Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - May 1, 2025

Cyclists fill streets for Mayor’s Ride

By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — More than 500 bikers filled the City Hall lot on Hill Street early April 27 to begin the annual Bike Roswell! Mayor’s Ride.

Some stretched. Some took warm-up laps around the building.

Now in its 23rd year, the ride has been a spring staple since former Mayor Jere Wood first pushed its pedal.

Three routes were featured this year, including the 18-mile challenge, 42-mile workout and 60-mile metric century tour, each tracking down Canton Street before winding through the rolling hills and flat sections of the city.

City Council members

Christine Hall, David Johnson and William Morthland, and the mayor’s Chief of Staff Jamie Guzzetti joined in on for the 18mile challenge.

See RIDE, Page 29

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Public parking emerged as a focal point during an Alpharetta City Council vote on a massive 20-acre project planned for the Brookside area. Representatives of developer Portman Holdings appeared before the council April 28, asking for city plan amendments and zoning exceptions for the project at 3625 Brookside Parkway.

Council members asked about where the public might park when visiting the development and an adjacent park space.

See PARKING, Page 26

PHOTOS BY: SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA

Bikers begin their journey on Hill Street at the 23rd annual Bike Roswell! Mayor’s Ride April 27.

Roswell resident Melanie Serra sits on her bike with her dog Blaze at the April 27 Bike Roswell! Mayor’s Ride at City Hall.

NEWS TIPS

770-442-3278

AppenMedia.com

319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009

HANS APPEN Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus CONTACT

Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.

ADVERTISING

For information about advertising in the AlpharettaRoswell Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278

CIRCULATION

To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

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.

Vehicle reported stolen from woman’s driveway

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 37-year-old Alpharetta woman reported her car stolen April 17 after she found the vehicle missing from her driveway.

The woman said a friend drove her to her Wanderer Lane home about 8 p.m. April 15, and she realized her gray Honda Civic was gone the morning of April 16, according to an Alpharetta police report.

A stroller, child’s car seat and jacket were inside. The items were valued at $2,050.

Officers saw no sign of forced entry. The woman said she was the only person with a key, which was in her possession.

The woman said she was borrowing the car from the registered owner, a 60-year-old Roswell man. She added he had never said he planned to take the vehicle back.

Officers attempted to call the man but were unsuccessful.

A Flock Safety camera system registered no hits for the vehicle.

The incident was classified as a felony theft by taking greater than $1,500.

Jon Wilcox

Woman reports fraud after call seeking money

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police met with a 45-year-old Atlanta woman at the Walmart off Mansell Road April 23 after she reported she may be the victim of telephone fraud.

Officers said the woman was still on the phone with a suspect when they arrived, and the unidentified man hung

up when a Roswell officer tried to speak with him.

The victim said the caller, posing as a detective with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, requested $2,422 to get her son released from the jail after his arrest the prior night.

The woman told officers that she panicked because she could not contact her son. Because of her frantic state, the woman said she sent $1,825, the maximum her financial institutions would allow.

After that, she said the caller told her to leave her workplace and go next door to the Walmart to send more money via a kiosk.

When the caller told her a Cobb County deputy would meet her if she was unable to secure additional funds, the woman said she suspected the call was fraudulent.

Officers said they tried to call two cell phone numbers the caller used to contact the victim but had no success. The case is listed as inactive with no identified suspect.

— Hayden Sumlin

Man reports home burglary after noticing card charges

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 50-year-old Alpharetta man reported items stolen from his home and fraudulent credit card transactions April 18.

The man said he suspected someone burglarized his Lauren Hall Court home while he was away April 15, according to an Alpharetta police report. A basement door, normally locked, was found unlocked, and a window-mounted airconditioning unit was removed.

Officers observed a cord appeared to have been ripped from the air conditioner.

The man received notifications of purchases on his credit card April 17, prompting him to search for his wallet, which was missing along with other property.

The man said his items were taken from an upstairs closet and desk.

The credit card was fraudulently used

at Kroger, Publix, Home Depot and Dollar Tree. The charges totaled $2,635.45. Items reported stolen from the home included four passports, two green cards, credit cards, a wallet, Apple Watch, gold ring, $500 and Gucci purse.

Jon Wilcox

—

Police arrest man for alleged battery

ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested a 32-year-old Roswell man April 23 for battery and criminal damage to property after he allegedly tried to take advantage of two women visiting his apartment.

Officers said they spoke with a 23-yearold woman from Union City and a 24-yearold woman from Lithonia.

The Lithonia woman said she met the man through a dating app and brought her friend along to have drinks at his home around 7 p.m. She said that around midnight the group had moved into the man’s bedroom.

Both women told officers that the man asked them to perform sexual acts, which they declined.

The Union City woman said she and her friend started packing up after the man pushed himself against her, but he started pulling her friend’s hair while she was in the bathroom.

The Lithonia woman said the man then started choking her and tried to push her out of the bathroom. At that point, the woman said she pushed the man into the bathtub, and he cut his arm.

When the man got up, the Union City woman said he wrapped her friend’s head in blanket. After a brief struggle, the women said the man left his residence.

At some point during the altercation, officers said the man damaged one of the women’s phones.

Officers said they located the man in the neighborhood and transported him to Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, then to the Fulton County Jail. His warrants are for battery and felony criminal damage to property.

— Hayden Sumlin

THE PICTURE FRAMER

Gillespie outlines struggles looming for Fulton schools

By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Fulton County School Board member Sara Gillespie says the district faces funding challenges from multiple directions this year.

At her monthly community meeting April 23 at Sweet Apple Elementary School, Gillespie highlighted several changes and potential policies that could take affect soon.

Her interchange with residents of her district, which includes Roswell and parts of Alpharetta, carried over into the April 24 Board of Education meeting in Union City.

The School Board reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, feeling the weight of future revenue challenges.

“Board, as you’re aware, as you direct us, just to always not think just the short term, but the long term as we make our decisions, and this will definitely impact us in the long-term tax allocation,” Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef said.

The school system faces declining enrollment, uncertain federal support and an inflation rate of 2.8 percent.

Gillespie also said the new senior homestead exemption – a $10,000 reduction in assessed property values for those 65 and older – will also have an effect.

Another piece of legislation, which must pass a countywide referendum, would exempt 50 percent of property assessments going to education for those 70 and older. If passed this fall, it would result in the loss of some $50 million in school tax revenue for Fulton County Schools in fiscal year 2027.

“That's a reduction to our revenue

Fulton County Schools District 1 Board

Member Sara Gillespie presents potential budget impacts at the monthly community meeting on April 23 at Sweet Apple Elementary School.

stream as well, so we're taking that into account,” Gillespie said.

For the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, local property taxes accounted for about 64 percent of revenues for the school district.

The board will hold two public hearings for the budget May 6 and May 13. Final adoption is set for June 10.

In other matters at the April 23 community meeting, Gillespie mentioned new legislation that may affect the technology policy for students. The policy will include cell phones, smart watches, earbuds and anything that is device related.

“We can't see what's going on and but yet, we're still somewhat responsible for that student and what is happening inside the school,” Gillespie said.

Gillespie plans to go into further detail on what the policy will look like at the next community meeting, which will be held virtually May 8.

7506 Wilderness Parkway Big Canoe, GA 30143

This is Buttercup!

Facts About Me

Breed: Terrier Mix

Color: Brindle - (shorthair)

Age: 2 yrs old

Weight: (Current) – 45 lbs / Medium size

Sex: Female

My Info

Healthy / All Shots current / Good with dogs & children / Cats?? / Spayed & Chipped / Good walker / Affectionate, Sweet, Cuddly

My Story

Hi, my name is Buttercup.

Are you looking for a gentle, adorable girl? Well, here I am. I like car rides, playing in the park, going for walks and exploring the outdoors or hanging on the couch. If you have a small family or even one with some children, I’ll fit in perfectly. Stop looking and come meet me, I’ll warm your heart!

All BCAR dogs are placed as indoor family pets. No electric fences, please. Visit pets every Saturday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (706-268-1346) or visit our website for adoption information at www.bigcanoeanimalrescue.org

SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA

Roswell council paves way for Hill Street land exchange

By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The City of Roswell advanced a major mixed-use project April 29 by signing a scopes of work agreement with the Downtown Development Authority.

One of the first projects the agreement provides will be the Hill Street land exchange with the Downtown Development Authority. The scopes of work agreement was originally approved Feb. 24, after being brought forward to the council by Roswell Economic Development Director Darryl Connelly.

Project developer Atlantic Companies says the plan includes around 80,000 square feet of commercial space, up to 143 multi-family apartments, up to 16 townhomes and a 300-space parking deck.

The architect will be ASD SKY, whose projects include The Krog District and Ponce City Market Skyline Park.

At the April 29 City Council meeting, Deputy City Administrator Jeffrey Leatherman gave a sneak peek into what the development will look like.

“This is an opportunity for the city to step in with the DDA, with a partner on the development side, with Atlantic Companies, to truly transform 6 acres of our community,” Leatherman said.

Roswell will swap 1.3 acre of cityowned land for an equal size tract the developer owns at Ga. 9 and Hill Street.

“This basically will allow the city to exchange property for property that’s more valuable than the property the city will be exchanging,” City Attorney David Davidson said.

Originally approved at the Jan. 13 City Council meeting, the scopes of work agreement allows the Roswell

SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA

Deputy City Administrator Jeffrey Leatherman speaks on an ordinance that would allow the city to regulate designated areas in Roswell for paid parking. The measure passed on first reading at the April 29 City Council meeting.

