Roswell shocks Johns Creek for region title
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga — The Roswell High School girls lacrosse team won the program’s first regular season title for Area 1 of Class 2A after a 12-11 win over Johns Creek in sudden death overtime April 1.
Both teams came in knowing the
game would decide the area’s seeding.
Roswell got off to a hot start with the first two goals coming from sophomore Claire MacLeod and freshman Hazel Shively.
Johns Creek’s Rose Coluzzi fired back with a hat trick in the first quarter, while Ella Bea Croteau scored two more goals for the Hornets. Croteau, a Jacksonville University commit, tallied
four goals, including the game-winner 30 seconds into the overtime period. Roswell head coach Brooke Magnuson said the team’s goals for the night were to play with joy and energy. If they were able to do that “everything in between will fall into place,” on their way to school history.
County Commission addresses lingering vacant job positions
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — Fulton County Commission
Chairman Robb Pitts raised discussion about the approximately 800 authorized but vacant positions within various departments at the April 2 meeting.
While the total number of authorized and vacant positions in the county government remains around 800, Pitts asked staff to focus on those that have been open for some time.
“How many have been vacant for one year, two years, three years and so forth?” Pitts said.
“Right under 2,500 CDC folk who were let go, that should be a target for us.”
Fulton County Chief Human Resources Officer Kenneth Hermon told Pitts that the numbers have shifted “dramatically” since their last conversation In the county’s general fund – which pays for day-to-day operations – there are 41 full-time positions that have been vacant for more than a year, Hermon said. Those jobs constitute $2.1 million in expenditures.
Fulton County operates on a calendar fiscal year and adopts its annual budget in January.
Hermon said the uptick in vacancies is most likely because some county departments are choosing to wait until the first three months of the year pass before filling a position.
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Members of the Roswell High School Hornets Lacrosse team congratulate sophomore Claire MacLeod, center, after the first goal of the game at Roswell High School April 1.
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Cities add Sandy Springs to safety committee
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — The North Fulton Emergency Medical Response Oversight Committee held its first meeting April 3 with its newest and largest member on board.
The meeting, held at Milton City Hall, included representatives from the cities of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and, for the first time, Sandy Springs.
“It really is a cool day,” Alpharetta City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom said.
The committee was formed to improve efficiency and economy in
POLICE BLOTTER
All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
Cash, tools reported stolen in burglary
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police investigated a burglary at a Mansell Road car shop where cash and tools were reported stolen March 27.
A 33-year-old Sandy Springs man said he arrived to work about 6 a.m. to find a broken windowpane in the garage, according to an Alpharetta police report.
Officers observed broken glass near the window.
He walked through the business and found $300 was taken from an unlocked cabinet, according to the report. The man said he had closed the shop about 6:30 p.m. March 26.
Tools valued at about $450 also were reported stolen. They included a drill, impact driver, batteries and chargers.
Several employees had touched
emergency medical response services throughout North Fulton County. The collaboration will help subsidize regional ambulance services.
Originally formed as a partnership between four North Fulton cities, officials chose to re-form the committee when Sandy Springs opted in last summer. Sandy Springs had originally formed its own model for enhanced emergency services in 2008 because it wanted a more built-up version with more ambulances. It came on board with the other four cities recently to avoid a massive price hike.
Under its new organizational plan, the contract requires a $2 million subsidy for the first year, split between
the doors and cash cabinet, so officers made no attempt to lift fingerprints there. The broken windowpane appeared to have no fingerprints.
The incident was classified as a felony burglary, smash and grab. The investigation is ongoing.
— Jon Wilcox
Officers investigate violent motor vehicle incident
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police responded to reports of shots fired around Terramont Court around 4:30 p.m. April 2 finding two crashed and abandoned vehicles.
An officer said he immediately spotted a gray Ford F-150 stuck on a tree stump and dark-colored Honda Accord in the side yard of a home across the street.
The damage to the yard is valued at $500.
Officers said a nearby homeowner said he saw the truck crash into his neighbor’s yard. The homeowner said he watched one man shoot at another man who was near the F-150.
Another witness, a 45-year-old
the five cities based on a three-year average number of service calls and population.
The North Fulton Emergency Medical Response Oversight Committee consists of city managers or administrators and fire and emergency medical services chiefs.
Alpharetta City Administrator Lagerbloom was named committee chairman at the April 3 meeting. Milton City Manager Steve Krokoff will serve as vice chair, and Roswell City Administrator Randy Knighton was elected secretary on the Board of the Directors for a one-year term.
See COMMITTEE, Page 11
Roswell man who is employed by the Atlanta Police Department, said he heard a loud crash, heard men arguing outside and saw a male wearing a red T-shirt and black pants flee the area on foot. It is not clear whether the witness is a sworn officer.
Officers said all witness statements were turned over to a detective with the Criminal Investigations Division.
Despite multiple officers canvassing the area, no suspects were located or identified.
An officer obtained footage of the incident from a nearby residence and turned it over to detectives. They said it shows the Accord deliberately strike an occupant of the F-150 before all subjects flee the area.
Officers said some suspects left on foot and others left via a third vehicle, described as a possible red Hyundai.
According to the report, the Ford F-150 is registered to a 28-year-old Duluth woman and the Honda Accord belongs to a 58-year-old Decatur woman. Authorities impounded both vehicles.
The investigation is ongoing.
THE PICTURE FRAMER
— Hayden Sumlin
North Fulton Master Gardeners to host Garden Faire
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The North Fulton Masters’ Garden Faire promises to be a singular experience for those who love growing things.
“Plants, plants and more plants is what I tell people,” said Master Gardener Christine Williams. “You should be able to find any plant you want.”
Scheduled for April 12 in The Grove at Wills Park, 175 Roswell St. in Alpharetta, the fair will host 30 vendors selling everything from food and drink to gardening tools, and, of course, plenty of plants.
The fair is hosted by the North Fulton Master Gardeners, Georgia Native Plant Society and Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program.
Everything from cottagestyle to zen to groundcovers to understory shrubs and trees, the event is perfect for residents to spruce up any outdoor or indoor space. Bluegrass band Cedar Hill also will perform.
A Children’s Gardening Corner will offer engaging activities for young gardeners.
Williams said the event is
If you go
What: North Fulton Masters’ Gardener Faire
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 12
Where: The Grove at Wills Park, 175 Roswell St. in Alpharetta
educational but also lots of fun.
About 20 Master Gardener ambassadors will be on hand to offer gardening advice and answer questions.
The fair is also a great opportunity for like-minded people to gather and talk shop.
Williams said the fair usually generates plenty of excitement and often a line of visitors at opening time. Last year, about 2,200 people attended.
Carts, trays, and bags will be available but limited. Please bring your own for personal ease.
