Sandy Springs Crier - June 1, 2023

Atlanta muralist brings smarts to street art class

Sandy Springs officials lay out $141 million spending plan

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs residents will have their first chance to comment on a proposed city budget of more than $141 million this month, as officials continue to refine the expenses and revenues expected in 2024.

The proposed budget, which was released in draft form at a special meeting of the Sandy Springs City Council May 23, will have its first public hearing and workshop during the council’s regular meeting June 6 at 6 p.m.

North Fulton nonprofits honored at celebration

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Fulton County leaders visited the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell May 24 for a celebration event honoring 25 North Fulton nonprofit groups for their service to the community.

The celebration came after the Fulton

County Board of Commissioners voted to approve more than $7 million in grant funding for non-profit groups like the Chattahoochee Nature Center and North Fulton Community Charities as part of the county’s Community Services Program and Veterans Services Program at a meeting May 17.

Speaking to the gathered crowd of

representatives and local leaders at the center’s riverside pavilion, District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis said Fulton County would not function efficiently without the nonprofit partners that provide a safety net for some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

See FULTON, Page 12

In its current form, the 2024 General Fund budget shows officials anticipate spending $5 million – or 4 percent – more than in the current year. The general fund pays for day-to-day operations of the city, items like salaries and utilities. The budget also expects revenues to increase by $8.8 million.

“Sandy Springs has always prided ourselves on practicing very conservative budgeting and financial management, tools and

See BUDGET, Page 12

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Fulton County commissioners for Districts 1 and 2, Bridget Thorne and Bob Ellis, speak to a group of nonprofit representatives and local leaders at a celebration event held at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell May 24.

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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 documents that belong to the public in order to inform residents how safe - or unsafe - the city is keeping it.

Hawkers loads senses with street food culture

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — A glow emanates through Hawkers’ indoor space, lighting pouring through red umbrellas that line the ceiling. Colorful, cartoonish comics cover the walls and newspaper images, the tables. The design is busy, cutting edge.

“For the price of a meal, we can transport you to the streets of Asia,” said Kaleb Harrell, Hawkers co-founder and CEO. “You can save the plane ticket and overnight flight.”

The energy is certainly reminiscent of that. It’s disruptive, pop music over the speakers — one-third of the business mantra immediately fulfilled. “Be disruptive. Always care. Never compromise.”

The second and third pieces show themselves later.

Hawkers, which launched in Florida, opened its newest location in Dunwoody April 24.

“We want to challenge the status quo on what restaurants look like in today's environment,” Harrell said.

Hawkers, named after travelling food vendors, was started by Harrell and his best friends — Allen Lo, Wayne Yung and Kin Ho — with a love for travel and street food. They still have family in Asia and

made sure to incorporate generations-old recipes for the Hawkers menu.

“I always got the local version of wherever I went,” Harrell said.

Street food, an Asian subculture

Harrell said street food, especially in Southeast Asia, is its own subculture for locals but also “adventurous tourists.” He described it as a “sensory overload,” consisting of the sounds of ladles clicking against the wall, the smell of delicious food and smoke from the wood-burning grills, the neon lights.

“Everything around you is new and different, and you're experiencing it with all five senses,” Harrell said.

Whenever they would get back to the states, Harrell said they “joked” about taking street food from Asia and making it approachable for the mainstream palate. But that’s exactly what they did, opening their first location on Mills Avenue in Orlando in 2011.

There’s a total of 14 locations now. Georgia had its Hawkers introduction on Atlanta’s Beltline in 2019, which is currently under renovation. Harrell hopes to reopen it by the end of the year.

With more locations, Harrell described

Tucker

Paras

Services

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

In late April, Ashford Lane saw the newest of 14 Hawkers locations. See HAWKERS, Page 4

Atlanta muralist brings smarts to street art class

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Areas of sidewalk at the Spruill Center for the Arts are now covered in chalk murals, created by a class of around a dozen who participated in a street art course recently.

