resulting arrestment of decay, and, in 2016, the FDA designated SDF

as the “Breakthrough Therapy” for treating cavities. Once treated, it is ad visable to reapply SDF at every cleaning appointment.

An additional benefit of silver diamine fluoride is that it has very few risks as sociated with it because it only affects the areas with decay. Once applied, SDF oxidizes and leaves a dark stain limited to the cavity. Acknowledging the importance of esthetics, oral health remains the pri ority. A skilled dental health professional will maximize effective treatment while minimizing esthetic impact. Understand ably, many patients and parents choose SDF treatment to get tooth decay under control because it is highly effective, and the benefits outweigh the risks for nearly all patients.

Due to its low cost, simple and pain less application, and clinical efficacy, SDF is advantageous especially for vulnerable patient populations, such as children and older adults. However, patients of any age or health status can benefit from SDF treatment and should be given the option, especially if demin eralization or small cavities are noted at check-ups.

with Roswell Dental Care by calling 470288-1152. More information at www. roswelldentalcare.com.

Blue light season has returned

Brought to you by – Brent Taylor, MD

Blue light therapy, also called photody namic therapy (PDT), is a treatment that can help eliminate precancerous lesions and lower one’s risk of skin cancer. A PDT treatment involves applying a medi cine called aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to a patient’s skin and then shining blue light on the treated area to activate the medicine. ALA is an organic, naturally occurring amino acid that our bodies use to make hemoglobin.

When applied to the skin and activated by blue light, ALA preferen tially kills pre-cancerous cells that make up lesions called actinic keratoses (AKs). Patients can often feel their own AKs by running their fingers over sun damaged areas such as the tip of the nose, the tops of the ears or the scalp. AK’s usu ally feel rough or hard and will some times bleed if picked. AKs can develop into skin cancer if untreated.

PDT has a “season” because most pre-cancer treatments leave the skin temporarily irritated and paradoxi cally vulnerable to the sun’s rays for a period of a few days to a week as healing takes place. Good cells need time to heal into the place previously occupied by bad cells. After a PDT treatment, a patient needs to avoid the sun for a few days. If a patient is going to see a child or grandchild’s baseball game, go fishing, golfing, boating or otherwise be in the sun, then many dermatologists would recommend waiting to perform preventative skin cancer treatments until a less sunny time of year when it’s easier to avoid the sun’s UV rays.

Now that the days are getting shorter and the sun is less intense, it’s

time to start thinking about skin cancer prevention again. Multiple treatment options exist to help prevent skin cancer including in-office treatments like PDT as well as at home creams that a patient applies such as fluorouracil, imiquimod, diclofenac and tirbanibulin. A dermatol ogist can help a patient choose the best, personalized treatment.

PDT and the best topical treat ments can eliminate 75% or more of one’s actinic keratoses and dramatically decrease the number of times a patient has to have spots frozen or cancers cut out. Our experience is that thoroughly treated areas that were growing skin cancers at the rate of one per year often go multiple years without another skin cancer after PDT treatments.

Cosmetically, PDT can be part of a skin rejuvenation regimen. On the face of men and women and on the up per chest “décolletage” area of women, PDT treatments can address the pre cancerous component of sun-damaged skin, and then laser treatments (such as 532/1064nm Nd:YAG laser) can help address aesthetic components of sun damage. These treatments allow many rough, red or brown spots to be eliminated resulting in medical and cosmetic benefit.

If you would like to repair sun damaged skin and treat actinic keratoses or are simply overdue for a skin exam, consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor is a fellowship-trained and board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. Kathryn Filipek, PA-C has greater than 15 years of experience in dermatology and has expertise in medical dermatology, cos metic injectable treatments, sclerotherapy, external laser treatments and more.

ISTOCK

Male Menopause – Enough to give any man pause

Brought to you by – Hydralive

Would it help to call it andropause?

Every man wants to live life to the full est, but life’s “halfway stage” can see a significant number of them enter ing a phase called male menopause. Male menopause has been called many things, but it is really just the more common name for andropause. Andropause is defined as a syndrome associated with a decrease in sexual satisfaction or a decline in a feeling of general well-being with low levels of testosterone in men as they age. But, it’s about more than just sex and anatomy.

Testosterone is usually thought of as the powerhouse hormone that makes men, men. According to the Mayo Clinic, most men’s testosterone levels peak in adolescence and early adulthood. In their 30’s or 40’s (and sometimes even younger), those levels tend to decline by about 1 percent per year. By age 70, your testosterone level might reach closer to 50 percent of your peak level. Regrettably, this process can cause a lilt in your libido. So yes, it’s about sex. But more important to know, is that it’s more.

In some cases, depression may be the first symptom of andropause. Feel ings of unexplained sadness or anxiety. In fact, some men go to psychiatrists first, when it might be that they need to get their hormone levels checked first. Low testosterone can also cause reduced muscle mass and weakness; low energy; low bone density (osteoporosis); height loss; insomnia; increased body fat and decreased motivation. And hot flashes and night sweats…but you don’t have to go there.

At Hydralive Therapy, we take a holistic approach to wellness. We understand hormone replacement therapy can be extremely beneficial for men in certain circumstances, but it’s not right for everyone. Before seeking treatment of any kind, it’s important to speak with your primary care physi cian about your symptoms and to de termine whether or not you’re suffering from unnaturally low levels of testos terone. Then, call (470) 359-4815 to schedule a free consultation at Hy dralive Therapy. Hormone replacement therapy could be your path to better aging, renewed energy and improved mental well-being.

Upgrade your smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

and cosmetic improvements to your lips and face. They can rejuvenate your smile in a matter of days.

Conservative, Modern, minimally inva sive procedures will improve your smile.

Cosmetic smile enhancements are more affordable than you might think. You can achieve a much more attractive and youthful smile with just a few small changes. A smile of straight, white teeth with balanced proportions, makes you look and feel confident when you are smil ing and laughing with friends and fam ily. Modern dentistry gives you so many options to improve your smile with the

in materials and technology.

Tooth Whitening – Years of stain and discoloration can be reversed with our in office and take home prescription whit ening procedures.

Cosmetic Recontouring - A simple pro cess of re-shaping the teeth to eliminate chips and broken teeth can make them look healthier and much straighter.

Tooth Movement - Creating straighter teeth and a healthier bite is a minimally invasive choice. With the latest advances

in clear aligner therapy, Invisalign gives you an attractive smile in a very short amount of time, without having unsight ly metal braces and wires on your teeth. The latest materials allow the teeth to be gently and comfortably repositioned in just a matter of months.

Cosmetic Bonding - With the use of tooth-colored materials, we can repair chips and cracks and make your teeth ap pear normal, natural and vibrant again.

Porcelain Veneers - A minimally inva sive procedure which allows us to use thin shells of porcelain.  These act like new enamel for your teeth. Porcelain ve neers allow you to change the color, size, shape, and position of your teeth. They are your teeth, only better. Porcelain veneers are bonded to the front of your teeth to change your smile and give you the smile of your dreams.

Botox and Juvéderm - These are safe and proven materials for therapeutic

You may not need or be ready to change all your teeth. Dr. Hepler and Dr. Priluck are experts at helping you make small changes that impact your smile and your life in big ways.

Dr. Bradley Hepler, Dr. Jeffrey Priluck and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide all the modern advances that contemporary aesthetic dentistry offers. You will real ize immediate results with non-invasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile restoring options, please call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health at 770-992-2236. Dr. Bradley Hep ler and Dr. Jeffrey Priluck have spent many hours dedicated to perfecting and updating the latest and best techniques in dentistry. It is with this breadth of knowledge that they provide each pa tient with the perfect solution to their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.