Development Authority and the Downtown Development Authority to complete specific work related to the project brought forward by the city to improve economic development. The projects are not binding until a specific set of parameters are set. Upon approval, the city will give the agencies a budgeted amount for each specific work project.

The agreement with the Downtown Development Authority requires the city to conduct due diligence on the project and the developer, negotiate and draft documents on behalf of the DDA, create a business model, lease agreement and design and construction agreement, prepare a revenue bond offering and documents on behalf of the DDA and complete a transportation study.

The Downtown Development Authority agreement runs five years and

can renew for another one-year term, unless either party gives notice of intent not to renew within 90 days before the end of the calendar year.

The project will commence after the approval to close from the City Council Oct. 15, 2025.

Council

agrees to bond issuance

In other matters at the meeting, the City Council approved a resolution declaring the intent to issue a second tranche of general obligation bonds.

Chief Financial Officer Bill Godshall presented the background information of the general obligation bonds.

The bond issuance will amount to roughly $93.4 million, to help finance recreation, park, bicycle and pedestrian path, sidewalk and public safety projects.

In November 2022, Roswell voters approved the issuance of $179.6 million in general obligation bonds for capital improvement projects. The first tranche issuance occurred in April 2023 in the amount of $86.2 million, with $53.1 million dedicated to recreation and parks, $13.1 million for public safety and $20 million for a public parking

deck.

“It’s noteworthy that in the discussions about the first tranche, mayor and council did expect to fund in the second quarter of 2025, so we are right on schedule,” Godshall said.

Although not finalized yet, staff estimates that there will be a millage increase of .30 mills needed to service the new debt in fiscal year 2026. The estimated fiscal year 2026 property tax impact on the average home in Roswell, valued at $575,000, will cost $69.

A preliminary official statement and notice of sale will be posted June 13, followed by the sale of the bonds and adoption of the bond resolution June 23. The city will close the transaction July 15.

Paid parking expansion

In other business, the City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend, establish and regulate designated areas in the city for paid parking. The vote followed lengthy public comment on the issue.

The ordinance change will allow the council to establish and regulate designated areas in Roswell for paid parking, on and off the street. It will also establish a maximum citation amount of $20 for failure to pay for parking.

“This is a quality-of-life issue, it’s not just an economic development,” City Councilman Allen Sells said.

Mayor Wilson made it clear that the city would continue to allow for free parking at all parks and at City Hall, with the exception of Old Mill Park. The park will be a special case for the city, and staff hopes to find a technological solution to allow Roswell residents to park there for free.

The resolution includes regulating parking on Canton Street, Elizabeth Way and East Alley. Parking fees will be a maximum of $5 per hour with a 4 percent annual escalator.

The City Council also approved the first reading of an ordinance to allow craft beer and wine markets to have the additional option of serving one variety of spirits.

Fulton County Schools recognizes top seniors

By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — A month before the next generation of Fulton County Schools graduates walk the stage in May, high-achieving seniors were honored at the third annual Senior Recognition Luncheon April 22 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.

More than 60 seniors from across the county walked in procession to shake hands with Superintendent Mike Looney and School Board members.

Valedictorians and salutatorians, alongside family members and principals, were invited to the luncheon to celebrate their academic achievements at their schools.

Chattahoochee High School salutatorian Saishriyans Pandya plans to study computer engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

“It’s great to celebrate all the hard work of the past four years,” Pandya said.

Seniors in the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition program and REACH scholars were also recognized.

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition program honors Georgia’s highest achieving seniors through the Professional Association of Georgia Educators Foundation. REACH scholars are given a $10,000 needs-based mentoring scholarship based on specific academic, behavior and graduation counseling requirements.

Superintendent Looney saluted the seniors, families and educators, wishing

the soon-to-graduates the best of luck in the future.

“I love this time of year is where there's a lot of events happening, a lot of celebratory events happening across our district highlighting the accomplishments of our students that are graduating this year,” Looney said.

School Board President Kristen McCabe also recognized the seniors, thanking them for inspiring her and giving her hope for the future.

“When we say we are proud, we truly are proud,” McCabe said. “We're proud of all of our students, but these individual students have worked extremely hard and persevered.”

Keynote speaker, Alex Plavin spoke to the seniors about what it means to

embody excellence, resilience and commitment.

Plavin, manager at Collective Insight and founder and owner of Charcuterie Chick, encouraged the seniors to make a difference in their community. Plavin is a Riverwood High School class of 2016 graduate,

“The more you lean in, the more you learn about yourself and the world around you,” Plavin said.

Plavin left the seniors with one final piece of advice before they head for the stage in May. She told seniors that comparison is the thief of joy.

“My advice to you is this, get involved, seek out organizations and experiences that resonate with you, but don't forget your roots,” Plavin said.

Charity golf tournament honors beloved founder

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga — The 34th Tax Man Blues charity golf tournament was bittersweet.

On April 18, a record turnout of about 130 golfers gathered at the St. Marlo Country Club golf course in south Forsyth County to raise funds for North Fulton Community Charities’ community-support efforts, but one notable figure was missing –tournament founder John Sheffield.

“Everyone felt his absence,” said Sandy Holiday, executive director for the charity.

Sheffield died in November while on a mission trip in South America with North Point Community Church.

Sheffield and a small group of friends founded the Tax Man Golf Tournament 34 years ago to raise funds for charity while getting over the “blues” of paying taxes, Holiday said.

Over the years, the tournament has raised more than $300,000 for North Fulton Community Charities, which offers programs and services to prevent hunger and homelessness. The organization helps those affected by rising inflation and living costs amid stagnating wages.

“In that gap is where North Fulton Community Charities tries to step in,” Holiday said.

Efforts range from financial and clothing assistance to education and workforce development to onsite childcare.

Currently, the charity is working to complete a second food pantry in east Roswell that will include a garden. The project is expected to be

SANDY HOLIDAY/PROVIDED

Sandy Holiday, executive director for North Fulton Community Charities, addresses a record crowd of about 130 golfers ahead of the Tax Man Blues tournament April 18 at the St. Marlo Country Club golf course.

completed in the summer.

“Getting support like this allows us to do these big things like expand and make new pantries,” Holiday said. “It lets us dream big.”

Despite Sheffield’s absence, spirits were high at the tournament, and golfers played enthusiastically under the warm sunshine of a perfect spring morning. At the start of the tournament, the crowd raised their glasses in a salute to Sheffield.

He was remembered as a man big in stature, personality and heart.

His larger-than-life personality and “wicked sense of humor” often made him the center of attention, Holiday said. But he also used his contagious charisma to share laughter and jokes with friends and strangers.

“He was all about family, and it wasn’t just the family he was related to,” Holiday said.

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

About 130 golfers gathered April 18 for the 34th annual Tax Man Blues tournament at the St. Marlo Country Club golf course in south Forsyth County.

County official urges government unity

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne held a District 1 Town Hall April 22, inviting state congressmen for a legislative update and recognizing local high schoolers.

The county just received $9.4 million in funding through the General Assembly to open a behavioral health crisis center in North Fulton, External Affairs Director Jessica Corbitt said. The pro-posed location is the future North Fulton Health and Human Services Center at 4700 North Point Parkway, though nothing has been locked in yet.

Corbitt said House Speaker pro tempore Jan Jones (R–District 48, Milton) fought to make sure the funding was added back to legislation after a cut earlier in the 2025 session.

Julie Adams, a Republican member of the county’s Registration and Elections Board, said the special election for the Georgia Public Service Commission Nov. 4 is important because the panel sets utility rates.

Thorne told the crowd of around 100 that she wants to stay engaged with her constituents.

Bipartisanship involves opposing political parties finding common ground through compromise, a central theme throughout U.S. history that’s many find sorely lacking in Washington today.

It’s a different story in Fulton County, at least if you ask the Republicans and Democrats at the town hall.

Chairman Robb Pitts briefly spoke at the start of the town hall, drawing attention to Fulton’s prominence

Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne addresses District 1 constituents at an April 22 town hall at the Customer Service Center in Alpharetta. Thorne said she works closely with fellow commissioners of both parties to forge compromises.

among the more than 3,000 counties throughout the country.

Fulton County has about 1.2 million residents, with each of the six commission districts representing around 200,000 constituents, the same as a Georgia State Senate district.

“I know that sometimes there are differences of opinion as to what you think we’re doing or should be doing, but

we’re doing a great job,” Pitts said. “Commissioner Thorne is doing a great job in her first term representing District 1; she and I have worked closely together.”

Pitts has chaired the Board of Commissioners since 2018 after serving as a commissioner and Atlanta City Council member. He said in his four decades of public service, “Coach Thorne” has been his favorite travel companion.

“She and I have worked very closely together; I guess probably 90 percent of the time we’re on the same page,” Pitts said. “When we’re not on the same page, we disagree amicably.”

Thorne said she appreciates Pitts as a mentor and loves how he has represented the county on a global stage, whether at the 1996 Summer Olympics or the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

“A lot of times, what I think is best and what he thinks is best were different, but how can we compromise?”

Thorne said. “Democrats and Republicans coming together for the best of what’s good for the county.”

As a simple rule, Commissioner Thorne represents most of the east side of Ga. 400 in North Fulton County, and District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis serves most of the western half north of I-285.

A part of District 1 bleads over Ga. 400 into parts of Roswell, and District 3 includes all Sandy Springs residents south of I-285 and some just north of it.

State Rep. Scott Hilton (R–District 48, Peachtree Corners) gave a legislative update following the Georgia General Assembly 2025 session.

See UNITY, Page 29

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

I like seeing people happy, and we try to create happiness through serving great food.