Since mid-April, Brave Nu Ventures’ Rachel Griner and a team of local street art experts and creatives have led workshops on the history and varied meanings behind the medium that covers Atlanta. Students also made their way around the city’s Castleberry Hills neighborhood and South Downtown to get a first-hand look at the work — big, often colorful and thoughtprovoking.

Separated into two groups, students brought their drafted designs in the course’s last class May 20. Using a homemade projector, one group made stencils to illustrate a theme based on the concept of enlightenment. The second group, which received passerby participants, chalked a waterway with the slogan, “We’re all drops in the river.”

Changed perspective

In the last class, students also spent time reflecting on what they had learned throughout their time examining street art, Griner said. One student admitted to having a preconceived notion of graffiti as a “blight” on city surfaces but now sees it as an “entire culture.”

Griner, who developed the course curriculum over a year, said many

students foresaw driving through the city, seeing a blank wall, and asking themselves: “Why isn’t there graffiti on it?” While Griner was familiar with street art, she too learned something new — the transcendent and interrelated quality of

New executive director named to head Performing Arts Center

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. —The City of Sandy Springs announced May 25 that William “Bill” Haggett has been appointed the new Executive Director of the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.

Haggett will assume his role in late June and will be working in tandem with Interim Executive Director Michael Pauken through his departure in July.

"Michael has done a tremendous job for the City of Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center and we are sad to see him leave us. We wish him every success in the future," City Manager Eden Freeman said.

Before accepting the post in Sandy Springs, Haggett held various roles in the entertainment industry including programming, venue management, production and consulting. Most

recently Haggett served as the head of the Coral Springs Center for the Arts in Coral Springs, Florida for seven years.

“We are pleased to welcome William Haggett to serve as the Executive Director of the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, which is a significant milestone for our city," Freeman said. "His unparalleled experience and innovative vision will elevate the center's artistic offerings and strengthen our community's cultural landscape. We are thrilled to welcome Bill and his family to Sandy Springs, and we look forward to the exceptional contributions he will make."

Haggett comes to Sandy Springs with his wife, Destiny, and two of his five children, Hudson and Carson.

— Alexander Popp

A student of the Spruill Center for the Arts’ “Exploring Street Art in Atlanta” course and muralist Aysha Pennerman, on right, talk during the last day of class May 20. Students installed chalk murals on sidewalks at the Spruill Center, with Pennerman as a guide.

art communities, how the barriers between street art, graffiti and public art are more porous.

“There was just a hunger and veracity for learning and for connecting with people,” Griner said regarding the students and the instructors. “We just felt connected by our curiosity and our sense of community and our commitment to art as a form of self-expression.”

Because of its success, Griner said “Exploring Street Art in Atlanta” will be

Hawkers:

Continued from Page 3

the need to examine integrity.

“Maybe the way that we make our pork belly is not exactly how we did it when we started,” Harrell said. “But if we need to make it easier on the team, or more scalable, how do we do it in a way that's even a better experience for the guests, rather than diluting what we've built?”

The menu, consisting of small plates, boasts all kinds of flavors, like Malaysian, Thai and Vietnamese, and comes with a complimentary spice tray. While the food may be the biggest focus, Harrell also made sure to emphasize Hawkers’ beverage program, which includes craft cocktails, beer, wine and sake.

A place for regulars

Sitting at a table feels like fast living, but also a place where you want to hang out for a while and be a regular. Harrell was attracted to Ashford Lane for a number of reasons, including the green space right outside the door where visitors can linger. Harrell said he didn’t want Hawkers

a standard course offered at the Spruill Center every spring and fall.

Uplifting communities

Aysha Pennerman, a professional muralist, guided students as they etched their images on concrete.

The week before, she led an artist studio and introduced students to her experiences with community-based murals. Pennerman also led discussion on how street art can be used to improve public safety, or tactical urbanism. She once created a “tactical walkway” mural in the Adams Park neighborhood in Atlanta because there weren’t any sidewalks.

Pennerman said public art can be transformative and inspirational, that it can become a source of pride for areas that are disinvested or neglected.

“It has the opportunity to bring voices to the forefront,” she said.