Healing from disordered eating

How many people will struggle with an eating disorder during their lifetime?

It’s a more complicated question than you might think. Since the vast major ity of people with eating disorders either never seek formal treatment for their disorder or are never formally diagnosed (Hart et al., 2011), researchers can’t just search medical records.

The term “eating disorder” covers a wide range of unique mental illnesses. The common characteristic they share is causing some type of harmful food-cen tered behavior that includes either food restriction or excessive eating. Eating disorders can lead to harmful physical ef fects and even death. According to ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Ner vosa and Associated Disorders), eating disorders are among the deadliest mental health disorders, second only to opioid overdose. 10,200 people die each year from complications of an eating disorder,

One of the most constructive ways to navigate your recovery journey is the ba sic understanding that you are not alone. It can be hard to ask for help for many reasons. However, healthcare profession als, loved ones, and the support of those who have gone through similar struggles can make a difference in your journey.

If you haven’t found people in your

current support circle, consider reaching out to a professional to get their opinion and support. They will have tools and resources to support you in a way that feels comfortable and validating - be cause you are worthy of getting the sup port you need just the way you are!

Brought to you by – Kerri Chadwick, Licensed Professional Counselor and Eating Disorder Therapist at Summit Counseling Center

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Thank

Before I say another word about this year’s Best of North Atlanta results, I first want to take the opportunity to extend a hearty congrats to the entire business community for not only bouncing back from a COVID economy, but thriving in the time since.

HANS APPEN

I suspect one of the reasons is that we all learned how to dig a little deeper to make ends meet. We all had to figure out new and creative ways to meet our customers where they are, engage with our staff, and work efficiently to deal with supply chain interruptions and limited resources.

Perhaps one challenge that proved particularly difficult was continuing to deliver a level and quality of product/service that our customers had come to expect in a business environment where that was sometimes near impossible. This meant that we witnessed businesses reinvent themselves on the fly. I suspect that for many of them, they made structural changes to their businesses they’d been putting off for years but were now essential to staying open. We learned what had to get done immediately, and what could wait another day.

We retained many of those lessons learned, even when we no longer needed to use them, and for that I believe our business community is stronger and better.

It is certainly more resilient.

Now, onto the results. After 107,000(!) votes were cast in this year’s contest, we are thrilled to present the winners in this week’s editions of our Herald newspapers.

To our winners, take pride in this great accomplishment. There is no higher praise than

willingness of a customer to go online and cast a vote to hopefully help you win your category. Many posted links to their social media accounts, emailed their friends and family asking them to support you, and returned multiple times to the ballot to maximize their impact on the results! You’ve got a lot of fans out there.

We hope to celebrate each of you in person at the awards gala in October – the first time we’ve been able to host the event in three years. It is going to be a lot of fun, and we hope you take the opportunity to enjoy yourself, take a break, and appreciate your accomplishments.

To the voters, our newspapers’ readers, and the patrons of our winning businesses, thank you. Thank you for helping us bestow the much-deserved recognition on the businesses you support. Every year now for over 15 years we have asked you to take a couple minutes out of your day to help us nominate and then vote on the best the area has to offer, and you have yet to disappoint.

Please continue to support your local business community, and the next time you visit one of the winners listed on the following pages, make sure to congratulate them.

Hans Appen Publisher, Appen Media Group

Alpharetta • Forsyth County • Johns Creek • Milton • Roswell

Best Of North Atlanta

Presented By

BEST BAKERY

Nothing Bundt Cakes Alpharetta

5230 Windward Pkwy., Ste 102 Milton, GA 30004 678-366-1445 nothingbundtcakes.com/bakery/ ga/Alpharetta

Alpine Bakery & Pizzeria Crabapple

12315 Crabapple Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-410-9883 alpinebakeryandtrattoria.com

BEST BBQ Cue

Multiple Locations

770-667-0089 cuebarbecue.com

Smokejack

29 S. Main St.

How the winners are displayed

MAIN CATEGORY

SUBCATEGORY

Winners appear in bold. Address, phone number and website

1st runner-ups appear in normal text. Address, phone number and website

FOOD & BEVERAGE

BEST ALL-AROUND RESTAURANT

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

5670 Atlanta Hwy., A1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-9100 casanuovarestaurant.com

Village Tavern

11555 Rainwater Dr. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490 villagetavern.com

BEST ASIAN FOOD

JINYA Ramen Bar

401 South Broad St., 4A Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-609-8238 Jinyaramenbar.com

Thai House

10930 Crabapple Rd. Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-1688 thaihouseroswell.com

BEST CAJUN/CREOLE FOOD

Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou

52B N Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 470-242-5458 flatlands52.com

Hugo’s Oyster Bar

10360 Alpharetta St. Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-5922 hugosoysterbar.com

BEST COFFEE SHOP (LOCAL)

Crazy Love Coffee House 1088 Canton St. Roswell, GA 30075 770-545-8228 crazylove.coffee

Valor Coffee

Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-410-7611 smokejackbbq.com

BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

Gracious Plenty Bakery & Breakfast

1164 Canton St. Roswell, GA 30075 678-878-3105 graciousplentybb.com

The Original Pancake House

5530 Windward Pkwy. #120a Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-393-1355 pancakesalpharetta.com

BEST BREWERY/BREWPUB

Six Bridges Brewing 11455 Lakefield Dr. Ste 300 Johns Creek, GA 30097 470-545-4199 www.sixbridgesbrewing.com

Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon 6640 Town Square Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-696-4929 cherrystreethalcyon.com

BEST BURGER

Lucky’s Burger & Brew 1144 Alpharetta St. Roswell, GA 30075 770-518-5695 luckysburgerandbrew.com

BurgerFi

5475 Windward Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-817-4658 burgerfi.com

BEST GERMAN FOOD

Gasthaus Tirol

310 Atlanta Rd. Cumming, GA 30040 770-844-7244 gasthaus-cumming.com

Kurt’s Euro Bistro

3305 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. #100 Duluth, GA 30096 770-623-4128 kurtsrestaurant.com

BEST HAPPY HOUR

Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room

1055 Canton St. #100 Roswell, GA 30075 770-676-6146 www.deeprootswine.co

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant 5670 Atlanta Hwy, A1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-9100 casanuovarestaurant.com

Osteria Mattone

1095 Canton St. Roswell, GA 30075 678-878-3378 www.osteriamattone.com

BEST LOCAL FLAIR RESTAURANT

Table & Main 1028 Canton St. Roswell, GA 30075 678-869-5178 eats.rohospitality.com

44 Milton Ave. Alpharetta, GA 30009 706-452-3329 valor.coffee.com

BEST DESSERT

Nothing Bundt Cakes Alpharetta 5230 Windward Pkwy., Ste 102 Milton, GA 30004 678-366-1445 nothingbundtcakes.com/bakery/ ga/alpharetta

Alpine Bakery 12315 Crabapple Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-410-9883 alpinebakeryandtrattoria.com

BEST FAMILY DINING

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant 5670 Atlanta Hwy., A1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-9100 casanuovarestaurant.com

Village Tavern 11555 Rainwater Dr. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490 villagetavern.com

BEST FINE DINING

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant 5670 Atlanta Hwy. A1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-9100 casanuovarestaurant.com

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails 800 Mayfield Rd. Milton, GA 30009 770-817-0161 miltonscuisine.com

Village Tavern 11555 Rainwater Dr. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490 villagetavern.com