— Jon Wilcox
Fleatique, Children’s activities, Plant vendors, Food vendors, and Master Gardeners to answer your gardening questions. For more information: www.nfmg.net/garden-faire
The popular North Fulton Master Gardeners Passalong Plant Sale will feature more than 2000 beautiful plants
The North Metro Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society will have a selection of approximately 2000
NORTH FULTON MASTER GARDENERS/PROVIDED
The Garden Faire will feature 30 vendors selling gardening supplies and other items as well as plants.
Last minute bill limiting Open Records Act fails
By JILL NOLAN Georgia Recorder
ATLANTA — A proposed last-minute attempt to limit the public’s access to police reports and communications with state lawmakers was abandoned April 4 as quickly as it emerged.
The proposed changes to the state’s open records law had popped up unexpectedly Wednesday April 2 in the gatekeeping House Rules Committee, bypassing the usual legislative committee process.
Rep. Rob Leverett, an Elberton Republican, said he had seen the proposed changes as just “extensions of existing law and were not really reflecting any new policy.”
But the proposal, Senate Bill 12, was immediately met with opposition from First Amendment advocates who warned the changes would weaken transparency laws.
Under the proposal, police departments would be able to shield almost all information about officers’ stops, arrests and incident responses. And it would have created broad new exemptions to prevent public disclosure of the General Assembly’s activities, including communication with other parts of state government.
The change narrowing what police records are available for public inspection appeared to be in response to a lawsuit filed by the Appen Media Group against Sandy Springs that accused the city of withholding public police reports. The state Court of Appeals had recently ruled in Appen’s favor.
Gov. Brian Kemp also seemed cool
to the proposal Friday.
“I haven’t seen what the Legislature has done other than just reading a blip in the paper about it,” Kemp told reporters. “But we’ll look at the legislation today. We’ll see what ends up passing or not passing. But I think the General Assembly knows that I’m a pretty transparent person, as you can see being out here answering your questions today.”
METRO ATLANTA — The Atlanta Regional Commission is seeking public comment through April 16 for a proposed amendment to the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan / FY 2024-2027 Transportation Improvement Program.
The Transportation Improvement Program serves as a short-term regional mechanism where federal, state and local funds can gain approval for all significant surface transportation projects and programs. The program is updated several times throughout the year, as changes are made to projects or new funding becomes available.
The 2050 Metro Transportation Plan is a long-term program that details the investments that will be made in
The House ultimately retreated from the changes Friday and passed a version that was more in line with the original proposal – to the relief of the bill’s sponsor, Danielsville Republican Sen. Frank Ginn.
“You don’t want to get into an argument with people that buy ink by the train car load,” Ginn said, referring to concerns from newspapers and others.
Ginn said he was trying to pass a “pro-business bill.” His proposal came in response to a Georgia Supreme Court ruling last year that unanimously found that a private contractor working for a public entity is still subject to the law and can be sent requests for public records they may possess.
Senate Bill 12 said that requests for those public records should go through the local governmental agencies that contracted with those third parties. This version is what now sits on the governor’s desk.
Easter Eggstravaganza - April 12
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
This story comes to Appen Media through a reporting partnership with Georgia Recorder, a nonprofit newsroom that covers statewide issues.
ARC seeks public input
the next 25 years to ensure the future success and improvement of quality of life in the region.
Both programs are run by the Atlanta Regional Commission to help improve mobility and quality of life in the 19 Metro Atlanta counties, as federally recognized by the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
As a requirement the amendment will reflect cost increases, changes to project timelines and new projects that are exempt from air quality requirements.
Included in the amendment is a cost increase of $207 million for 25 projects across the Atlanta region
See INPUT, Page 24
Activities and egg hunts for all ages birth - 5th grade. Community event
Palm Sunday - April 13
8:30 am- Traditional Service - Chapel 11:00 am - Modern Worship - Sanctuary
Maundy Thursday - April 17
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Children’s Ministry programming from 8:30 am-12:00 pm Student Ministry and Adult Small Groups 9:45 am
Sanctuary open for prayer and communion.
Good Friday Service - April 18
“The Life and Passion of Christ” 6:00 pm - Sanctuary
Easter - April 20
6:45 am - Sunrise Service - Chapel 8:30 am - Traditional Service - Chapel 11:00 am - Modern Worship - Sanctuary
Children’s Ministry programming 8:30 am - 9:30 am & 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
SHELLY HODDESON, owner, Southern Estate Classic Gardens
8 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | April 10, 2025
Gardener creates custom spaces for natural reflection, recharging
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Shelly Hoddeson paints with flowers, trees and stones. Your yard is her easel.
“It’s art,” Hoddeson said. “It really is a living art.”
Hoddeson, owner of Johns-Creekbased Southern Estate Classic Gardens, makes custom gardens and outdoor spaces for North Metro Atlanta residents, drawing on years of landscaping experience.
“It should bring them joy, peace and tranquility,” Hoddeson said.
Hoddeson, a Johns Creek resident, has gardening in her blood.
She inherited a love for flowers from her grandmother, who filled her home with irises, day lilies, hydrangeas, hostas and other blooms. African violets, cultivated in indoor pots, were her grandmother’s favorite.
“She loved them,” she said.
Hoddeson learned an appreciation for gardening from her mother, spending hours pulling weeds and planting pots along with her sister. The work was hardly a chore but rather a time for bonding for the three.
“We would chat and feel the earth — get grounded,” Hoddeson said. “I loved getting my hands dirty. I always did.”
As an adult, Hoddeson still gets her hands dirty.
Her business can handle almost any
outdoor task, including flower beds, patios, paths, erosion control, water features, soil conditioning and more, but she prides herself in bringing them together in an inspired design.
The process starts with a face-toface meeting, which can run from two minutes to three hours depending on how involved a client is. Hoddeson walks the property, taking photos, learning about personal tastes and discussing
goals.
She then brainstorms, occasionally bouncing ideas, sketches and designs off her client. She returns with ideas in hand, often literally in the form of a vision board, to discuss her concepts for the space.
Lastly, she finalizes an agreed design, comes up with a cost estimate and gets started.
It’s a lot of work, but it’s also her
To learn more about Southern Estate Classic Gardens, call 770-570-6060, email shelly@secgardens.com or visit secgardens.com.
passion, she said.
Flowers and their bounty of colors are Hoddeson’s favorite part of a garden.
During her 15 years spent in the gardening industry, she has become an expert, learning each’s growth habits from how much water and sun they need to big or small they will grow.
“They are like an instant pop of color,” she said.
Rock, often natural flagstones from Tennessee or Oklahoma, are shaped by a contracted mason’s hammer and chisel. They can serve as stepping stones, guide the flow of water and fill other ornamental needs.
“I really try to incorporate something into the living space that both looks good and solves a problem,” she said.
Hoddeson loves to surround her stones with aggregate gravels or groundcover plants like blue star creeper, ajuga or mazus, which can boast tiny, vivid blossoms.
Trees, especially flowering ones like dogwoods, redbuds and cherry trees, can create shade, offer elegant forms and attract pollinators.