Pennerman often creates murals in low-income communities, at schools, and involves others in the process. From a concept developed over three sessions with students at Harper-Archer Elementary School, Pennerman and students filled in her paint-numbers design that harkened back to the school’s mascot — the Trailblazers.

“I thought of a light … they will be the ones that will continue to spread light wherever they go and make an impact,” Pennerman said. “I wanted to continue to speak that into them and into the community, that they are all lights. They can all make a difference in the world.”

to be somewhere patrons just grab a meal and go.

In just the first couple weeks of opening the newest location in Ashford Lane, some faces are now recurring, like a man and his dog Oreo. The patio is dog friendly, and general manager Samantha Benson said the staff are dog lovers.

“In fact, it’s a requirement,” Benson said. Soon, Hawkers will offer dog treats, and the patio will have dog bowls.

Benson has been a part of the Hawkers team for four years. Dunwoody was her third opening, the most recent in Nashville. Benson was once a regular herself, frequenting an Orlando Hawkers for a year before hopping on board.

“It's just a really cool concept — it's uniqueness, the fact that they care about their people,” Benson said.

Each location has distinct features, she said, like Dunwoody’s arched walls. Hawkers has its own shop where all the furniture is made. The detail of the restaurant’s design harkens back to Harrell’s comments about the intention of each opening.

“We want to be contributors to the community and not just takers of it,” Harrell said.

PHOTOS BY SPRUILL CENTER FOR THE ARTS/PROVIDED Students create chalk murals at the Spruill Center for the Arts in the last class of a course on street art. Because of its success, “Exploring Street Art in Atlanta” will be be offered every spring and fall at the Spruill Center.

ACT1 THEATER PRESENTS ‘BIG FISH’

What: Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, the Broadway musical “Big Fish” tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest and then some. Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him — most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales.

When: June 2-18, times vary

Where: Act1 Theater, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta M ore info: act1theater.org

MILTON FARMERS MARKET

What: Every Saturday morning until Oct. 28, more than 30 vendors set up shop around Milton City Hall with fresh produce, fresh meat, sweets, coffee and tea, flowers, soaps, jewelry and more.

When: Saturday, June 3, 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Where: Milton City Hall plaza, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton More info: facebook.com/ miltongafarmersmarket

CELEBRATION GARDEN TOUR

What: This rain-or-shine event will feature five home gardens of master gardeners in the Sandy Springs area and will include container gardening, traditional “Old South” style garden, a garden with museum-quality sculptures, terraced landscape architecture, unique plants and garden designs as well as plein air artists and musicians in the gardens. North Fulton Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and highlight areas of interest in each garden. The gardens can be viewed in any order. Please note that the gardens are not wheelchair accessible or suitable for strollers. Sturdy shoes are suggested. Photography is acceptable for personal use and enjoyment.

When: Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Locations vary

PICS IN THE PARK: ‘SHANG-CHI’

What: The Pics in the Park summer movie series returns. Enjoy the free showing, free popcorn and candy, and giveaways under the stars. Top Job Beverages will also be on-site with additional concessions. Popcorn cart opens 30 minutes prior to show time and will be available until halfway through the movie.

When: Friday, June 2, 8-11 p.m.

Where: Pernoshal Park, 4575 North Shallowford Road, Dunwoody More info: dunwoodyga.gov

Cost: For adults, $22 in advance & $25 on-site; children are free More info: nfmg.net/garden-tour. html

SUMMER

CONCERT SERIES:

SLIPPERY WHEN WET

What: Slippery When Wet, a Bon Jovi tribute band, will be featured in this free concert series. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the music starts at 7 p.m. Food trucks will be on-site. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Outside alcohol is not allowed. Dogs are not allowed, except for service animals. First come, first serve seating. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome.

When: Friday, June 2, 6-10 p.m.

Where: Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov

PICS IN THE PARK: ‘SHANG-CHI’

What: The Pics in the Park summer movie series returns. Enjoy the free showing, free popcorn and candy, and giveaways under the stars. Top

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT!

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

Job Beverages will also be on-site with additional concessions. Popcorn cart opens 30 minutes prior to show time and will be available until halfway through the movie.