BEST HOT DOG

BobbyG’s Chicago Eatery & Sports Bar 12990 GA-9 North Milton, GA 30004 770-772-0710 bobbygs.com

Nauti Dog Grill 10 N Broad St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-676-0154 www.nautidoggrillga.com

BEST ICE CREAM

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Multiple Locations jenis.com

Andy’s Frozen Custard

3670 Old Milton Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30005 470-268-6175 eatandys.com

BEST INDIAN FOOD

Madras Chettinaad

4305 State Bridge Rd. #108 Alpharetta, GA 30022 678-393-3131 madraschettinaad.com

Curry Up Now 24 South Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-694-1422 curryupnow.com

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails 800 Mayfield Rd, Milton, GA 30009 770-817-0161 miltonscuisine.com

BEST LUNCH SPOT

Never Enough Thyme 2 Alpharetta locations neverenoughthyme.net

BurgerFi

5475 Windward Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-817-4658 burgerfi.com

BEST MEXICAN FOOD

Pure Taqueria Multiple Locations 678-240-0023 or 770-817-7873 puretaqueria.com

Surcheros Fresh Mex 91 S Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-737-7902 www.surcheros.com

BEST PATIO DINING

Table & Main

1028 Canton St. Roswell, GA 30075 678-869-5178 eats.rohospitality.com

Citizen Soul 60 South Main St.

BEST PIZZA

Antico Pizza Napoletana

Multiple Locations

770-674-8811 littleitalia.com

Campania Alpharetta

800 N Main St. #100

Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-825-2156 campaniaga.com

BEST SALAD

Brookwood Grill

880 Holcomb Bridge Rd.

Roswell, GA 30076 770-587-0102 www.brookwoodgrill.com

Never Enough Thyme

2 Alpharetta locations neverenoughthyme.net

BEST SEAFOOD

Hugo’s Oyster Bar

10360 Alpharetta St. Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-5922 hugosoysterbar.com

Rena’s Italian Fishery & Grill

240 S Main St. Ste M

Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-790-4040 renasifg.com

BEST SMOOTHIE/JUICERY

Smoothie King

Multiple Locations www.smoothieking.com

July Moon Bakery and Café

200 S Main St. Ste Z

Alpharetta, GA 30009 470-273-5971 www.julymoonbakeryandcafe.com

BEST TAKEOUT FOOD

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

5670 Atlanta Hwy. A1

Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-9100 casanuovarestaurant.com

BurgerFi

5475 Windward Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-817-4658 burgerfi.com

BEST WINGS

Smokejack BBQ

29 S. Main St.

Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-410-7611

BobbyG’s Chicago Eatery

& Sports Bar

12990 GA-9 North Milton, GA 30004 770-772-0710 bobbygs.com

MEDICAL

BEST AUDIOLOGIST

Mraz Audiology Consulting

3400-C Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. 385 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-653-7027 audiologyconsulting.com

Robb Family ENT

3400 Old Milton Pkwy

Bldg. C, #575 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-410-0202 robbfamilyent.com

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

North Fulton Chiropractic Center 254 N Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-754-4567 www.nfultonchiro.com

North Atlanta Spine 5755 North Point Pkwy., #240 Alpharetta, GA 30022 678-691-3221 northatlantaspine.com

BEST COSMETIC SURGERY

Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Burke Robinson 3400 Old Milton Pkwy. Bldg. C, Ste 330 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-667-3090 robinsonfps.com

The Graivier Center 3333 Old Milton Pkwy. #260 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-772-0695 thegraiviercenter.com

BEST COUNSELING

Summit Counseling Center 2750 Old Alabama Rd. #200 Johns Creek, GA 30022 678-893-5300 summitcounseling.org

Family Solutions Counseling, LLC 3534 Old Milton Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-220-0090 familysolutionscounselingga.com

BEST DENTISTRY

Roswell Dental Care 1570 Old Alabama Rd. #102 Roswell, GA 30076 678-802-8576 roswelldentalcare.com

Atlanta Center for Dental Health 11190 Haynes Bridge Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-992-2236 www.atlantacdh.com

BEST DERMATOLOGIST

Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta 3180 North Point Pkwy., Ste 420 Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-345-1899 premierdermatologyatlanta.com

Goodman Dermatology P.C. 2500 Hospital Blvd., #280 Roswell, GA 30076 770-754-0787 goodmandermatology.com

BEST ENT

Robb Family ENT 3400 Old Milton Pkwy. Bldg. C, #575 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-410-0202 robbfamilyent.com

Northeast Atlanta Ear, Nose & Throat, PC Multiple Locations 770-237-3000 northeastatlantaent.com

BEST FAMILY PRACTICE

North Atlanta Primary Care 3400-C Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. 270 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-442-1911 northatlantaprimarycare.com

Laureate Medical Group 3400 Old Milton Pkwy., C-500 Alpharetta, GA 30005 Multiple Locations 678-775-2284 www.laureatemed.com

BEST HAIR RESTORATION

The Graivier Center

3333 Old Milton Pkwy., #260 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-772-0695 thegraiviercenter.com

Anderson Center for Hair 2710 Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. 170, Alpharetta, GA 30009 404-256-4247 atlantahairsurgeon.com

BEST HOLISTIC/ ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Salt n’ Sauna Wellness

735 N Main St., Ste. 1900

Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-580-2501 saltnsauna.com

Next Level Stretch

3950 Johns Creek Ct., #125

Suwanee, GA 30024 678-620-4018 www.nextlevelstretch.com

BEST HOME CARE FOR SENIORS

Home Helpers Home Care

5755 North Point Pkwy., #259 Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-681-0323 homehelpershomecare.com/Al pharetta

Skylark Home Care

4265 Johns Creek Pkwy., Ste. B Johns Creek, GA 30024 404-410-1510 skylarkseniorcare.com

BEST INTERNAL MEDICINE

Johns Creek Primary Care Physicians

4365 Johns Creek Pkwy., #400 Suwanee, GA 30024 678-957-1910 johnscreekprimarycare.com

North Atlanta Primary Care

3400-C Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. 270 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-442-1911 northatlantaprimarycare.com

BEST MED SPA

Salt n’ Sauna Wellness

735 N Main St., Ste. 1900 Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-580-2501 saltnsauna.com

The Graivier Center

3333 Old Milton Pkwy., #260 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-772-0695 thegraiviercenter.com

BEST MEDICAL ESTHETICIAN

Heather Davis, LE

Visage Skin Care & Laser Center

3400 Old Milton Pkwy. Bldg. C, Ste. 330 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-667-3090 robinsonfps.com

Ashley King

The Graivier Center

3333 Old Milton Pkwy., #260 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-772-0695 thegraiviercenter.com

BEST MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS

Elvina Vitkin, M.D. Weight Control

631 N Main St., Ste. 203 Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-664-0803 drvitkin.com

Salt n’ Sauna Wellness

735 N. Main St. Ste. 1900 Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-580-2501 saltnsauna.com

BEST MEMORY CARE

Celebration Village Forsyth 3000 Celebration Blvd. Suwanee, GA 30024 770-744-0832 agewellliving.com

The Memory Center 12050 Findley Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-476-3678 www.thememorycenter.com

BEST MOBILITY STORE/SERVICES

Heavenly Wheels

6375 McGinnis Ferry Rd., #101 Johns Creek, GA 30005 678-847-0301 heavenlywheels.com

Mobility Georgia

2905 Jordan Ct., Ste H Alpharetta, GA 30004 470-357-6130 mobilitygeorgia.com

BEST NUTRITIONIST/DIETICIAN Medical Fitness & Wellness Group

10700 Medlock Bridge Rd. #105 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-623-4078 exercise4prevention.com

Johns Creek Primary Care Physicians 4365 Johns Creek Pkwy., #400 Suwanee, GA 30024 678-957-1910 johnscreekprimarycare.com

