Forsyth Herald - May 9, 2024

County clarifies rules governing poultry pursuits for ag districts

By EVERETT CATTS newsroom@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County is clarifying its backyard chickens ordinance, and that’s something to cluck about.

At its regular meeting/public hearing on May 2, the Forsyth Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 to approve amending the part of the county’s unified development code (UDC) related to backyard chickens. Commissioner Kerry Hill was absent.

In 2021, when the board initially approved the ordinance that allows residents to keep up to eight chickens in their backyards, it didn’t make changes to Chapter 15 of the UDC, which involves agricultural districts, County Attorney Ken Jarrard said during his presentation.

Originally, the law was only going to apply to Forsyth County’s agricultural-residential district (agres), and residents wanting to house chickens in their backyards must have lots of at least half an acre, and the structures housing them would not require building permits but had to adhere to certain setbacks and standards.

and

The amendment was approved by the Planning Commission at its first public hearing on March 26, with its second hearing May 2 prior to the vote.

Jarrard said the Planning Commission has recommended approval with the following changes: that backyard chickens be permitted in A1 (agriculture district)

ag-res; and the ordinance be clarified to say that agriculture district lots may elect to comply with backyard chicken regulations, but they must observe the 100-foot setback for any poultry house. Following Jarrard’s presentation, County Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills said she’s happy the county has cleared up some ambiguities in the ordinance.

“I just cannot help but die laughing when (the amended ordinance clarifies) that people don’t have to come in and get a building permit for a chicken coop,” she said. “I mean, I’m thinking, ‘Whoever thought that we would make people (do that)?’”

Temporary COs amended

In other business, the board voted 4-0 to approve another set of amendments to the UDC, this time related to business’ temporary certificates of occupancy (COs). The changes involve Chapter 7-5.8, Jarrard said in his presentation. The Planning Commission approved the amendments at its March 26 meeting.

Forsyth County schedules 176 summer camps

By LUKE GARDNER newsroom@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Recreation Department is continuing the tradition of creating themed summer camps for kids 3-18. This year, a total of 176 summer camps opened for registration April 1, and spots are filling up quickly.

The camps are each equipped with a specific theme, from studying insects to playing pickleball. The camp themes encompass four categories: outdoor recreation; dance; gymnastics; and sports.

Outdoor recreation

Every outdoor recreation camp has its focus, and these specialty camps are divided into subcategories based on age.

The “Little Explorer Camps” are for children 4-5 and include an insectthemed Buggin' Out Camp, a birdthemed Winged Wonders Camp, and an Animal Olympics Camp, which includes zip lining, hiking and rock climbing.

Kids 6-8 can choose from several “Explorer Camps,” including the Art in Nature Camp, the Geology Rocks Camp and the Wonders in Water Camp.

The “Young Adventurer Camps” are for children 9-11. Camps in this category include the Georgia Wanderer Camp, the Aquatic Adventures Camp and the Junior Outdoor Adventure Camp.

See CAMP, Page 21

Police charge church worker with child sexual exploitation

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ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit arrested a 59-year-old Johns Creek resident Ralph Britt Jr. on multiple charges of sexual exploitation of children.

According to an April 30 statement, detectives began an investigation in February into child sexual abuse material transmitted locally through peer-to-peer file sharing networks.

The investigation led detectives to Britt’s home in Johns Creek, where they conducted a search April 24. Detectives

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

Assisted living employee cited with hitting senior

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The supervisor of an assisted living facility reported to police April 28 that the family of an 85-year-old client recorded a caretaker hitting her.

Police reviewed the footage, recorded on a camera the family placed in the room, showing the worker striking the client with the back of her hand while helping the client change her pants. Contact wasn’t shown, according to the incident report, but a distinct sound of contact could be heard.

The supervisor told police this was the first incident she had with the suspect, a 28-year-old Stockbridge woman.

When police met with the client, she could not recollect what happened, though it happened earlier that morning. But, police determined that the suspect willfully inflicted physical pain on the client.

Police met with the suspect who said she tried to take the pants from the cli-

discovered additional child sexual abuse material at the home and seized multiple electronic items for further processing.

Later that same day, detectives met with Britt at Dunwoody Baptist Church, where he was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Fulton County Jail on nine counts of sexual exploitation of children.

At the time of his arrest, Britt was an employee of Dunwoody Baptist Church, where he has worked closely with children and youth in various capacities over the past 20 years. Dunwoody Baptist Church

ent and the client accidentally hit herself in the face.

The worker was placed under arrest and transported to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta. She was charged with abuse, neglect or exploitation of a disabled or elderly person.

Bogus money-making job costs Milton man $11,000

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton man reported to police that he was scammed out of $11,000 after receiving a text about a money-making opportunity.

According to the April 29 incident report, the man said he was told he could put money into a “project,” and once completing daily tasks, he could receive a certain amount of money.

While attempting to complete the tasks, the man told police he would continuously get locked out of his account and would have to pay money to unlock it. Each time the man would get locked out, the cost to unlock the account would increase, but that the scammer offered to contribute to the fee.

The cycle continued until the man was out $11,000.

The man told police once he realized he was being scammed, he checked whether the website was legitimate. The site showed a copy of

has been fully cooperative with the investigation, which remains active and ongoing, police said.

Given the nature of Britt’s charges and the context of his employment, the Roswell Police Department’s ICAC unit is requesting anyone with additional information relevant to this investigation to contact Detective Heath at 770-640-4512 or bheath@roswellgov. com. Anonymous information can be provided through Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477 or online at www. StopCrimeATL.org.

a real website with a different domain and email address, according to the report.

Woman taken for $2,500 by fake parole officer

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton woman reported to police April 29 that she was scammed out of $2,500 by a man claiming to be with the U.S. Bureau of Parole.

The woman told police the suspect told her he knew all of her and her husband’s personal information, including his prison release date and parole conditions.

The woman said the suspect told her there was an issue with her husband’s file and that she needed to pay for an electronic monitoring device, which would be refunded by the government, according to the incident report.

After the woman offered to pay for the device with a credit card, the suspect instructed her to pay cash using a Coinme machine off Crabapple Road, the report says.

The woman told police she sent $2,500 to the suspect in two different payments because the machine got jammed. She said the suspect told her she would need to send a third payment for the full amount, threatening that her husband would stay in federal prison for more than a year if she did not pay, according to the report.

GDOT expects new bids for Ga. 400 express lanes

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

METRO ATLANTA — State transportation officials were set to receive a new set of bids May 7 for a project to add express lanes along a 16-mile stretch of Ga. 400 north into Forsyth County.

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Brandon Beach made the announcement May 1 at the North Fulton Futures Summit, an event hosted by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce which featured panel discussions, insights from economic development partners and input from regional mayors.

The project calls for two toll lanes in each direction from the North Springs MARTA station in Sandy Springs north to about a mile past McFarland Parkway.

Appen Media reported that the project first hit a snag in 2021 when the State Transportation Board rejected the only qualified bid for the work. MW 400 Partners’ proposal came in far higher than the $1.7 billion GDOT had budgeted.