BRANDY WHITE, owner, Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company

8 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | May 1, 2025

Biscuit eatery rises to meet high demand

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The perfect biscuit is like a warm hug, said Brandy White, owner of Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company.

“It kind of warms your soul,” White said. “It feels like home to me.”

Since 2001, the Sawnee Mountain Biscuit has operated out of a renovated mobile home at 104 13th St., serving perfect pillowy biscuits wrapped around eggs, cheese, bacon and other breakfast staples. With dozens of items on the menu, the restaurant features other tasty offerings from French toast to a housemade pimento cheese.

Tucked into a sleepy neighborhood on the edge of Cumming, Sawnee Mountain Biscuit might easily be taken as another house, but locals say the squat, blueclapboard building is one of the town’s best breakfast spots. Picnic tables invite diners to take a break and enjoy their meals in a well-manicured front lawn or under the shade of a front-porch veranda.

Over the decades, the restaurant has earned a cult following in Cumming and the north Atlanta area, serving as many as 400 orders some mornings.

Often, the drive-thru line stretches into the street and down to a nearby Tribble Gap Road intersection, White said. The procession can be so crowded that White sometimes has to make peace between drivers when someone cuts in.

White’s staff has made a practice of opening 15 minutes early to serve a regular “breakfast club” group of early risers who stop by routinely for a bite before heading to work.

“We have people who come here every single day,” White said.

Dawsonville resident Zack Sams said he has been coming since his grandfather started taking him when he was 6.

Although his grandfather is no longer alive, Sams said he continues to drop by.

“We used to come here at least every other weekend,” Sam said. “We’d come here and eat breakfast, and now I come here by myself.”

In 2018, White left behind a career in graphic design and purchased Sawnee Mountain Biscuit from her father’s stepmother, who had run the spot for years. The restaurant was already doing well, but she saw an opportunity to do better.

White called on her marketing

combines its popular buttery biscuit with

experience to establish a social media presence to spread the word. She installed a point-of-sale system and replaced the cash register with a tablet to ensure orders went out promptly. They also take DoorDash deliveries, which contribute significantly to sales.

While the service initiatives have tripled sales, White says one thing will never change — the biscuits.

“It’s always remained buttermilk, lard and flour,” White said. “That’s it, three simple ingredients.”

The restaurant’s most popular item, the bacon, egg and cheese biscuit,

crisp but chewy bacon, gooey melted cheese and fluffy eggs into a breakfast symphony.

Competition in the Cumming biscuit scene has been fierce, and Sawnee Mountain Biscuit has at times had as many as six competitors. But White said her restaurant’s biscuits have something special. They are made with love.

After all, biscuits hold a special place in White’s heart, she said.

As a little girl, her grandmother made a point of serving biscuits every morning along with a heaping breakfast of Southern cooking.

“You could tell everything was made with love,” White said. “And that’s something that we try to put back in here.”

Customers also have taken notice, saying the restaurant’s biscuits have an indefinable, homemade charm.

“Customers say, ‘Don’t tell my grandma, but this is just like hers,’” White said. “They make people feel like they’re at a second home.”

That second-home mentality extends beyond the food and into the restaurant’s atmosphere.

Richard Bellini, a former employee and now regular customer, said the warmth is a key reason why people keep coming back.

“When customers roll up, it’s ‘How’s your family? How’s the kids?’” he said. “That means something to people.”

Like her grandmother, White said she finds immense satisfaction in serving people delicious food that will power them through their day.

At the restaurant, she performs all manner of tasks, whether taking orders in the drive-thru line or simply pausing to catch up with customers. She has even run biscuits across the street to the school she once attended.

“It’s just fun to me,” she said. “I like seeing people happy, and we try to create happiness through serving great food.”

White said she thinks home-town restaurants like hers are doing better than ever because customers’ tastes have shifted away from fast food and chains. Sawnee Mountain Biscuit’s sales have been so good lately that White is looking to expand and considering staying open past noon.

The renovated mobile home on 13th Street has plenty of good memories, but White said the business has outgrown the tiny space.

“Business is increasing,” she said. “It’s increased significantly.”

Years have passed since White left her career, and she said she loves her new life running the restaurant. Most mornings, she gets out of bed with excitement and purpose, eager to start another day serving delicious biscuits.

It is a life calling she thinks her grandmother would have understood.

“Her making that meal for me, it made me happy,” White said. “She continued to do that because she enjoyed taking the time to make something special. That’s something I enjoy — making something special.”

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

Brandy White holds her 1-year-old daughter, Lennon, at the entrance to her Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company on 13th Street just outside Cumming.

BRANDY WHITE/PROVIDED

The bacon, egg and cheese biscuit is one of Sawnee Mountain Biscuit’s most popular items.

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

Sawnee Mountain Biscuit serves biscuits and other breakfast fare to north Atlanta residents out of a renovated mobile home on the outskirts of Cumming.

Roswell remembers firefighter’s sacrifice

ROSWELL, Ga. — The City of Roswell will participate in the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters campaign through May 4.

A red glow will illuminate Roswell City Hall, the monument at Roswell Square and various city facilities to show remembrance and solidarity.

“This tribute is a meaningful way for

our city to stand in unity with the families of the fallen,” Mayor Kurt Wilson said.

This year, the city will honor the life of Firefighter John Kevin Cash, who died in the line of duty Jan. 21, 2020, at the age of 43. Cash began his shift at Fire Station 27 Jan. 20, assigned as the driver of Engine 27. During his shift, Cash and his crew responded to a structure fire. The next morning, Cash was found unresponsive in

his bunk, determined to be the result of a heart attack.

“This night is more than a symbolic gesture; it’s a powerful reminder that we never forget the names and faces behind the incredible firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Roswell Fire Chief Pabel Troche said. "Kevin Cash’s legacy lives on in our department, and we are honored to shine red in his memory."

The Roswell Fire Department encourages residents and businesses to join in and reflect on the service of Firefighter Cash by lighting homes and buildings red.

The campaign leads up to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend May 3 and 4.

Celebrate Freedom Rodeo returns to Alpharetta

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Celebrate Freedom Rodeo will return to the Wills Park Equestrian Center arena May 2 and 3.

The two-day Western celebration will feature special events for all ages and rodeo competitions sanctioned by the National Cowboy Pro Rodeo Association, according to Awesome Alpharetta.

Competitions include bareback bronc riding, break-away roping, bull riding, calf roping, cowgirl’s barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and team roping.

The national rodeo association is committed to maintaining high standards

for animal treatment, cowboy personnel, stock quality and fairness to competitors.

Attendees can enjoy food offerings like barbecue, boiled peanuts and funnel cake.

Available activities include mechanical bull riding, pony rides, rockwall climbing and bungee jumping.

Vendors will be on site selling cowboy hats, Western jewelry, buckles, caps and rodeo toys.

Seats are first come first serve. Tickets purchased at the gate are cash only.

— Jon Wilcox

Let Your Retirement Flourish

Independent Living, Endless Possibilities.

Retirement is a vibrant new season; we’re here to help yours flourish. With chef-prepared meals, weekly housekeeping, and maintenance-free living, you’ll have more time for what truly matters. Immerse yourself in enriching social events and wellness programs, enjoy top-tier amenities, and a community designed to help you blossom—all wrapped up in one easy monthly payment.

If you go

What: Celebrate Freedom Rodeo

When: May 2 and 3. Gates open at 6 p.m., and rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m.

Where: The Wills Park Equestrian Center arena, 11915 Wills Road

To purchase tickets online or get more information, visit awesomealpharetta.com.

— Sarah Coyne

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

The Celebrate Freedom Rodeo returns to Alpharetta May 2 and May.

Live Bands for Dancing at Post Ballroom Friday, May 2 – Gold Standard Band Friday, May 16 – Last Call Band

Bands

Dances & Dance Instruction

Dances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday Evenings

Line

outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 5, 5 and 4 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!

RIVERS OF EUROPE

1. Witch trials locale. Swiss river through Bern. Deadly African snake.

2. Kick out. Fencing sword. European river carrying more traffic than any other.

3. Crazy. Famous English river. Garbage hauler.

4. France’s longest river. Ranch young. Coffee order.

5. Greek cheese. Spotted wildcat. Italy’s river.

6. Russian river, longest in Europe. Halo. Squirrel food.

7. Kiln. Second longest European river. Really big show.

1 Witch trials locale. Swiss river through Bern. Deadly African snake

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!

2. Kick out. Fencing sword. European river carrying more traffic than any other river in the world

3. Crazy. Famous English river. Garbage hauler

4. France’s longest river. Ranch young. Coffee order

5. Greek cheese. Spotted wildcat. Italy’s river

6. Russian river, longest in Europe. Halo. Squirrel food

7. Kiln. Second longest European river. Really big show

ROSWELL 14, BLESSED TRINITY 6

Roswell stomps Blessed Trinity for Crossville Cup

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga — The Roswell High School boys lacrosse team improved to 14-3 on the season after a 14-6 win over Blessed Trinity (9-7) April 25.

The battle of Woodstock Road has become a rivalry game with Roswell capturing the last four matchups.

Sophomore midfielder Blake O’Neal kicked off the evening with the first two goals of the game. Of the Hornets’ first four goals, he contributed to three in the form of an assist to junior Rowan Chapiro.

O’Neal poured in a hat trick and one assist against the Titans. He said growing up and playing lacrosse together has created a competitive dynamic in the teams’ rivalry.

“I have a few friends on [BT], and that made it even sweeter,” he said. “It’s just a physical game and we live for that. We started off great and we finished great, we’re dialed in for the playoffs.”