BEST OBGYN

Modern Obstetrics & Gynecology

of North Atlanta

Multiple Locations 404-446-2496 reyesobgyn.com

Roswell OBGYN

Multiple Locations 770-751-3600 roswellobgyn.org

BEST OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

High Hopes Children’s Therapy

3538 Old Milton Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-395-3269 highhopestherapy.com

All About Kids Therapy - Peachtree

Corners/ Norcross

3850 Holcomb Bridge Rd., #245 Norcross, GA 30092 770-710-0181 allaboutkidstherapyservices.com

BEST ONCOLOGY

The Center for Advanced Medicine

Jonathan Stegall, MD

3333 Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. 560 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-551-2730 advanced-med.com

Piedmont Cancer Institute

755 Mt. Vernon Hwy. Sandy Springs, GA 30328 404-350-8711 www.piedmontcancerinstitute.com

BEST OPHTHALMOLOGY

Milan Eye Center

Multiple Locations

678-381-2021 milaneyecenter.com

Thomas Eye Group - Roswell Office

Multiple Locations 770-475-5515 thomaseye.com

BEST OPTOMETRY

Thomas Eye Group –

Roswell Office

11690 Alpharetta Hwy. Roswell, GA 30076 770-475-5515 thomaseye.com

Caris Eye Centers – Alpharetta

9995 Jones Bridge Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-475-1242 cariseyecenters.com

BEST ORAL SURGERY

Paul Korb, DMD & Craig Taylor, DMD - Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

4355 Johns Creek Pkwy., Ste. 530 Suwanee, GA 30024 770-495-9193 korbtaylor.com

Atlanta Oral and Facial Surgery

Multiple Locations

877-269-2637 atlantaoralsurgery.com

BEST ORTHODONTIST

Hiser Orthodontics

Multiple locations 470-330-9083 hiserortho.com

Smile Doctors by Jordan Orthodontics

Dr. Jeff Jordan, Dr. Jim Awbrey

Multiple Listings 770-751-1688 smiledoctors.com

BEST ORTHOPEDICS

Resurgens Orthopedics

Multiple locations 770-475-2710 resurgens.com

Peachtree Orthopedics

Multiple Locations 404-355-0743 peachtreeorthopedics.com

BEST PAIN MANAGEMENT

Pain Physicians of Atlanta

3333 Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. #400 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-391-3979 painphysiciansofatlanta.com

Align Spine and Pain Institute 960 Warsaw Rd., Ste. 150 Roswell, GA 30076 770-988-7246 alignspine.com

BEST PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Children’s Dental Zone

3455 Old Alabama Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30022 770-777-1222 childrensdentalzone.com

Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics

4205 North Point Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-664-4936 alpharettachildrensdentistry.com

BEST PEDIATRIC PRACTICE

Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C. Multiple Locations 770-751-0800 roswellpediatrics.com

North Fulton Pediatrics

1285 Hembree Rd., #100 Roswell, GA 30076 770-442-1050 northfultonpediatrics.com

BEST PHARMACY (LOCAL)

Lily’s Pharmacy & Wellness Center

11670 Jones Bridge Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30005 678-964-5459 lilyspharmacy.com

North Fulton Compounding Pharmacy

305 S Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-475-8903 northfultonrx.com

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY

Johns Creek Physical Therapy

4060 Johns Creek Pkwy., Ste. H Suwanee, GA 30024 770-622-5344 johnscreekpt.com

Medical Fitness and Wellness Group

10700 Medlock Bridge Rd. Ste. 105 Johns Creek, GA 770-623-4078 exercise4prevention.com

BEST PODIATRY

Ankle & Foot Centers of GA Multiple Listings 770-418-0456 ankleandfootcenters.com

Dean P. Kostakos, DPM

1380 Upper Hembree Rd. Roswell, GA 30076 770-346-7500

BEST SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER

Skylark Adult Day Care 4265 Johns Creek Pkwy., Ste B Johns Creek, GA 30024 404-410-1510 skylarkseniorcare.com

Sexton Hall Enrichment Center 2115 Chloe Rd. Cumming, GA 30041 770-781-2178

BEST SENIOR LIVING

COMMUNITY

Celebration Village

3000 Celebration Blvd. Suwanee, GA 30024 770-744-0832 agewellliving.com

Village Park Senior Living Multiple Locations 678-740-3499 villageparkseniorliving.com

BEST SPEECH THERAPY

High Hopes Children’s Therapy

3538 Old Milton Pkwy.

Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-395-3269 highhopestherapy.com

Rogers Bridge Pediatric Therapy 2845 Summercrest Ln. Duluth, GA 30096 478-454-8889 rogersbridgepediatrictherapy.com

BEST SUBSTANCE ABUSE/ ADDICTION TREATMENT

No Longer Bound 2725 Pine Grove Rd. Cumming, GA 30041 770-886-7873 nolongerbound.com

Summit Counseling Center 2750 Old Alabama Rd., #200 Johns Creek, GA 30022 678-893-5300 summitcounseling.org

BEST URGENT CARE

Piedmont Urgent Care — Milton/Alpharetta Multiple Locations 770-521-6690 wellstreet.com

Here to Help Urgent Care 1137 Alpharetta St. Roswell, GA 30075 678-336-9240

BEST UROLOGY

Advanced Urology Multiple Locations 404-586-4570 advancedurology.com

Georgia Urology: David M Banks MD 1800 Northside Forsyth Dr., #370 Cumming, GA 30041 678-947-6199 www.gaurology.com

BEST VEIN SPECIALIST

Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta

3180 North Point Pkwy., Ste. 420 Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-345-1899 premierdermatologyatlanta.com

North Atlanta Vascular Clinic Multiple locations 770-771-5260 navascularclinic.com

BEST VETERINARIAN

Midway Animal Hospital

6785 Atlanta Hwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-2003 midwayvets.com

Dr. Beatriz Segarra

The Village Animal Hospital

5075 Abbotts Bridge Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-754-1234 www.thevillageanimalhospital.com

PEOPLE & COMMUNITY

BEST BARTENDER

Pepe Fundora

Cork & Glass

5670 Atlanta Hwy., Ste A2 Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-694-8812 corkandglass.com

Joe RampinoCreation Social House 11500 Webb Bridge Way Alpharetta, GA 30005 470-264-1871 Creationsocialhouse.com

BEST BOSS

Dr. Kenan Sener

3035 Fanfare Way Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-366-2555 fultonscienceacademy.org

Dana Gurela, Deep Roots Wine Market

BEST DENTIST

Dr. Bradley Hepler

Atlanta Center for Dental Health

11190 Haynes Bridge Rd.

Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-992-2236 www.atlantacdh.com

Dr. Destinee Hood

Roswell Dental Care

1570 Old Alabama Rd., # 102 Roswell, GA 30076 678-802-8576 roswelldentalcare.com

BEST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Caitlin Lawrence

Alpharetta Police Dept.

Scott Mulvey

Milton Police Dept.