The project was delayed again last year after one of three contractor finalists dropped out of consideration, according to Capitol Beat.

State Express Lanes Administrator Tim Matthews told Appen Media the contracting mechanism for this goaround is different, a design-buildfinance model where the private sector developer with financial equity will

maintain and operate the project for a 50-year term once it has been built.

Previously, Mathews said the Georgia Department of Transportation used the availability payment model, which operates like a home mortgage.

The bids will first be reviewed by the P3 Steering Committee then go before the State Transportation Board in August for final approval. The P3 Steering Committee provides oversight and guidance related to activities of GDOT’s Public-Private Partnership program.

Financial close on the project is slated for a year after final approval, but Matthews said the timeline may be shorter. The process, he said, is to ensure the developer team has the money in place to build and operate the project before construction.

The project has major ramifications for Alpharetta where two Ga. 400 overpasses will be replaced. The city will also inherit a new interchange just north of Webb Bridge Road exclusively for express lane traffic.

Roswell also will be affected.

The GDOT plans to add a partial express lanes interchange at Old Dogwood Road. It also will enhance the Ga. 400-Holcomb Bridge Road interchange.

Gasthaus Tirol

Forsyth County Young Life raises $25,500 for youth

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The 13th annual Forsyth County Young Life Mathis Grading Golf Tournament held at Windermere Golf Club April 15 raised $25,578 toward the organization’s youth programs.

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Forsyth County Young Life works throughout area high schools with dedicated leaders spanning diverse backgrounds and life stages. The organization also boasts a middle schoolfocused program named WyldLife, and its Capernaum ministry offers invaluable support to students with special needs, fostering an inclusive and supportive community.

Young Life, an international nonprofit organization, was founded in 1941 as a Christian service opportunity for youths.

Since its inception in 2011, the tradition has grown over the years attracting a loyal following of returning golfers. This year, the tournament welcomed new participants and sponsors including a new title sponsor, Mathis

Grading.

The tournament featured an 18hole four-person scramble format with on-course contests for the longest drive and closest to the pin. The top prize was secured by Joel Vigneaux, Taylor Forrester, Derek Young and Chris Rainwater.

“Students in our county need more caring adults walking alongside them in their lives, and participation and support in our annual golf tournament helps make that a reality through our Young Life staff and volunteer leaders,” Area Director Andy Miller said.

Looking ahead, a full schedule of summer camping trips awaits all Forsyth County students, along with opportunities for involvement as volunteer leaders or committee members.

For more information about Forsyth County Young Life, visit www. fcyl.younglife.org or contact Area Director Andy Miller at 404-245-6703.

AMY BERGIN/PROVIDED

From left to right, Joel Vigneaux, Taylor Forrester, Derek Young and Chris Rainwater secure the top prize at the 13th annual Forsyth County Young Life Mathis Grading Golf Tournament at Windermere Golf Club April 15.

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Stuti Mohan, a sophomore at Chattahoochee High School, showcases her Girl Scout Gold Award project at Halcyon’s Spring Market April 28. For the project, Mohan is working to address early childhood literacy in infants and toddlers by distributing around 400 books as well as literary guides to areas like South Fulton and impoverished villages in India.

Girl Scout fosters literacy among metro’s children

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

METRO ATLANTA — Stuti Mohan, a sophomore at Chattahoochee High School, spoke with library directors, childcare specialists and teachers in the area to arrive at her Girl Scout Gold Award project — addressing early childhood literacy.

The Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. It involves understanding the root cause of a community issue and acting to produce long-term benefits.

“A lot of them told me that, especially with the pandemic, they saw a larger gap between kids who could read and kids who couldn’t,” Mohan said. “A lot of kids were coming into kindergarten miles behind their peers because they simply weren’t offered the same education before entering the school system.”

After a number of conversations, Mohan said she began to research best practices to prepare infants and toddlers for kindergarten for her project, “Literary Lullabies.”

“We’re really trying to emphasize that literacy starts from in the womb, and literacy starts from the moment you’re born,” she said.

With a copy of “As I Lay Dying” by William Faulkner on-hand, Mohan set up shop at Halcyon’s Spring Market April 28 to sell homemade books and bookmarks to fundraise $2,000 to buy new books in addition to ones she plans to collect through a book drive.

Monetary donations toward “Literary Lullabies” can be done through Zelle at 224-388-2831. Books for infants and toddlers can be dropped off at 12250 Stevens Creek Drive in Johns Creek from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, contact Stuti Mohan at 770-310-8743 or literarylullabies@gmail.com.

The goal is around 400 books, which will be distributed to obstetrics clinics, nonprofit organizations and hospitals along with literary guides that list the benefits and methods of reading to a child.

Mohan also intends to host workshops to educate families on the importance of literacy and provide them with resources to obtain a library card.

South Fulton is one area Mohan is focused on. Another is in India.

She plans to distribute 100 book bags filled with books, reading calendars and guides translated to Hindi throughout maternity and pediatric wards of hospitals in Lucknow, which see more low-income patients, in addition to hosting workshops in impoverished villages.

“A lot of times people who are in lower income situations, who grew up in these lower income situations, stay in lower income situations their entire lives, and that creates a system,” Mohan said, describing the correlation between literacy and college admission. “So, by providing them with these opportunities, we can break out of that system.”

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

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North Fulton Futures Summit focuses on economic growth

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A team of industry experts provided perspectives on economic development May 1 at the annual North Fulton Futures Summit.

City officials and business leaders packed the Studio Theater at City Springs to hear about housing availability in the region, efforts to return to the office and the development of workforce talent.

While the 2023 summit featured a panel of the six North Fulton mayors, this year’s event heard more from the business community and educators.

The summit is sponsored by The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

In his introduction of the first panel, Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin said it’s critical to have a conversation about housing when talking about economic development.

“We’re living at a time when the entire Metro Atlanta area is growing faster than we can keep up with,” Gilvin said. “The levels of housing … just too much demand.”

The mayor touted his city’s April 29 approval of two projects from residential developers on the panel, Paul Corely with Empire Communities and Warren Jolly with The Providence Group.

Gilvin said Alpharetta is doing its part to make housing attainable in the region.

John Hunt, housing expert and principal at MarketNsights, traced the shortage in housing supply to the Great Recession, which began in December 2007.

See SUMMIT, Page 9

Alpharetta mayor

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Fulton County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney, left, discusses workforce development with executives from Gwinnett Technical College, Ford Motor Co., Amana Academy and Fiserv at the May 1 North Fulton Futures Summit.

Johns Creek, partners celebrate completion of roadway upgrades

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek city staff were joined by project partner representatives from the City of Roswell and the Georgia Department of Transportation to celebrate new intersection improvements at Barnwell and Holcomb Bridge roads April 30.

The $5.3 million project addresses a heavily trafficked and congested intersection in southwestern Johns Creek with the addition of turn lanes, reshaping and regrading of the intersection to help traffic flow, and enhanced pedestrian connectivity.

Federal, state, and local transportation special local option sales tax funds were used for the project.

Substantial work for the project began in early 2022 and was expected to last 18 months. But, there had been a slip in schedule due to unmarked

Summit:

After economic recovery and a revamp of construction, the COVID-19 pandemic created a housing boom, decreasing an already low supply.