The Hornets locked in on both ends of the field as well as at the faceoff. The starting line of attackmen contributed nine goals, and Roswell’s defense allowed just one goal in the first half.

Junior Jack Dowdy taking faceoffs has been a consistent stronghold for the Hornets this season. Dowdy went 75 percent at the dot and had one assist to

junior Wyatt Luce.

The Titans started to get their offense moving in the third quarter, tallying goals from junior Max Krohn, senior Eli Brown and senior Michael Read. Brown and Read led the team with two goals each.

Goalie Gavin Holwell stifled Roswell momentarily in the third quarter. He grabbed 11 Hornet shots to boost his career total above 500 saves.

Roswell head coach Bryan Wallace said facing off against a Titans team with 12 seniors was tough, but the younger Hornets have been battletested and boast several Division I commits of their own.

“Our guys show up and compete every night,” he said. “Jack Dowdy has been phenomenal all year, over 70 percent. The opportunity he gives us day in, day out is huge, it’s a big reason of why we can be so competitive.”

Attackman Kaden Parla led the Hornets with four goals and one assist. Jackson Hardwick contributed a hat trick as well.

With a 3-1 in-region record, the Titans take the second seed in Area 5 of Class 2A and will match up with either Centennial or Mt. Paran after a firstround bye.

Roswell has the No. 1 seed in Area 1 of Region 2A and will also have a bye in the first round. Their first opponent will be either Evans High or Richmond Hill.

PHOTOS BY: ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA

Roswell senior Ben Weir reads the Titans’ defense at Roswell High School April 25. Weir tallied two goals in the Hornets’ 14-6 win over Blessed Trinity.

Blessed Trinity junior Max Krohn drives to the cage at Roswell High School April 25. Krohn made it to the back of the net once in a losing effort.

Brought to you by - The Dolan Group

From the outside, real estate might look like glitz and glamour—gorgeous listings, big closings, and celebratory keys-in-hand photos. But behind every smooth transaction is an entire team working tirelessly to make it happen.

Real estate is a team sport. And as the client, you are the team owner , but your Realtor is the quarterback, calling plays, adjusting strategy, and coordinating a full roster of players to get you across the goal line. The team is full of critical players including lenders, attorneys, title companies, inspectors, appraisers, contractors, service providers, stagers, photographers, and more. And while you may get a weekly update, your trusted Realtor is behind the scenes managing dozens of conversations, pivoting when needed, and making sure everyone is running the play smoothly.

If we are doing our job well, it looks easy. But just like in sports, the best plays happen after hours of behind-the-scenes coordination. We might be cleaning off the back porch before photos, handling survey, title, scheduling and maintenance items, troubleshooting appraisal issues, and

running interference between parties to keep emotions in check and the deal on track. The quarterback sees the entire playbook and often needs to have the tough conversations as well. In the case of selling your home it might be where change is needed in paint, lighting, décor and more. For buyers, it might be the “reality check” conversation helping to prioritize location, home style and purchasing power.

It’s 2025. People know what good service looks like—and should never settle for less than great. In a world where everything is a click away, real estate demands a human touch, thoughtful strategy, and someone who’s truly in your corner. This is not the time to cut corners or gamble on inexperience or a discount brokerage. You wouldn’t ask your CPA to only do part of your taxes, and you would never go to a part time dentist. Your Realtor, like every other professional you depend on, must put your interests first and be willing to go above and beyond to reach your goals.

Selling your home is a big deal. You deserve a team with the strategy, experience, and support to do it right. The Dolan Group is ready when you are— let’s talk.

PEXELS

The consequences of not having Property Estate Planning done by a proper attorney

Brought to you by - Estates Law Center USA

Take the example of a well-known celebrity, let’s call him “Chris.” Chris was a beloved actor with a career spanning decades. Despite his success and substantial fortune, he never took the time to create a comprehensive estate plan. When Chris unexpectedly passed away, his family was left to navigate the complex and often confusing legal process of distributing his assets.

1. Legal Battles and Family Disputes: Without a clear and comprehensive estate plan, Chris’s family found themselves embroiled in legal battles. Different relatives claimed entitlement to various parts of his estate, leading to prolonged court cases and strained family relationships. A welldrafted estate plan could have provided clear instructions and prevented much of the discord.

2. Financial Burden: Chris’s estate was subject to significant taxes and fees that could have been minimized with proper planning. Estate planning tools such as trusts can help reduce the tax burden and ensure more wealth is passed on to heirs rather than lost to

taxes and legal costs.

3. Delayed Distribution of Assets: The absence of a comprehensive estate plan meant that the distribution of Chris’s assets was delayed significantly. Probate, the legal process of distributing a deceased person’s estate, can be time-consuming and complicated. An estate plan can streamline this process, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their inheritance more quickly.

4. Business and Real Estate: Without a proper trust, Chris's real estate and business had to be liquidated to pay off the creditors at a substantially reduced price due to the probate process and disputes between the beneficiaries as to keeping or selling the business and real estate.

5. Unfulfilled Wishes: Without a comprehensive estate plan, there’s no guarantee that Chris’s assets were distributed according to his wishes. An estate plan allows individuals to specify exactly how they want their assets allocated, ensuring their in-tentions and wishes are honored after their death.

Sign up for our upcoming workshops and webinars to learn more. For more information, contact us at 770.209.2346.

legacy?

• How do I remain in control?

• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?

• How can my family avoid probate? May Workshops: Tues., May 27 - 4 pm Thurs., May 29 - 12 pm (lunch and learn) Thurs., May 1 - 12pm (lunch and learn)

Tues., May 13 - 4pm Fri., May 16 - 12 pm (lunch and learn)

Five trending wellness features to add to your home spa this season

Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes

Sotheby’s International Realty

If you’re curating a sanctuary of wellness at home, keep reading.

In a world that never stops moving, true luxury is the ability to pause. These carefully chosen wellness amenities go far beyond pampering. They tap into your body’s natural rhythms, restore balance to your nervous system and create an intentional space for recovery, reflection and renewal.

1. Cold therapy.

Once reserved for elite athletes and high-end wellness retreats, cold therapy has made its way into luxury homes via bespoke cold plunges and state-of-the-art cryotherapy chambers. It builds resilience, sharpens mental focus and resets your system at a cellular level. That daily shock to the system becomes a ritual of strength. Cold therapy isn’t punishment—it’s preparation for a stronger, more adaptive life.

2. Infrared sauna.

Infrared saunas offer a refined way to detox, heal, and recharge in peace. Without it, recovery feels sluggish, stress piles up and sleep suffers. But with a 20-minute session—wrapped in gentle, radiant heat—your skin glows, your joints release and you sleep more deeply.

3. Aromatherapy steam shower.

Creating comfortable lounge and dining areas is key. Think about a backyard with mismatched, lowquality furniture versus one that features plush seating, an outdoor kitchen and an elegant dining space. The second option makes your space much more functional and appealing.

4. Heated stone or radiant heat floors.

This quiet luxury does more than keep you warm—it grounds you

in comfort, circulation, and calm. Luxury is often felt in the details— and few details are as indulgent as the warmth of heated stone beneath bare feet. Radiant flooring delivers a quiet comfort that anchors the body, encourages healthy circulation and completes the thermal journey when paired with cold plunges or saunas.

5. Smart spa systems.

Technology enhances wellness when it works seamlessly behind the scenes to create the perfect environment. Without it, you’re fiddling with lights, speakers and temperature—all while trying to relax. With it, you press a button or speak a command: the lights dim, the music flows, the scent disperses, and the water is exactly how you like it. Effortless ambiance becomes your new baseline.

We hope these ideas inspire you to design a space that supports your highest self. Wishing you stillness, strength and spa-level serenity on your journey forward. Reach out to Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300 for all your real estate needs. We would be happy to assist you!

Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/ Copyeditor

Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad

PEXELS

SOLEIL BELMONT PARK

New Homes from $500’s - $800’s

Move-In Ready Homes Available

305 Belmont Park Court, Canton, GA 30115 | 770-635-4080 SoleilBP com

DOWNTOWN FAUSETT

New Townhomes from $ 349’s

4 Townhomes Ready Now

373 Highway 9 N., Dawsonville, GA 30534 | 678-578-6763 DavidPattersonHomes.com

BROOKS POND

New Home on 2+ Acres in Cumming Final Opportunity $ 929,000 Move-In Ready Home 6490 Mockingbird Rd. Cumming, GA 30028 | 404-821-9807 DavidPattersonHomes.com HILLANDALE IN

THE HOMESTEAD

AT MILTON

3-10 Acre Homesites from $ 900’s to $ 1M+ Only 8 Opportunities Remain 15135 Hopewell Rd. Milton, GA 30004 | 678-578-6740 TheHomesteadatMilton.com

Luxury Homes from $1M+ 2 Move-In Ready Homes with Price Adjustments 1005 Coleman Place Dr., Roswell, GA 30075 | 770-254-5372 PMCommunities.com

LONG HOLLOW LANDING On the Shores of Lake Lanier Lake Homes from $ 1M+ Move-in Ready Home with deeded Boat Slip 7970 Beryl Overlook, Gainesville, GA 30506 | 678-578-6833 DavidPattersonHomes.com

Lori Lane, President | New Homes Division, Luxury Collection and Global Contact us at 404.801.7180 | visit BHHSGANewHomes.com | follow Lori@the_lorilane Buckhead Office, 3744 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342

Luxury Active Adult Living in Canton

Homesite 3 -The Scarlett

A lifestyle with a view

Discover Horizon at Laurel Canyon

Brought to you by - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Horizon at Laurel Canyon in Canton offers more than just homes—it offers a lifestyle curated for comfort, beauty, and connection to nature. Created by award-winning Patrick Malloy Communities, this thoughtfully designed neighborhood invites you to embrace luxurious, low-maintenance living surrounded by panoramic mountain vistas.