BEST LIBRARY

Milton Library

855 Mayfield Rd. Milton, GA 30009 404-613-4402 fulcolibrary.org

Alpharetta Library

10 Park Plaza

Alpharetta, GA 30009 404-613-6735 fulcolibrary.org

BEST LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS

Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room

1055 Canton St., #100 Roswell, GA 30075 770-676-6146 www.deeprootswine.co

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

5670 Atlanta Hwy., A1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-9100 casanuovarestaurant.com

BEST NEW BUSINESS (OPENED IN 2021)

The Vick

1182 Canton St. Roswell, GA 30075 678-587-5856 www.koffeeandkocktails.com

Doodle Pies

1105 Woodstock Rd., Ste 140 Roswell, GA 30075 678-373-1758 doodlepies.net

BEST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Atlantic Institute

591 N Main St., #100 Alpharetta, GA 30009 404-254-4884 theatlanticinstitute.org

North Fulton Community Charities

11275 Elkins Rd. Roswell, GA 30076 770-640-0399 nfcchelp.org

BEST PARK Wills Park

11925 Wills Rd.

Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-297-6130 alpharetta.ga.us

Roswell Area Park

10495 Woodstock Rd. Roswell, GA 30075 770-817-6670 www.roswellgov.com

BEST PEDIATRICIAN

Dr. Greg Cabrera

North Point Pediatrics

3180 North Point Pkwy. Ste. 410, Bldg. 400 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-664-0088 northpointpediatrics.biz

Sridevi Muthukumar

10710 Medlock Bridge Rd., #250 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-870-1085 meadowpediatrics.com

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

Mike Hardy – Medical Fitness & Wellness Group

10700 Medlock Bridge Rd. Ste. 105 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-623-4078 exercise4prevention.com

Krystal Donaldson Meyer

BEST PILATES/ YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Sarah Hailey

Oya Yoga Studio 50 Canton St., Ste. 114 Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-381-1569 oyayogastudio.com

BEST PLACE TO WORK

Aura Hair & Makeup

7878 Roswell Rd. Sandy Springs, GA 30350 770-640-2882 www.aurasas.com

BurgerFi

5475 Windward Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-817-4658 www.burgerfi.com

BEST POLICE OFFICER

Mark Tappan

Alpharetta Police Department 2565 Old Milton Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-297-6300 alpharetta.policetocitizen.com

Sgt Trent Lundgren

BEST REALTOR

Deniece Toth

Compass Atlanta 3107 Peachtree Rd. NE, Ste. A 1 Atlanta, GA 30305 404-509-4003 thinktoth.com

Allison Kloster 1819 Peachtree Rd., Ste. 100 Atlanta, GA 30309 404-784-5287 www.homegeorgia.com/agents/ allison-kloster

BEST SCHOOL TEACHER

Ms Duzyol

Fulton Science Academy 3035 Fanfare Way Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-366-2555 fultonscienceacademy.org

Robin Chiang

Fulton Science Academy 3035 Fanfare Way Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-366-2555 fultonscienceacademy.org

RECREATION

Taste of Alpharetta tasteofalpharettaga.com

BEST DANCE LESSONS/STUDIO

Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance

601 Houze Way

Roswell, GA 30076 770-998-0259 tysod.com

Rhythm n’ Shoes Dance

175 Roswell St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 404-290-9142 rhythmandshoes.com

BEST DATE NIGHT HOTSPOT

Avalon

400 Avalon Blvd. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-765-1000 www.experienceavalon.com

The Painted Horse Winery and Vineyards 2105 Bethany Way, Milton, GA 30004 770-846-1559 thepaintedhorsewinery.com

BEST DAY SPA / MASSAGE

The Woodhouse Day Spa – Avalon 7150 Avalon Blvd. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-241-2733 avalon.woodhousespas.com

Youthtopia Med Spa 33 Teasley St Ste 115 Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-772-4806 youthtopiamedspa.com

BEST FARMERS MARKET

Alpharetta Farmers Market North and South Broad St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 alpharettafarmersmarket.com

Roswell Farmers & Artisans Market

BEST ART LESSONS/STUDIO

Johns Creek Arts Center 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd., Bldg. 700 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-623-8448 johnscreekarts.com

Sis + Moon’s 24 Milton Ave. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-310-9338 www.sisandmoons.com

BEST COMMUNITY EVENT

Alive In Roswell aliveinroswell.com

The Manor Golf & Country Club 15952 Manor Club Dr. Milton, GA 30004 770-810-3175 www.invitedclubs.com/clubs/themanor-golf-country-club

BEST GROUP/ CORPORATE ACTIVITY

Topgolf

10900 Westside Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-217-0513 topgolf.com

A&S Culinary Concepts

9945 Jones Bridge Rd., Ste. 303 Johns Creek, GA 30022 678-336-9196 asculinaryconcepts.com

BEST GYM / FITNESS FACILITY

Senergy Fitness

10595 Old Alabama Rd. Con. Ste. 21 Alpharetta, GA 30022 470-282-5225 senergyfitness.com

Body by Design Fitness Studio Alpharetta 131 S Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-823-1683 www.bodybydesignalpha.com

BEST MUSIC LESSONS

Perfect Harmony Health 1001 Macy Dr. Roswell, GA 30076 678-965-0993 perfectharmonyhealth.com

RISPA

14155 Ga-9 N. Milton, GA 30004 678-620-3500 rispa.net

BEST PERFORMING ARTS / THEATRE

755 Mimosa Blvd. Roswell, GA 30075 404-492-9938 roswellfam.com

BEST GOLF COURSE

Country Club of Roswell 2500 Club Springs Dr. Roswell, GA 30076 770-475-7800 ccroswell.com

Georgia Ensemble Theatre 950 Forest St. Roswell, GA 30075 770-641-1260 get.org

Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra P.O. Box 5003 Alpharetta, GA 30023 678-740-3554 www.alpharettasymphony.org

BEST PLACE FOR GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room

1055 Canton St., #100

Roswell, GA 30075 440-676-6146 www.deeprootswine.co

Johns Creek Wine & Crystal

9810 Medlock Bridge Rd., #700

Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-680-2380 johnscreekwineandcrystal.com

BEST PLACE FOR KIDS

TO HAVE FUN

Chattahoochee Nature Center

9135 Willeo Rd.

Roswell, GA 30075 770-992-2055 chattnaturecenter.org

Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios

Alpharetta

131 S Main St., Ste. G Alpharetta, GA 30009 470-760-6460 www.flourpowerstudios.com/Al pharetta

BEST SPORTS PROGRAM

Alpharetta Ambush Soccer Club

10945 State Bridge Rd. Ste. 401-315 Alpharetta,GA 30005 678-297-6160 alpharettaambush.org

St. Andrew Rowing Club

675 Riverside Rd.

Roswell, GA 30075 770-225-2040 www.standrewrowing.com

BEST SUMMER CAMP

Johns Creek Arts Center

6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd. Bldg. 700

Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-623-8448 johnscreekarts.org

Alpharetta Recreation Gymnastics

175 Roswell St.

Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-297-6100 alpharettarecreationgymnastics.com

BEST WEDDING VENUE

Country Club of Roswell

2500 Club Springs Dr. Roswell, GA 30076 770-475-7822 ccroswell.com

Little River Farms

14505 Batesville Rd.

Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-973-0108 www.littleriverfarmsga.com

RETAIL

BEST ANTIQUES STORE

Lakewood 400

1321 Atlanta Hwy.

Cumming, GA 30040 770-889-3400 lakewoodantiques.com

Queen of Hearts

670 N Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-297-7571 queenofheartsantiques-interiors.com

BEST APPAREL/BOUTIQUE (LOCAL)