With inflation and interest rates at a 23-year high, the costs of borrowing and building limit developers’ ability to increase supply.

Hunt said housing availability is measured in months of supply, or the amount of time it takes for the existing inventory to sell, with 6 months as a target to meet demand.

Metro Atlanta has a 2 and a-half months’ supply, and North Fulton’s inventory is a month less than that. Hunt said the housing shortage is worse in the region because of the high demand for schools, amenities and public safety.

Affordability is another issue that Hunt identified in the region’s housing market, with the average home price during resale at $800,000.

A potential solution is to change zoning and restrictions to allow more apartments and homes with a smaller square footage. Without a diversity of housing options, the housing market freeze is unlikely to disappear soon, he said.

Corely struck a slightly different tone, discussing the effects of regulation and cost escalation on building attainable housing units in a timely manner.

He and Jolly agreed that local governments need to consider land use planning and where density works.

Corely said he doesn’t do much business in Roswell, he hopes Mayor

utility and waterline relocation issues. The City Council revisited the plan last October and approved a three-week closure to the intersection area to fasttrack the work.

The intersection improvement separates the combined lanes on Barnwell Road to provide dual left turn lanes, a through lane and a right turn lane, which will help reduce the traffic backup on Barnwell Road as it approaches Holcomb Bridge Road, or Ga. 140.

The project also raised the elevation of Barnwell Road to provide a safer left turn onto Holcomb Bridge from Barnwell. Additionally, the project filled in a pedestrian connectivity gap along Barnwell Road from Holcomb Bridge Road to Niblick Drive with a sidewalk and pedestrian bridge over Hogan Creek.

Georgia State Sen. Brandon Beach, who represents parts of Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek, speaks at the 2024 North Fulton Futures Summit May 1 at Sandy Springs City Hall. Beach emphasized the importance of Ga. 400 and its future expansion to economic development in the region.

Kurt Wilson listens to a recording of the summit and decides its time to build more residences in the city.

Milton Mayor Petyon Jamison joked that $800,000 couldn’t buy a dirt lot in his city.

Fulton County Schools

Superintendent Mike Looney led the next panel which focused on attracting talent to the region and retaining its young people.

Glen Cannon, president of Gwinnett Technical College, and Anthony Davis, a recruiter at Ford Motor Company, discussed their partnership and the ASSET Automotive Program in Lawrenceville.

The program trains two-year students and provides them with entry-level access to Ford automotive technician positions at dealerships.

Cannon said the graduates of Gwinnett Technical College programs have an opportunity to make a living and afford housing in high-demand areas like North Fulton. The technical

Kennedy Hicks, chief investment officer at Cousins

about backto-office trends with representatives from the engineering, transportation and commercial real estate industry. Hicks said white-collar workers are looking for more amenities in and around their offices.

college has a 25-acre satellite campus across from Avalon in Alpharetta.

Representatives from Amana Academy and Fiserv in Alpharetta talked about a partnership that introduces middle schoolers to the world of financial technology.

With large companies decreasing their office footprint and trending toward hybrid schedules, a return to the office is a focus of the commercial real estate industry and city officials.

Kennedy Hicks, chief investment officer at Cousins Properties, said it’s important to create a draw for whitecollar workers to come back to the office.

Because converting office buildings

to residential is so expensive, Hicks said opportunities for those kinds of redevelopments are limited.

She said bringing workers back to the office and retaining tenants is challenging, but creative solutions can attract employees.

MARTA Board member Freda Hardage and Jacob Vallo, assistant general manager of real estate development for the transit authority, touted transit-oriented development as another solution.

Panelists agreed with Hicks, saying dictates from employers do not work but giving folks a reason to come into the office does.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK/PROVIDED

Johns Creek city staff as well as project partner representatives from the City of Roswell and the Georgia Department of Transportation celebrate the completion of intersection improvements at Barnwell and Holcomb Bridge roads in a ribboncutting ceremony April 30.

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Properties, talks

Alpharetta calls for artists to take work to the streets

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Christopher Cleary was set up at Alpharetta’s North Main Street Park April 27, clacking away at his typewriter to create customized poetry for passersby.

The former Cambridge High School English teacher is one of a number of permitted applicants in a new city arts program.

“I think poetry is an art and to get people involved in it that way, instead of looking at their phones, and looking at a piece of paper instead — I think it’s a great thing,” Cleary said.

He was working on his 60th-ever customized poem.

The program, which went through a trial run last year, received updates in February, and since then, several new Public Performance Permits have been processed.

Earlier, Cleary had written a few poems during the Alpharetta Library Storytelling Festival and was scheduled to set up again the following day at the Oliver Waters/ McCollum Warehouse Historical Marker. His first time writing on the spot for the public was at the Imagine Festival.

The temperature was moderate that Saturday evening, and music could be heard from nearby establishments, laughter from Mercantile Social. Cleary’s entourage of friends were there for support as he allowed strangers’ prompts to guide his writing, like Nina Skiles’ request for two poems, one for each of her young grandsons.

Cleary commented on the energy street performers provide, like musicians.

“I think just being able to have that out here just helps bring the city alive,” said Cleary, who has lived in Alpharetta for more than 20 years.

While 14-year-old Tripp Wilkinson has graced the stages of local venues in Metro Atlanta like MadLife, Smith’s Olde Bar, the Masquerade and Hard Rock Cafe, he performed on the streets of Alpharetta for the first time April 20.

Wilkinson, proficient in vocals, guitar and bass, said he is accustomed to having a band behind him but appreciated the way performing on his own in public allowed him to connect with businesses and the people.

“I like connecting with the audience a little more intimately,” Wilkinson said. “It’s just also a really amazing exposure for a 14-year-old … It’s a lot of fun on the street.”

He has more performances on the docket.

CHUCK WILKINSON/PROVIDED

Tripp Wilkinson, a 14-year-old who attends Milton High School, plays guitar for passersby next to Smokejack BBQ on Main Street April 20 as a permitted applicant to the City of Alpharetta’s street performance program.

Sought-after performing arts sets are expansive, though. Alpharetta Cultural Arts Commissioner Michael Barsky said they could also be comedy routines, drama, acrobatics, magic.

“It’s a full arts agenda,” Barsky said.

Efforts to get performing arts on the streets started around two years ago, Barsky said, involving work with a city ordinance that prohibited busking.

“Downtown Alpharetta has flourished in terms of diversity, in terms of restaurants and retail and all kinds of other stuff,” Barsky said. “In terms of actual arts being done in the street, it’s fairly limited to events.”

Last year, the program was in a beta test phase. Alpharetta Cultural Services Manager Kim Manning said the process was a little too restrictive, which prompted tweaks approved at the Alpharetta Cultural Arts Commission meeting in February.

Changes include a city-issued tip jar, which doubles as the permit, as well as allowing up to two performers at any given location. Now, there are a total of six locations, mostly pocket parks around downtown.

“We want to be Alpharetta Music City, and this is one of the programs that supports that,” Manning said.

