Spalding Drive community pleas to put closure action on hold
PAGE 4
City installs all-day ticketing cameras near high schools
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Police Department rolled out violator-funded traffic cameras in front of local high schools Feb. 10 with the first citations beginning March 27.
While the cameras are already installed, motorists have a few weeks to adjust to heightened speeding enforcement near North Springs High and Riverwood International Charter schools.
The city says it chose the locations because a traffic study from the camera vendor identified safety concerns with hundreds of vehicles speeding in front of the high schools each day. From now through March 27, violators will receive a warning. After the warning period, violators will receive a $75 civil citation for the first offense and $125 for each subsequent infraction.
The system will ticket drivers from an hour before school begins until an hour after it closes.
See CAMERAS, Page 6
County kicks off renovations for Health & Human Services Center
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A commercial property along North Point Parkway is getting a face-lift as Fulton County transforms the site into a new Health and Human Services Center.
County officials gathered at 4700 North Point Parkway Feb. 11 for a “sledgehammer ceremony” to mark the beginning of renovations for a new onestop shop for a range of health services for residents of all ages.
The county says the facility renovations are set to be completed in the first
quarter of 2027 and will improve access to services for developmental disabilities, behavioral and public health, seniors and social support for North Fulton residents.
Commissioner Bob Ellis, representing the eastern half of North Fulton, said the county began looking for a site to put a
health and human services center north of the Chattahoochee River in late 2018.
“We have to think about services geographically to make sure that we are getting them close enough to our residents,” Ellis said.
See CENTER, Page 13
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
A RedSpeed license plate reader sits along Heards Ferry Road in front of Riverwood International Charter School. The city announced the addition of speed cameras Feb. 10 around the area’s two public high schools.
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COMPARING POLICE TRANSPARENCY
Sandy Springs vs. Johns Creek
Sandy Springs Johns Creek
Each week Appen Media requests police incident reports to inform residents about the safety of their community. Sandy Springs continues to withhold what it calls the “narrative reports.” It is the only city Appen Media covers that follows this practice, which goes against guidance from the Attorney General, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia and Georgia Press Association. Appen Media will continue pursuing the release of more detailed documents that belong to the public in order to inform residents how safe – or unsafe – their city is.
Alpharetta native joins Appen staff
ALPHARETTA, Ga — Appen Media Group announced Feb. 14 that Sarah Coyne will join its staff as a reporter. Coyne will immediately begin covering local government and business in North Fulton. She will report to Carl Appen, director of content and development, and will be based in Alpharetta.
“Having an Alpharetta native come home to cover her community is a special gift for us,” Appen said. “Sarah hit the ground running this week already covering some heavy topics, like the tragic death of Roswell Police Officer
Jeremy Labonte. For a hometown news group, connecting to the reporting is key. We’re lucky to have someone with the reporting and photo chops Sarah brings. The fact that already has roots here just makes it that much better.”
Coyne grew up in Alpharetta and graduated from the University of Georgia in Dec. 2024 with a degree in journalism. During her time at Georgia, Coyne took courses in investigative reporting, international affairs and photojournalism. Alongside her coursework, Coyne served as the city and county beat reporter for The Oglethorpe Echo.
“I’m so excited to be able to write for the newspaper that I grew up reading,” Coyne said. “I have a passion to inform my audience and through my writing and photography, which I crafted at Grady College.”
To contact Coyne with news tips or story ideas, email sarah@appenmedia. com.
Sandy Springs council members, Spalding Drive Elementary parents and other community members wait in line at the Feb. 11 Fulton County Board of Education meeting to lobby for keeping the school open. The final public hearing and vote is Feb. 20.
Spalding Drive community pleas to delay school closure action
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A six-month process to close a nearly 60-year-old neighborhood elementary school is set to wrap up Feb. 20 with the Fulton County Board of Education’s final vote.
The Spalding Drive Elementary School community asked board members during a Feb. 11 public hearing to pause the process at least a year to see if student population increases.
It’s clear from public comment that people move to Sandy Springs just to send their kids to Spalding Drive Elementary School, one of the highest performing in the state.