Clothes Horse Men’s Apparel

28 Milton Ave., Alpharetta, GA 30009 470-294-2132 clotheshorsemensapparel.com

Spirited Boutiques Multiple Locations 770-864-1064 spiritedboutiques.com

BEST ART GALLERY/RETAILER

Vinings Gallery Multiple Locations 770-545-8887 viningsgallery.com

Sis + Moon’s 24 Milton Ave Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-310-9338 sisandmoons.com

BEST BEVERAGE / WINE STORE (LOCAL)

Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room

1055 Canton St., #100 Roswell, GA 30075 770-676-6146 deeprootswine.com

Cork & Glass

5670 Atlanta Hwy., Ste. A2 Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-694-8812 corkandglass.com

BEST BOUTIQUE SHOP (LOCAL)

The Red Hound Gifts

211 Market St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-624-7733 theredhoundgifts.com

La Bella Maison

20 Milton Ave. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-609-6182 labellamaison.com

BEST CBD RETAILER

Your CBD Store –

SUNMED Alpharetta

3460 Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. 102 Alpharetta, GA 30005 470-299-3152 cbdrx4u.com/find-us/Georgia/ Alpharetta

Canna Wellness - Alpharetta 5250 Windward Pkwy., Ste. 116 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-676-0853 www.cannawellnessusa.com

BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE

The Finer Consigner

11130 State Bridge Rd., F101 Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-751-3501

Southern Comforts Consignments

633 N. Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-521-5000 www.southerncomforts.com

BEST FLOWER SHOP

The Best Little Flower Shop in Roswell

10800 Alpharetta Hwy., #228 Roswell, GA 30076 770-642-7878 bestlittleflowershop.com

Flowers From Us 825 Mayfield Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-640-6007 flowersfromus.net

BEST FURNITURE / HOME DÉCOR

Paul Martin Interiors, LLC 920 Peachtree Pkwy. Ste. 100 Cumming, GA 30041 678-947-4899 paulmartininteriors.com

13 Hub Lane 10800 Alpharetta Hwy., Ste. 402 Roswell, Georgia 30076 770-802-5740 13hublane.com

BEST JEWELER

Iroff & Son Jewelers

3960 Old Milton Pkwy., Unit 300 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-751-7222 iroff.com

Brilliant Atlanta 1144 Canton St., Ste. 103 Roswell, GA 30075 770-649-1901 brilliantatlanta.com

BEST SHOPPING/ ENTERTAINMENT PLAZA

Avalon

2200 Avalon Blvd.

Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-765-1000 experienceavalon.com

Alpharetta City Center

2001 Commerce St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 470-268-4328 citycenteralpharetta.com

SERVICES

BEST ADULT DAY CARE

Skylark Adult Day Care

4265 Johns Creek Pkwy., Ste. B Johns Creek, GA 30024 404-410-1510 skylarkseniorcare.com

Milton Grace Senior Living

17210 Birmingham Hwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-663-0165 themiltoncenter.com

BEST AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

Johns Creek Arts Center

6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd. Bldg. 700 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-623-8448 www.johnscreekarts.org

Crabapple Academy 285 Rucker Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30004 440-475-4544 crabappleacademyonline.com

BEST AUTO SERVICE REPAIR

Roswell Auto Center

10700 Alpharetta Hwy. Roswell, GA 30076 770-992-1962 roswellautocenter.com

Extra Mile Tire Pros & Service 2875 Bethany Bnd. Milton, GA 30004 678-566-6627 extramiletirepros.com

BEST BANK / CREDIT UNION

American Commerce Bank 10690 Medlock Bridge Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30097 470-422-1200 americancommercebank.com

Providence Bank 4955 Windward Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-624-2265 www.providencebankga.com

BEST BARBER SHOP

Diesel Barbershop

7758 McGinnis Ferry Rd. Suwanee, GA 30024 470-655-5001 www.dieselbarbershop.com

Jack and Sons Barber Shop Roswell

11490 Alpharetta Hwy. Roswell, GA 30076 770-663-4247 jackandsonsbarbershop.com

BEST CAR WASH

Mammoth Detail Salon Multiple locations 770-521-0599 mammothdetail.com

Club Corners Car Wash 12274 Crabapple Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-751-7111 www.clubcornercarwash.com

BEST CATERING

A&S Culinary Concepts

9945 Jones Bridge Rd., Ste. 303 Johns Creek, GA 30022 678-336-9196 asculinaryconcepts.com

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant 5670 Atlanta Hwy., A1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-9100 casanuovarestaurant.com

BEST CPA

Lindsey, Greenway & McIntire, LLC 10925 Crabapple Rd. Roswell, GA 30075 770-992-7671 cpalgm.com

Santi & Associates, PC

4010 Old Milton Pkwy.

Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-623-4440 santicpa.com

BEST DECKS & PORCHES

Bear Mountain Custom Painting

3315 Hutchinson Rd.

Cumming, GA 30040 470-380-5447 bearmountainpainting.com

Atlanta Decking & Fence

5125 Shiloh Rd.

Cumming, GA 30040 770-781-4641 atlantadecking.com

BEST DRY CLEANER

Professional Cleaners

113 S Main St.

Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-410-7817

Crabapple Cleaners

12370 Arnold Mill Rd., #2

Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-663-7919

BEST ELECTRICIAN

TE Certified Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

9800 Old Dogwood Rd.

Roswell, GA 30075 404-596-5172 tecertifiedelectricians.com

Reliable Heating & Air, Plumbing and Electrical Multiple locations 770-594-9969 reliableair.com

BEST ESTHETICIAN

Bethany Esthetics Spa

970 North Point Dr., Loft #16

Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-312-8981 salonlofts.com/bethany_carl son_hood

Urban Skin Care Clinic

1195 Woodstock Rd.

Roswell, GA 30075 404-832-0292 urbanskincareclinic.com

BEST FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY

Swilling Family Law Firm, LLC

11115 Houze Rd., Ste. 100 Roswell, GA 30076 678-562-6525 swillingfamilylaw.com

The Millard Law Firm

3030 Royal Blvd. South, Ste. 250

Alpharetta, GA 30022 678-319-9500 themillardlawfirm.com

BEST FENCE COMPANY

Bear Mountain Custom Painting

3315 Hutchinson Rd.

Cumming, GA 30040 470-380-5447

bearmountainpainting.com

Atlanta Decking & Fence 5125 Shiloh Rd. Cumming, GA 30040 770-781-4641 atlantadecking.com

BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER

Edward Jones – Financial Advisor

– Mike Breit

1302 Abbey Ct. Alpharetta, GA 30004 470-450-0013 edwardjones.com

Johns Creek Advisors, Inc. 11138 State Bridge Rd., Unit 125 Johns Creek, GA 30022 404-477-4015 johnscreekadvisors.com

BEST FLOORING INSTALLATION

Bear Mountain Custom Painting

3315 Hutchinson Rd. Cumming, GA 30040 470-380-5447 bearmountainpainting.com

Flack’s Flooring and Rugs 5750 GA-400 Cumming, GA 30028 440-874-6785 www.flacksflooring.com

BEST FUNERAL HOME

Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory 12050 Crabapple Rd. Roswell, GA 30075 770-645-1414 northsidechapel.com

Roswell Funeral Home 950 Mansell Rd. Roswell, GA 30076 770-993-4811 roswellfuneralhome.com

BEST GRAPHICS & PRINTING SHOP

Signs of Significance 1335 Northmeadow Pkwy. Ste. 112 Roswell, GA 30076 678-379-5187 signsofsignificance.com

Signarama Roswell, GA 795 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Ste D Roswell, GA 30076 770-998-9126 signarama.com