When: Friday, June 2, 8-11 p.m.

Where: Pernoshal Park, 4575 North Shallowford Road, Dunwoody More info: dunwoodyga.gov

MILTON MAYOR’S RUN: JOG FOR A CAUSE

What: Lace up your sneakers, grab some friends or your running group to join this Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Participation in this 5K race will benefit the families of local pediatric cancer patients. Registration can be completed online.

When: Saturday, June 3, 7:30 a.m.

Where: Freedom Park, 13200 Deerfield Parkway, Milton Cost: Registration is $35 More info: jogforacause5k.com

Ride for Vets

What: This event, which benefits veterans with PTSD, features a police-escorted motorcycle ride

from Newtown Park to the Ga. 400 terminus in Dahlonega. There will be food, a static military vehicle display and a gun raffle. The registration fee is $50 per motorcycle, which includes a free T-shirt.

When: Saturday, June 3, 8 a.m.

Where: Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek

More info:

studentleadershipjohnscreek.com/ student-leadership-program/ride-forvets

JOE GRANDSEN: THE ART OF SONG

What: Join Joe and his quartet with special guest and jazz legend Kenny Banks Sr. as they present “The Art of the Song,” a celebration of the swingin’ music that has inspired generations and crossed over into many musical genres.

When: Sunday, June 4, 4-6 p.m.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell

Cost: $35

More info: roswellgov.com

CONCERTS BY THE SPRINGS: CARPOOL

What: This event will feature Carpool, a tribute band recreating the sound, look and vibe that made The Cars world-famous.

When: Sunday, June 4, 7 p.m.

Where: Heritage Amphitheater, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs

Cost: Lawn seating is free; reserved tables are $135-160

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

SUNSET SIPS FEATURING TOPO FREAKO

What: Enjoy sunsets with a side of music from cover band Topo Freako on the Great Lawn and covered outdoor pavilion at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Craft brew options will be offered by Monday Night Brewing. Bring your own chair and picnic dinner.

When: Thursday, June 8, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Where : Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell Cost: Adults are $15; free for CNC members

More info: chattnaturecenter.org

See

Sandy Springs’ #1 Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeler

7 Timeless kitchen trends that will never look outdated

Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Re-imagined

Between expensive appliances, custom cabinets, and costly countertops, we spend a lot of money on our kitchens. In fact, according to John Hogan, Owner of Remodeling Expo Center in Roswell GA, the median spend on a kitchen remodel was $32,000. To make sure that all of this money isn't creating a kitchen we'll want to update again in five years, the trick is to incorporate timeless design elements that won't soon go out of style. By choosing kitchen features that can stand the test of time, you'll save yourself money (and the work of remodeling) down the line.

So, what are the kitchen trends that won't make you cringe a few years from now? Skip the trendy color of the year and follow these timeless kitchen ideas that have been loved for decades.

Neutral Paint Colors

The classic white kitchen is sometimes critiqued for being a little boring—but there's one solid reason to opt for this color in the kitchen: It will never go out of style. According to Remodeling Expo Center, a whopping 43 percent of renovating homeowners opted for white cabinets. Not sure which shade of white to go for? Don’t worry, soft greys are also just as popular and combining the two work well also.

Shaker-Style Cabinets

Known for their simple design and recessed-panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in-style for more than 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, transitional kitchens and are the perfect element to update an otherwise traditional house.

Drawer and Cabinet Organizers

I'm calling it: Organization will never go out of style. And while features like built-in baking sheet dividers and pull-out cabinet drawers haven't been around for that long, when hidden behind unfussy, timeless cabinet fronts, these functional features will never be outdated.

Built in Appliances

Nothing finishes off the look of a kitchen like the smooth finished look of a

built-in appliance. Especially the refrigerator and the microwave. And conversely, nothing looks more outdated than a refrigerator or microwave sticking out or on the countertop. A thoughtful kitchen design should include clever and seamless appliance installation.