The highlights of the hearing were comments from current and former students at Spalding Drive Elementary, ranging from first grade through middle school. The elementary school students just want to keep walking to school with their friends.
The school district’s rationale for closing the elementary school is that it has declining enrollment and an aging building. Superintendent Mike Looney has cited the school district’s increasing expenses and funding shortfalls as a reason to shutter the school with underutilized classroom space.
Board members moved 4-3 in January to proceed with Fulton County Schools staff’s recommendation to close Spalding Drive Elementary and redistrict its students Woodland and Heards Ferry. That action will go to a final vote Feb. 20.
Advocates rallied behind the message “Use Us, Don’t Lose Us” to highlight what they consider the irreplaceable value of Spalding Drive Elementary.
When news broke about closure in September, parents formed the Save Spalding Drive Committee, hired professionals and collected their own data and information to argue against the school district’s recommendation. They say the school district has invested more than $2 million in facility upgrades, including a new HVAC system and roof with security cameras still being installed this month at the school.
Spalding Drive Pre-K teacher Amy Lund told the board that closing the elementary school will be chaos for its young students, two of which are her own.
“Our small school has had a lot of ‘big feelings’ … we have felt confused, misled and undervalued,” Lund said. “We have heard conflicting things between operations and human resources … it is okay to admit that this proposal is not the right choice for Spalding Drive Elementary.”
Lund asked for a longer pause of three to five years.
State Rep. Debroah Silcox also spoke to board members about why “the model school” that she attended and continues to visit as an elected official should stay open. She mentioned the district’s $180 million investment in North Springs High School and the post-pandemic growth of
young families in Sandy Springs.
“The neighborhood and the school had strong ties,” Silcox said. “The parents were very engaged, and the faculty were very committed. It is no different now.”
At three community meetings in the fall, parents were increasingly upset with what questions they were allowed to ask and the information presented from Fulton County Schools staff.
The school board’s redistricting policy does not allow staff to consider academic performance. While parents argue the school is a cornerstone of the community, offering exceptional academic performance, a diverse environment and a sense of belonging for families in the area, the school district is silent.
The Sandy Springs community is not giving up, and some city officials themselves are backing the final push for reconsideration.
City Councilwoman Jody Reichel, instrumental in effort to get a new North Springs High School campus, said the school board is pushing to erase a community cornerstone.
Some community members hinted at continued pressure on the school district and board members if they decide to close the school.
Sandy Springs Communications Director Carter Long said school district staff did reach out to its Community Development Department in October to request preliminary information for their annual student forecast amid the start of the redistricting process.
Long said staff provided Fulton County Schools with initial data, including current and planned residential development figures within the North Springs High School feeder district.
“Based on the conversations last night, we have reached out to the superintendent and the FCS chief of staff to provide a comprehensive list of developments that were not included in the initial October request,” Long said.
COYNE
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Over 100 vehicles paid their respects to Police Officer Jeremy Labonte at the vehicle processional on Feb. 12 in Roswell. Community members were encouraged to stand along the route to honor Ofc. Labonte.
Community, law enforcement mourns fallen Roswell officer
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Crowds gathered along the road to watch the vehicle processional and remember the life of Roswell Police Officer Jeremy Labonte during the afternoon of Feb. 12.
Despite the cold rain, community members rallied with their umbrellas and American flags to pay their respects for Labonte.
Police cars from cities across the state drove along the route. Cities as far as Milledgeville to Ellijay were included, as well as vehicles from the United States Customs and Border Protection, National Parks Service and the Georgia State Patrol.
The processional lasted a little under an hour and consisted of over 100 vehicles, beginning their journey at Lebanon Baptist Church. They made their way down Crabapple Road, Canton Street, Atlanta Street and Mimosa Boulevard, with community members watching from the sidewalks. The processional ended at Roswell United Methodist Church, where the funeral service was held at 3 p.m.
A livestream of the funeral was provided to the public on www.roswellgov.com/ FuneralService.
Roswell Police Chief James Conroy spoke at the funeral where he provided words to those in attendance about the impact Ofc. Labonte made.
“If you look around you are surrounded by love,” Conroy said.