BEST HAIR SALON / STYLIST

Aria Salons

Multiple Locations 770-475-8111 ariasalons.net

Aura Hair

7878 Roswell Rd. Sandy Springs, GA 30350 770-640-2882 aurasas.com

BEST HEATING & AIR

Milton Mechanical 785 Branch Dr. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-765-0622 miltonmechanicalservices.com

Neese Jones Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. 1120 Alpha Dr. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-751-1850 www.neesejones.com

BEST HOME BUILDER / DEVELOPER

T-Olive Properties 14300 Providence Rd. Milton, GA, 30004 770-826-3666 toliveproperties.com

The Providence Group 11340 Lakefield Dr. Johns Creek, GA 30097 678-475-1800 theprovidencegroup.com

BEST INFORMATION SERVICES

Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau 175 S Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-297-2811 awesomealpharetta.com

Roswell CVB 821 Atlanta St. Roswell, GA 30075 770-640-3253 www.visitroswellga.com

BEST INSURANCE AGENCY

State Farm Insurance

Agent – Rich Ziegler

11705 Jones Bridge Rd., Ste. B106 Johns Creek, GA 30005 770-424-0142 richziegler.com

State Farm Insurance Agent – Cliff Wilcox

1160 Grimes Bridge Rd., #F Roswell, GA 30075 770-998-9909 www.cliffordwilcox.com

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES

Kat Nelson Designs 770-751-8168 katnelsondesigns.com

Paul Martin Interiors, LLC 920 Peachtree Pkwy., Ste. 100 Cumming, GA 678-947-4899 paulmartininteriors.com

BEST IT/ BUSINESS SERVICES

1iX Network Solutions

3550 Engineering Dr., #210 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-325-7325 1ix.com

Carmichael Consulting 11660 Alpharetta Hwy. Ste. 100, Bldg. 100 Roswell, GA 30076 678-719-9671 carmichaelconsulting.net

BEST LANDSCAPING SERVICES

Crabapple Landscape Experts

1012 Union Center Dr., #A Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-740-9739 crabapple.com

Michaelangelo’s Sustainable Landscape & Design Group 2204 Justin Trl., #1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-940-4336 landscapedesignalpharetta.com

BEST LAW FIRM

Bross, McAllister & Williams, LLC (BMW Law Group)

5400 Laurel Springs Pkwy., Ste. 102 Suwanee, GA 30024 770-225-4710 bmwlawgroup.com

Lisa Shippel Law, LLC 5755 North Point Pkwy., Ste. 213 Alpharetta, GA 30022 678-615-3349 lisashippellaw.com

BEST LIVING TRUST SERVICE

Wilson Legal, PC 407 E Maple St., #105 Cumming, GA 30040 770-821-6469 www.wilson-legal.com

Herbert Legal Group, LLC 101 Vickery St. Roswell, GA 30075 404-850-0180 herbertlegalgroup.com

BEST MERCHANT SERVICES Netcom PaySystem

5755 North Point Pkwy., Ste. 242 Alpharetta, GA 30022 800-875-6680 netcompaysystem.com

Fiserv

2900 Westside Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-375-3000 fiserv.com

BEST MOBILE NOTARY

Lisa’s Mobile Apostille, Notary & Signing

4503 Tree Corners Pkwy. Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-819-8526 mobilenotaryplus.business.site

Georgia Mobile Notary Center 310-720-3309 mobilenotarycenter.com

BEST MORTGAGE LENDER

Mountain Peak Mortgage –Pete Brown

10050 Medlock Bridge Rd. Ste. 220 Johns Creek, GA 30097 404-964-6880 mountainpeakmortgage.com

Home Town Mortgage 199 Academy St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-543-4152 hometownmortgage.net

BEST NETWORKING GROUP

Alpharetta Business Association 11770 Haynes Bridge Rd. Ste. 205 Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-865-6608 alpharettabusinessassociation.com

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce 10000 Avalon Blvd., Ste. 100 Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-993-8806 www.gnfcc.com

BEST NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

T-Olive Properties 770-826-3666 www.toliveproperties.com

Perry Custom Homes, LLC

4080 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Ste. 902 Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-806-6000 perrycustomhomes.net

BEST OIL CHANGE

Extra Mile Tire Pros

2875 Bethany Bnd. Milton, GA 30004 678-566-6627 extramiletirepros.com

Speed Auto Repair Multiple Locations speedautorepair.com

BEST PAINTER

Bear Mountain Custom Painting

3315 Hutchinson Rd.

Cumming, GA 30040 470-380-5447 bearmountainpainting.com

Dream House Painting 678-873-2821 dreamhousepainting.com

BEST PERSONAL INJURY

ATTORNEY

Bross, McAllister & Williams, LLC (BMW Law Group)

5400 Laurel Springs Pkwy. Suwanee, GA 30024 770-225-4710 bmwlawgroup.com

Herbert Legal Group, LLC 101 Vickery St. Roswell, GA 30075 404-850-0180 herbertlegalgroup.com

BEST PET DAYCARE / LODGER

Ruff House Kennel & Daycare

640 Dorris Rd.

Alpharetta, GA 30004 888-790-RUFF (7833) ruffhouseinc.com

It’s a Dog’s Life Doggy Daycare & Resort

11130 State Bridge Rd., Ste. A101 Johns Creek, GA 30022 770-504-4555 itsadogsliferesort.com

BEST PET GROOMING

Puff N Fluff Pet Spa

11550 Jones Bridge Rd., #8 Johns Creek, GA 30022 770-274-4600 puffnfluffpetspa.com

That Dirty Dog Inc.

11255 Woodstock Rd., #100 Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-7877 www.thatdirtydog.com

BEST PET SUPPLY / BOUTIQUE

Top Dog’s Pet Boutique – Roswell 900 Mansell Rd., #13 Roswell, GA 30076 770-641-8620 topdogspetboutique.com

Unexpected Pooch 6210 Town Sq. Alpharetta, GA 30005 470-255-2144 unexpectedpooch.com

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Abby Byrd Photography 678-787-6060 abbybyrd.com

Charla Ayers Studio 706-429-6987 charlaayers.com

BEST PLUMBER

Pete’s Plumbing 2280 Justin Tr. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-442-3934 petesplumbing.com

Reliable Heating & Air, Plumbing and Electrical Multiple Locations 770-594-9969 reliableair.com

BEST POOL SERVICES Milton Pools 13650 Birmingham Hwy. Milton, GA 30004 404-490-1950 miltonpools.com

First Response Pool Service, LLC Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-330-8557 firstresponsepools.com

BEST PRE-SCHOOL / DAY CARE

Primrose School of Alpharetta 315 Henderson Village Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-664-7508 primroseschools.com/schools/ alpharetta

Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia 6450 E Johns Crossing Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-814-8001 jcmsog.org

BEST PRIVATE K-12 SCHOOL

Fulton Science Academy Private School

3035 Fanfare Way Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-366-2555 fultonscienceacademy.org

Kings Ridge Christian School 2765 Bethany Bnd. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-754-5738 kingsridgecs.org

BEST PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

Anchor Marketing

11660 Alpharetta Hwy., #145 Roswell, GA 30076 770-587-0017 anchormarketing.com

North Georgia Promotions

4040 Nine McFarland Dr., #1200 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-710-0467 ngapromotions.com

BEST REAL ESTATE

BROKERAGE FIRM

Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty 1125 Sanctuary Pkwy., Ste. 400 Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-442-7300 atlantafinehomes.com

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

33 S. Main St., Ste. 201 Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-393-2522 www.bhhs.com

BEST REALTOR TEAM

Team Toth Real Estate 3107 Peachtree Rd. NE, Ste. A 1 Atlanta, GA 30305 404-509-4003 thinktoth.com