Natural Materials

Adding in natural materials like wood and stone will ground the space and keep it classic. If you want a timeless look, resist the urge to create an ultra-modern kitchen full of shiny stainless steel and engineered materials. Resist the feeling that “natural” equals “old”

White Marble “Look” or Butcher Block Countertops

The white marble look will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops, but if the maintenance and potential for staining has you worrying about its longevity, consider using quartz. For a more classic look consider butcher block. The go-to choice for farmhouse kitchens, butcher block will wear beautifully over the years and you can prepare food directly on it.

Subway Tile

Subway tile is not only versatile enough to work with many different decor styles, but you probably won't get sick of it in five years (after all, the look's been around for over 100 years). While it may be tempting to go with a trendy backsplash, like metallic tiles, sea glass, or bright geometric tiles, opt for something a little simpler if you want a backsplash with staying power.

To learn more, contact The Remodeling Expo Center at 404 910-3969 or stop in at 48 King Street, Roswell, GA 30075. www. RemodelingExpo.com

Residential options for seniors

Brought to you by – Dan Griffin, Compass Realty

Last month we explored a few retirement living options, including age restricted communities and independent living communities. Those types of communities are ideal for seniors who want to maintain their independence and have access to amenities. However, if you’re starting to notice that you or your spouse need some help with daily activities, you may want to consider relocating to somewhere that offers more support.

GRIFFIN

adults who need some help with their day-to-day activities. Assisted living facilities usually offer support with meals, medication, housekeeping, transportation, and personal care. If you’d like to stay active and independent while getting support when you need it, this could be a great choice.

A residential care facility provides personalized services in a home-like environment. At a residential care home, you don’t need to worry about cleaning, cooking meals, or home maintenance. The staff can support you with personal care tasks like bathing or dressing if needed. These environments can be more affordable than nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

You could also consider moving into an assisted living community. This option is designed for older

If you or your spouse need round-the-clock care, a skilled nursing home may be the best living option for you. These facilities offer support with meals, social activities, and health management. Some facilities specialize in caring for older adults with dementia or related diseases. Because of the high level of care they offer, nursing homes are usually the most expensive option.

When you’re deciding where to spend your golden years, there are many factors to consider. Thankfully, there are several options to choose from depending on your needs and budget. Making an informed decision means you can have a fulfilling and comfortable lifestyle in the years to come.

The evolution of financial planning

In the 1960s, and prior to that, financial advice, such as it was, came largely from purveyors of products such as stockbrokers, insurance agents and bankers. Each had a vested interest in selling their company’s products and solutions. Training primarily was based on techniques designed to “close the sale.”

A new idea took flight on December 12, 1969, when 13 business leaders with backgrounds in mutual funds and financial services gathered in a meeting room at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport Hilton hotel. Led by Loren Dunton, the group sought a better way to deliver financial services without consumers enduring sales pitches from multiple providers. The group outlined steps to further the idea that the public could benefit from a true profession that integrated knowledge, practices and clientcentric solutions from across the myriad facets of the financial services spectrum. Out of that came an educational institution, the College for Financial Planning, and a new membership organization, International Association for Financial Planning

(IAFP). Dunton (1918-1997) is regarded as “The Father of Financial Planning.”

In 1972 the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation was introduced and 40 men and two women graduated with the first class in 1973. The graduates decided to create an “alumni association of sorts,” giving birth to the Institute of Certified Financial Planners (ICFP). Hearing about this new concept of financial planning in late 1973, this writer began studying for the CFP exam, graduating in 1975 with the third class from the College. With a new body of knowledge and a certification, yours truly was the 171st Certified Financial Planner on the planet. Later, I was privileged to serve on the board of directors of the ICFP for eight years, including as national president, 1986-1987, and chairman, 1987-1988. In 2000, the ICFP and IAFP merged to form today’s Financial Planning Association (FPA).

Access to financial planning

The primary mission of FPA is to help to ensure that comprehensive financial planning is available to the public through proficient and ethical financial planners. Financial planning is now taught in numerous colleges and universities in undergraduate and graduate formats. We have come a long way in forging a respected profession. At the annual convention of FPA this year in Phoenix, Ariz., Sept. 27-

29, the 50th anniversary of the founding of financial planning as a profession will be observed, recognizing graduates of the 1975 first class of CFP designates as well as the next classes of the 1970s.