The application fee is $60, half of it nonrefundable. To apply, visit www. eventeny.com/events/temporary-publicperformance-permit-2024-10805.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Christopher Cleary recites two customized poems he wrote for Nina Skiles, left, at North Main Street Park April 27. Cleary is a permitted applicant of an Alpharetta program that allows artists across a variety of styles to perform on the streets.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA Christopher Cleary recites a customized poem to a woman April 27.

Annual Roswell Moves Festival keeps Canton Street humming

By LUKE GARDNER newsroom@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Throngs of people gathered at Roswell Moves Festival April 28 to celebrate the 22nd annual Mayor’s Ride presented by Bike Roswell.

The Mayor’s Ride is a cycling extravaganza featuring three routes and is followed by the Roswell Moves Festival on Canton Street.

“We had over 400 riders this morning,” said Lise Walker, Bike Roswell board member. “The mayor and City Council did the 20-mile ride this morning at the same time as the 5-mile family ride.”

Bike Roswell is an organization composed of cyclists of varying ages seeking to educate people about cycling and advocate for its use for travel and fun.

The Mayor’s Ride is open to any biker, from veteran cyclists to those brand new to the sport. A wide range of cyclists were represented for the Sunday morning ride, some who use it as a mode of transportation, others as a sport or hobby.

Kicking off at 8 a.m., cyclists choose between an 18-mile, 42-mile and 60mile route. The 18-mile challenge is designed to avoid strenuous routes and big hills, while the 42 and 60 miles are more intense. Each route included rest stops, and bikers were offered a complementary lunch of grilled hotdogs and hamburgers at the festival.

“It’s my first time, and I did the 60mile route, Ron Knezevich said. “It was difficult but fun. I cycle for my mode of transportation most days and race on occasion.”

Others have been coming for years and see the event as a tradition.

“I live in Roswell and it’s my fourth time coming,” said Bacardi Rahdar. “I’m a member of Bike Roswell. I did the 43-mile ride and it was awesome.”

Roswell Moves featured live music, chalk muralists, games, vendors, and refreshments for sale by the restaurants on Canton Street. Childfriendly activities included a family bike parade and Roswell Kiwanis’ bicycle safety video and obstacle course.

“It’s a cool event to bring the kids to walk around and get some energy out,” Patrick Bennings said. “We’ve been about three times. I’m not a cyclist, but I do own a bike and want to do more now that my kids have bikes.”

Festivalgoers consisted of passionate cyclists and others who just came to experience the food, beer and music. Several people mentioned coming because they live nearby.

“I was just going to get coffee,” Carter Amccamy said. “I’m just here for the vibes.”

For some members of Bike Roswell, the festival exemplifies what a modern space can look like without cars.

“I want the street closed to car traffic,” Rahdar said. “It would bring a lot more people to the businesses here.”

While the Mayor’s Ride has been going on for 22 years, the Roswell Moves Festival was launched in 2018, heralded as a way to transform a busy street into a park for one day.

“We’ve been coming to the Mayor’s Ride since it started,” said Mary Means. “It’s a pretty day outside and walking distance for us. It’s a lot of fun.”

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Bikers participating in the 22nd annual Mayor’s Ride pass by a line of hungry racers.

Take action against strokes

Brought to you by - Dr. Benjamin Zussman, neurosurgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center

While strokes have become relatively common—more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—many risk factors for stroke can be managed in partnership with your healthcare provider.

Manage your risk factors

Factors that can increase your risk of experiencing a stroke include:

• High blood pressure increases the risk of a stroke. Stay up to date on your annual physicals to know your

blood pressure levels, and if you have hypertension, talk to your provider about managing it.

• Elevated cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the blood vessel and clotting in the blood, which can cause a stroke if the clot travels and blocks blood flow to the brain. Your primary care provider can help you monitor your cholesterol with a blood test and manage levels with medications or lifestyle changes.

• Diabetes increases risk of experiencing a stroke. Talk to your provider about diabetes screenings. If you are diabetic, discuss managing the condition in partnership with your provider.

• Smoking cigarettes accelerates atherosclerosis, or clogging in the arteries, and causes inflammation in blood vessels that then increases your risk of stroke and heart attack.

• Atrial fibrillation, a heart arrhythmia, can cause clots that then

travel to the brain, leading to a stroke.

How to recognize a stroke

Learn the warning signs of a stroke, and if you notice any of these in yourself or someone else, BE FAST and call 911 right away.

“If someone is experiencing a stroke, call 911 and don’t try to drive to the hospital,” Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Zussman said. “Emergency medical crews can initiate care in the ambulance, and with a stroke, time is crucial.”

• Balance — Look for a sudden loss of balance or coordination. This can also appear as a sudden, severe headache or dizziness.

• Eyes — Blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision can be signs of a stroke. If you think someone else may be having a stroke, ask if they are having trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.

• Face — One side of the face may be

feeling numb or appear to be drooping. Ask the person to smile and see if it appears uneven.

• Arms — Check for sudden arm weakness or numbness. See if the person can lift both arms without one drifting downward.

• Speech — Watch out for slurred speech or difficulty speaking. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence to find out if they are having trouble talking.

• Time — The more treatment is delayed, the more the brain is damaged. Don’t wait to seek care. If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center is designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, the highest level of stroke certification that recognizes hospitals that can treat the most complex stroke cases. Learn more at wellstar.org/strokecare.

ZUSSMAN

A

diverse team of neuro care specialists means more expertise for you.

At Wellstar, you’ll find more than 95 neurosurgeons, neurologists, pain medicine specialists and advanced practice providers ready to provide expert neuro care tailored to you.

Your health is in the right hands with our neuro team, providing services including ongoing treatment for neurological conditions and lifesaving emergency care for strokes. With minimally invasive spine surgery options, a comprehensive stroke care network and a dedicated functional neurosurgery team experienced in treating epilepsy and movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, our providers partner with you to deliver world-class care, every time. wellstar.org/neurocare

Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist

Insist on the BEST

Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.

He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.

Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 18 years experience as a Dermatology PA. We are excited to welcome her, as she brings with her experience in general dermatology and cosmetic dermatology.

Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.

Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

Benzoyl Peroxide danger – fact or fiction?

Atlanta

Benzoyl peroxide or “BPO” is a dermatologist’s old standby. It is a triedand-true effective ingredient to treat acne including pimples and clogged pores and is found in both over the counter acne washes as well as prescription acne products. Given its extensive use and presence in so many over-the-counter products, it came as a shock to the world and the medical community when a company named Valisure recently argued that BPO too easily breaks down into benzene, a cancer-causing chemical known to cause leukemia and other types of cancer. Valisure advocated for the recall of over-the-counter acne products containing BPO.

Is Valisure right? What is the truth? The answer is complicated and interesting.

BPO’s potential to cause cancer was suggested in the 1980s when animal studies suggested that it might make skin tumors grow. BPO is a very reactive molecule and works at least in part by reacting with proteins of skin bacteria and killing the bacteria that cause acne. BPO has long been known to be destructive. The question is whether it is only destructive to bacteria or also to humans.