The Jenny Doyle Group 1125 Sanctuary Pkwy., Ste. 400 Alpharetta, GA 30009 404-840-7354 jennydoyle.com

BEST RENOVATION/ HOME IMPROVEMENT

Remodeling Expo Center 48 King St. Roswell, GA 30075 678-459-2292 remodelingexpo.com

Bear Mountain Custom Painting

3315 Hutchinson Rd.

Cumming, GA 30040 470-380-5447 bearmountainpainting.com

BEST SENIOR INFORMATION SERVICES

NexSeason Transitions 404-439-1022 nexseasontransitions.com

Senior Services North Fulton 11381 Southbridge Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-993-1906 ssnorthfulton.org

BEST SHREDDER

EcoShredding 770-490-5607 ecoshredding.com

I-Shred 488 N Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-667-9111 i-shred.net

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY / SERVICE Cruise Planners – Michael Consoli 770-650-7667 planmycruise.com

Aladdin Travel Services, Ltd. 1499 Alpharetta Hwy., #200 Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-475-1511 www.aladdintravelservices.com

BEST TREE SERVICE

Silver Axe Tree Experts & Stump Grinding

1150 Pine Crest Ter. Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-663-8608 silveraxetree.com

Tomahawk Tree Service 78 Thompson Pl. Roswell, GA 30075 770-640-0003 tomahawktreeservice.com

BEST TUTORING CENTER

Infinity Learning

12150 Morris Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-322-4185 learningisinfinite.com

Kumon Math & Reading Center of Alpharetta 865 North Main St., #106 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-625-1070 kumon.com

Business: Heyday Dunwoody

Owner: Katy Barbeau

Description: Founded in 2015, Heyday takes the facial out of the tradi tional spa experience to meet the demands of the modern customer and take the guesswork out of skincare. Focusing exclusively on skincare, Heyday provides fully customizable 50-minute facials that are curated and performed by Heyday’s Skin Therapists, all licensed estheticians.

Opened: July 2022

Phone: (770) 373-7670

Address: 123 Perimeter Center W., Suite 300, Dunwoody, GA 30346

Website: heydayskincare.com/pages/dunwoody

Business: North Italia

Owner: North Restaurants, LLC

Description: North Italia prides itself on delivering handcrafted Italian food in a modern environment with an inrestaurant experience that prioritizes great hospitality every time. We celebrate the opportunity to connect with the local community, finding new guests and team members to share our love of food and beverage

Opened: August 2022

Phone: (770) 804-8403

Address: 4600 Ashford Dunwoody Road, NE Dunwoody, GA 30346

Website: northitalia.com/locations/atlan ta-ga-perimeter/

Full-time Part-time

POOL TECHNICIANS WANTED

Part-time & Full-time positions available. Pay is $12-$14 per hour. Hours starting at 6:30AM, Monday-Friday. Pick-up truck not required but must have your own reliable transportation. Gas allowance provided. Looking for people who enjoy working outside and are enthusiastic, dependable & punctual. Able to contribute independently or on a crew with consistently friendly attitude.

Well-established commercial pool maintenance company providing service in the North Atlanta Metro area.

404-245-9396

FDS Bank has openings in Johns Creek, GA for Senior Manager, Fraud Strategy (Job 11908.1033) responsible for providing fraud loss analysis & reporting, data development, & analytical support. May telecommute from home. To apply, mail your resume to FDS Bank, 5985 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097, Attn. William Trevethick. Must reference Job # 11908.1033.

Zoominfo Technologies LLC seeks Senior Software Engineer in Roswell, GA to write high-volume server applications (full-stack). Telecommuting is permitted. Apply at https://www.jobpostingtoday.com/

Carmichael, Brasher, Tuvell & Company is hiring an Income Tax Preparer, Corporate and Individual. Great pay and flexible, relaxed work environment. Seeking full and/or part-time individual for individual and corporate tax preparation and accounting. Prior tax preparation required and have working knowledge of QuickBooks. Our office is located in the heart of Dunwoody and work from home is an option. To apply email your resume to gbrasher@cbtcpa.com

Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC seeks in Alpharetta, GA: Virtual Engineering Specialist – Application Development (Job code 8210) to Act as a virtual engineering simulation specialist within the Solvay Application Development team. Mail resume referencing applicable Job Code to Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC Attn: HR, 4500 McGinnis Ferry Road, Alpharetta, GA, 30005. No recruiters

SiteOne Landscape Supply, LLC seeks a SAP Commerce (Hybris) Sr. Development Lead to Analyze, design, implement, and test application software changes for the Hybris Ecommerce site. Teleworking is permitted within a reasonable commuting distance of the Roswell, GA worksite location. Send resume to Kelli Reeves at kreeves@siteone.com and reference job title.

ASSIST PARTIALLY DISABLED EXECUTIVE

Onsite at his place of employment. Perfect for retired nurse. Helping with meal prep, drive to doctors appointments, some shopping. Salary negotiable. English speaking non-smoker. Charlotte 678-208-0774

TAX PREPARER ASSISTANT

Experience required. Flexible hours. Lacerte software experience helpful. admin@skbcpas.com

Income Opportunity

MAILROOM CLERK

Downtown Cumming, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Lifting, indoor/outdoor walking. Drug & background checks required. Entry level. Full benefit package (PTO, paid holidays, health insurance). applications@morebizz.net

ASSISTANTS & KENNEL HELP

FULL & PART TIME

Currently hiring Veterinary Assistants and Kennel Help. If you enjoy working with small animals, please contact us. This position offers Dental, Vision, and Major Medical. Please send Resume to docjch@bellsouth.net. 678-327-7008.

Alcon Research, LLC has openings for Regulatory Managers, Vision Care for the Johns Creek, GA office. The Regulatory Manager, Vision Care is responsible for developing and implementing regulatory strategy, as applied to project, process, and/ or product. Job is 40 hours per week. Please send all resumes to Sylvia Cruz, Alcon Research, LLC, 6201 South Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76134, Ref. No. SG0922

Building/Facilities Assistant Manager

Seeking part-time Building/Facilities Assistant Manager for Alpharetta Presbyterian Church from about 12-4 Monday – Friday. Candidate needs basic knowledge/competency in building maintenance and grounds keeping as well as strong interpersonal skills. Computer skills are desired.

Requires successful completion of a criminal record and child abuse background check, a valid driver’s license and the ability to perform physical tasks. Full job description can be seen at https://alpharettapres. com/about-us/jobs/.

Qualified candidates please send resume to office@alpharettapres.com

If you are concerned with your Vending Machine looking like this, please call FitNGo Healthy Vending, LLC to discuss your vending issues and concerns. We specialize in Healthy and Classical/Traditional options as well as a hybrid of both. We are employee-centric and are committed to visit your site at least twice a week to ensure your machines are full and ready for use. To discuss further, contact: Brian Weis - (404)861-9730

Mervyn Weis - (770)377-8357

We look forward to talking with you!

Home Improvement

PHILLIPS HOME IMPROVEMENT

We offer drywall, painting, carpentry, plumbing and electrical. Basements finished, kitchen and bath rehabs. All types flooring. Also total home rehab for those who have a rental house or one to sell. Call 678-887-1868 for a free estimate.

Pinestraw

PINESTRAW, MULCH Delivery/installation available. Firewood available. Licensed, insured. Angels of

Haulers

Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc.

Many local references Call Ralph Rucker 678-898-7237

With