Community members, which have “overwhelmed” the police department with support, are encouraged to donate to the
A community member holds an umbrella over a firefighter during the vehicle processional honoring Police Officer Jeremy Labonte on Feb. 12. The processional ran along Crabapple Road, Canton Street, Atlanta Street and Mimosa Boulevard.
Labonte family on the Friends of Roswell Police Foundation PayPal.
At a press briefing on Monday, Feb. 10, Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson addressed the public about the city’s efforts to honor Ofc. Labonte.
“Officer Labonte dedicated his life to serving and protecting the people of Roswell, and now we come together to honor him,” Wilson said.
A private burial service for friends and family will take place on Thursday, Feb. 13.
“What we’re doing, I think is small really, in comparison to the sacrifice that this young man made for our city,” Wilson said.
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PHOTOS BY: SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival returns to metro theaters
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is bringing 50 feature-length movies to local theaters Feb. 19-March 5 for its 25th anniversary celebrating the community’s diverse experiences.
The films include 22 documentaries and 28 narrative works with an online opportunity to stream some of this year’s selections March 7-16.
The anniversary edition features official film selections from 22 countries, including the United States, Brazil and Israel. There are 88 in-theatre screenings scheduled across six venues over two weeks.
The annual festival kicks off with the regional premier of “Bad Shabbos,” a winner at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Feb. 19. Tickets to opening night start at $25 with the stars and creators of the film slated for special guest appearances.
Film screenings are across Metro Atlanta at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Springs Cinema & Taphouse, Merchants Walk Cinemas in East Cobb, the historic Plaza Theatre in midtown Atlanta, the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center and the Tara Theatre off Cheshire Bridge Road.
Other festival highlights include “Young Professionals Night” Feb. 22 at the Plaza Theatre off Ponce De Leon Avenue; “Field Trip Screening” Feb. 27 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center for the Metro Atlanta premier of “Ellie Wiesel: Soul on Fire;”
Cameras:
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There are at least three cameras along Heards Ferry Road in Riverwood’s school zone. It’s unclear where the cameras are around North Springs, but Dalrymple and Trowbridge roads are most likely locations.
A statement from Sandy Springs says the implementation of its school zone safety program reinforces its commitment to the safety of the community’s children at no setup cost to taxpayers.
The City Council discussed the proposal to install school zone traffic cameras during a December 2021 work session. Staff said there are no insurance implications or impacts on driver’s license points for ticketed individuals.
The city’s photo enforcement vendor, RedSpeed, uses license plate recognition cameras and high-definition video cameras. All license plates are recorded, but the speed cameras only record tags on vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit
ERIC BUKARD/PROVIDED
A look at the 23rd annual Closing Night of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival shows American film composer Charles Fox seated at a piano and surrounded by local Atlanta musicians and festival organizers. The 25th anniversary edition runs Feb. 19 through March 16.
and two films celebrating comedian Jerry Lewis.
The closing night March 5 is at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center with the Jury Awards presentation and the Metro Atlanta premier
by more than 11 miles an hour.
“These advanced systems will enhance law enforcement’s ability to monitor school zones and respond to urgent safety concerns,” the statement says. “Alerts for vehicles associated with temporary protection orders and Amber will be integrated into the monitoring system, further enhancing safety in the community.”
The company says its competitors do not have the same technology, which allows them “to maximize the number of violations successfully captured and prosecuted,” with hundreds of high-definition frames of each vehicle.
RedSpeed claims a 25 to 50 percent increase in the number of prosecutable violations will its lane-specific enforcement cameras.
Sandy Springs Police Sgt. Leon Millholland said 65 percent of each paid citation will go to the city. RedSpeed takes the other 35 percent.
“By law, this money has to go back into local public safety or law enforcement initiatives,” Millholland said. “This ensures that all revenue collected is going back into bettering the safety of Sandy
Springs and its community.”
of “Cheers to Life” with director Chris D’Amato and producer Julio Uchoa.
An all-access streaming pass is available March 7-16 to Georgians who want to follow along from home with 21 feature films and 14 short films from the festival. Some are only available for exclusive intheater presentation.
The anniversary edition also marks the launch of the Kenny Blank Vision Initiative, an expansion that transforms the festival into a year-round hub for film, education and industry leadership. The initiative looks to launch a filmmaker fund to empower storytellers.