Financial planning as a concept tends to revolve around money. But money is but a tool designed to benefit your life and the life of those you love and who depend on you. Financial planners in the 1980s began to think more broadly about life events, both positive and negative, as well as the money and assets required to meet a person’s fundamental necessities, allowing one to feel safe, secure, and confident.

Sooner or later, a person realizes that he or she is on this planet only for a relatively short time when measured against eternity. When America was founded in 1776, the average person could expect to live to the age of 35, a time when many folks today are starting to get serious about security, career, family, purpose and meaning. Now, for a couple, planners plan for a life span of 100 years and a surviving spouse living for 30 to 35 years in retirement. Even retirement overall is being rethought. How money relates to a life of meaning and purpose increasingly is considered, before and, especially, after retirement.

Financial planning preoccupations naturally follow the age wave in terms of the challenges involving money that one

confronts. How to pay for educations, for oneself or children? Marriage. Buying a first home. Career decisions. Continuing education and training. Investments to bolster income and net worth. Bumps on the road of life – illness, injury, disability, untimely death, divorce. The freedom to work or to not work. Economic independence.

Planner specialties

We see planners developing specialties to deal with life events and aspirations. College and trade school educations. Career planning. Nurturing a closely held business and ultimately harvesting the value one has built. The psychology of investing. Planning for the vagaries of aging and care for self, spouse, parents and grandparents. Charitable giving and philanthropy. Retirement security devoid of boredom.

As the early financial planners grew in wisdom and understanding through education and real-life conundrums based on their lives and those of clients, financial planning became life planning at one point. But recognizing that financial advisers generally are not therapists, author and writer Mitch Anthony popularized the term financial life planning. Planners need to know your story – who you are, how you got to where you are, and where

See WALKER, Page 12

Books to take you from Manhattan to London

My latest reads took me to modernday Manhattan and Victorian-era England, and both drew me in. You’d never know from my accent that I lived my first 13 years in New York City and Long Island.

As an adult, I often traveled there on business and even had a stint of weekly visits for several months. Because my father introduced me to so many Manhattan sights when I was a child, revisiting them on foot years later made for heartwarming trips down memory lane.

This was during a time when it was safe to walk from Grand Central Station to Bloomingdales and to explore Fifth Avenue and Broadway on my own. These days, I take those trips only through books.

And England? Anyone who reads this column knows I’m an Anglophile and

could read book after book set in England without tiring of the setting. That’s why the T-shirt I’m wearing as I write this column is so apropos. It reads, “I’m a bad girl. I read past my bedtime.”

“The Cartographers” by Peng Shepherd

When I reserved this book at the library, I thought it was a mystery, pure and simple. It is much more than that. Doing a bit of research after I finished reading it, I noted Amazon categorized it not only as a mystery but also as “Paranormal & Urban Fantasy.” They’ve also labeled it as an Editor’s Pick for one of the best books in the “Mystery, Thriller & Suspense” category.

The blurb describes it as an “ode to art and science, history and magic— a spectacularly imaginative, modern story about an ancient craft and places still undiscovered.” The ancient craft is cartography, the study and practice of making and using maps.

The mystery concerns what else? A

map. What’s odd is that it’s an old gas station map, not an exquisitely drawn old world map. How many of us still have one tucked somewhere in our homes or in a pocket in our cars? What deep, dark secret could a gas station map contain? Author Peng Shepherd has crafted a captivating tale about maps and the places maps can take us.

As I did, you may figure out who the villain is, but I doubt you’ll predict the twists and turns that ensue even after that revelation.

“A Curious Beginning”

by Deanna Raybourn

After falling in love with Raybourn’s “Killers of A Certain Age,” I searched for her other books, and was delighted to discover she’d written two historical mystery series set in Victorian England. She shifted to a modern day setting without a hitch.

Equally enchanted with this first book in her Veronica Speedwell series. I plan to pick up her Lady Julia Grey

mysteries soon. Raybourn is a master at rapid, witty dialogue, no matter the era, and her Victorian-era heroine has some of the best lines in the book.