See GARDENS, Page 9
SHELLY HODDESON/PROVIDED
A bed of flowers add vivid colors at a client’s property. Southern Estate Classic Gardens owner Shelly Hoddeson said flowers are her favorite element of a garden.
SPONSORED BUSINESS FEATURE
10 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | April 10, 2025
Robin Martin and Associates brings unique approach to selling homes
Brought to you by - Robin Martin and Associates
For just over a decade, Robin Martin and Associates has helped residents of North Metro Atlanta go through the process of buying and selling their homes.
Founded in 2013 after Martin realized just how many gaps there are in the typical real estate experience, her team has now expanded to over seven members, including three team agents, a team manager, listing support specialist, marketing specialist, stager and closing coordinator, ready to help you sell your home.
Since 2015, the team has continued to outperform local market trends while maintaining a commitment to exceptional service and delivering superior results.
It all begins with Martin and her team’s point to take the stress out of the process by offering free listing prep concierge services and applying an investor mindset to each home they sell.
“We pay a lot of attention to details. Being as experienced as we are, it's made a difference,” Martin said.
This approach was proved invaluable for the post-2009 housing crash, allowing their customers to sell their homes and achieve above-average results in price per square foot, days on market and final sale price, no matter the difficult market.
Her team helps with the details that are typically cast aside, like staging, landscaping, painting or even the installation of new countertops so the home is picture perfect to sell.
“It makes a difference, because so many people today are shopping online,” Martin said.
Martin said that the most rewarding part of the process is not only getting to connect with her clients but also helping
them sell homes for numbers that they never thought imaginable.
“You get to be a big part of people's lives,” Martin said.
With over 88 transactions completed and $70 million in sales in the last year, Martin says she gets to know each family she works with, giving a personal and unique approach to each home.
“I really care about people and how they feel. I've always said I'm in it not for the one-time transaction,” Martin said.
Robin and her team work with their clients to help deliver superior results, while doing what’s right for their clients through a true full-service offering.
Reinforcing that they know how to help their community, Robin Martin and Associates have won over 15 awards for their work including consistently being ranked the no. 1 agent in Roswell and Centennial High School markets and no. 1 at Keller Williams North Atlanta.
“I do think our success has spoken
for itself,” Martin said.
Not only is the team award winning, but they have also set all-time record sales in multiple communities including Horseshoe Bend, Willow Springs, Tuxford, Oxford Mills, Wentworth, Overture at Encore, Heatherton, Chartwell, Sentinel on The River, Academy Park, Haynes Landing and more.
To learn more about how to work with Robin Martin and Associates, visit www. robinmartinassoc.com.
ROBIN MARTIN AND ASSOCIATES/PROVIDED
Robin Martin and Associates is equipped with over seven team members ready to help residents of Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Roswell and more sell their home for more than they expected.
What exactly are allergies?
Brought to you by – Comprehensive Internal Medicine
What are allergies?
Allergies are your body’s reaction to a foreign particle, usually a protein. These proteins can come from pet dander, molds, pollens, or from trees and grasses. If you develop an allergy to a particular protein, your body’s defense system (immune system) reacts to it and the allergic reaction creates allergy symptoms.
What is an allergic reaction?
An allergic reaction is the way your body responds to an allergen, usually a protein.
You may feel itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, sinus or ear fullness, a hoarse voice, a scratchy throat, or
trouble breathing. You may even develop a skin rash.
These symptoms can be treated with over the counter or prescription allergy medication or immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be tailored specifically for you.
What is allergy testing?
To perform allergy testing, small pinpricks or scratches are made in the skin and a very small amount of allergen is placed to test your body’s response. If you react to the allergen, we have identified a trigger that is causing your allergy symptoms.
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a treatment used to desensitize your body to the allergy trigger.
In this treatment, the results of your allergy testing are used to create a very personalized formula of medicine that is used to slowly treat your immune system in a way that stops reacting to your allergy trigger. Immunotherapy medicine is given by injection (allergy shots) and is administered twice weekly. The first injection is given in the doctor’s office. Comprehensive Internal Medicine uses an advanced formulation and instruction that allows you to then give the injections at home. This saves the twice-weekly visits to the doctor’s office. You return to Comprehensive Internal Medicine every 6 weeks to progress the therapy and at the end of one year, allergy testing is repeated. Often, a second year of treatment is advised, following which, most allergies are cured.
Allergy Season in Atlanta
asthma, COPD and nasal
Dr. Obiora has a special interest in managing medical issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. He also specializes in diabetes prevention and weight loss.
In addition, he brings expertise in allergy treatment and managing allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and asthma, and can schedule allergy testing to determine the best way to treat allergy symptoms.
Dr. Bozof specializes is men’s health, cardiovascular risk assessment and the evaluation and management of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. He also provides evaluation for testosterone levels and treatment as needed.
In addition, he brings expertise in allergy treatment and managing allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and asthma, and can schedule allergy testing to determine the best way to treat allergy symptoms.
Alexis brings years of nursing experience to Comprehensive Internal Medicine and has expertise in the care of Allergy and Asthma patients. She prides herself in forming lasting relationships with her patients, while also providing compassionate and individualized care. She has a special interest in the treatment of sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, asthma and allergies.
In addition, she brings expertise in allergy treatment and managing allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and asthma, and can schedule allergy testing to determine the best way to treat allergy symptoms.
Jeffrey Obiora, M.D.
Ryan Bozof, M.D.
Alexis Miller, MSN,APRN,FNP-C. • Laurae Carpenetti, M.D. • Arezou Fatemi, M.D. • Carol Hector, M.D. • Jacqueline T. Pearson, M.D., M.S. • Sudeshna Nandi M.D. • Sumera Pervaiz M.D.
Alexis Miller, MSN,APRN,FNP-C.
Is Lidocaine a secret weapon against cancer?
We always worry about the negative side-effects that a medicine might have. At the end of a pharmaceutical company’s commercials, an auctioneer very quickly states the twenty terrible things that might happen if you take the advertised medicine. Side effects range from your ear falling off when you sneeze to the belief that you are Elvis. Side-effects make almost any medicine sound scary. But occasionally, a positive side effect emerges. Sometimes, we discover something wonderful about a medicine that is wholly unexpected. Examples of positive side-effects are not hard to find. The medicine finasteride was first being used to help decrease the size of the prostate in men who were having difficulty urinating. An unexpected positive side-effect was discovered when it was noticed that many of the men were re-growing their scalp hair. With finasteride, male pattern baldness was often partially reversed or stopped in its tracks.
One of the most recent medications discovered to have a possible positive side effect is lidocaine, which has been around since 1943. Lidocaine is an injectable anesthetic. We use lidocaine for skin biopsies, excisions, Mohs surgeries and countless other procedures every day in the dermatology office. Amazingly, lidocaine may be more than an anesthetic. It may also have anti-cancer effects.