In 1991 new concerning animal data caused the FDA to formally declare that additional studies were necessary on BPO safety, but the data was weak, and sales of BPO products continued to be permitted. During the ensuing years, a concerted effort was made through multiple studies to verify BPO’s safety. In 2010, the FDA reviewed available data and voted to label BPO as GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective). Recent data had been reassuring.

Fast forward to the present day and we have a curveball. A company named Valisure studied the potential of BPO to form benzene at elevated temperatures. Valisure tested benzene levels after exposing BPO products to 98.6, 122, and 158-degrees Fahrenheit for two weeks or more. As the temperature went up, so did the level of benzene. These are temperatures that BPO may be exposed to in real life situations such as being left in a hot car or during shipment from manufacturing sites.

Valisure appears to have proven that BPO has the potential to form benzene, particularly if exposed to high temperatures. How often this happens and how frequently this has caused

cancer remains unknown. Even if someone could guarantee that their BPO had never been exposed to heat, BPO left on someone’s shelf for long periods might eventually form significant levels of benzene over time.

Is Valisure a white knight rescuing the public from a serious threat?

One concerning conflict of interest is that Valisure’s president, David Light, filed a patent in 2023 for a method to prevent BPO from breaking down into benzene.

Timelines matter. Did Valisure know of BPO’s potential risks but wait to disclose them and request a recall until after they had filed for a patent for the fix? Valisure’s homepage states that they are a company focused on “transparency,” but Valisure’s mention of its patent application was buried on page 26 of a 34 page “Citizen Petition.” Acknowledgment of this patent application as a conflict of interest was nowhere to be found in that Citizen Petition. Valisure states that their goal is to provide “independent certification” of product safety, but when they stand to profit from finding dangers, then they are not as independent as they should be.

No recall has been issued. At least one manufacturer, Clearasil™, has responded by claiming that its products are safe when stored correctly and stated “The findings presented by an independent lab reflect unrealistic scenarios rather than real-world conditions” according to an article in Chemistry World.

And of course, class action lawsuits have already arisen.

One can argue about whether Valisure’s citizen petition for a recall was premature or whether it is motivated by its patent and a desire to force companies to use Valisure’s BPO stabilizer in BPO products to Valisure’s financial gain. The only thing that is certain is that with the filing of a patent, Valisure ceased to be the independent company that we wish it were.

What are doctors and patients to do? At the least, throw away expired BPO. Throw away BPO that has been exposed to high temperatures. Talk with your doctor about alternatives to BPO. We are in the fortunate position of having many alternatives to BPO available while the true safety of BPO and potential for benzene formation gets sorted out. Two over the counter alternatives to consider are adapalene or salicylic acid. For more stubborn acne including acne that is causing scarring, see a specialist in dermatology. And stay tuned for future updates on BPO.

Dr. Brent Taylor

Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of

Celebrating Older Americans Month and the power of connections

can be transformative, finding ways to reengage and enhance their life.

For over 60 years Older Americans Month (OAM) has been celebrated every May, recognizing the contributions, aging trends and commitments to serving older adults in our communities.

This year OAM is focused on going beyond the readily apparent needs for physical assistance with things like the activities of everyday living or recuperating from surgery, embracing the critical power of connections for emotional and social interactions that have a profound impact on wellbeing and healthy aging.

A recent report by the U.S. Surgeon General cites an epidemic of chronic loneliness and isolation that has drastic affects for the elderly. These include increasing the risk of developing dementia by 50%, and heart disease and stroke risk by 30%. The stress that comes from a lack of connection to other people can be equal to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

As we all age, there are challenges to face. Whether confronting obstacles from changing physical abilities, the transition from the loss of a partner, loss of a career or social contacts, it can seem like the world is shrinking. Over 27% of seniors now live by themselves. For some people, the resulting social isolation and loneliness can be a huge hurdle to overcome. At Home Helpers we know that promoting social interaction for your older loved one

Reconnecting can come from enjoying cultural activities, joining a social club, pursuing a new hobby, taking a class, trying new activities in their community or enabling giving back to others through volunteering or virtual mentoring. Reinventing ways to build new relationships yields rewards that make for a longer and better life.

For your older loved one, the warmth of companionship from a well matched and skilled Home Helpers caregiver can make a beautiful difference in their life. A heart centered approach and positive spirit can boost confidence and provide a better quality of life for our clients and their families. Creating new pathways to expand the social circle of our older loved ones helps us share in the richness of their lives, both past and present.

Caregivers can assist with all personal care, help around the house, accompany them on doctor’s visits or social outings and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. If your loved one is just getting home from a rehabilitation center or recovering from surgery, we can help safely speed up recovery.

For a free consultation and exceptional care management by a team with depth and skill from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 care, please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.

Nature for all

Celebrating mental health awareness in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Brought to you by – Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on our well-being and explore ways to care for our minds. Studies show that simply stepping into nature can offer a powerful boost to mental health, reducing stress, anxiety and even symptoms of depression.

Did you know there's a national park right in your backyard? The Chattahoochee National River Area (CRNRA) offers 66 miles of trails and 48 miles of Chattahoochee River to explore and connect with the calming power of nature. Whether it’s running at Cochran Shoals, paddling at Jones Bridge, fishing at Bowmans Island, or hiking at East Palisades, CRNRA has something to soothe every mind.

If you’re looking for a challenge, take part in our Hike CRNRA initiative! This program encourages hikers to explore each and every mile of trail within the park. It's a fantastic way to experience the park's beauty and diversity while getting some serious exercise - both great for your

mental and physical health.

Want to make a lasting impact?

Consider becoming a member of Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC), the nonprofit partner of CRNRA. Your membership helps to preserve this natural treasure for future generations, ensuring everyone has access to the mental health benefits of spending time in your backyard national park. Learn more atchattahoocheeparks. org/join.

Join us in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy! A little fresh air never hurt anyone - unless you’re allergic to springtime pollen. Take your antihistamines and we’ll see you in the park!

Thriving through seasons navigating emotions and goals at work

Brought to you by – Jason Howard M.A., Summit Counseling Center

As winter blooms into spring, and spring turns to summer, the world awakens with vibrant energy and numerous possibilities. Beyond the chirping birds and blooming flowers lies a business landscape ripe for growth. As a former sales and marketing manager turned licensed mental health counselor, I understand the delicate dance between emotions and success in the workplace.

In this article, I offer a few practical reminders to nurture your mental and emotional well-being as you steer your team toward achieving quarterly goals:

Embrace the Emotional Tides:

• Initial Excitement: When setting quarterly goals, enthusiasm often propels us forward. But as weeks pass, emotions shift. Take a weekly pause to observe without judgment. Where has excitement transformed into stress? Validate frustrations—they hold valuable insights.

• Fuel from Overwhelm: Paradoxically, acknowledging difficult emotions—like frustration—can fuel motivation and perseverance. Validate frustrations and annoyances and let them be your allies.

Mindfulness Anchors Success:

• Stay Present: Mindfulness grounds you in the now. Instead of dwelling on past errors or distant outcomes, focus on the facts of the present moment. Catch your mind when it time travels for too long into the past or future and remember swift problem-solving and creative brainstorming thrive in the here and now.