Is it believable that 25-year-old Veronica has traveled the world on her own as a lepidopterist (butterfly collector)? No, but then she is a woman beyond her time. Many mysteries require a willing suspension of disbelief, and I, for one, want to believe in this heroine.

This novel checked all my boxes: a strong female protagonist, a twist I never saw coming, and an exploration of a topic I knew little about. Add a favorite setting to the mix, and I was in heaven.

Come to think of it, both mysteries checked all my boxes. Will they do the same for you? Let me know.

Note: Are you in a book club? Would you like to have a local author speak to your group? Contact me to arrange a date! inkpenn119@gmail.com

THE INK PENN

KATHY MANOS PENN

Columnist

LEWIS J. WALKER, CFP

Columnist The Investment Coach

Walker:

Continued from Page 10

you wish to go; your values; goals and dreams; your concerns; identifying those who depend on you or who may do so in the future, such as aging parents. In

Budget:

Continued from Page 1

processes,” City Manager Eden Freeman said. “We very conservatively estimate our revenues and expenses every year because we don't want to have any unforeseen surprises at the end of the fiscal year that would result in us having to make major changes to our budget plan.”

In her presentation to the City Council, Freeman walked officials through a detailed look at the city’s many expenses, including capital projects, staff salaries, new equipment and facility upgrades.

Highlights of the proposed budget, she said, include 12 new full-time staff positions, technology and equipment upgrades for the Police Department and Fire Department, upgrades to city parks and the Performing Arts Center, and increased funding for local non-profit groups.

These projects and initiatives were based on a series of priorities relating to resident satisfaction and safety that the City Council adopted at its annual retreat in January.

As part of the 2024 budget, Sandy Springs will give all city employees a 6 percent cost of living raise and will absorb an expected 11 percent increase in health insurance premiums.

“We believe very strongly in being the highest paid in the region so that we can continue to attract and retain the highest quality talent to serve our community,” Freeman said.

This year’s budgeting process also included a list of recommended capital projects which were voted on by members of the City Council at their previous two budget workshops. That vote yielded six projects totaling $5.9 million, including $1.2 million for intersection improvement at Lake Forrest Drive and Allen Road, $1.5 million for improvements at the Morgan Falls Athletic Complex and $1.4 million for enhancements to the Abernathy Greenway.

Residents will have an opportunity to share their thoughts on the proposed budget at the meeting on June 6. A final public hearing will be held prior to the budget’s formal adoption June 20.

several of his books, including “The New Retirementality,” Mitch asserts that the “ultimate goal of money is a greater return on life.” Money is but a tool to help answer life’s “what if?” questions, and to facilitate the fulfillment of your life’s aspirations, and whatever you think awaits you in the hereafter.

Fulton:

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“Really the beauty of this program is that it leverages the strengths that you all bring and the heart that you all bring,” Ellis said.

Since the Community Services Program’s inception in 2016, Ellis said it has brought about $50 million in funding back to community partners throughout Fulton County and has served more than 900,000 county residents.

Last year, the program was expanded to include funding for groups aimed at specifically helping local veterans. That addition provided grants of more than $1 million in 2023, he said.

Representatives of one veteran’s group, Vision Warriors, which provides housing and support to men who are in recovery from drugs and alcohol, said that without that vital funding, they would not have been able to expand their mission to fight addiction in the community.

Rena Olsen, communications director for Vision Warriors said that with grant funding from Fulton County, they were able to perform specific outreach targeting veterans in the community to serve them better. Vision Warriors was awarded $86,000 in Veterans Services Program grant funding in 2023.

“The heart of our ministry is to serve the hurting and the broken,” Olsen said. “You have men who are working

Financial planning as a concept and career path has come a long way from those early events in 1969 and 1973. As life’s possibilities expand, along with improvements in health care and longevity, life-focused financial planning will continue to grow as a career path and as a personal lifeaffirming planning necessity.