From the moment you arrive, Horizon enchants with its sweeping views and elegant home designs that reflect the serene environment. While not age-restricted, the community is crafted with the active adult in mind, prioritizing single-level living, open-

concept floor plans, and natural lightfilled spaces that make every day feel expansive and peaceful.

Select homes offer sky terraces—an elevated retreat where you can unwind with a glass of wine and take in the most stunning sunset views in metro Atlanta. With homesites that showcase awe-inspiring mountain backdrops, Horizon presents a rare opportunity to build a dream home perfectly in tune with its surroundings. Currently there is one move-in-ready home available, with two additional new homes under construction, starting at $1 million.

Amenities that complement the view

Life at Horizon is about more than beautiful homes—it’s about community and connection. Enjoy

access to a two-story clubhouse with a wrap-around veranda, a resort-style pool, gazebos for quiet relaxation, tennis courts, and even a playground for visiting grandchildren. Golf lovers will appreciate being just a short cart ride away from the Laurel Canyon Golf and Country Club.

A gateway to the Best of North Georgia

Living at Horizon places you at the heart of everything that makes North Georgia special. Spend weekends browsing the boutiques and cafés of downtown Canton or take a scenic drive to the charming mountain towns of Ellijay, Jasper, or Blue Ridge. With convenient access to I-575N, you’re just minutes from Canton’s vibrant town center, 30 miles north of Atlanta, and only 35 minutes from some of

Georgia’s most picturesque mountain getaways.

A legacy of excellence

Since 1994, Patrick Malloy Communities has been shaping the Metro Atlanta area with exceptional neighborhoods and over 7,000 homes sold. Frequently honored as one of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 20 Homebuilders, the company has a reputation for quality, innovation, and award-winning design.

To learn more about Horizon at Laurel Canyon, visit PMCommunities. com or call 770-254-5357. Horizon is proudly represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division. Explore more at BHHSgaNewHomes. com. An Equal Housing Opportunity.

Spring cleaning

Getting your home ready for the spring market!

Brought to you by - HOME North Atlanta

Spring is one of the most active seasons in real estate, with buyers eager to secure a home before summer. As demand peaks, sellers must ensure their property is positioned to attract serious buyers and maximize value. A home’s curb appeal is a critical factor in driving interest. A wellmaintained exterior sets the tone for a buyer’s experience, signaling care and attention to detail. Fresh mulch and seasonal flowers enhance landscaping, while cleaning gutters

and addressing wood rot reflect diligent upkeep. A welcoming front entrance, featuring a clean porch and a new doormat, reinforces a polished first impression. If needed, repainting select areas can breathe new life into the façade. Before listing, a prelisting inspection helps uncover any potential concerns, allowing sellers to resolve issues proactively rather than during negotiations. An appraisal offers valuable insight into the home’s market value, helping to establish a competitive price point. Working with an experienced real estate professional

who understands the nuances of the local market ensures the property is strategically positioned to attract the strongest offers.

Inside, every detail should showcase a move-in-ready home. Decluttering and depersonalizing create a neutral, welcoming space that allows buyers to envision themselves living there. A deep clean, including carpets, kitchens, and windows, ensures the home looks and feels fresh. Small but meaningful updates—such as replacing outdated fixtures, repairing minor damages,

and applying neutral paint colors— help modernize the property and boost appeal. If necessary, staging can elevate the home’s presentation, emphasizing flow, functionality, and warmth.

Spring brings newness and life, along with eager buyers. Preparation is key to making a lasting impression in a competitive market. With thoughtful improvements, stunning staging, and curb appeal that wins over arriving buyers, sellers can position their homes for a successful and rewarding sale.

AAVALON EXPERT

NOW AT HOME LUXURY REAL ESTATE

valon has been my professional home since its inception in 2015. From the moment this vibrant, walkable community was built, I’ve been immersed in its real estate market, helping buyers and sellers navigate one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the Atlanta metro area. Now, I’m bringing my expertise to HOME Luxury Real Estate, continuing to provide top-tier service for anyone looking to buy or sell in Avalon.

Having been here since day one, I know Avalon inside and out—every floor plan, every property, and every market shift. This knowledge and my deep roots in the Avalon community have allowed me to consistently sell homes quickly and efficiently, giving my clients a smooth transaction process. When it comes to Avalon, I have my finger on the pulse; I understand pricing trends and always know who’s looking to sell.

Avalon continues to command the highest price per square foot in the area, with single-family homes averaging $3.3 million and townhomes at $1.541 million. The demand for these homes remains strong, with single-family properties averaging just 20 days on the market, while townhomes stay for around 54 days. This isn’t just about numbers—Avalon offers a premium lifestyle with unmatched walkability, direct access to the Alpha Loop, downtown Alpharetta, Whole Foods, and GA-400.

Find your next HOME, whether you are buying or selling, with the help of Avalon’s longstanding expert and experience the seamless process I bring to the North Atlanta market. With exclusive insights into upcoming listings and market trends, I ensure my clients have the competitive advantage they need to secure the perfect Avalon HOME.

Open to Public 9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat

Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Road Connector Alpharetta, GA 30022 (near Northpoint Mall)

Why a turnkey, one-stop shop is essential for your bath or kitchen remodel

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, the process can quickly become overwhelming. From creating ideas and solutions, and selecting materials to finding contractors for plumbing, electrical work, and installation, managing multiple vendors and services can be stressful.

Remodeling projects start with a vision but bringing that vision to life requires expertise. An in-house design team needs to work closely with you to create a customized plan that reflects your personal style, and preferences, and stays within your budget—offering services like 3D renderings, so you can visualize your space before any work begins. With expert guidance every step of the way, you can be confident your project is set up for success.

Coordinating multiple contractors— plumbers, electricians, tile installers, and more—can be time-consuming and frustrating. With a turnkey remodeler, you get full-service project management, to handle every aspect of the renovation. Having a team to ensure that the design, material selection, scheduling, and installation are all aligned to create a smooth, stress-free experience is key. You don’t have to worry about chasing contractors or keeping up with timelines—it will be done all for you.

One of the biggest advantages of working with a one-stop shop is the convenience of having everything you need in one place. A great showroom should be filled with an extensive selection of cabinetry in a variety of styles and finishes, plumbing fixtures from top brands, countertops including granite, quartz, marble, and more, tile for floors and backsplashes, and hardware to complete your design.

Rather than running around town searching for materials, you can explore all your options under one roof, with our team guiding you through each choice.

Choosing a turnkey, one-stop-shop remodeler like Bath & Kitchen Galleria means more than just convenience—it means a smoother, more enjoyable remodeling experience with expert guidance, seamless coordination, and a wide selection of top-quality products to choose from while staying in your budget.

Whether you're transforming your bathroom or remodeling your kitchen, Bath & Kitchen Galleria is here to handle every detail, so you can sit back and enjoy the results! For more information visit Bath & Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) M-F, 9-5 and Saturday, 10-4, or call them at 678-459-2292 or visit BathandKitchenGalleria.com to schedule an appointment online.

Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm

Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm, re-imagining how bath & kitchen remodels are done.

Complete Remodeling Design and Installation Services. We even remove walls!

Guiding you through the whole design process. Ask about our 3D Renderings.

Making bath & kitchen remodeling fun, easy and affordable.

Brought to you by − Bath and Kitchen Galleria

Church invites women to join spiritual retreat

ROSWELL, Ga. — The women of Bridge to Grace Covenant Church invite women from the community to join them for a one-day spiritual retreat May 17.

The goal of the retreat is to help women embrace the opportunity to meet each other and grow together in a supportive environment.

Pastor Meghan Bruggeman will lead women through the retreat’s theme — “Listening to God and Others,” prayer practices that help us discern God’s voice and movement in and around us.

For more than 20 years, Bruggeman has served youth and families, led retreats and prayer practices and organized spiritual formation pathways for the church in the ministry.

The cost of the retreat is $50, including lunch and materials. The retreat will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2385 Holcomb Bridge Road. Check in will begin at 8:30 a.m.

To register and learn more visit, www.b2gcc.org.

— Sarah Coyne

AuthentiCity Theater schedules tribute play honoring Cassavetes

ATLANTA — AuthentiCity Theater will present “INDEPENDENT,” a play about the Godfather of Independent Films — John Cassavetes.

The play bills to be an inspiring performance about actor and filmmaker Cassavetes and his influence on the film world. Cassavetes is known for his iconic films, such as “The Dirty Dozen” and “Rosemary’s Baby.”

“INDEPENDENT” is written and directed by former Turner Classics Movie writer John D. Babcock III.

This will be the first time the play will receive a full run by a theatre company, with Madeline Brashier portraying actress Gena Rowlands, alongside Taurean Cavins-Flores who will portray Cassavetes.

Founded in 2021, AuthentiCity Theater seeks to entertain and inspire audiences through productions that create awareness and reduces stigmas surrounding human issues.