• Celebrate Progress: Small victories matter. Acknowledge achievements—even if they fall short of the grand goal. These moments boost morale and resilience.

Adaptability as Your North Star:

• Guideposts, Not Shackles: Quarterly goals are guideposts, not rigid chains. Priorities shift, unexpected challenges arise. Adaptability is your superpower.

• Learn from Setbacks: When setbacks occur, view them as steppingstones. What will you learn? How will you adjust? Resilience blooms from setbacks.

Remember, emotions aren’t adversaries; they’re allies. As you navigate seasons and goals, honor both— the blooming and the setbacks. Let this quarter be one of growth, connection, and thriving.

If you are a business leader looking for tools to harness your emotions, to reduce the effects of stress on your creativity, and to improve productivity and leadership skills, reach out and see how one of our therapists can help.

Learn more or schedule an appointment by calling the front office at 678-893-5300 or visiting us at www. summitcounseling.org.

PEXELS

A mind-numbing session with ‘Slats’

MIKE TASOS Columnist

I was having a heated phone discussion with longtime acquaintance Wilford “Slats” McElroy the other day. After every conversation through the years, my eyes are crossed, and I am looking for a handful of Tylenol. Our latest encounter was no different, except this time ol’ Slats was at the top of his game as he took his own form of nonsense to a new level.

Viewing himself as some kind of homespun philosopher, instead of getting wiser by the minute, Slats seemingly regresses every time we talk, appearing to be dumber by the hour.

His doctor told him to lay off the fried okra. Slats was depressed because that was a staple of his new vegetarian diet. Ditto for the glass of corn liquor that made Slates believe he wasn’t clogging his blood vessels with a variety of red meats.

Slats figured he’d meet his healthcare professional halfway when it came to food consumption, hearing that leafy vegetables were a good source of all kinds of vitamins. Unsure of what he should eat, he looked outside his trailer and saw some rose bushes in full bloom.

His post-meal critique consisted of him kvetching that the thorns tore at his gullet and gave him a Godzillasized case of indigestion. It seems like every time I talk with Slats, I, amazingly start “Jonesing” for Pepcid too.

Dealing with Slats is an exercise in restraint. He must be consumed in small doses lest I want to stick my head in a gas oven and enjoy that aroma.

After being temporarily grounded from riding the Harley, Slats offered encouragement on my recovery and said, as a friend, he’d take the Harley off my hands for $300. He offered to pick it up the same day if he could give me a $77 cash and an IOU. Despite his promise that he was “good for it,” I reminded him he never returned my Pocket Fisherman or my set of limited edition Ginzu Knives that were autographed in Sharpie by Kenji Ginzu himself.

“You’ll not see that fishing contraption again. It got confiscated when Wilford Jr. got caught feeding Old Man Schmaltz’s koi to a neighborhood beagle. But it worked real good, though.”

Naturally, I wanted to know about the knives.

“What the hey! Are you really that stupid?” Slats offered. “What do you think Junior used to clean them fish?”

I guess I should have cut my losses right then there, hoping foolishly that Slats might break the mold this time.

Perhaps there would be insight and intelligence.

I shared that the thought of turning 69 in June had me more frightened and confused as if I was trying to do Chinese arithmetic.

Filling up a scorecard with medical appointments and dealing with maladies, drives home the point that growing older is not for the faint of heart. My adopted philosophy is to hang on to close friends and make sure they know how much you care.

I need to be better about returning texts and phone calls. Nothing drives home a “you don’t matter to me” message more than an unreturned phone call, text, or email.

Everyone needs to know that they matter, so I shared with Slats that I was concerned about “relevance” as I get older.

“Don’t know if I can help you with them,” Slats said. “Reckon you’ll have to go to India or Africa to find relevance. I know they’re big and grey. Never saw any around here, but I saw a Skunk Ape in Florida.”

I probably should have asked him to return my Veg-O-Matic, but a Braves game was starting.

Mike Tasos has lived in Forsyth County for more than 30 years. He’s an American by birth and considers himself a Southerner by the grace of God. He can be reached at miketasos55@ gmail.com.

Congratualations

Sally White

Throughout her time at Milton High School, Sally has been an active member of various clubs and sports teams, including the Debate Club, Science Olympiad, and Drama Society. Her leadership skills shone brightly as the captain of the soccer team, leading them to victory on numerous occasions. Sally’s commitment to excellence extended beyond athletics; she also excelled academically, earning recognition for her outstanding achievements in advanced mathematics and literature.

As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, we are filled with pride and excitement for Sally’s future endeavors. Congratulations, Sally, on this remarkable achievement! We can’t wait to see the incredible things you’ll accomplish next.

Class of 2024

ALPHARETTA-ROSWELL FORSYTH COUNTY JOHNS CREEK MILTON

DUNWOODY SANDY SPRINGS

Appen Press Club

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

One of the more memorable events on my Appalachian Trail hike, now eight years ago, happened while I was alone, asleep on a rock outcropping in the middle of the afternoon in the middle of the forest. I don’t remember seeing anyone that day – something unusual, because one almost always runs into other hikers during the course of the day.

Now, I didn’t usually sleep in the middle of the day on that hike. But this time it was a combination of being really tired, alone, and it was just the right temperature for a quick nap on top of a warmed-up sandstone boulder. I had just eaten lunch – a peanut butter sandwich, a couple cheese sticks and some peperoni. So, I was full, and sleep must have come fast, because the only thing I remember was the warmth of that bounder, then the darkness of sleep, and then, this tremendous noise, fairly close. The earth shook with a tremor that I felt in my bones.

So, I went from deep, deep sleep to wide awake in an instant. My brain went into overtime processing, or trying to process what just happened. Fight or flight. Run. Cover. What? A lot went racing through my brain – like a dam bursting – in what was probably less than a second or two of confusion and adrenaline.

No bear. No human. No falling boulder. No dream. OK, as my mind cleared, logic told me that I heard a really big tree fall nearby and shake the ground. What else could it have been?

At that point I was wide awake and clear-minded. I threw on my pack,

perused my area to make sure I wasn’t leaving anything – like even a miniscule scrap of paper – and went out at almost a sprint in search of a fallen giant. Couldn’t find it. I am certain that it had to have been really close, but that didn’t help me find it. And it had to have been huge. Hmmmm.

So, does it count? I did hear it, I think. Surely that is what I think I heard. But, well, maybe it doesn’t count. “Thinking” you heard that tree fall in the forest, and hence, it did not fall, no?

So, it happened again. Just now, eight years later. I am up in Ellijay – way, way out in the woods babysitting my daughter’s Huskie while she is at the beach celebrating her birthday with friends. Her house is surrounded by forest, and she has no neighbors, just a gravel road that runs in front of her house. I am out writing this column with my legs propped up with the Huskie and my dog Lewis in the grass next to me. The only thing I can see in all directions are trees. I can see maybe 50 feet into the understory then everything turns to green. I hear a very loud “crack” followed by, yep, a heavy thud of something landing on the earth that weighs a lot.