Lewis Walker, CFP®, is a life centered financial planning strategist with Capital Insight Group (CIG); 770-441-3553; lewis@ capitalinsightgrp.com. Securities & advisory services offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA), which is otherwise unaffiliated with CIG. Lewis a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).

to stay sober, who are working to get their lives back together, and we're just so excited to welcome veterans into that community and to walk with them.”

Other nonprofits honored at the event included Camp Kudzu, Champions Community Foundation, Community Assistance Center, InCommunity, Erin’s Hope for Friends, Jewish Family and Career Services, Los Ninos Primero, Mary Hall Freedom Village, North Fulton Child Development Association, North Metro Miracle League, Raksha Inc, Rach Out and Read, Revved Up Kids, Senior Services North Fulton, STAR House Foundation, The Drake House, The Lionheart School, The Summit Counseling Center and U Hope

CDC.

“These programs are so important because they are a key ingredient when we look at the social determinants of health, all of those nonmedical conditions that actually impact health outcomes,” said Pamela Roshell, chief operating officer of Fulton County’s Department of Health, Human Services and Public Works. “All of this is connected, not only to their overall well-being and peace of mind, but also to their health outcomes. And we're grateful for that.”

For more information about the organizations awarded with grant funding by Fulton County in 2023, visit fultoncountyga.gov/2023communitypartners.

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

The Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell was one of 25 nonprofit groups in North Fulton honored at a partner celebration held at the nature center May 24. Groups were honored by Fulton County leaders at the celebration.

Facilities/Property Manager for church in Alpharetta area. Benefits.

Needs basic competency of the practices, methods, and equipment utilized in facility maintenance, construction, and repair activities; including skills and abilities related to plumbing, janitorial, electrical systems, painting, carpentry, construction, and heating and air conditioning systems. Basic understanding of IT and AV technology would be helpful. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage contractors/volunteers. Requires successful completion of a criminal record and child abuse background check, a valid driver’s license and the ability to perform physical tasks.

Qualified candidates please send resume to Alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.

Human Resources Manager

Handles all employee-related processes and procedures. This role will be responsible for Recruitment and Onboarding, Job Design, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Training and Development, Employment Compliance, Total Rewards and Talent Management. This position reports to the Director of Finance and Administration and will interact with the entire management team by providing guidance on all Human Resources related topics at NFCC. Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field and 3-5 years of Human Resources experience, preferably in multiple HR disciplines required. Please visit https://nfcchelp.org/ work-at-nfcc/ to see the full job description. To apply, submit a resume to sholiday@nfcchelp.org and to mburton@nfcchelp.org.

Part-time

Administrative

Protestant church in downtown Alpharetta seeks a parttime (15-18 hours per week) Administrative Assistant for Youth & Children’s Ministries. In addition to normal administrative duties the candidate will assist with scheduling, social media, securing supplies, maintaining attendance records, planning events and mission trips. Qualified candidates are a person of outstanding character who is friendly, organized, able to prioritize, exhibits an understanding of the importance of confidentiality, and is willing and able to work in an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of all people.

A degree from an accredited college or university is preferred. Computer competence within Office 365, editing, and writing skills are required. Experience with REALM is a plus.

Community Events Manager

The Community Events Manager is responsible for all aspects of NFCC’s community events, from inception through execution, including helping secure sponsorships. Events may include annual golf tournament, annual fundraising gala, community engagement events, donor recognition events, and other community events. Position requires a highly organized, creative, and motivated person to lead event planning, sponsorship, and community engagement. Bachelor’s Degree preferred with 2-3 years special events and fundraising experience. To view entire listing visit: https://nfcchelp.org/workat-nfcc/  To apply, send a resume to Sandy Holiday, sholiday@nfcchelp.org.

Donor Operations Associate

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

Successful completion of a criminal records and child abuse background check is required. Send resumes to alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.

Volunteer Services

Volunteers Needed! Looking for a fun, impactful volunteer opportunity? One Good Deed Friendly Visitor Program of JF&CS matches older adults with volunteers for friendship and fun! Help a senior in your community. Learn more at //jfcsatl.org/ogd or call 770.677.9489.

Part-time