See PLAY, Page 29

Join today for

DC Aiken

Big Sky Franchise Team

David & Michelle Bertany

Amour & Duane Carthy

Adam Corder

Barbara Anderson

Kerry Arias

Scott Baynton

Joseph Bell

James Bennett

Support Local News Join Appen Press Club

CHARTER MEMBER

Patrick Cressaty

Robert Flint

Robin Fricton

Zachary Hahn

Allison January

Rita Brown

Mark Casas

David Conti

Theodore Davis III

Maureen Drumm

Carl Abernathy

Bruce Ackley

Salpi Adrouny

Alpharetta Lions Club

Omar Altalib

Dave Altman

Ron Altman

Joel Alvis

American Legion Post 201

Alice & Dr. Richard Appen

Gaye Armstrong

Mary Asbury

Bangkok Boxing LLC

Shannon Banna

Beth Barnes

Janet Bass

Caitlin Bates

Jannet Bauer

Barbara Bauschka

Miriam Beattie

Kathy Beck

Laura Bentley

William Bentley

Leslie Berry

Tom Billings

Tochie Blan

Ron Boddicker

Jodi Bogen

Sherri Bolles-Rogers

Helen Borland

Debra Bowen

Joe Bowen

Ryan Brainard

Mark Brandus

Mel Brannen

Carol Bright

Linda Brill

Dorothy Brouhard

Erendira Brumley

Bernhard Burgener

Alvin Burrell

Mike & Theresa Buscher

Mary Busman

Clea Calloway

Kirk Canaday

James Carr

Bridgette Carter

William Cartwright

Frank Catroppa

Pat Check

Virginia Christman

Christopher Cleary

Ann Coaloa

Kim Coggins

Evelyn Collazo

Michael Mackenzie

Communications

Joan Compton

Carol Cookerly

Terri Coons

Rhonda Cude

Connie Cunningham

Christopher Cupit

David Davis

Duane DeBruler

Marilyn DeCusati

Rebecca Donlan

Tom Driscoll

Michael Dudgeon

Jeanette Dummer

DutchCrafters Amish Furniture

Thomas Edmonds

William Edmundson

Denise Eicher

Mim Eisenberg

Danny Elkins

Su Ellis

Martha Fasse

Nell & Doug Fernandez

Daniel Fleck

Lee Fleck

Laura Floyd

Cathy Flynn

Paul Folger

Adrienne Fontaine

Mary Ford

Nanci Foster

Amy Frederick

Kelly Frommer

Carol Fry

Tracey Ganesh

Daniel Gay

John Gibbs

John Gilberto

Michael Kenig

Roderick Liptrot

Bob Meyers

Claude Nardy

Cliff Oxford

MEMBER+

Charlcie Forehand

Aileen Horton

Deborah Jackson

Ali Mahbod

Richard Matherly

MEMBER

Leslie Gilliam

Bailey & Ryan Gladysz

Michelle Glotzbach

Harvey Goldberg

Christopher Goodrich

Phyllis Goodrich

Ralph Griffin

Marilee Hamilton

Susan Hanna

Marion Hannah

Roxanne Hazen

Joe Hirsch

Penn Hodge

Dianne & Steffan Holmquist

Joan Hostetter

Austin Hughes

Jacqueline Hursh

Lynn Johnson

Tyler Jones

Arthur Kebanli

Laura Keck

Mark Kelly

Nancy Kennell

Randall Kent

Carol Kerr

Allison Kloster

Dyna Kohler

Larry Krueger

Jess & Chris Kysar

Malinda Lackey

Brandon Leach

Dennis Lee

Ken Leffingwell

Carol Lehan

Bonnie Lind

Francia Lindon

Harlan Little

Ross Long

Kyser Lough

Rita Loventhal

Brenda Lundy

Rita Loventhal

Karen Magill

Kyile Marshall

Julie Martin

Carla Masecar

Valerie Matthews

Ross & Lori Ramsey

Sarah Reiter

Mark Rundle

Matthew Sayle

Lynn Thomas

Evan McElroy

Vickie McElroy

Patricia Miller

Anne Peer

Robert Popp

William Maxwell

Rachel McCord

Austin McCully

Diane McDonald

Karen McEnerny

Lynn McIntyre

Mike McLoughlin

Jennifer Mendoza

Al Merrill

Chris Miller

Christine Miller

Joe Modica

Fred Moeller

Sarah Moen

Catherine Moore

Carol Morgan

Kathy Morgan

Stu Moring

Leslie Mullis

Donna Murphy

Jack Murphy

Cindy Nolan North

Fulton Master Gardners, Inc.

Tricia Novarro

Bob O’Brien

Anne Pappas

Lynn Pennington

Jonathan Peters

Kurt & Leslie Phillips

Mary & Jan Phillips

Debra Powell

Joyce Provissiero

Chuck Pugh

Robert Radloff

Raj Rajagopalan

Ashwin Ramaswami

Cheryl Rand

Jean Rearick

Joseph Reed

Righteous PR

Angie Rigney

Neil Robertson

Kimberly Robinson

Matt Rohs

Kim Romaner

Kelly Sarmiento

Stephanie Schniederjan

To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

Kim Truett

Roger Wise Jr. Colt Whittall

Sergey Savin

Kate Seng

Kimberly Verska Carol Williams

Robert Scholz

Stephanie Schuette

Susan Searles

Tina Shelton

Lisa Shippel

Joanne Simmons

Tom Simon

Cindy Simpson

Robert Singleton

Faye Sklar

Judith Slaughter

Andy Smith

Gena Spears

Donald Spencer

Melissa Spencer

Gloria Stathos

Robert Stevens

Wesley Stewart

Cathryn Stovall

Celeste Strohl

Diana Sullivan

Andy Sumlin

Mike Tasos

Candice Teichert

The Small Business Advisor

William Tietjen

Lisa Tilt

Michael Townes

Trunnion LLC

Matthew Tyser

Ollie Wagner

Lewis Walker

Jonathan Washburn

Michael Watson

Michael Weiss

Herbert Wells

Sally White

Thom White

Umpika White

Christine Williams

Jamie Wimberly

Jonathan Winkie

Nancy & Dave Wistrand

Carla York

Jonathan Young

Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club

The Schoenblum Family

Parking:

Continued from Page 1

The project calls for an amphitheater, townhomes, apartments, offices, multi-story parking garage and numerous shopping and dining destinations.

After more than an hour of discussion, the council unanimously approved the developers’ requests with the addendum they create a turnaround at the end of one parking lot and 15 on-street parking spots outside the townhomes. Firm representatives also assured the council that public parking would be available to visitors of nearby public park space.

City Councilman Fergal Brady said he was excited for the project and expects it to transform the Brookside area. Brookside includes an aging office park and has been identified as a part of a priority area for redevelopment.

“We have senior living there. We have a lot of other amenities, the park and everything else that really contributes to this,” Brady said. “With hope, this will evolve and be a spectacular amenity for all of Alpharetta to come and enjoy.”

With 130,000 square feet of offices surrounded by substantial amenities, the project could provide more attractive workspaces to employers. Currently, about a third of Brookside’s offices are vacant, representing one of the highest office vacancy rates in the city.

The project also is near 30 acres of public park space and a 42-acre Georgia State campus.

Councilman John Hipes raised concerns about parking at the project that would be available to the nearby Big Creek Greenway. The area also is close to the city’s Brookside Park.

Hipes worried that without ample public parking, the trail and park might be less open to all city taxpayers and become an amenity disproportionately serving residents living in the project’s townhomes and apartments.

Currently, the trail offers no public parking in the area.

“If the park is walled off and not

CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED

A proposed 20-acre mixed-use development is expected to improve the Brookside area, which has one of the highest office vacancy rates in Alpharetta.

JON WILCOX/PROVIDED

Michael Woodman, Alpharetta Planning and Development Services manager, presents plans for a 20-acre mixed-use development in the Brookside area April 28.

accessible to any meaningful degree to the public from this development, it becomes a public space that is sort

of privatized by your development, that enhances your development but diminishes the utility to our residents,” Hipes said.

Mike Greene, senior vice president for Portman Holdings, said they planned to create 15 public parking spots to facilitate park and trail visitors. Signs will mark the spots, ensuring they are easy to find.

“If the city makes an investment in that beautiful park area adjacent to the Greenway, it would be nice if people had a place to park their car to get to it,” Hipes said, adding that he also was concerned about street parking near the project’s 75 townhomes. Hipes said he worried

parking might be difficult for residents’ visitors.

“I live in a townhome community,” Hipes said. “And you know it’s a holiday just by looking out … If we did not have those guest spots, it would be chaos.”

Greene said his firm would consider changing plans and potentially losing some residences to accommodate more street parking.

He also said Portman Holdings will work to create a turnaround for one parking lot after council members raised issue with the lack of a turnaround. The firm could connect the lot with another or create an exit onto a nearby roadway.

What would Kurt Vonnegut write today?

My son Hans recently gave me a book that I am reading – again –“Cat’s Cradle” by Kurt Vonnegut. I hadn’t read Kurt now for decades and, as I expected, it didn’t take many pages to remember why I liked what he wrote. Actually, I probably should say “how he wrote.”

Vonnegut was an angry guy. He was a smart guy. He was a frustrated guy. He was cursed with the ability to see and understand the obvious that most of us don’t see – cannot see or won’t see – and care about it. That is, he connected dots – big picture kind of dots – and I think that drove him crazy. I suspect that he only found relief when he died in 2007.

On the first page of “Cat’s Cradle,” he talks about a book that he started to write when he was a younger man – “two

No

wives ago, 250,000 cigarettes ago, 3,000 quarts of booze ago…” The book was to be a tome called “The Day the World Ended.” His description of how he spent his time when he was a “young man” reminded me of my dear father, but that’s another long story that also didn’t end well.

He worried a lot about mankind killing itself with technology. He wrote a lot about civilian and political cults, war, war machines and the impact of AI. Yes, he clearly saw AI coming down the track almost 60 years ago, and it terrified him. He wrote about mindless people, soulless tyrants, toxic governments and religion, and especially about hypocrisy – almost always as if sitting on the judge’s dais at Nurenburg; no small claims court for him.