A tree falling is the only thing that it could possibly be, I tell myself – in the forest roughly within 75 yards of where I am sitting right now.

No, I am not going to go look for it. I know it is there and that is what happened. Yes, it fell. For sure. Even though I didn’t see it. If a tree falls in the woods and you only hear it, yes, that counts. It rained all night last night up here in Ellijay out in the woods. This morning everything was still wet and fresh and deeply silent. Birds were the only noises I heard this morning, that and the sound of the brook that runs through my daughter’s property – pregnant with rainfall and cold mountain water.

OPINION

You can’t always get what you want

On July 4, 1969, The Rolling Stones Introduced their song “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”. The song goes on to say, “But if you try sometime, well, you just might find, you get what you need.”

This can be said about many borrowers trying to negotiate closing cost fees with their lender. Closing cost fees are made up of numerous charges such as lender fees, credit reports, appraisals, attorney fees, lenders title, owners title, recording fees, Georgia intangible taxes, HOA initiation fees as well as HOA prorations and others.

I had a call the other day from a client who wanted me to lower the attorney fees and totally take out the lender’s title insurance fee (required by all lenders if the buyer/borrower

is getting a mortgage, and this fee is charged by the closing attorney).

Granted, most folks believe that the lender controls all these fees which is simply not the case. I explained to the borrower that the credit report as well as the attorney fees, title charges the state transfer/tax fees, are third-party charges that are simply “pass through” charges that we estimate for them on the initial loan estimate, and the actual charges will appear on their final closing statement.

Ironically, the borrower/buyer chooses most of these fees when they agree to a specific closing attorney in their contract, because the attorney determines those fees. The lender only can control their bank/broker charges such as origination fees, discount points, underwriting, document preparation and other fees shown in the origination section of the loan estimate.

My point is, when buyers/borrowers are shopping fees from lender to lender they should focus on the “origination”

charges shown on the loan estimate only…the other fees will be the same at closing, as the lender does not actually charge them. Despite the varying estimates from lender to lender for title, attorney and recording charges shown by different lenders, they will be the same at closing since the closing attorney chosen in the contract will produce those numbers.

So, who do you trust for the most accurate estimate?

Great question! Most buyers/ borrowers are recommended to a lender(s) from their Realtor and or a friend(s). Trust them, especially a Realtor who has done business with this lender and has seen a track record of delivering what they estimated and excellent customer service.

Getting estimates from out-of-state lenders can be dangerous if they do not close many loans in Georgia and are simply going by what some chart in their office tells them to estimate for those charges. Your Georgia lenders do this

every day and know what the estimate should show, not to mention they do not want to let down the real estate agent who referred you to them. These lenders also depend on repeat business from the agents, and they won’t get it if they don’t deliver excellent customer service, including getting the funds to close right.

Trust your referral. Purchasing a home, in most cases, is the largest individual purchase they will make in their life. This is not like purchasing a car or an ATV. However, getting a recommendation from a friend might not be so bad when buying these either.

D.C. Aiken is vice president, producing production manager for BankSouth Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com.

The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of BankSouth Mortgage or its affiliates.

‘Luck of the Draw’ recounts story of Frank Murphy

Frank DeSales

Murphy was a member of the U.S. Army 8th Air Force, 100th Bombardment Group during World War II, which became known as The Bloody Hundredth.

On Saturday, May 18 at the WW II Atlanta Round Table, Chloe Melas, NBC news entertainment correspondent, will participate in a panel discussion and speak about her father’s book, “Luck of the Draw: My Story of the Air War in Europe.”

Frank Murphy was born at St. Joseph’s Infirmary in Atlanta in 1921. He was attending Emory University when Pearl Harbor was attacked, Dece.7, 1941. Murphy had taken flying lessons while at Emory. He applied to be an Aviation Cadet, but a depth perception issue prevented him from becoming a pilot. However, his role as a navigator was essential in every mission.

ankle as he landed. The family helped him to their home, then reported him to the police.

Murphy was picked up and taken for interrogation by the Germans. They kept him in solitary confinement for six days. Then, he was sent by railroad boxcar to Stalag Luft III. Two men on board the plane died, the remainder were captured and taken to Stalag Luft III.

Murphy spent 19 months at the prison camp. He writes extensively about his experience in “Luck of the Draw,” including how the German guards were harsher following an attempted tunnel escape by 76 British soldiers.

After the war ended, Murphy returned to Emory to finish his degree. He attended law school and met his wife Ann. They married in 1949.

of the 100th Bomb Group beginning in 1943. A quote from Tom Hanks is featured on the cover of the book. “In the pursuit of authenticity, of accurate history, and undeniable courage, no words matter more than, ‘I was there.’ Read ‘Luck of the Draw’ and the life of Frank Murphy and ponder this, how did those boys do such things?”

The 100th Bomb Group was stationed at Thorpe-Abbotts air base in England. On Oct. 19, 1943, Murphy was on his 21st mission as navigator when the plane was shot down over Muenster, Germany. He was sprayed with shrapnel. Murphy parachuted into the field of a German farming family, hurting his

Frank Murphy self-published his WWII memoir in 2001. His daughter Elizabeth Murphy, a children’s book author, encouraged him to write down his experiences. Frank Murphy died in 2007 at the age of 85. His daughter, granddaughter and wife took on the task of bringing the book to the public by publishing it in 2023. Elizabeth Murphy and Chloe Melas wrote a new forward to the book.

The book was one of the sources for “Masters of the Air,” available on Apple TV+ and produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. The series portrays the events

Although Murphy is a supporting character in “Masters of the Air,” he is featured prominently in the accompanying documentary “The Bloody Hundredth.” The documentary is narrated by Hanks and features video clips of participants. Several video clips of Murphy sharing his detailed history are featured. His full interview is available on the Atlanta History Center website at https://album. atlantahistorycenter.com/digital/collection/ VHPohr/id/596/rec/4.

Murphy was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal and U.S. Prisoner of War Medal for his service. He later served on the Board of Trustees of the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum in Pooler, Georgia just outside Savannah.

The May 18 WWII Round Table meeting will be at Dunwoody United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1548 Mt. Vernon Road. Contact Bill LeCount at 404-886-7383 by May 12, 2024, to make a reservation. Meetings include lunch and social time, beginning at 10 a.m. PAST TENSE

PROVIDED

“Luck of the Draw” is the memoir of WW II veteran Frank Murphy originally published in 2001, newly released in 2023 by his daughter and granddaughter. It will be the subject of the upcoming May 18th WWII Round Table in Dunwoody.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist

Tips on gardening for the month of May

May has arrived, and the days are getting warmer and longer. It’s time to tidy up spring plants and start planting summer bedding plants. According to the 2023 USDA Hardiness Zone Map, Atlanta is in zones 8a and 8b. This is a change from the 2012 USDA Hardiness Zone Map, which had Atlanta in zones 7b and 8a. This is due to climate change. There are 13 growing zones across the country, and each zone represents a 10-degree range of average temperatures in winter. Zone 8 is a warm zone with a long growing season, mild winters and hot summers.

So, what are some of the best plants that can be planted in the month of May in the Atlanta area?