Kenny Blank, executive and artistic director of the AJFF, said the nonprofit is proud to unite film lovers from all walks of life to the festival that is welcoming and reflective of people’s shared humanity.
“Our 25th anniversary represents a quartercentury of fostering connections and understanding through the transformative power of cinema,” Blank said. “This year’s lineup not only highlights stories that resonate deeply with Jewish life but also redefines what it means to be a 'Jewish' film. It’s about the intersection of Jewish experiences with the broader world, creating space for meaningful dialogue and connection between communities.”
Millholland said the fees going to the company fund permitting, construction, operations and ongoing maintenance of the automated speed cameras.
Alpharetta and Roswell partnered with RedSpeed in 2019 to roll out a similar program at several of the citys’ public schools.
In Sandy Springs and Roswell, the cameras will be operational on school days, from one hour before school starts, through the school day, until one hour after dismissal.
Alpharetta and Decatur only keep the cameras running during pick-up and drop-off hours.
School zone cameras are the only automated ticketing driving enforcement allowed in the state. The trend traces back to House Bill 978, which the Georgia General Assembly passed in 2018 and then-Gov. Nathan Deal signed into law.
Interestingly, the same day that Sandy Springs and RedSpeed installed school zone cameras, Georgia representatives filed a bill that aims to outlaw them.
The issue is whether the tag readers
— Hayden Sumlin
constitute a government overreach. Some civil liberty groups argue the devices allow government to track driving patterns of all citizens and constitute an invasion of privacy unless they are strictly regulated. Law enforcement groups, on the other hand, say the technology provides a useful tool used only to alert police of vehicles associated with criminal activity.
HB 225, the legislation on the table this year, would ban school zone cameras.
While some state officials like House Speaker Jon Burns wants to limit their use to only mornings and afternoons, the bill’s sponsor Rep. Dale Washburn of Macon wants them gone.
Two similar bills attempting to ban or limit school zone cameras were up for discussion in the 2024 legislative session, but both died.
Feedback from residents on the city’s special media posts announcing the new school zone cameras have been mixed.
To share your thoughts on school zone traffic cameras or anything else around Sandy Springs, email newsroom@ appenmedia.com.
Summer Camps
Sponsored Section February 20, 2025 | Sandy Springs Crier | 8
Atlanta International School
Offering an enriching summer experience
full of fun, new friends, and adventures!
Brought to you by – Atlanta International School
Summer means just one thing at Atlanta International School (AIS) –and that’s fun! With a fantastic variety of unique camps for children from 4K to Grade 10, beating boredom is guaranteed! Designed to exercise both young minds and bodies during the summer months, we have a camp to suit everyone.
The school hosts over 90 camps, across its Buckhead Campus, and now for the second year, at its new Sandy Springs location. AIS Sandy Springs is the perfect place to enjoy friendship and fun. Set in 25 acres of beautiful natural woodland on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, campers get to experience the outdoors and enjoy the newly renovated campus facilities.
Depending on the age of the student, the camps offered at Sandy Springs are: Art Meets Science, Bulls and Bears Camp, Chess, Chicos on Stage, Cosplay – Character Fashion, Digital Creators Academy, Dungeons and Dragons Camp, Filmmaking, Islandmon, LEGO Robotics: Power Machines, LEGO Robotics – Remote Control Mania, Model UN Camp, No-Sew Design Camp, Read All About It, Slimetopia 2, Sports Play, Sports Play Party, STEAMtank Entrepreneurs, STEAMWarts, Stop Motion Camp, Sustainable Eco-Fashion Design Camp, Video Game Design and Coding Camp, and an awesome Wilderness Survival Camp!
And at the school’s Buckhead Campus, students can explore language camps - in Chinese, French, German, Spanish, and English. Or how about Tinkering, Engineering, Multi Sports, Music Video Production, Basketball, or Cheerleading? There is a vast range of camps which means there is truly something for everyone!
AIS Camps run from June 2ndJuly 25th, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to
3 p.m.
Free early drop-off is available from 8 a.m., and we also have Stay and Play from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for $25 a day.
Find detailed descriptions of each camp and register at www.aischool.org/ summercamps.