A team of surgeons in India operating on breast cancer divided patients into two groups. One group had standard breast cancer surgery. The other group received a lidocaine injection around the tumor 7-10 minutes prior to surgery. During the 5 years after surgery, the group that received the lidocaine injection had an 8.5% rate of the cancer recurring (popping up again) at a distant site versus an 11.6% rate of distant recurrence in the surgeryonly (no lidocaine) group. The study has some limitations including not being a double-blind trial and being a single-
center study, but it is intriguing enough to warrant further investigation. The authors reported that injecting lidocaine around breast cancer before removing it increased survival in their study.
What made the surgeons perform this study in the first place? Why lidocaine? Over the last few years, researchers have discovered that electrical gradients maintained across the membranes of cancer cells are important to their ability to metastasize or spread. Our cells have pumps in them called “ion channels.” They allow certain ions to pass across the cell membrane. The resulting ion concentration gradient creates an electrical charge across a cell. This gradient affects the way other proteins in the cell function. Importantly, some of the proteins affected by the charge across a cell membrane are important for healthy cells’ growth and development as well as for cancers’ ability to grow and spread.
Lidocaine works by blocking sodium channels in cell membranes. Disrupting the electric charge across a cancer cell membrane was suspected to have the potential to weaken the cancer itself. Preclinical studies supported this hypothesis, and the breast cancer surgeons took the next step of performing a trial with breast cancer patients and peritumoral lidocaine injections.
I don’t know if breast cancer surgeons in the United States consider these results valid, are awaiting confirmatory studies or are already injecting lidocaine. However, in dermatology, these results are exciting because, for now, we do not need to change anything that we are already doing. Every day that I perform Mohs surgery, we inject the area around a tumor with lidocaine prior to surgically removing the cancer. If lidocaine is more than an anesthetic, then our patients are likely already benefiting from any anti-cancer properties that lidocaine has.
Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating most skin cancers and has a cure rate that is usually at or above 99%. Perhaps lidocaine is one of the secrets to this success.
Insist
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 22 years experience as a Dermatology PA 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
Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta
Women and heart disease
Brought to you by – Emory Heart & Vascular
For many years, heart disease was considered a “man’s disease.” That began to change about 30 years ago, thanks in large part to Emory Healthcare cardiologist Nanette Wenger, MD. She was one of the first doctors to focus on heart disease in women - and the first and most insistent voice to push for greater inclusion of women in heart disease research.
Today, researchers around the world are studying heart disease in women. Despite significant progress, heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women (and men), surpassing breast cancer and lung disease. It is responsible for about one in every five deaths in women.
Heart disease symptoms look different in women
The most common symptom of heart disease in men and women is chest pain, discomfort or pressure. Women are more likely than men to have other symptoms such as:
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Arm or upper back pain
If you think you are having a heartrelated emergency, such as a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
Heart disease risk factors in women
Many risk factors for heart disease are the same in men and women such as:
• Being overweight or obese
• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking
“There are additional risk factors that are unique to women,” says Ijeoma Isiadinso, MD, director of Heart
Disease Prevention at Emory Heart & Vascular. “For example, complications that may occur during pregnancy, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can increase the risk of heart disease, hypertension or diabetes later in life. And during menopause,
a woman’s risk of heart disease rises due to hormonal changes. Also, inflammatory rheumatic conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, occur more often in women than men and are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.”
Take care of your heart
Most heart disease is preventable, and early detection saves lives. The most important place to start is with a heart-healthy lifestyle.
• Be physically active
• Do not smoke (or vape)
• Find ways to manage your stress
• Follow a diet with plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein sources, such as chicken and fish
• Get quality sleep
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Limit your salt intake and avoid foods high in simple carbohydrates and fat
• Maintain a healthy weight
Routine screenings for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can help your provider identify early signs of heart disease. Medications to treat these conditions
can also help lower your risk for heart disease.
Specialized heart care for women at Emory Heart & Vascular
Emory Heart & Vascular offers a dedicated program focused on women’s heart health. Our team of physicians and nurse practitioners provide collaborative care for women who are at risk of or already have heart disease. Patients can also participate in clinical trials that seek to better understand heart disease in women.
Ready
to
transform your heart treatment?
If you are concerned about your heart health, turn to doctors at the top of their field. Emory Heart & Vascular brings together more than 150 physicians and 18 specialized programs in cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and vascular surgery.
Next-day new patient cardiology appointments are available at one of our 23 locations.
Visit emoryhealthcare.org/ transform to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Family history of heart disease? Emory Heart & Vascular can help rewrite it.
MORE TREATMENT OPTIONS
The difference? Emory Women’s Center at Johns Creek uses research and innovation in health to provide exceptional care, close to home.
Our expert heart & vascular team pioneers the most innovative techniques and treatments. Giving you more options and better outcomes than anywhere else. To make more “tickle monster!” moments like this possible.
From routine gynecology and menopause management, to high-risk pregnancies and specialty care, our team is here for your journey no matter where it takes you.
Visit emoryhealthcare.org/history to schedule an appointment.
Visit emoryhealthcare.org/women to schedule an appointment.
Robotic surgery at Wellstar North Fulton
Brought to you by - Dr. Gregory J. Coffman, Wellstar general surgeon
In the ever-evolving world of medicine, the most groundbreaking advancement in surgery is robotic surgery. The robotic platforms have transformed the way surgeries are performed, offering both patients and doctors a host of remarkable benefits. From enhanced precision to faster recovery times, robotic surgery is quickly becoming a preferred method in many medical fields.
What is robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery involves the use of robotic systems controlled by highly skilled surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures. These systems are equipped with high-definition 3D cameras and specialized tools that enable surgeons to operate with greater accuracy, even in the most delicate areas of the body. The most common adoption of the robotic platform is in
the fields of urology, gynecology and general surgery.
Smaller incisions, faster recovery
Traditional surgery often involves large incisions, leading to longer recovery times, more pain and a greater risk of infection. This pain and prolonged recovery were a part of surgery for over 100 years. Robotic surgery, on the other hand, typically requires only small incisions, which results in less tissue damage. This means patients experience less pain, a lower risk of infection and a quicker recovery. In many cases, patients can return to their normal activities in a fraction of the time it would take after traditional surgery.
Less pain and scarring
The smaller incisions associated with robotic surgery not only led to faster healing but also result in minimal scarring. Many patients are amazed at how little visible evidence of the surgery remains after the procedure, with some reporting scars that are nearly invisible. This cosmetic benefit is especially important for patients undergoing elective surgeries or
procedures in visible areas of the body.
Enhanced precision and control with fewer complications
Although less pain, faster recovery and smaller scars are important to patients, the biggest advantage of robotic surgery is the precision it offers. The robotic instruments used in surgery are incredibly small and can move in ways that are impossible for the human hand to replicate. Surgeons can work with unmatched precision because of advancements in 3D imaging, smaller instruments and real-time feedback reducing the risk of human error. This is especially important for complex or intricate procedures, where even a slight mistake could have significant consequences. Because robotic surgery allows for such precision and minimizes human error, the risk of complications is significantly lower compared to traditional surgery. Surgeons can operate in tighter, more difficult spaces, avoiding critical structures and reducing the chances of accidental injury. This leads to better outcomes and higher safety for patients.