Flowers can add color to your landscape and attract pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Some annuals include begonias, lantana, salvia, petunias, coleus, caladiums, vinca, impatiens, petunias, geraniums and zinnias. Perennials, which come back each year, could include coneflowers, blackeyed Susans, Shasta daisies, daylilies, Russian sage, coreopsis, blanket flower, phlox, dahlias, yarrow, hostas, asters and sedum.

May is a good time to divide and transplant perennials. It’s the perfect time to divide hostas as they come into growth. Iris usually begin blooming in April and May. The best time to divide them is about six weeks after blooming. Roses will begin blooming in May, and climbing roses and any rambling roses should be tied up and secured. Check for blackspot and treat with a systemic fungicide if necessary.

Flowering shrubs like hydrangeas, butterfly bushes, spirea and hibiscus can be planted now. There are two types of hibiscus, hardy and tropical. The hardy variety is a perennial, whereas the tropical variety is treated as an annual in zone 8. Rose of Sharon and Confederate Rose are both in the hibiscus family. Spring and early fall are the best time to plant these flowering shrubs.

Herbs such as rosemary, lavender, dill, basil, oregano, thyme and sage can be planted now. Pinch herbs back to promote bushy growth. Cilantro should be planted earlier because it likes cooler temperatures and will bolt in summer heat. What does it mean to bolt? Bolting is common in heat-sensitive plants such as green leafy vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and bok

choy. Bolting is a horticultural term for when a plant prematurely develops a flowering stalk in order to produce seeds. This is often called “going to seed.” May is a good time to harvest leafy green vegetables.

Some vegetables good to plant this time of year are squash, tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, okra, beans, corn, Brussels sprouts and onions. Have a trellis system in place for tomato plants and pole beans before they begin to sprawl. If seedlings were started indoors, now is a good time to start hardening off frost-tender plants. This means to put them outside for a short period of time each day for several days to get them used to outside temperatures.

The ground is warm enough in May to sow seeds outdoors. Both vegetable and flower seeds can be sowed at this time. It is safe now to plant almost anything outdoors, including tender annuals like impatiens. Houseplants can even be moved outside to a shady spot for a summer vacation. Now is a good time to feed your potted plants using a balanced fertilizer. This means using a fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, meaning it has balanced proportions of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Top dress permanent potted plants to refresh compost. Weed beds and borders and add more mulch if needed.

Fruits and fruit trees can be planted now. Some good fruit trees to plant are

apple, cherry, apricot, fig, pear, peach, plum and citrus fruits. Trees such as southern magnolia, dogwood and crape myrtle can be planted now.

Now’s the time to look after your finished spring bulbs. Do not cut back the green foliage because it provides nutrients to what will become next year’s bulbs. Simply let the foliage die back, turn brown and then clean up. I sometimes tie up bundles of daffodil leaves and secure them with a rubber band until they dry up.

Mid-May is a great time to propagate cuttings for flowering shrubs like spirea, lilac and viburnum. FYI, you can make more plants from cuttings than from division. Simply take a cutting with at least three buds on it, dip into rooting hormone powder and plant in a pot until big enough to transplant.

Keep an eye out for pests and insects in the garden. Aphids are common and can be sprayed off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap. Ladybugs are good insects to have around because they eat aphids. Contact your local Extension office for help identifying and managing insect pests.

You might want to keep a gardening journal and list seeds sowed and plants you’ve planted. Take time out to enjoy your garden now that the warm weather has arrived!

Happy May 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/columnists/garden_buzz/.

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Marty Thomas, a Master Gardener since 2018 and a resident of Johns Creek. A former teacher, she continues working with children through substitute teaching, children’s art camps and children’s ministry. Marty is on the Board of Directors for the Johns Creek Beautification Committee and a member of the American Hydrangea Society. She leads a Bible study discussion group at her church and loves spending time with her grandchildren.

MARTY THOMAS Guest Columnist

PHOTOS BY MARTY THOMAS

May roses

Homemade raised beds with fencing to keep out deer and also used for trellises. Irises at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve

Camp:

Continued from Page 1

Kids aged 12-15 can enjoy various “Adventurer Camps,” including the Whitewater Kayak Camp, a Climbing Adventure Camp and an Outdoor Adventure Camp.

“Specialty camps fill up within the first week, sometimes quicker,” said Recreation Manager Zak Moore.

While most of these camp rosters are full, two other outdoor recreation camps have space.

Chickens:

Continued from Page 1

While temporary COs are not new concepts to the county, they’ve mainly been used to “allow someone to enter into their property before they had the final CO to get various assurances,” Jarrard said.

What makes the amended temporary COs different is they would apply only for non-residential uses and would help new businesses get a head start on opening as construction wrapped up. According to Jarrard, businesses could move nonperishable inventory into the building or host

DEATH NOTICES

Robert Bachman, age 83, of Roswell, GA passed away on April 27, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Edward Burek, age 98, of Johns Creek, GA passed away on April 23, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

The TR Nature Camp at Sawnee Mountain is for kids 8-13 and focuses on a therapeutic approach to creating art in nature. The TR Summer Outdoor Adventure Camp is for ages 13-22 and will include kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, zip lining and tree climbing.

Dance and gymnastics camps

Those 4-13 can dance with the SFHS Dance Team, while those 5-12 can choose to embark on the Denmark Dance Team Mini Camp or the North Forsyth Youth Dance Camp.

The Gymnastics Olympics Camp is

employee training sessions there early.

“The objective here is very utilitarian. There are situations where you have commercial, industrial, office structures that are ready,” Jarrard said, adding the temporary COs would be for businesses that had already passed most of their inspections.

The first temporary CO would be issued for 30 days, and businesses could request up to two extensions, giving them a total of 90 days of early occupancy. But if a regular CO was not issued by the county by the end of those 90 days, the business would have to move out. Jarrard said the amended temporary COs are desperately needed.

“We need to put some restrictions

Brian Custance, age 50, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on April 27, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Rosalie Gransden, age 84, of Roswell, GA passed away on April 28, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

for children 3-5, while the Gymnastics Camp is for those 5-11. Both offer three different days and locations.

Sports camps

The sports camps feature tennis, baseball, basketball, football, cheerleading, softball, track, wrestling, pickleball and volleyball. Most still have space available.

The camps are also divided by age group and include three youth wrestling camps, six pickleball camps, seven youth soccer camps, seven volleyball camps and 10 cheerleading camps.

To learn more about each camp, visit parks.forsythco.com/Programs.

around it and allow it to be used by anybody that needs it, not just those who know to ask but anybody that needs one,” he said.

He later added that the temporary COs would not allow businesses to open because the public can’t enter the property until a regular CO is issued.

Mills said the amendments would help businesses, adding they may have aided a new Zaxby’s location in Forsyth that recently had to delay opening due to a circumstance beyond its control.

“They had 40 employees hired and could not even get the restaurant completely finished because of the sidewalk (on the property) being done incorrectly,” she said.

David Healy, age 82, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on April 26, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jason Leary, age 58, of Roswell, GA passed away on April 29, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

William Thompson, of Roswell, GA passed away on April 24, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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