AIS Sandy Springs Campus: 1701 Brandon Hall Drive, Sandy Springs, GA. 30350
AIS Buckhead Campus: 2890 North Fulton Drive, Atlanta, GA. 30305
If you have any questions, please contact adriana.quispe-mesia@aischool. org. We look forward to making your child’s
A Place to Thrive this
Sandy Springs Campus | Grade 3 - 10
Enjoy over 90 fun camps including arts, science, coding, drones, chess, and more.
Buckhead Campus | 4K - Grade 10 Register for camps today!
SUMMER SUMMER
Spend your summer at Marist School
Brought to you by – Marist School
This summer, make memories that will last a lifetime at Marist School! With a wide variety of engaging and enriching camps, Marist offers something for everyone, whether your child is looking to learn new skills, develop a passion, or simply have fun.
Our summer camp lineup includes a dynamic mix of options:
• Sports Camps: Baseball, basketball, cheerleading, diving, flag football, football, lacrosse, running, soccer, softball, sports camp, sprint training, tennis, volleyball, and wrestling.
• Specialty Camps: Theater, music technology and production, sports medicine,
Entertainment Tonight broadcasting, Sports Center broadcasting, and FCA Sports & Leadership.
• Academic Enrichment: SAT/ACT Boot Camp and Personal Essay Start-Up.
• General Fun: Fun Camp designed for a variety of interests.
With full- and half-day sessions offered weekly from June 2 to August 1, Marist’s camps are open to children ages 5 to 17. Plus, our convenient after-camp care is available until 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, to fit busy schedules.
Don’t wait—visit //marist.com/summer camps today for more details and to register.
Make this summer unforgettable at Marist School!
Delivers to 17,000 households every Thursday. Zip Codes: 30040, 30041. Forsyth County’s largest circulation newspaper. Est. 1998
to 18,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30338, 30350, 30360, 30346, 30319. Community news for and about the City of Dunwoody and surrounding areas. City of Dunwoody paper of record. Est. 1976. Delivers to 28,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30005, 30009, 30022, 30075, 30076. Alpharetta & Roswell’s primary news source. Alpharetta and Roswell’s paper of record. Est. 1983
Delivers to 20,000 households every Thursday
Zip Codes: 30022, 30097. Johns Creek’s primary news source. Est. 1997. Johns Creek’s paper of record.
Delivers to 10,000 households every Thursday Zip Code: 30004. Community news for and about the City of Milton. Est. 2006. Milton’s paper of record.
Delivers to 12,000 households every Thursday Zip Codes: 30327, 30328, 30342, 30350
Pre-Nuptial Agreements
Their essential role in empowering couples through estate planning
Pre-nuptial agreements represent one of life’s most significant milestones as couples enter marriage, symbolizing love, commitment, and partnership. While the emotional elements of marriage often take center stage, practical considerations inevitably accompany this profound union, particularly regarding finances and asset management. Pre-nuptial agreements can play a crucial role in addressing these important aspects, providing a structured framework for navigating potential complexities that may arise during the course of a marriage. One of the primary benefits of a prenup is its ability to alleviate potential financial disputes in the future. By addressing issues such as property division, spousal support, and debt allocation in advance, couples can minimize misunderstandings and conflicts that may arise later. This level of foresight
is particularly valuable for individuals entering a marriage with significant assets, business interests, or children from previous relationships. In such cases, prenuptial agreements can ensure that these existing responsibilities and assets are safeguarded. If you own any assets prior to marriage or remarriage you should also establish a trust to keep assets separate instead of commingling the assets during marriage. Sometimes without the trust your assets get commingled and therefore you may waive some or all of your rights in the prenuptial agreement.
Therefore, we always recommend a trust with a prenuptial agreement. Worst case if prenuptial agreement is not possible then at least do a trust to keep your assets separate during the marriage.
Come to one of our weekly workshops to learn how to protect your assets in all different circumstances during your life and for your beneficiaries after your death.
Brought to you by - Estates Law Center USA
Free Spring gardening classes set in Milton
In collaboration with the City of Milton, the North Fulton Master Gardeners are offering a series of gardening classes open to everyone. The classes will be held on successive Tuesday evenings beginning February 25th and continuing on March 4th and March 11th. They are held at the Milton City Park and Preserve, located at 1785 Dinsmore Road.