Shorter hospital stays
Robotic surgery’s minimally invasive nature means that patients often experience less trauma during the procedure and can move on with their lives much faster. As a result, many patients can go home the same day or the day after surgery, instead of staying in the hospital for several days. This reduces the risk of hospitalacquired infections and allows patients to get back to their lives more quickly.
Why choose robotic surgery?
No one wants to have surgery. But, if a surgery is needed, robotic surgery offers the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are receiving the most advanced, precise and minimally invasive treatment available. Ask your physician if you are a candidate for robotic surgery.
Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center has robotic surgeons in several specialties. We have seen the benefits for our patients and our loved ones firsthand. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Coffman in Roswell or Alpharetta, call (470) 956-4560.
At Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, you’ll find advanced surgical treatment, including minimally invasive, laparoscopic and robotic surgery—all right here in your community.
Our surgical team is ready to care for all your general surgery needs, including appendicitis, hernias, intestinal issues, traumatic injuries and gallbladder concerns.
Robotic and minimally invasive techniques allow physicians to do complex surgeries with smaller incisions, less pain and less risk of infection. That means less recovery time and a shorter hospital stay for patients, so you can get back to doing what you love. wellstar.org/northfulton
Amazing tooth replacements
Brought
– Dr. Bradley Hepler, Atlanta Center for Dental Health
Dental implants are popular and effective for individuals who have lost one or more teeth. They offer several advantages and can significantly improve a person’s oral health, appearance, and quality of life. Here are the reasons that so many people are choosing to have dental implants:
1. Replacement of missing teeth: Dental Implants are used to replace missing teeth, whether it’s a single tooth or multiple teeth. This is important for restoring proper chewing function and maintaining the alignment of surrounding teeth.
2. Improved aesthetics: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They can enhance your smile, boost your self-confidence, and provide a more natural appearance compared to other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges.
3. Enhanced eating ability: Dental implants provide strong biting and chewing capabilities, allowing you to enjoy a full range of foods, including hard and crunchy items without restrictions.
4. Comfort: Dental implants are comfortable and stable. Unlike removable dentures, they do not slip or move when eating or speaking, providing a natural and comfortable experience.
5. Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the need for messy adhesives or removal at night, as required with dentures. They function just like natural teeth, making daily oral hygiene routines simple and hasslefree. Dental implants are brushed and flossed like all your other teeth.
6. Durability: Implants are a longlasting solution. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime, whereas other options like dentures will require periodic adjustments or replacement.
7. Preservation of jawbone: When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone can start to deteriorate over time. Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots and stimulate the bone, preventing bone loss and maintaining the integrity of the jawbone.
8. Improved speech: Missing teeth, especially front teeth can affect
speech clarity. Dental implants can restore normal speech patterns by replacing missing teeth.
9. No impact on adjacent teeth: Unlike dental bridges, which require the reduction of adjacent healthy teeth, dental implants do not affect nearby teeth. This helps preserve the long-term health of your natural teeth.
10. Whole body health: Dental implants and no missing teeth contribute to better oral and overall health by allowing you to eat all types
of food without restrictions and eat a healthier diet. Filling the gaps left by missing teeth, preventing the shifting of neighboring teeth, and reducing the risk of gum disease and further tooth loss help feel and look better.
It is essential to consult with a dental professional to determine if dental implants are the right solution for your specific oral health needs. Factors like bone density, overall health, and personal preferences will influence the suitability of dental implants as a treatment option.
“Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life.”
-Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic
Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the most modern advances in dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover the best options for you, please call us at 770-992-2236.
ADOBE STOCK
Your youthful smile
1. Avoid staining: Avoid tobacco and limit stain causing and enamel eroding acidic foods and drinks.
In order to understand a youthful smile, one needs to know the look of aging teeth. An aging smile can occur as a person gets older, however, they can be influenced by various factors such as oral habits, lifestyle choices, and dental hygiene care…at any age!
Some of the most common features of an aging smile are:
1. Teeth yellowing: Over time, and many coffee/tea, chocolate, wine and tobacco indulgences later, teeth can lose their natural brightness and present more yellow.
2. Tooth wear and tear: Years of grinding, taking out one’s stress on one’s teeth, and misaligned teeth can contribute to excessive and uneven tooth wear and flatter and shorter surfaces.
3. Gum recession: gum recession exposes the darker root surfaces and makes teeth look longer and less esthetic.
4. Tooth loss: missing teeth can impact the appearance of one’s smile and contribute to decreased lip and cheek support and fullness causing facial changes.
5. Teeth crowding: As we age our teeth have a tendency to shift in a forward direction, causing the front teeth to become more crowded.
To maintain a youthful smile here are a few tips:
2. Whitening: professional dental whitening can remove most stains and bring back the luster and brightness to one’s teeth.
3. Resin bonding: Tooth colored fillings do a beautiful job of masking exposed root surfaces and restoring the beautiful shape of the teeth, and thus enhance one’s smile.
4. Tooth replacement: In today’s world, replacing a tooth with implant therapy is the gold standard of dentistry and has long lasting benefits in maintaining the longevity of one’s dentition.
5. Orthodontics: Crooked and misaligned teeth can be corrected using braces or aligners and immediately restore the “wellness” of the smile. It is amazing what a straight smile does to restore youthfulness and confidence! 6. Occlusal guard: A bite guard can shield the teeth from the harmful effects of clenching and grinding.
Maintaining a youthful smile is a lifelong commitment to YOURSELF! Regularly consulting with a good dentist who is committed to your optimal dental health and smile will help ensure personalized advice and appropriate care and methods keep your smile healthy and youthful.
Call us for a free consultation (upon mention of this article) on how we can help you rejuvenate your smile!
Brought to you by – North Fulton Smiles
ISTOCK
Why do I get so many Cavities?!
At Roswell Dental Care, we take pride in our ability to educate our patients about their oral health. One question we frequently hear from our patients, “Why do I get so many cavities? I brush my teeth every day!” We understand the frustration that comes from putting the work in to maintain your teeth and still ending up with cavities, we are here to help break those reasons down for you.
4. Your flossing habits: Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from the sides of your teeth, so not flossing on a consistent basis increases your risk of developing cavities between your teeth.
• Spa-Like Relaxing Atmosphere
• Free Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation
• Cone Beam 3D Radiography Digital Scanner – No More Gooey Impressions
• Botox and Dermal Filler Master Injector
• Platinum Invisalign Provider
1. How deep your grooves are: How your teeth are shaped, including the grooves of your teeth, are inherited. These grooves are too small for your toothbrush bristles to get in and clean properly. Some teeth have deeper grooves, which increases the risk of biting surface cavities. We can prevent these types by placing sealants (plastic) over the grooves of the teeth.
2. Your oral bacteria: Did you know, you inherit the genetic layout of your oral bacteria from your mom? The types of oral bacteria can impact your oral health, including your likelihood of cavities and developing periodontal disease. Staying on a cleaning schedule with your dental hygienist will help reduce the number of bacteria you have in your mouth.
3. Your frequency of sugar intake: Your habits also play a significant role in your oral health. Your frequency of sugar intake has a direct tie into the frequency of the occurrence of cavities. The more times you consume sugar, the more opportunities for cavities to take hold.
5. Your medications: When you eat or drink anything other than water, the pH of your mouth becomes acidic. Saliva’s job is to neutralize the acidic environment. Some medications cause xerostomia (or dry mouth). If your saliva is reduced or becomes thicker, your teeth have an increased risk of developing decay, especially along the gumline. Products containing xylitol are “mouth wetters,” and xylitol prevents bacteria from adhering to tooth structure, helping to prevent the effects of a dry mouth.
The above reasons are just a few of the many complex factors that go into why cavities develop. As dental professionals, we strive to keep our patients educated in their oral hygiene. Good or bad oral hygiene plays a role in overall health, and we are here to get your oral health in excellent condition so that your overall health can be too.
Dr. Hood at Roswell Dental Care understands and customizes treatment for each person. We assure you will feel confident in the solution you choose before beginning any treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE nitrous oxide. You can rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding on many levels. Give our office a call at 770.998.6736, or visit us at www.roswelldentalcare. com, to begin your journey to happy and pain-free oral healthcare!
Dr. Destinee Hood
Brought to You by - Dr. Destinee Hood, Roswell Dental Care
letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
GROUPS
1. Rock bottom. Fashionable. Group of witches.
2. Toss. Group of criminals. Cold weather warmer.
3. Syrup type. Fixed costs. Group of bees.
4. Theater group. Door sign. Mountain pool.
5. Juicy fruit. Group of cattle. Burger condiment.
6. Sporting group. Office note. Heavy drinking vessel for Beowulf.
7. Musical group. Pub game. Cookbook suggestion.
1 Rock bottom. Fashionable. Group of witches
2. Toss. Group of criminals. Cold weather warmer
How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
3. Syrup type. Fixed costs. Group of bees
4. Theater group. Door sign. Mountain pool
5. Juicy fruit. Group of cattle. Burger condiment
6. Sporting group. Office note. Heavy drinking vessel for Beowulf.
7. Musical group. Pub game. Cookbook suggestion
Live Bands for Dancing at Post Ballroom Friday, April 18 – Highway 9 Band Friday, May 2 – Gold Standard Band
Friday, May 16 – Last Call Band
Dances
Dances:
Line
GrillFest is a celebration of all of our favorite foods that can be prepared on the grill, smoker, or flattop griddle. Guests will enjoy unlimited samples of juicy burgers, smoked BBQ, and an array of grilled meats from wings to steaks. Don’t worry veggie lovers—we’ve got you covered, too, as our restaurant partners and chefs will also have your
Union Hill Park - Alpharetta, Georgia
Saturday, April 26th 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
General Admission: $65
favorites fired up on the grill. GrillFest will include craft beer and craft cocktails, along with bourbon and tequila tastings from our spirits partners. Enjoy live entertainment all day and visit with our vendor sponsors just in time for summer—think outdoor living, summer fun, and grills and gadgets for the outdoor chef.
This is the Webb Bridge Road entry to Windward. The photo was taken in 2023, but the entrance has not changed since Windward was established. It will change this year due to the reconstruction of Webb Bridge Road.
Windward – a community that ages well
No matter where you turn these days in North Fulton, it seems that a new development is under construction or recently completed. However, there is one decades-old community that has stood the test of time.
That is Windward in Alpharetta.
The land where Windward was developed in the 1980s by Mobil Land Development was farmland and woods. Today, Windward covers some 3,400 acres and features a beautiful 200acre lake with 6 ½ miles of shoreline. The community consists of 44 different neighborhoods with a variety of home styles. More than 2,000 detached singlefamily homes adorn the landscape. Several thousand residents call Windward home.
According to long-time realtor Linda Jacobs, who lives in Windward, people continue to be attracted in part because Alpharetta has become a technology hub, with 750 high tech firms in the city.
“People are moving in from all over the world,” Linda says. “Many home buyers today are in their 30s and 40s. The lake is a big attraction. Many residents swim in the lake and everyone loves boating, kayaking and paddle boarding.”
The Windward Association of Retired Men (WARM) was established in 1989 and promoted the creation of a concrete encased fiber optic network in the Windward commercial section which
contributed to Atlanta’s selection to host the 1996 Olympics. All the scoring and tabulation of Olympic game results took place in Windward, says Windward resident Paul Barrow.
The Spinnakers is an example of a neighborhood in Windward. Investment Capital Company bought the land from Mobil and built most of the houses under the direction of Paul Barrow who still lives in the Spinnakers with his wife Georgia. It is a New England style village of 55 medium density homes uniquely positioned on a peninsula projecting into Lake Windward.
Alpharetta was a rural town of about 1,300 in the early 1980s when Windward was under construction. The city was just beginning to feel its oats, thanks in part to Ga. 400 built in the late 1960s. Windward happened at just the right time, and was a big factor in the development of Alpharetta.
Don Rifenberg is an engineer who was vice president of Development Operations for Mobil Land Development. He was largely responsible for the design and implementation of the Windward project. Don had worked on other Mobil projects, such as Reston, Virginia, one of the first modern planned communities in the United States, and the Horseshoe Bend community in Roswell.
In 1978, Mobil had a lot of cash due to the high price of oil at the time. Mobil considered land to be a particularly good investment. They purchased properties until they owned about 3,500 acres in what would become Windward.
“Atlanta was growing,” Rifenberg said. “We figured the city would have to grow
somewhere, and we predicted it would grow north.”
Mobil’s plan was to design a community blending residential, commercial and recreational spaces with amenities such as parks, trails and a recreational lake. Rifenberg’s first responsibility was to design and build a dam for the lake.
Although Rifenberg had successfully built two dams in Reston, Va., he was acutely aware of the catastrophic failure in 1976 of the Teton Dam in Idaho. He did not want to take any chances in Windward, so he made certain that the dam was over-engineered.
“The dam had to be perfect, so we hired a Georgia Tech professor from the Law Engineering Testing Company to be absolutely certain,” Rifenberg says. ”We took two years to build the dam and had to do a lot of special things to assure its strength.”
His caution paid off. After more than 40 years the dam still works perfectly.
David Baker was the first marketing director for Windward. He was responsible for sales for Mobil Land Development beginning in 1983 as the lake was being finished and streets were being installed in the first neighborhoods of Clipper Bay and The Bluffs.
“We were selling Windward as a whole concept because people didn’t know about the development,” Baker says. “Realtors were not showing properties north of the Chattahoochee. Business leaders gradually started to move into the area, but their employees had long commutes so they began to move to Windward, too.”