He must have worried constantly when he tried to sleep; in the morning lying in bed; sitting at the breakfast table; or speaking at events where they paid him the big bucks to talk about his dark visions and Dresden.* No wonder

he smoked so much and drank like a fish.

In one of his books, “The Sirens of Titan” which he wrote in 1959, he told the tale of the richest man in the world and his escapades through outer space. The critics called it an intergalactic comedy. I doubt Kurt laughed much as he wrote it.

Sound somehow a bit familiar?

As I read “Cat’s Cradle,” I wondered how Kurt would be feeling today and what he would be writing about now. He would probably be giddy with so much material. Reminds me of the party Lorne Michaels and the writers from “Saturday Night Live” must have thrown when John McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate.

On second thought though, “today” might have been too much for even Vonnegut – too broken, too twisted, too distorted and too toxic – that it might have passed the cutoff point for being candidate for satire, intergalactic comedy or even righteous rage.

Even after having survived the hell of the firebombing of Dresden, “today “may have been too much for him – and possibly us as well? But there is always a silver lining, I suppose. He could have re-used the word with which he ended his most important and celebrated novel – “Slaughterhouse-Five” – “Poo-teeweet.“

Or, to use another phrase Vonnegut liked, “So it goes.”

*Dresden: “On about February 14th the Americans came over, followed by the R.A.F. Their combined labors (the firebombing of the German city of Dresden where Vonnegut and 150 other fellow POWs were being housed in a slaughterhouse) killed 250,000 people (primarily civilians) in 24 hours and destroyed all of Dresden, possibly the world’s most beautiful city. But not me.” -- Kurt Vonnegut in a letter to his father after being liberated from Slaughterhouse 5 and surviving the firebombing.

‘Gesundheit’ necessary for a ‘God Bless You’

MIKE TASOS Columnist

With those major religious holidays and holy days mere dots in our rear-view mirrors, it’s time to get ready for the upcoming sweltering summer.

It seems to me that most folks aren’t focusing much on those hot months. Many are taking time to celebrate the rest of Spring pleasantness. A recent run through the Home Dept parking lot was a confirmation that there are plenty of yardwork enthusiasts just chomping at the bit to get out in the yard and play in the dirt. Industrious shoppers were buying bags of mulch by the pallet. Not me. My major outdoor activity will be grilling on the Traeger and pulling the trigger on those nasty bastid mosquitoes. Having the yard sprayed is a mere phone call away.

A childhood where my mom doled out weeding a flower bed sentences as if she were a warden at a botanical prison has exacerbated my aversion to any kind of yardwork.

We brothers hated being in that miniscule patch of weed-infested flowers. Our weed-pulling lasted mere minutes before a dirt clod would be tossed. We were all pretty fair shots too. Inevitably, one of us would wind up with a good amount of mud, dirt and weeds in our hair. Or worse yet, in our ears.

When that happened, all sorts of ordinance filled the air, our scalp and our nostrils. Getting all that dirt out of an ear was a two-shower undertaking. And what would normally take less than hour morphed into a sunup-to-sundown ordeal.

And make no mistake: Very few weeds met their demise. I guess Mom was looking out for our health when she confiscated the container of Round-Up I wanted to administer to any living plant

or weed. A fatal spritz seemed like it would us get into the pool much quicker.

Of all of us, Matt was the only one who had allergies that would prompt thunderous sneezes and an itchy throat that the rest of us found hilarious. These were not polite sneezes. Instead, these would make the bees stop buzzing and the birds take flight.

Of course, being kindly brothers, there wasn’t a “Gesundheit” or “God Bless You” to be found as Matt dealt with his misery. In retrospect, Matt was always the smart one. His allergic woes always brought Mom outside to take him in the house and get him some Dimetapp. Marty, Allan and I remained behind. Forget the weeds. When Mom left, projectiles once again filled the air.

I can remember being bored with the war games. Being the oldest, I felt compelled to demonstrate my “big brother” prowess and put an end to the afternoon session.

I got in a good bit of trouble when

Mom appeared just as I was showing Allan the fine art of giving a wedgie. Mom came after me when she spied Marty levitating off the ground, suspended from a branch with a hole poked in his undies.

These days, it seems more common in my circle for us to end a conversation with a “God Bless.” I must credit good friend Jerry Nix with making it seem so right and much more meaningful that a “Talk to you later,” or “All right then.” Fellow Knights of Columbus Tony Roberti always signs off the same way. The need for a sneeze response has become obsolete. Imploring for some help from the Man Upstairs just seems so right. And so Southern.

I think I’ll do a lot more of that.

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.

Growing herbs in containers 101

Herbs are a great way to start food gardening. They tend to be a bit less picky than vegetables, and there are a wide range of choices for various moisture and sun conditions. Many of them also do well in containers, making them a good choice for patios and porches, too. All herbs should do well in a garden bed except the mint family! Anything in the mint family should only be planted in containers. Mint can spread invasively and take over your bed, your yard and maybe even your house! So, it is best in a pot on its own. It will spread throughout whatever container you choose and choke out whatever else you plant with it. But it is worth the bit of management so you can have it handy to add quickly to water, tea, salads or recipes.

Because mint spreads so quickly, it is very easy to propagate by division or by rooting a cutting in water. It is perfect to receive as a pass-along from a friend or neighbor. Mint will tolerate more conditions than most herbs, including some shade.

In contrast, rosemary can start in a container but will eventually want to be planted in-ground as most forms will result in a large bush if planted in a sunny place.

Mint and rosemary are both perennials. Other herbal perennials that will do well either in containers or in the ground include chives, sage and thyme. Sage and thyme both like drier conditions and work well together as the filler and spiller in a container. Chives are easy to propagate by division, so it is another opportunity to get or receive a starter plant from a friend. Chives like more water and would best be planted with some of the annuals mentioned below.

In most locations in Fulton County, you can harvest these perennial herbs all year long. Harvest times for annual herbs will either be warm season/summer, e.g., basil, or cool season, e.g., parsley.

Many annual herbs can be grown in a container, but check the label as some of them, like santolina, tarragon and dill, will like a big container best. Parsley is easy to grow and can tolerate some shade, so it is a great filler for a planter with other herbs or flowers. While basil loves to get big in the ground, it behaves well in containers, too, and makes a great thriller for your container arrangement.

When planting your containers:

• Select an appropriately sized planter for the number of herbs you are including. Clay pots are a good place to start, but you can be creative. Ensure they have drainage holes, and you have placed them in areas that receive the right amount of sun. It is easier to move them to their final location before you add the soil. In some cases, you may want them on wheels so they can be moved.

• It is always handy to have some herbs right near the kitchen door so you can easily just “snip and go” when you need them for recipes.

• The containers should be filled with a good potting mix. (Not from your yard or “garden soil” from the store.)

• It is easier to start with small plants from the garden

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Sue Boehlke, a Master Gardener intern. Sue is a member of the North Fulton Master Gardeners. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in economics and an MBA. She is a lifelong, avid gardener and is now working on the chal-lenge of downsizing her gardening to a small city lot in Alpharetta, where fungus, pests and weeds still find her.

center or a friend than with seeds if you are a new gardener.

• If you plant basil and chives that have big crops and lots of harvest, you will occasionally need to add fertilizer throughout the growing season.

• Water appropriately for the herbs in that container. You should save the tags they come with when you purchase them as a reminder of the sun and water requirements as well as to predict their eventual size.

• Harvest throughout the growing season. You do not want your herbs to bloom with flowers or you will lose flavor, as they put their energy into flowers and seed instead of flavor in the leaves.

When planning your containers, remember that herbs do not need to be exclusive. You can mix them with other vegetables, small shrubs (depending on container size) or even flowers (foodscaping is the practice where food is incorporated in your decorative landscape). It is important to have consistent water and sun requirements for all plants in a particular container so they can thrive. Keep in mind the eventual size and shape of the plants you select so you do not under- or over-plant.

Happy Gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net.

Learn more

Herbs in Southern Gardens, UGA Extension Publications, Bulletin 1170

SUE BOEHIKE Guest Columnist

PHOTOS BY SUE BOEHLKE/PROVIDED Healthy mix of starters from the garden center

Food scaping

Herbs + Flowers = Beautiful planters

Ride:

Continued from Page 1

“My favorite part of this event is how the community comes together,” Hall said.

A free 4-mile ride was also held for those ages 8 and up who wanted an easier stroll.

Roswell resident Melanie Serra brought her dogs Blaze and Lance along for her first Mayor’s Ride. Serra began riding her bike when she turned 65-years-old.

“I felt as though I need to get out into the community more,” Serra said.

Her electric bike has given her more than just memories with her dogs. It has connected her with her city. On the weekend, Roswell residents can find Serra biking for 55 miles around the city with her

Unity:

Continued from Page 7

Hilton said he is optimistic that Gov. Brian Kemp’s “tort reform” will “balance the pendulum” between trial lawyers and business interests. Democrats typically refer to the legislation as a “legal overhaul” because of its limits on lawsuits and jury awards, saying it’s a giveaway to insurance companies.

Some Kemp allies say the effect on insurance premiums will be minimal. Businesses and commercial property owners are more likely to see a decrease in liability coverage than a consumer is on their monthly insurance payments.

“The only thing we are constitutionally required to do is pass a budget … we could do that and go home,” Hilton said. “We actually have a budget surplus … we’re able to invest while at the same time cutting your taxes.”

One Fulton County resident asked Hilton whether the declining income tax rate means the state is investing less. Hilton said the tax cuts are possible because of the state’s surplus, and the annual budget continues to grow.