These classes are free and open to the public. The doors open at 6:30 p.m.; we entertain questions and garden topics until 7:00 p.m., when the classes start. Each session consists of one or two topics and concludes around 8:30 p.m. We hope you join us! Please RSVP at https://nfmg.net/ wp/2025/01/21/spring-2025-classesplant-milton/.
Here’s a round up of classes you can expect.
The basics of vegetable gardening
Get a jump on vegetable gardening with Master Gardener George Scesney, who learned how to garden as a child. Whether you are new to growing vegetables or are interested in learning how to increase your garden’s bounty, there is much to learn from this lifelong gardener. George shares his expertise in sustainable (organic) gardening, mulching, weed control, fertilizing and pest control. He will also provide instruction on how to prepare your garden, select the best vegetables to grow in our area, and the optimal time to plant each type.
George has been a Master Gardener for over 15 years. He volunteers at community gardens and gardens that support local foodbanks. George is a highly sought-after speaker.
March 4
Hello Hostas! A perfect addition to your shade garden
Master Gardener Carole MacMullan has a lifetime of experience with hostas. She will tell you that no shade garden should be without a hosta, which have been the mainstay of shade gardens for at least one hundred years. Even though their flowers are insignificant, the appeal is the diversity of their leaves. Thanks to hybridizers the leaves of hostas come in a variety of sizes, colors as well as textures. Learn how to plant, care for, fertilize and prevent eradication from hosta enemy number one, deer.
Carole MacMullan taught biology for
About the author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Michael Snow, a Milton resident and North Fulton Master Gardener since 2021. Michael had always been active in “yard work” and growing plants and shrubs. Upon retiring from a career in real property finance, he sought to benefit from an organized source of garden information and became a Master Gardener. He plays golf almost as frequently as he gardens.
35 years in the Pittsburgh area. In 2012 after moving to Milton, Carole completed the Master Gardener training program and joined the North Fulton Master Gardeners and the Milton Garden Club.
Goodbye lawn: Alternatives for a healthy environment
Shrink your lawn: Save money and time while enhancing biodiversity! North Fulton Master Gardener Sandra Shave explains how you can and should reduce your lawn size by making your own native habitat. Join the effort to create a countrywide Homegrown National Park and reduce your lawn size. Use low-growing natives;
plant a native wildflower meadow; establish a pollinator garden; embellish those shady spots with natives or even non-native ground covers; or just convert more of your lawn to native shrubs.
Sandy graduated from the Master Gardener program in early 2019. She is a recent transplant to Roswell, Georgia, moving from Wisconsin in 2014 after retirement to be nearer to her children and most importantly her grandchildren.
March 11
Growing berries, figs and other small fruit
If you have picked berries on roadside bushes and found them to be bitter, hard and inhospitable, help is on its way. If you have ever tasted a fig preserve and wish to have more, help is on its way. Lynn Nations will talk about how the home gardener can grow small fruits in the North Atlanta area. In addition to her experience as a gardener, she will provide selected informational handouts from UGA Extension.
Lynn Nations, a California native, followed her grandchildren to Georgia. Coming from California she had problems determining plants from weeds, which led
her to become a Master Gardener. Lynn is a retired pharmacist, and a certified medical Qigong instructor.
There must be a tool for that Every job is easier with the proper tool. Michael Snow will talk about his favorite tools and the benefits of having the proper tool to use. He will also provide insights into the favorite tools of other Master Gardeners. Michael wants to know: If you only had $100, what garden tools would you buy?
He may be the only person with an inventory of his garden tools, a list for what he wants to buy next and a desire to manufacture and sell garden tools.
Happy gardening!
North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https://appenmedia.com/opinion/columists/garden buzz/.
MICHAEL SNOW Guest Columnist
PROVIDED
Master Gardener George Scesney will be teaching a class on the basics of vegetable gardening at the Milton City Park and Preserve.
Center:
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In 2019, Fulton County purchased the office building, formerly a telecommunications center, for $11 million. It served as one of the county’s main sites for testing and vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, second only to Mercedez-Benz Stadium
The renovation project, approved by the Board of Commissioners last November, has been in the works since 2019. The $15.4 million contract with the Beck Group to renovate the building is funded through a loan from the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia.
After remarks from various elected officials, Ellis and Fulton County Commissioner Chair Rob Pitts took turns putting holes in a wall on the first floor of the empty office building with sledgehammers.
Ellis said he thinks the health-related service center is going to be impactful long-term. He said the additional space available at the facility serves as a beachhead for future expansion.
The site, set to be renovated into the North Fulton Health and Human Services Center, consists of a 108,000-squarefoot, two-story facility on 23.87 acres. The plan is to revamp the entire first floor, tearing down walls and retrofitting the space. On the second floor, the plan is to leave around 25,000 square feet untouched for future expansion.
Ellis said the proximity of the site to Ga. 400 is excellent and generally accessible to all North Fulton cities, which was one of the goals of the facility.
The site allows the county to consolidate its existing services within several offices in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton and Roswell. County officials said those sites are crowded and dilapidated.
The county has the Customer Service Center off Maxwell Road in Alpharetta for assistance with water and sewer billing, tax assessments and driver services. The North Fulton Service Center along Roswell Road (Ga. 9) in Sandy Springs offers similar services.
Those facilities will continue normal
DEATH NOTICES
David Byrd, 46, of Alpharetta, passed away on January 20, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
William Corder, 74, of Roswell, passed away on January 31, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
operations.
“What we have not had is many of the health-related services, or have them more proximate to residents,” Ellis said.
“We have some smaller senior service centers that do sit in North Fulton cities right now … this is about being able to serve the entirety of the population better.”
As far as what active seniors can expect at the future North Fulton Health and Human Services Center, Ellis mentioned the Benson Center off Roswell Road (Ga. 9) in Sandy Springs.
Some services at the future center will be geared toward low-income residents, but county officials said others, like adult day care and vaccinations for international travelers, are available
Brian Pressnall, 54, of Roswell, passed away on January 25, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Cheryl Reese, 77, of Roswell, passed away on January 31, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
to everyone.
Other elected officials, including Mountain Park Mayor Bill Kolbrener, Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry and Sandy Springs council members Melody Kelley and John Paulson, also attended the ceremony. The lucky ones got to swing a sledgehammer.
Fulton County Chief Operating Officer Pamela Roshell said the renovated facility will bring new senior services to North Fulton, while providing existing ones for behavioral and public health, developmental disabilities and real estate management.
She also said there is room for expansion and opportunities for collaboration with community partners and organizations at the site.
James Robertson, 43, of Roswell, passed away on January 20, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Charles Stoyer, 92, of Alpharetta, passed away on January 24, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
With more than a year until the North Fulton Health and Human Services Center is welcoming residents, there is a plan for a similar center south of Atlanta.
Roshell said plans for a second health-related service center is dependent on a feasibility study, which the county is actively seeking a vendor to conduct.
“This transformation today is significant step toward creating a stateof-the-art facility that will enhance health and social support services for our friends and neighbors in North Fulton,” Roshell said. “We are not only expanding our capacity but also strengthening our commitment to well-being.”
Edward Wegener, 90, of Alpharetta, passed away on January 23, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
From left, Fulton County commissioners Bob Ellis and Bridget Thorne ready their sledgehammers as Chairman Robb Pitts takes a swing during the kickoff of renovations at 4700 North Point Parkway for the future North Fulton Health and Human Services Center. Work is expected to be complete by this time next year.
Communications and Marketing Manager NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Communications and Marketing Manager position. The Communications and Marketing Manager is responsible for helping raise awareness of North Fulton Community Charities and its programs and services. One of the primary responsibilities of this role is to create internal and external communications and marketing materials to promote NFCC’s overall mission.
The Manager will manage and update multiple channels including social media, email, websites, newsletters, presentations, and video. Proficiency in WordPress, Microsoft Office, and Canva are required and experience with Salesforce or other CRM and Pardot/Account Engagement a plus.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
To place a classified ad, email classifieds@appenmedia.com
Deadline is Thursdays by 4pm