Mobil Land Development advertised Windward in the AJC Sunday home section, in magazines and even the classified section. Gradually Windward became a drawing card for buyers, builders and realtors.
“We thought Windward would be about a 30-year sellout, but It ended up being about 18 years,” Baker says. “The commercial section exploded. They sold out their tracts of land years ago.”
Baker is impressed with the role the City of Alpharetta has played. The leadership understood what quality development is about.
“They did a remarkable job putting all the pieces together so there was never any ‘would of, could of, should of,’” he says.
Baker credits Brandon Beach, who was president and CEO of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce at the time, for using the lake to persuade corporate executives to relocate their companies in Windward or Alpharetta or Roswell.
“Brandon would take an executive for a ride in his car and park on the dam so the executive could experience the beauty of the lake,” says Baker.
Beach was recently appointed Treasurer of the United States, the first Georgian to ever hold that position.
Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
PAUL BARROW/PROVIDED
BOB MEYERS Columnist
Laws:
Continued from Page 4
“I think we can all be really candid about what’s going on here; we’re sending a message, it’s prophylactic,” Bauman said. “Let’s keep our eye on the ball, we’ve got bigger fish to fry in Sandy Springs.”
Protest discussion draws pushback
The third ordinance establishes an 8-foot buffer between an individual who is “passing a leaflet or handbill to, displaying a sign to or engaging in oral protest, education, counseling or harassment with such other person.”
Under the new law, people must obtain consent from others before engaging with them. If they object, and you encroach withing 8 feet from them, you face a disorderly conduct charge.
The restriction is not limited to specific areas and applies across the city.
Police Chief DeSimone said the personal encroachment ordinance would assist public safety in Sandy Springs. He cited a case recently where two individuals silently walked across the City Green during the
Oct. 10, 2023 “Stand in Solidarity with Israel” vigil wearing “Arab headdresses with two Palestinian flags that walked into the crowd.”
“My guys had to grab them pretty quick and get them out of there; this ordinance will help us do that because they walked through there for only one reason, to intimidate,” DeSimone said.
Councilwoman Reichel asked DeSimone if that meant his department, “would arrest someone just for walking through a group of people?”
“Yes,” the police chief answered. “If they were walking with a Nazi flag, under this ordinance we would arrest them. Palestinian flag, we would arrest them. Because they are doing it for only one reason and that is to intimidate the Jewish community.”
Councilwomen Reichel and Kelley pushed back on his comments (from 1:27:25-1:33:25) about the ordinance and Palestinian people. To view the clip or the whole meeting, visit youtube.com/ watch?v=YcYvr3zIBLg&t=5405s.
At one point DeSimone asked Reichel, who is Jewish, if she would consider it harassment for someone to walk by her with a Palestinian flag at a pro-Jewish event.
CITY OF ALPHARETTA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The following items will be considered by the Design Review Board on Friday, May 16, 2025 with a workshop commencing at 8:30 a.m. and regular meeting commencing at 9:00 a.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
1. DRB250011 Providence Partners Group 204 Marietta St
Consideration of landscape. The property is located at 204 Marietta St and is legally described as being in Land Lot 0694 and 1270, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia
2. DRB250015 Continuum Multi Family 5555 Windward Pkwy
Consideration of new construction. The property is located at 5555 Windward Pkwy and is legally described as being in Land Lot 1186, 1187, 1191 & 1190, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia
3. DRB250017 Salt Factory 102 South Main St
Consideration of a building addition for the property. The property is located at 102 South Main St and is legally described as being in Land Lot 0695, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia
4. DRB250018 Roswell St 55 Roswell St
Consideration of a signage for the property. The property is located at 55 Roswell St and is legally described as being in Land Lot 1269, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia
5. DRB250019 J. Hodge Enterprises 410 North Main St
Consideration of exterior changes for the property. The property is located at 410 North Main St and is legally described as being in Land Lot 1180, 2 nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia
Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
“I don’t think that would be harassing me. I mean, if they came up to me and started getting in my face or started pushing me, or started to physically touch me, that is harassing, yes,” she said. “But I do believe in the First Amendment and I believe in freedom of speech.”
The police chief addressed the council and public speakers who had raised concerns about the First Amendment implications, saying the ordinance is necessary to keep Sandy Springs safe.
“You can’t be like the reporter who says ‘I’m for free speech, but this is intimidating so I’m going to call the police,”’ he said.
For the second time in the meeting, DeSimone was referencing Petchenik’s earlier comments at the podium.
Petchenik had called 9-11 when antisemitic flyers showed up on his lawn.
“It’s on us [the Sandy Springs Police Department] to prevent chaos, and if you don’t help us out, chaos will ensue,” DeSimone said. “You’ve got to help us out.”
It was also noted that earlier the day of the meeting, the city uploaded a new agenda packet that expanded the application of the third ordinance. Earlier versions of the law limited the applicability of the 8-foot buffer to those within 50 feet of a school, place of worship or any public right-of-way.
After Kelley raised concerns about the public right-of-ways application, the city removed the entire clause and extended the restriction to everywhere in the city. That was the version under consideration
at the meeting.
“I respect the spirit in which these are brought; I’m not going to be able to support this language today,” Kelley said. “I’m all for considering the protection of schools, places of worship and first responders, so when we have language that’s specific to that stuff … I’m open to that conversation.”
The ordinances were crafted by the Anti-Defamation League to address what it says is a surge in extremism and antisemitic incidents across the country and to protect public safety.
During the meeting, officials asked the ADL to speak on some of their concerns about the laws’ balance of First Amendment protections and limiting harassment.
“… I do fear that we are entering territory here that maybe is not the best place for a city council to be breaking ground,” City Councilman Andy Bauman said.
“It is your job as a legislative body to determine what is appropriate for Sandy Springs,” ADL Southeast Regional Director Eytan Davidson said. “This is a difficult decision; these are tough calls, but that’s why you guys are elected officials.”
Davidson said Sandy Springs is forging new ground.
“I do think that this will stand up to constitutional scrutiny,” he said. “I think you will be on the right side not only of the law, but of history, by taking this step.”
City Attorney Lee said the buffer ordinance only prohibits interactions with other individuals if they do not consent.
“If it’s deemed harassment and somebody doesn’t want it, that person has a right not to be accosted, not be solicited,” Lee said. “This ordinance says you can’t do it within 8 feet of someone who doesn’t want it.”
Sandy Springs resident Bill Grifith, who spoke against the first and third ordinance, said the 8-foot buffer would prevent him from approaching Lee with a question about his interpretation of the law.
The city attorney responded.
“If he came and I told him I didn’t want to talk to him and he stayed, he would be in violation of it,” Lee said. “There’s a difference, that’s the purpose of this ordinance … if one doesn’t want to talk to the other, the other does not have a right to be closer than 8 feet to them.”
The ordinance passed 4-2 with Bauman, Tibby DeJulio, Melissa Mular and John Paulson voting in favor.
City council members Jody Reichel and Melody Kelley dissented.
After the meeting, ACLU representatives said they were disappointed in the city’s decisions. They issued the following statement to Appen Media;
“Repressing speech across the entire city of Sandy Springs is a broad and dangerous overreach that does nothing to make residents safer. Instead, it violates core constitutional protections and sets a troubling precedent for government overreach. We are actively exploring all legal options and urge the City Council to reconsider and reverse their decision.”
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The following items will be considered by the City Council on Monday, April 28, 2025 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
a. PH-25-08 DRB Group/Charlotte Drive – Change of Condition Consideration of a change to condition of zoning to remove a requirement for curb and gutter along Charlotte Drive. The property is located at 12265 Charlotte Drive and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 1245 & 1246, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
b. MP-25-01/CU-25-05 Fulton Science Academy/Cousins Westside MP Pod R
Consideration of a master plan amendment and conditional use to allow a ‘School, Academic’ to re-use an existing office building on a 4.48-acre property in the North Point Overlay. A master plan amendment is requested to add ‘School, Academic’ to the Cousins Westside Master Plan Pod R and a conditional use is requested to allow ‘School, Academic’ for Fulton Science Academy. The property is located at 8995 Westside Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 691, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
The following item will be considered at a public hearing held by the Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday, May 15, 2025 commencing at 3:00 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
c. PH-25-05 John C. Weatherford House/193 Canton Street – Certificate of Appropriateness
Consideration of a request for Certificate of Appropriateness related to the rehabilitation of the John C. Weatherford House. The property is located at 193 Canton Street and is legally descried as being located in Land Lots 1197 & 1252, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
Newspaper Delivery Route Openings with
Appen
Media Group
We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas.
Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude.
For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant background/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”
During these turbulent times, we would like to highlight the continued courage and commitment of everyone who works in the health care, law enforcement, childcare, food service and utility sectors. We are extremely grateful.
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, May 1, 2025 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, May 19, 2025 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
a. CU-25-08 VPP Animal Hospital
Consideration of a conditional use to allow an ‘Animal Hospital, Small Animal (Veterinarian)’ for VPP Animal Hospital. The property is located at 12460 Crabapple Road, Suite 103 and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 1166, 1167, 1210 & 1211, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
b. MP-25-05/CU-25-07 Northwinds Summit MP/Vertiport
Consideration of a master plan amendment and conditional use to allow a Vertiport on a 4.87-acre property within the Northwinds Summit mixed-use development. A master plan amendment is requested to the Northwinds Summit Master Plan to add ‘Heliport, Public/Private’ as a conditional use and a conditional use is requested to allow the applicant’s proposed ‘Heliport, Public/Private’ use. The property is located at 1000 Summit Place and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 753 & 798, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
c. PH-25-03 Unified Development Code Text Amendments – Zoning Districts and Permitted Use Districts and Regulations
Consideration of text amendments to Section 2.1 Zoning Districts and Section 2.2 Permitted Use Districts and Regulations of Article II of the Unified Development Code to clean up zoning district titles and descriptions and to clarify that certain zoning districts are in accordance with a specific master plan.
d. PH-25-07 Unified Development Code Text Amendments – Parking
Consideration of text amendments to Appendix A: Alpharetta Downtown Code
Section 2.4 Parking and Loading and Section 2.5 Parking and Loading of the Unified Development Code to amend certain parking rates for properties over a certain distance from a public parking facility in the Downtown and to amend parking rates for schools.
Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
Ecommerce Specialist: E & E Co., Ltd. dba JLA
Home. Headquarters in Fremont, CA. Jobsite in Roswell, GA. Responsible for market research & analysis and marketing campaigns. Master degree req’d. Salary: $73,000/year. Fax resume to 510-490-2882 or e-mail: hrdept@jlahome.com
Management Development Specialist (Roswell, GA) Assesses dvlpmt & training needs; dsgns, dvlps, & conducts orientations & training prgms & materials; dvlps & maintains organizational communications & builds positive working relationships w/ all stakeholders; determines resources reqd to achieve training goals & objectives; monitors training costs & prep budget reports to justify expenditures. Bach’s deg in training & dvlpmt, mgmt, or economics & 24 months F/T exp in the job or as export specialist reqd. M-F, 40 hrs./wk. Mail resumes to Mehmet GUL, Richard Rose LLC, 5106 Waters Edge Trail, Roswell, GA 30075.
Marketing Manager will be employed in Alpharetta, GA to Plan, direct, or coord mktg policies & prgms, such as determining the demand for svcs offd by a firm & its competitors, & identify potential customers; Dvlp pricing strategies; Monitor trends that indicate the need for new products & svcs; Identify, dvlp, or evaluate mktg strategy; Work w/ advtg or promotion mgrs; Analyze mktg data; Coord special events or prgms. Bachelor’s Deg in Bus Admin, Economics, or Mktg & 24 mos F/T exp in the job; $106,122.00/yr, M-F, 40 hrs/wk; Send resume (by mail only) to Paul Salih Ece, Digital Ignition LLC, 190 Bluegrass Valley Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30005.
PROJECT MANAGER
Continually monitor and assess projects, updating workflows, tools, and methodologies, capture and document relevant project information, ensure tasks are assigned, documented, and monitored to maintain project momentum, develop and implement training and development programs, oversee risk management, stakeholder engagement, keep abreast of industry trends and implement best practices. Bachelor’s Degree in any or the equivalent. 40 hours/week, Wage: $72,413.08. Send ad copy and resume to employer/ work location: Mediamacros, Inc. dba Binary Evolution 11555 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 100, Johns Creek, GA 30097
NAR Process & Test Engineer sought by Ingenico Inc. in Alpharetta, GA to coordinate engineering activities concerned with development, procurement, installation, and calibration of Test Equipment used to test the software and hardware of our terminals and Android devices. Use computer software test applications, including TMA, STATE and AXTOOL Kit test software, to conduct software tests on hardware devices, ensuring software revisions are up to date, identifying test flaws, and implementing maintenance routines for Test Equipment. Domestic and international travel up to 15% to visit customers and company offices. Interested candidates should submit resumes to Laura McCartney, 3025 Windward Plaza, Suite 600, Alpharetta, GA 30005. Reference code NPTE64 in response.
Full-Time Vice President of Community Engagement
NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Vice President of Community Engagement position. The Vice President of Community Engagement (VPCE) is a senior leadership role responsible for developing and implementing strategies to build meaningful relationships with the community, donors, and stakeholders.
The VPCE will lead initiatives to increase awareness, partnerships, and financial support for the organization’s mission. This position oversees community engagement, marketing, public relations, and volunteer programs to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
Part-Time Thrift Shop Associate – Bilingual Preferred
NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the part-time Thrift Shop Associate position. One of the primary responsibilities of this role is to provide a high level of customer service in the Thrift Shop. The associate is responsible for all cash register and client clothing program transactions and keeping the merchandise in the store neat, clean, and organized. The role requires a friendly and customer-focused demeanor where all shoppers are treated with dignity and compassion.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
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