In the past decade, the state has added about a million residents. While some other states are millions of dollars in debt and spending public dollars on attracting new residents, Hilton says most people don’t realize how good Georgia is doing relative to most of the country.

Play:

Continued from Page 25

“AuthentiCity believes in the importance of Atlanta playwrights having an opportunity to see their works performed,” AuthentiCity Theater Artistic Director Sasha Keefer said.

Performances will be April 25, 26 and May 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m., and April 27 and

two pups in a basket and stroller attached to the bike, adorned with a rainbow flower windmill.

“It’s really just changed my life,” Serra said.

All proceeds from the ride go toward the community’s bicycle advocacy through Bike Roswell!, which works toward safer cycling options locally and throughout Georgia.

The celebration continued with Roswell Moves!, a car-free oasis for friends and families to join and share their love for outdoor activities. A family bike parade allowed bikers of all ages to present their love for biking.

Children were taught essential safety and skills to prepare for the summer with Kiwanis Kids Bicycle Safety Rodeo, along with a free bike check by REI mechanics.

To put their new skills to the test and learn more about mountain biking, chil-

State Sen. Shawn Still (R–District 48, Norcross) touted legislation including the expansion of the state’s homestead exemption, school choice vouchers, mental health and increased monitoring of students who threaten violence at school.

Of the 5,000 bills drafted for the 2025 session, fewer than 400 passed both chambers and only eight have Kemp’s signature, Still said.

One of the highlights of the town hall was hearing from local students on the Fulton County Youth Commission, which engages local high schoolers in policies and legislation that impacts them directly.

Youth Commissioner Nathan Dsilva, a sophomore at Milton High School, played a pivotal role in the enactment of SB 351, which bans cellphone use by students in grades K-8.

Other local politicians attended the town hall, including Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry with City Council members Bob Erramilli and Larry DiBiase, and Roswell City council members Lee Hills and Christine Hall.

Thorne and Pitts honored Former District 1 Commissioner Lynne Riley with a proclamation for her years of service and contributions to the county and state government. Riley sports an extensive public service resume, including state treasurer, a term as a state representative and her collaboration with the Fulton Legislative Delegation in creating the cities of Sandy Springs, Johns Creek and Milton.

May 4 at 4 p.m. at Limelight Theater 349 Decatur St SE, Suite L, Alanta, Ga. 30312.

Tickets are available online, as well as at the box office prior to the performance.

To buy tickets in advance, visit authenticitytheater.org/tickets/.

— Sarah Coyne

dren could take a spin on the REI Pump Track.

Roswell was the first city in the state to be designated a Bike Friendly Community in 2006. The city has close to 106 miles of

bicycle accommodations, including 24.4 miles of marked, 4-foot bicycle lanes; 44.8 miles of bicycle shoulders from 2 to 4 feet wide; and 32.7 miles of paved shoulders from .5 to 2 feet wide.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 5, 2025 to consider the following item during the Alpharetta City Council Meeting and Public Hearing, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Alpharetta City Hall, located at 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. All Alpharetta residents and any interested persons are invited and encouraged to attend for public review and comment.

a. The Code of the City of Alpharetta, Georgia Text Amendments – Chapter 28, Occupational Licenses, Taxes and Regulations, Chapter 42, Article II, Insurer License Fees, and Chapter 42, Article III, Occupation Tax

Consideration of an ordinance proposing modifications to increase the annual license fee levied upon each insurer doing business within the City; to increase the occupation tax levied on certain businesses and practitioners of professions and occupations; to amend business registration requirements; to provide for enforcement; to provide penalties for violations; to repeal conflicting ordinances; and for other purposes.

TASTE OF ALPHARETTA ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE

4:00 AM THURSDAY, MAY 8, THROUGH 5:00 AM FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2025

On-street parking will be closed on the following streets May 8 at 4:00 AM. Vehicles left on the streets will be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense.

MILTON AVENUE

Completely closed from Hwy 9 to the 92 Milton Ave parking deck entrance.

OLD ROSWELL STREET

Completely closed.

OLD CANTON STREET

Closed to through traffic – hotel valet access only.

COMMERCE, MARKET, AND N & S BROAD STREET

Completely closed.

ROSWELL/CANTON STREET – road closure beginning at 7:30 AM

Completely closed from Old Milton Parkway to School Drive. Access to School Drive from Mayfield Road is only permitted for residents and event parking.

HWY 9 – road closure beginning at 10:00 AM until 1:00 AM

Completely closed from Academy Street to Old Milton Parkway.

For more information, visit www.tasteofalpharettaga.com

Vice President of Client Programs

NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Vice President of Client Programs position. The Vice President of Client Programs (VPCP) is a senior leader responsible for creating and implementing the Client Services department strategy for NFCC. This includes creating programs and services, monitoring their effectiveness and ensuring funds are distributed appropriately. The VPCP also leads a team of 13 client services staff who handle client intake, case management, impact and outcomes data, education (GED/English classes) and workforce development programs.

If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk III –Customer Service to assist in a high-volume call center. Requires high school diploma or equivalency, computer, communication, and general office skills. Requires one (1) year experience in a customer service call center or service-type organization, utility, finance, banking, or equivalent industry. Bilingual is preferred, fluent in English and Spanish (written and verbal).

Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours, to include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5PM, May 2, 2025. Apply online: www.sawnee. coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-8872363, extension 7568.

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

Orpine Inc has multiple openings in Alpharetta, GA, Software Developer ($127,504.00/yr): Dsgn, Rvew, Dvlop, Code, Prpre, Prfrm, Asist & Trck cntrl sftwre. Business Analyst ($87,672.00/yr): Wrk, Dcment, Rvew, Prfrm, Wrk, Asist, Provide & Prpre stgs of prjct. Business Intelligence Developer ($134,493.00/yr): Dsgn,, Dvlp, Crete, Build, Ovrse, Wrk, Prvide, Prfrm & Ensre data usd for analysis. Sr. Software Engineer ($149,760.00/yr): Dsign, Dvlop, Build, Rspnsible, Dsign, Take, Lead, Maintn, Artculte, Wrk, Prticpte & Rsolve post dplymnts. Sr. Software Developer ($149,760.00/yr): Dvlp, Rsolv, Maintn, Cnduct, Rserch, Trublsht, Prvde, Srve & Prvide efort estmtions. Network Engineer ($118,186.00/yr): Estblsh, Build, Trublesht, Estblsh, Maxmze, Updte, Colabrate, Scure & Acomplsh rsults as needed. Programmer Analyst ($129,272.00/yr): Crete, Write, Perfrm, Asist & Prepare projct progres. Computer Programmer ($127,504.00/y): Write, Colbrte, Implmnt, Crct, Dbug, Updte & Crete code libraries. All positions req trvl/ reloct to var unanticiptd client loc throughout U.S w/ expenses paid by emplyr. Standard Co. Bnfts offered. Mail res & position to, Dir., of Operations, Orpine Inc, 5865 North Point Parkway, Ste #250, Alpharetta, GA, 30022 or email immigration@orpine.com. EOE.

24 ON Physicians, PC seeks multiple FT Hospitalist Physicians (Alpharetta, GA). Render medical services in the medical specialty of Hospital Medicine. Must have M.D., D.O. or foreign equiv degree. Must be board certified or board eligible in Internal Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine. Must possess a GA Medical license or able to obtain. Subject to periodic transfers to various unanticipated locations in the US. Must have legal authority to work in US. EEOE. Resume to: C. Fann, 24 ON Physicians, PC, 13000 Deerfield Pkwy, Ste 100, Alpharetta, GA 30004 or cfann@incompasshealth.com. Ref: HospitalistNB31

Infor (US), LLC has an opening for an Architect in Alpharetta, GA. Position will lead the design and implementation of the company’s user interface architecture and collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and development teams to create seamless, responsive, and high-performing user interfaces. 100% Telecommuting permitted. How to apply: E-mail resume, referencing IN1055, including job history, to careers@infor.com. EOE.

Cavanna Packaging USA, Inc.– ElectroMechanical Field Service Technician (Duluth, GA): Provide mechanical assistance on customer installations, installation support and service. Perform mechanical warranty maintenance and after-warranty maintenance of existing equipment. Develop training material and conduct engineering training sessions at customer facilities as required. Telecommuting work permitted; Position may work in various unanticipated location throughout the U.S. Resume to: Cavanna Packaging USA, Inc, Attn: Barbara Headrick, 3400 Corporate Way, Suite F, Duluth, GA, 30096 or via email at b.headrick@ cavannagroup.com. Reference job # JS424174.

Infor (US), LLC has an opening for a Director, Science in Alpharetta, GA. Contribute to the development of highly automated, robust, reusable, explainable, and self-serviced AI solutions and integrate these into business processes. Telecommuting permitted 100%. How to apply: E-mail resume, referencing IN1049, including job history, to careers@infor.com. EOE.

Gutters

AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS Repaired and Installed. Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aarons-gutters.com. Senior citizen discount! 678-508-2432

Yard Sales

Neighborhood Garage Sale: Friday & Saturday May 2-3 8am - 3pm. We are selling furniture, household items, paintings, decor, small kitchen appliances, kitchen items, mulcher & weed eater, bicycles, small flatbed truck, collectible comic books and more! Come see us at the Oaks at White Columns subdivision at Freemanville and Oak Manor Way in Milton Georgia. Everything needs to go!

TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866- 433-8277

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189

Become a published author. We want to read your book!

Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405

Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 6/30/25.) Call 1-844-501-3208

Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833-399-3595

Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/ day! 1-844-591-7951

We buy houses for cash as is! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer & get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz