Roswell celebrates opening of turbojet engine facility
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Local policymakers and professionals got a glimpse into the new PBS Aerospace United States Headquarters Sept. 4 in Roswell.
Mayor Kurt Wilson and U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick were on hand to celebrate the grand opening of the new facility at 1350 Northmeadow Pkwy.
The $20 million investment will serve as an advanced manufacturing
facility for producing, assembling and testing jet engines for defense and civilian sectors. The small jet engines produced in Roswell will mainly be used for drones and cruise missiles.
The headquarters is expected to produce thousands of engines by early 2026 to meet U.S. Department of War demand. The company works in partnership with Lockheed Martin, which has a campus in Marietta.
See FACILITY, Page 24
PBS AEROSPACE/PROVIDED Roswell City Councilwoman Christine Hall tours the PBS Aerospace Headquarters at it’s ribbon cutting on Northmeadow Parkway Sept. 4.
Alpharetta remembers planner who helped guide its success
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Working behind the scenes of municipal government, Marie Lewis Garrett helped transform the once-sleepy cities of North Metro Atlanta into the bustling suburban metropolises of today.
“They are what they are in large part because of her and her experience,” her husband Steve Garrett said.
Marie Lewis Garrett died Aug. 10, 2024 after a long battle with breast cancer. The former city planner leaves behind her husband, three sons, sister, brother, three
grandchildren and a legacy of public service.
After obtaining a Master of Science from Georgia State University’s College of Public and Urban affairs in 1985, Garrett played a pivotal role as a city planner in numerous cities.
See GARRETT, Page 24
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Marie Lewis Garrett’s husband Steve Garrett, center, accepts a proclamation read by Mayor Jim Gilvin, left, and Steve Garrett Jr. right, during an Aug. 18 meeting.
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Family found dead in apparent murder-suicide
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Three family members were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide at a Johns Creek home Aug. 31.
Officers discovered James, 52; Myoung, 52; and Grace Choi, 15; deceased at 2108 Glen Castle Court about 4:14 p.m., the Johns Creek
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.
Mansell Road business reports theft of wiring
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — About $15,000 in wiring was reported stolen from a Mansell Road restaurant Aug. 27.
Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to the restaurant after a burglary was reported about 9 p.m.
A 41-year-old man and 27-yearold man who own the building told officers someone entered through the back door, cut wire and destroyed a power box.
A set of Milwaukee tools and one black glove appeared left behind from the theft, police said.
The building has no security cameras.
Officers took photographs and noted the rear door’s lock appeared bent.
Police connected the reported theft to an earlier call about someone finding copper wire in a shopping cart.
The incident was classified as a felony forced burglary of a business.
— Jon Wilcox
Roswell woman reports losing $94,000 in scam
ROSWELL, Ga. — A 71-year-old Roswell woman reported being scammed out of $94,000 Sept. 6 after she received text messages from someone claiming to be with the Federal Trade Commission.
An officer said he met with the victim at Roswell Police headquarters to discuss the fraud.
The victim said a caller told her she had outstanding felony charges and needed to convert her money
Police Department said. Police were dispatched to the family’s home to conduct a welfare check.
Police suspect James Choi was responsible for the killings.
“This tragic incident has deeply affected not only the family and neighbors, but our entire community,” said Chief of Police Mark J. Mitchell. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to those impacted and
into cryptocurrency at Bitcoin ATMs. It’s unclear whether the victim was charged with a crime.
The officer said the caller told the woman to stay on the phone, visit several gas stations and send money through phone applications.
In total, the victim said she made seven transactions, totaling $94,240, but one of them for $14,900 did not go through.
When the transaction failed, the woman said she told the caller, who then asked her to deposit two cashier checks, totaling $100,000, into her bank account.
The officer said the victim still had $60,000 in account but was unsure if an additional $40,000 was taken out on top of the $94,240 in confirmed receipts.
The woman also said she believes the suspect had her Social Security number, which she said she entered to complete one of the ATM transactions.
After reviewing the cryptocurrency ATM receipts, the officer said the recipient’s IP address and ID number were the same on each.
The officer notified the Criminal Investigations Division.
As of Sept. 8, there is no identified suspect.
— Hayden Sumlin
Suspect sought for theft of $1,000 worth of items
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — More than $1,000 in cologne was reported stolen from a North Point Parkway beauty store Aug. 30.
Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to the business about 6 p.m. after the theft was reported.
A 30-year-old manager said a man in his 20s stole the items Aug. 26.
A security camera video showed the man placing seven bottles of Gucci cologne into his jeans.
The bottles were valued at a total of $1,107.
The incident was classified as a
ask that the community keep them in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”
The deaths are thought to be an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety, police said.
The department declined to release additional information to preserve the integrity of their ongoing investigation and to respect family members.
felony theft by shoplifting over $500.
— Jon Wilcox
Roswell police arrest suspected pedophile
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police arrested 21-year-old Lorenzo Abarca of Ellenwood Sept. 3 on child sexual exploitation charges after he targeted multiple young teens online.
The department’s Sept. 6 announcement says additional charges are expected as more victims are identified. As the case progressed, investigators identified at least four more victims in Roswell.
Police said the investigation began in August after a juvenile disclosed a sexual assault to a mandated reporter, who promptly notified the department.
Investigators learned that the victim initially connected with Abarca through Snapchat before being sexually abused.
All known victims had also connected with Abarca through Snapchat and were sexually exploited online, with some also being physically abused, the report says.
A forensic analysis of the victim’s phone provided evidence of additional online victimization and exploitation by Abarca, police said.
In addition, the victims were provided with drugs and alcohol by Abarca.
Officers arrested Abarca on charges of obscene internet contact with a child, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor and sodomy.
The report says warrants are pending for the additional victims who have been identified, and investigators believe there may still be more victims.
The Roswell community expressed gratitude for law enforcement on Facebook.
Roswell Police confirmed Abarca is an American citizen.
— Hayden Sumlin
Roswell begins steps to adopt 2025 tax rate
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell City Council took its first step Sept. 8 toward adopting its property tax rate for 2025.
The city is proposing a millage rate of 4.949 mills. The rate is made up of two components: 4.049 for the city’s Maintenance and Operations portion and .900 for the Debt Service portion.
The Maintenance and Operations portion funds basic city services like public safety and parks, while the Debt Service portion funds the repayment of voter-approved, bonded debt.
“We have the second lowest operations rate amongst the six cities of North Fulton,” Chief Financial Officer Bill Godshall said.
Each mill represents a tax liability $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The proposed property for a fair market value home of $550,000 will pay around $1,088 in property tax to the city. Approximately $198 of the property tax paid to the city will go toward debt service for the bond program.
Those with exemptions, including the floating homestead exemption, senior homestead exemptions and disabled veteran exemption, will reduce taxes according to Godshall.
The city will hold two more public hearings for the millage rate, on Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. and Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at the City Hall.
In other matters, the City Council gave approval to for city staff to close on the Hill Street Land Exchange agreement. The city will exchange 1.3 acres of city-owned land located for 1.3 acres on the corner of Hill Street and Ga. 9.
The exchange is a part of the Hill Street mixed-use project, which project developer Atlantic Companies has said will include around 80,000 square feet
of commercial space, up to 143 multifamily apartments, up to 16 townhomes and a 300-space parking deck.
“This project as a whole is a fantastic project,” City Councilman
William Morthland said.
In related matters, the City Council approved the issuance of Downtown Development Authority Revenue Bonds to finance the Hill Street Parking deck.
The resolution allows the bond to be approved in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $25 million.
The parking deck will sit at the new future mixed-use project.
In other matters, the City Council proclaimed September as 2025 Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. During the proclamation, the City Council members honored the
organization Mighty Millie. In honor of Millie Mracek, the nonprofit works to spread awareness of childhood cancer and the need for more funding and research, while supporting families in Roswell affected by childhood cancer, in honor and in memory of the children who have or are courageously battling the disease.
To learn more, visit mightymillie.org.
THE PICTURE FRAMER
SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA
The Roswell City Council honors United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Monica Graham with the Esteemed Veteran of Roswell Award at the Sept. 8 regular meeting in City Hall.
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Alpharetta relaunches effort to establish North Point TAD
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A tax allocation district could be the key to redefining the struggling North Point Mall area, but the plan may hinge on the participation of the county school district.
At its Sept. 8 meeting, the Alpharetta City Council considered the results of a study examining property values, district boundaries and projected revenues from a tax district anchored by the mall, which has seen steeply declining property values in recent years.
Over 25 years, the plan would generate about $390 million with full participation from the Fulton County School District but only $174 million without it.
“We will approach them and let them look at the numbers and make thoughtful decisions,” Mayor Jim Gilvin said. “Because it’s not in the school board’s best interest to just walk away and let that whole corridor die.”
A tax allocation district is not a tax or a tax increase. It redirects a share of future tax payments to a separate account.
To maximize redevelopment, funds should be primarily used as direct incentives to developers, said Gary Mongeon, consultant with KB Advisory Group, which conducted the study.
The proposal is the most recent in a series of efforts to invigorate the area, which has struggled over the past decade.
Opened in 1993, North Point Mall was once a premier shopping and dining destination but has suffered economic setbacks with the openings of mega mixed-use developments like Avalon and Alpharetta City Center.
In 2019, the council enacted a tax allocation district for the area, but it was dissolved in 2023.
City staff said previously the tax district failed to generate enough revenue to finance projects, leading to the dissolution. It generated $105,670 for redevelopment, which was committed to improvements within the district.
The 2019 tax district was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gilvin said. It included 138 parcels covering 898 acres including and around North Point Mall.
See EFFORT, Page 24
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
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Opened: July 2025
Address: 11266 State Bridge Road, Suite 300, Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: 678-404-7555
Web Address: https:// concepthomerugs.com/ Email: ebrahim@concepthomerugs. com
BRIAN HUDES, owner, Big Creek Bees
8 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | September 11, 2025
Buzz-ness teaches newcomers about beekeeping
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — They produce a nutritious food from flower nectar. Their sound may have a calming effect on the mind. They play a vital role in the natural environment.
And they are surprisingly low maintenance, said Brian Hudes, owner of Big Creek Bees in Forsyth County.
“Bees are very resilient,” Hudes said. “If you don't bother them, for the most part, they don't really care about you.”
Bees may be the perfect neighbor, and Hudes’ business aims to make their care even easier. He sells everything amateur and veteran beekeepers need to care for the insects. He also provides a concierge service, installing and caring for bees to anyone willing to host them.
“You will produce so much honey for yourself and your friends that they'll all get tired of getting all your honey,” he said.
Hudes, who grew up in the suburbs of Long Island, may be a relative newcomer to the art of beekeeping, but he has learned fast. The gastroenterologist decided to start his business to exercise his problem-solving skills while working with living things.
“To me, beekeeping was another patient, another sort of spectrum of treatments. It's right in my wheelhouse,” Hudes said. “It just feels good taking care of the bees. Plus, it's fun.”
He also likes the idea of leaving the planet in a better place than he found it.
An important insect
Bees have been around for about 130 million years, forming an essential part of the evolutionary development of 400,000 species of flowering plants, the World Wildlife Fund said.
About a third of the world’s food production relies on bees’ ability to transport pollen from one flower to another, the United Nations Environment Programme said.
Unfortunately, bee populations are
in a precarious place.
An extensive study found between June 2024 and January 2025 that about 62 percent of commercial bee colonies in the U.S. died, marking the largest die-off on record, according to an extensive survey, the Apiary Inspectors of America said. It followed a 55 percent die-off from the previous winter.
Pesticides play a significant role in the troubling population decline.
Bees can travel up to 5-6 miles a day in search of food. During those travels, they can easily pick up pesticides from yards and fields, transport-
ing them back to the hive.
“They come back, and they mix in with the other bees, and then all of a sudden, your bees die,” Hudes said.
It’s an easily overlooked tragedy, especially when considering how much bees have to offer humans.
Programs such as Virginia’s HIVES, or Honeybee Initiative for Veterans Empowerment and Support, are exploring the practice of beekeeping to help veterans manage their PTSD, anxiety and depression. Scientific studies suggest the sound of buzzing bees may have a calming effect, potentially easing symptoms of anxious thinking.
Hudes said he has witnessed that healing effect firsthand.
“It’s very calming,” he said.
The sting that heals Bee stings, although relatively rare, also have been shown to have healing properties.
Studies have shown bee venom and honey are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, according to a 2023 scientific paper.
Big Creek Bees may soon relocate its brick-and-mortar location at 5695 Ga. 400 near Cumming, but it also operates an online store. The business sells everything would-be beekeepers need to host bees.
See BEES, Page 9
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BRIAN HUDES/PROVIDED
Brian Hudes, owner of Big Creek Bees, stands in a south Georgia field that is home to dozens of bee hives.
Bees:
Continued from Page 8
Hudes said he wants to connect with residents who would be willing to allow him to relocate somewhere on Ga. 400 between Alpharetta and Coal Mountain.
Hudes is particularly proud of his beehive boxes and frames fashioned out of wood double dipped in wax and pieced together with dovetail joints. The result is a structure that repeatedly withstands temperature and moisture swings.
Hudes also sells bee food, smokers and other tools and protective suits, which often are unnecessary given bees’ surprisingly docile nature.
“A lot of beekeepers don't even wear bee suits or gloves,” Hudes said. “You'll see the bees crawling all over them.”
Hands-on help
For those looking for an even more hands-off experience, Hudes is willing to install bee hives on properties and care for them. He splits the honey with the host.
Beekeeping enjoys enormous protections in Georgia. State law prohibits cities and counties from banning beekeeping, although it allows municipalities to regulate the practice through zoning ordinances.
Suburban beekeeping is hardly a fantasy considering the number of flowers in subdivisions and urban environments, Hudes said. A hives’ tens of thousands of bees can cover up to 80 square miles in search of food, navigating with landmarks, the sun and internal vectoring.
“Any of these fancy, upscale subdivisions, they have a lot of flowers,” Hudes said. “The bees are very happy with that.”
Hudes said his journey into the world of bees may only be about a year old, but already he has found incredible satisfaction and numerous benefits in his newfound fascination.
Beekeeping may seem difficult to learn and hard to keep up with, but Hudes promises it is actually far easier and more rewarding than many realize.
“That's why people spend all day in their beehives,” he said. “Because it becomes almost addicting.”
For more information about Big Creek Bees or to make a purchase, visit bigcreekbees.com.
The business maintains a storefront at 5695 Ga. 400 near Cumming but is looking to relocate somewhere on the state highway between Alpharetta and Coal Mountain.
Cumming Eye Clinic / North Fulton Eye Center
Dr. Lauren (Lexie) Snellings is a comprehensive Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon who trained at Emory University Hospital and is accepting new patients at both our Cumming and Roswell locations. Dr. Snellings treats chronic eye diseases as well as acute eye complaints and performs cataract surgery.
| 770-475-0123
North Fulton Eye Center 1355 Hembree Rd. Roswell, GA 30076
Dr. Lauren (Lexie) Snellings
Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist
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BEST
Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.
He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.
Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 22 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.
Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.
Does testosterone make melanomas more aggressive?
Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is more common in men than women. That raises the question: does testosterone fuel melanoma? Is estrogen protective? Or are behavioral differences the real factor?
The answer is more complicated. Women actually develop slightly more melanomas than men until their late 40s. Then, around age 50, male incidence soars. By age 80, men develop three times as many melanomas as women.
If testosterone were causing melanomas and estrogen were protective, we would expect the opposite trend: higher rates in young men, then narrowing differences as testosterone declines with age. Instead, women lead in youth— when men’s testosterone is highest.
The tanning bed effect
One explanation may lie in tanning salons. Roughly 75% of tanning bed users are women, most aged 16 to 29. Tanning bed use increases melanoma risk by about 75%. “Heavy users”—with more than 100 sessions—face a 150–200% higher risk. One study even estimated a nearly 2% higher melanoma risk per tanning session per year.
Because women use tanning beds far more often than men, this may explain why women develop more melanomas before age 50. But it does not explain why men overtake women so dramatically afterward.
Sun and biology
Studies suggest men generally experience more outdoor sun exposure than women. Still, that alone doesn’t account for the gap.
Biology likely plays a role. Estrogen tends to strengthen the immune system, while testosterone suppresses parts of it. T cells—critical in fighting viruses and cancer—are more adversely affected by testosterone than B cells. That difference could make men more vulnerable.
Chromosomes and cancer
Sex differences extend beyond hormones. Women have two X chromosomes, men an X and a Y. The X chromosome contains more tumor-suppressing genes. In effect, women often have a genetic “backup” that men lack.
Other cancers show a similar pattern.
Colon cancer is 33% more common in men. Leukemia is 37% more common. In the U.S., melanoma is about 36% more common in men than in women.
Clinical impact
What does this mean for patients?
I recently had a patient with a history of skin cancer—though not melanoma—ask if he should continue testosterone therapy.
A large Medicare study found that men who had taken supplemental testosterone were about 70% more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma. But the study could not control for other factors such as sun exposure or tanning bed use. Were testosterone users simply spending more time outdoors? How much of the risk came from the hormone itself?
Research also shows that men with metastatic melanoma and high testosterone levels tend to do worse. Whether testosterone supplementation should be avoided in men with only localized melanoma or other skin cancers is controversial. A patient might harbor undetectable metastatic melanoma, and supplemental testosterone could accelerate its growth.
Patient choice
In this country, patient freedom is paramount. The physician’s role is often to present the data and allow the patient to decide.
Some patients want to maximize life expectancy. Others balance quality and quantity of life. For some, the energy and mood benefits of testosterone may outweigh uncertain cancer risks. For others, minimizing risk comes first.
Based on current literature, the right answer is patient-specific.
The bottom line
Testosterone may contribute to worse outcomes in advanced melanoma, and supplementation could raise melanoma risk. But the evidence is not definitive. What is clear is that prevention and early detection matter most. Avoiding tanning beds, protecting your skin from UV exposure, and getting regular dermatology exams remain the best ways to lower melanoma risk.
For someone with a history of melanoma, testosterone supplementation is likely contraindicated. For others, the decision comes down to preference, risk tolerance, and weighing likely quality of life benefits against poorly defined quantity of life concerns.
Dr. Brent Taylor
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Keeping your balance with fall prevention
September is National Falls Prevention and Awareness Month, an often underrated issue that is extremely important for you or your older loved one. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans, with over 2.8 million emergency room visits annually. The National Commission On Aging (NCOA) reports that every 11 seconds an older adult is seen in an emergency room for a fall, and one in four seniors fall each year. Every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall.
Many of these falls result in serious injuries such as hip fractures, broken bones, and head injuries, which can have lasting consequences on independence and quality of life. More than 70% of all falls happen in the home, with bathrooms and bedrooms accounting for 80% of these incidents - highlighting the need to be proactive.
Be attentive to early warning signs in older loved ones, such as frequently holding onto chairs or walls while walking, struggling to rise from a seated position without support, or exhibiting muscle weakness. These behaviors can signal underlying balance or mobility challenges. Additional risk factors include adverse effects from multiple medications, vision issues, and problems with gait or dizziness from chronic health issues.
Often, the place that feels safest— one’s longtime home—can present hid-
den dangers. Clutter, poorly arranged furniture, inadequate lighting, throw rugs and uneven stairs can all contribute to falls. Simple home modifications like grab bars, shower chairs, improved lighting and addressing health concerns can make a significant difference in reducing these risks.
A skilled, heart-centered Home Helpers caregiver can play a vital role in fall prevention. Caregivers can assist with bathing and grooming—two activities of daily living that present significant hazards, especially in slippery bathrooms. Their expertise helps minimize risks, ensuring these tasks are performed safely. They assist with all personal care, help around the house, can accompany you on doctor’s visits and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s support.
A dedicated caregiver can also provide support after a stroke, surgery or extended hospital stay. Encouraging balance and therapy exercises prescribed to improve strength and stability with consistent follow-up is essential for recovery and preserving mobility. For those in assisted living communities who become high fall risks, in-home care can make all the difference. With personalized care plans to meet individual needs, an older loved one can continue living in the community they love.
For a free consultation and exceptional care management from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 and live-in care, please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.
Roswell Dental Care now offers genetic testing!
Brought
to
you by – Dr. Destinee Hood, Roswell Dental Care
So, you may be asking why having genetic information is so important for your dentist. With this information, the clinician will be able to create a more personalized risk assessment for cavities and periodontal disease. For example, how is the patient’s genetics contributing to the severity of disease? How will the patient respond to treatment? And how susceptible is the patient to relapse? As healthcare is going towards “precision medicine,” which looks at the genetics, environment, and lifestyle of a person to select treatment that could work best for them, we can now provide even further personalized dental health care.
Understanding saliva testing
Saliva is a vital fluid produced by the salivary glands, playing a key role in digestion, oral hygiene, and overall health. It contains a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, electrolytes, and microorganisms. This composition makes saliva a valuable diagnostic tool. Saliva testing involves analyzing these components to gain insights into a patient’s health status. In our office, we utilize OralDNA® Labs. These saliva tests can identify the specific type and concentration of 11 disease-causing bacteria as well as identify your interleukin-6 (IL6) genotype, which is a crucial factor in promoting the inflammation pathway in the body. Information from these tests detect risk for disease, guide strategies for maintaining health, offer more accurate diagnosis, and guide treatment choices for a wide variety of conditions.”
Systemic effects of oral bacteria
tection of periodontal infection and proactive management to reduce bacterial loads can improve blood sugar control and lessen complications of diabetes and the consequence of periodontitis.
Health during pregnancy
The oral microbiota changes when women become pregnant, and levels of periodontal pathogens increase. During pregnancy, there is a marked risk of infection of the maternal blood and the placenta, which leads to an increase in preterm labor, lower birth weight and even the chance of fetal loss due specifically to the bacteria
Development of cancer & risk of progression
Advanced periodontal disease is associated with a 2.5-fold increase in smokingrelated cancers. People with elevated levels of certain periodontal pathogens have a greater chance of breast cancer recurrence or failed response to treatment. Several recent studies show that these pathogens can be identified within the primary cancer cells from colonic tumors and are carried to metastatic sites involving regional lymph nodes. This is a newly observed phenomenon that will affect how cancer treatment protocols will be developed in the future.
Joint & Musculoskeletal health
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These bacteria, especially at high levels, and in combination with an individual's genetic inflammatory response, result in bad breath, painful bleeding gums, loss of bone, and eventually tooth loss. The consequences of these same bacteria, present for years and decades, add significantly to the risk of a wide range of life-threatening diseases beyond the mouth. Below are some of those diseases and the measurable risk of those diseases becoming serious if these oral pathogens are not treated.
Cardiovascular disease
Periodontal bacteria contribute to the initiation, progression, and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. There is also over a 2-fold increase in the risk of stroke and peripheral vascular disease. The plaque in your mouth is the same as plaque in your heart!
Metabolic health and diabetes
Elevated levels of periodontal bacteria can directly cause hyperglycemia. Early de-
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition. There was a significantly increased risk of periodontitis in people with RA compared to healthy controls. Importantly, the bacteria are typically found before the onset of symptoms, so the reduction of bacterial load may reduce symptoms and improve prognosis of arthritis.
Dementia and brain health
There is now evidence that certain periodontal pathogens present in brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid may be involved in producing the abnormal proteins characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, the direct effects of those oral bacteria to cause atherosclerosis in the vessels within the brain impart significant risk for stroke and vascular types of dementia. The plaque in your mouth is the same as plaque in your brain!
Dr. Destinee Hood is excited to provide this service to her patients. Our entire team at Roswell Dental Care creates a caring, judgement-free environment to help educate and empower you to become your best self! We take the time to listen to you, hear you, and guide you! Knowledge is power! Call and make your appointment today at 770-998-6736 or visit www.Roswell dentalcare.com.
Destinee Hood
Exercise fights cancer
Did you know that exercise is a powerful anticancer tool? Research has found that exercise reduces the growth and division of cancer cells and stimulates cancer cell death. Exercise has even been shown to improve immune system function as well.
Whether you have cancer or are trying to prevent it, the best time to start exercising is now. People who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing cancer and tend to have better treatment outcomes if they do get cancer.
Even if you have cancer and have not been participating in an exercise regimen, research tells us that you will benefit from starting an exercise
program now. In addition to improving treatment outcomes, exercise also helps with fatigue, depression, anxiety, and even sleep.
The good news is that you only need to exercise 30 minutes a day, three times a week, to derive these benefits. An activity such as a brisk walk is perfect, at a pace which allows you to talk but not sing. Resistance training also has many benefits.
As always, please get approval from your doctor before embarking on a new exercise regimen. Choose an activity you enjoy, and make it a regular part of your life. You’ll be glad you did!
Brought to you by - Jonathan Stegall, MD
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Straight teeth without braces
We all remember when straighter teeth meant metal braces. You could have straight teeth. You just had to have metal bands, brackets, and wires on your teeth for 18-24 months. We all loved the results; we just didn’t like the process we had to go through.
Technology has come a long way over the last few years. The Atlanta Center for Dental Health offers Invisalign to all their patients. Invisalign is a revolutionary new way to straighten your teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for your teeth and gradually move them into a straighter, better position, and better bite to improve your appearance, comfort with chewing, the longevity of the teeth, and overall health.
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is almost invisible, so you don’t have to worry about your smile being altered by metal brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are a comfortable way to move the teeth and improve your appearance, bite, and health. Invisalign is much more comfortable to wear than metal braces and can be removed when eating and brushing your teeth.
Having straight teeth is more than just a cosmetic consideration, it’s also important for your oral health. When your teeth are misaligned, it can cause overcrowding, which can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Invisalign can help correct your bite and alignment issues, reducing your risk for these oral health problems.
Invisalign can also help improve your appearance. Straighter teeth can make you look and feel more attractive. When teeth are straight and properly aligned,
it can make your smile look brighter and healthier. It can also help with speech and chewing problems that can be caused by crooked teeth. Invisalign is more convenient than traditional braces. You don’t have to worry about frequent trips to the dentist for adjustments, and you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your braces.
Invisalign is typically much faster than traditional braces, so you can enjoy your new, straighter smile in a matter of months instead of years. Overall, Invisalign is an excellent way to straighten your teeth and
improve your oral health. It’s comfortable, convenient, and nearly invisible, so you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile without the discomfort and hassle of traditional braces. If you’re considering straightening your teeth, Invisalign is worth considering. Nearly everyone is a candidate for Invisalign. You are invited to call or stop by for more information or a complimentary consultation and smile outcome simulation.
Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health are dedicated to your health and longevity. We provide all the modern advances that contemporary aesthetic dentistry offers. You will realize immediate results with noninvasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile restoring options, please call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health at 770-992-2236. Dr. Bradley Hepler has spent many hours dedicated to perfecting and updating the latest and best techniques in dentistry. It is with this breadth of knowledge that he provides each patient with the perfect solution for their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.
PROVIDED
Building ‘We-ness’: Fostering Partnership in Your Relationship
Brought to you by - Will Goodwin, M.A
One of the strongest indicators of relationship satisfaction and resilience is what researchers call we-ness — a sense of shared identity, partnership, and emotional connection. Couples who cultivate this sense of togetherness tend to weather life’s inevitable challenges with greater ease and maintain deeper emotional bonds over time. But how do you actually grow this “we” in the daily grind of a long-term relationship?
1. Prioritize shared meaning
The Gottman Institute emphasizes the importance of building shared meaning — the rituals, values, and goals that define your relationship. This could be as simple as weekly coffee dates, celebrating milestones, or aligning on family traditions. These shared experiences reinforce the sense that you’re building a life together, not just coexisting.
2. Communicate as a team
Adopt language that reflects partnership. Saying “We need to tackle this” instead of “You have to fix this” fosters unity. Regularly check in about both practical matters and emotional needs to stay aligned.
3. Celebrate wins and face challenges together
Couples with strong we-ness don’t just stick together during tough times; they actively celebrate small victories and express gratitude for each other. Facing challenges as a team — even the minor day-to-day ones — builds confidence in your partnership.
4. Maintain individuality while prioritizing connection
We-ness isn’t about losing yourself; it’s about blending individuality with partnership. Support each other’s personal growth while keeping your relationship a central, nurtured space.
5. Cultivate shared enjoyment
While there is much in life that requires us to maintain a certain level of seriousness, deep bonds between people are often formed and strengthened within the realm of pleasure and enjoyment in life. So whether it is a common hobby, a shared sense of humor, or a mutual topic of interest, investing in the experience of enjoyment as a couple can meaningfully contribute to your sense of we-ness in your relationship. In the end, growing we-ness is an intentional practice. With small, consistent efforts, couples can deepen their bond, creating a partnership that feels connected, resilient, and truly shared.
Out of sight, still a threat: What we forget about prostate cancer
Brought to you by –Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller
Five years ago, you probably had hand sanitizer in your car, a thermometer in your bag and a mental checklist for every sniffle. That was life during COVID. But these days? It’s easy to forget what once felt urgent.
The same thing happens with men’s health—especially prostate cancer. For a brief moment, maybe after a friend was diagnosed or during a Movember campaign, it’s top-ofmind. But if nothing seems wrong, it quickly slips to the back burner.
That’s a problem—because prostate cancer doesn’t wait until you’re ready.
At Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, we see too many men
surprised by late diagnoses. Why? Because they felt fine. Because they had no symptoms. Because they believed some version of the same three myths:
• “Prostate cancer doesn’t kill men.” Actually, it’s the second leading cause of cancer death in men. When caught early, it’s highly treatable. But when ignored, it’s dangerous.
• “I don’t have symptoms, so I’m good.”
Most early-stage prostate cancers are completely silent. No pain, no urinary issues, no warning. That’s why screening matters
• “Testing leads to side effects.”
Screening doesn’t mean treatment. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is a simple tool that helps guide the next steps. Many men with slowgrowing cancers don’t need surgery— just monitoring. For those who do need treatment, options are far more
Men’s Health Reminder Checklist
•Over 50? Ask about PSA screening.
•Black men or those with a family history? Start the conversation even earlier, when you’re 45 if you’re Black, and 40 if you have a family history.
•Already tested? Know your number and track changes over time.
•Don’t wait for symptoms. They often come late.
•Have questions? Ask. Your health is worth it.
precise and less invasive than they used to be.
Still, fear or discomfort around the prostate keeps many men from checking in until it’s too late. We get it. It’s not the most glamorous part of the body—but it’s vital. Think of it this way: you’d never
ignore a lump on your neck or blood in your stool. Why ignore the most common cancer in men (besides skin cancer) just because it’s not visible? Our team at Wellstar makes prostate cancer screening simple, discreet and personalized. We’re here to talk through your family history, explain your risks and offer guidance without pressure. Whether it’s time for a PSA test, a digital exam or just a conversation, we meet you where you are.
Remember: ignoring prostate cancer doesn’t make it go away. It just makes it harder to treat. Learn more about prostate cancer care at wellstar. org/prostatecancer.
Ready to take action? Visit wellstar.org/urology to find a location near you and book your appointment online. What’s out of sight shouldn’t be out of mind. Learn more about cancer care at wellstar. org/northfultoncancercare.
MILLER
At Wellstar, you'll find a multidisciplinary team of cancer care experts built around your needs and dedicated to comprehensive, personalized treatment.
We are a leader in cancer care, embracing innovation to improve patient outcomes. Our cancer specialists will help you understand the type of prostate cancer you have and every option to move forward, from active surveillance to leading-edge treatments such as radiation therapies and robotic prostate removal procedures. We also offer genetic testing, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and clinical trials that offer promising treatment. wellstar.org/prostatecancer
answers in line 1 are 6, 4 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!
MONSTER MASH
1. Comrade in arms. Exploding star. Scandinavian sea monster.
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!
Collection Point: Post Parking Lot - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All latex & oil based paints accepted regardless of size. For donation details visit: www.legion201.org
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Fulton County delays Elections Board appointments
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted along party lines Sept. 3 to “table” a vote on the Republican Party’s nominees to the Registration and Elections Board until a state Appellate Court ruling.
The decision at the end of the board’s first September meeting came after a lengthy executive session, which commissioners held after seeking the county attorney’s guidance on how to proceed after an Aug. 29 court ruling.
Commissioners voted unanimously on executive session items, including a $90,000 contract in support of compliance with the consent decree pertaining to the Fulton County Jail.
Executive sessions are closed to public and media.
In late August, a State Superior Court judge found the Board of Commissioners in civil contempt and imposed a $10,000 per day fine, unless Republican nominees are appointed to the County Elections Board. The judge ruled county commissioners must appoint Elections Board nominees submitted by the Republican Party’s executive officer.
Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts
said the county will begin paying daily fines when the state Appellate Court takes up the case, which could be another three months.
Right before the motion to table passed, Pitts said he wants everyone to understand the motion to table was “until the Appellate Court rules.”
In the court order, Senior Judge David Emerson wrote “local legislation does not include language authorizing the Commission to veto the selection of any qualified nominee,” and that the Commission “shall” appoint the nominees submitted by the party’s executive officer if they are otherwise qualified.
“As was recently the argument by the defendant Fulton County in Adams v. Fulton County, [Julie] Adams had a mandatory duty to certify election results because of the word ‘shall’ is ‘generally a word of command,’” the judge wrote.
The Fulton County Republican Party’s nominees are Julie Adams, a sitting member of the Registration and Elections Board, and twice-nominated Adam Frazier.
In Adams elections results lawsuit, she was required to certify the 2024 primary results after a court ruling. Frazier has also sued the Fulton
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County Registration and Elections Board, but he withdrew the suit last year after alleging violations of state and federal law for failing to remove ineligible voters in a timely manner.
To open the discussion, Pitts said he thinks a lot of what is happening is because of President Donald Trump and his administration, while acknowledging the legal fight’s potential cost to taxpayers.
“I think we can all agree that we are a nation of laws, but we’re at a moment in history in which even the president of United States himself has set the tone that if a judge or if a court issues a ruling that he disagrees with, he just ignores it and does what he wants to do,” Pitts said. “I make my own decisions; I do my research and use my best judgment in terms of what I believe is in the best interest of the people of Fulton County.”
Pitts said the issue should be resolved in court, and he laid out three options for commissioners: vote to deny the nominees, appoint them or table the decision.
“There are two names before us that we’ve rejected in the past, and I voted to reject them in the past,” he said. “We are stuck with Julie Adams, I don’t think there can be any disagreement about that until such time as the Republican Party, even though her term has expired, she’s going to be on that board until such time as she is replaced.”
District 2 County Commissioner Bob Ellis, a Republican first elected in 2014, said it’s no surprise that Republicans and Democrats disagree on election policy. Ellis said he would approve the appointments if they were put to a vote.
“The law as I read it, and as a judge has interpreted it and ruled on it, was that we had an obligation to review the criteria of the people you know, that were put up for nomination, the very specific criteria,” Ellis said. “If those were met, then we had an obligation to ratify those, and up until that point in time that had been our practice…”
He said that he recalled prior times when Elections Board appointments had been ratified on the consent agenda, with no fanfare.
According to Georgia law, nominees to the county election board must be a resident of Fulton County, a registered voter in the state and not seek or hold elected office.
Other county commissioners had vastly different perspectives on the Republican Party’s proposed nominees, reflecting hardline partisan disagreements common in American politics.
A group of state Democratic
lawmakers sent a letter before the meeting that urged the five commissioners in their party to block the GOP appointments, alleging a conspiracy that the nominees seek to undermine elections and voter confidence.
District 4 County Commissioner Mo Ivory said the Republican Party’s nominees are a part of a broader national conspiracy to disenfranchise their political opponents and repeal the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
“Just believe they’ll do exactly what they said they would do because they are … Bye-bye to the Voting Rights Act because that’s what this is about,” Ivory said. “You should be concerned about what’s going to happen when everybody gets in the voting booth in ’26, because it’s being worked on right now, in front of your face, and when someone shows you who they are, believe them. Our residents deserve appointees who are unquestionably committed to fairness, transparency and ethical standards in election administration.”
District 1 County Commissioner Bridget Thorne, who also spoke in favor of appointing the Republican nominees, said the county party did not have the funds to fight against the Board’s first rejection of Frazier’s nomination in 2023.
“Now … the Republican National Committee is paying, so they’re ready to fight all the way down the appeal process, all the way we want to go,” Thorne said. “I feel like it’s a fake controversy, just trying to drum up a fake thing that these people are somehow going to ‘bye, bye’ to your Voting Rights Act. You’re not going to be able to vote anymore … It’s so ridiculous.”
Thorne said she would hold Frazier and Adams accountable if they “did anything that was illegal or harmful or falsely removed anybody.”
“Nobody wants to deny anybody’s vote. We’re all up here. We all want fair, independent, accountable and transparent elections.” Thorne said. “That’s what was stated that you guys want. [The] Republican Party wants the exact same thing.”
Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon said he will seek to hold Democrats on the Board of Commissioners accountable to the law.
“Even by today’s standards, the extent of the continuing hypocrisy required to refuse to comply with the plain language of Georgia law and an order of a Superior Court judge is breathtaking,” McKoon said. “I never want to hear any of these Democrats breathe a word about respect for the rule of law again.”
Rotary Club thanks nurses with free lunches
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Nurses are the glue that holds healthcare together, said members of the Rotary Club of North Fulton.
On Aug. 19, the club decided the least it could do was give them a free lunch.
Rotary Club members said thanks by visiting Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center in Alpharetta and Emory Johns Creek Hospital.
Members Steve Cory, Richard Matherly and others donated packages that included cookies, granola bars, trail mix and sandwiches.
“I asked some nurses, ‘What's the hardest thing for you guys? How can we show our appreciation?’” Cory said. “They said, ‘Boy, you know, grabbing lunch is always a challenge for us.’”
The visits were the latest in an ongoing cardiac health endeavor that has included providing automated external defibrillators to the community and teaching residents how to save lives in the event of a heart emergency.
Come Sept. 20, the Rotary Club’s
hundreds of people who sign up to attend a class,” Cory said.
During a cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly and unexpectedly loses function.
If lifesaving action starts within the first few minutes, survival rates can be as high as 90 percent. Without immediate intervention, the chance of survival decreases by about 10 percent each minute.
More than 350,000 people suffer cardiac arrests outside the hospital each year in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association.
Matherly, an Alpharetta resident, was one of those people.
In 2024, he suffered a cardiac arrest while playing tennis.
“I picked up a ball, and I started walking off the court, and I said, ‘Give me a minute,’” he said previously. “And I collapsed just like a ton of bricks, right down. That is all I remember.”
classes at local fire departments and hospitals like Wellstar’s will have taught their 1,000th community member, Cory said. The classes, at least one of which was taught in
2025-2026 SEASON
Spanish, demonstrate the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators among other techniques.
“We couldn't do it without the
During his Aug. 19 visit, Matherly had the chance to thank the nurses who were present after he was rushed to the hospital.
“They hadn't seen him since,” Cory said. ”He was able to say, ‘Thank you for saving my life.’ It was amazing.”
ROTARY CLUB OF NORTH FULTON/PROVIDED
Rotary Club member Richard Matherly, left, speaks with local nurses after delivering lunches to Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center Aug. 19. Matherly was admitted to the hospital in 2024 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Georgia feeling fallout from economic anxiety
ATLANTA — Georgia is enduring its share of fallout from federal layoffs and spending cuts, less tourism from abroad to a pullback in film and TV spending by big Hollywood studios.
But the state’s multifaceted economy is also benefiting from a boom in data center construction, continued in-migration of retirees, and an expected boost to the aerospace industry due to European NATO nations pledging to boost defense spending in coming years, according to Rajeev
Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business.
Dhawan delivered the semiannual forecast during his Aug. 28 conference.
Job additions in calendar year 2024 totaled 41,900, much lower than the 66,800 jobs added in 2023. This pace was incidentally half of the rate of job creation seen from 2017 to 2019. In the first half of 2025 the state added only 11,700 jobs.
The biggest reason for this sharp
slowdown and anemic job growth performance, Dhawan said, is the stress seen in the white-collar, middlemanagement, service-sector jobs that are battling AI advances, iffy world economic growth, and the changing focus of film-and-television production, where notably Marvel Studios has pulled up stakes for London. Revenue growth in the first half of 2025 for Delta Air Lines, the state’s largest private employer with a big footprint in international travel,
NOTICE
was an anemic 1.0 percent, with coach ticket sales dropping by 3.6 percent. “The bread-and-butter of middle-class jobs in three well-paying service sectors — corporate, information technology (including specialized movie production) and wholesale (B2B) — constitute almost one-fourth of the state’s employment base and have lost more than 37,000 jobs since Jan. 2023,” Dhawan said.
See ECONOMY, Page 23
The City of Roswell Mayor and Council does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at meetings to be held at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, Georgia 30075 on September 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM, September 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM, and September 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year’s tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.
Economy:
Continued from Page 22
Following Dhawan’s “Triangle of Money” logic, the impact of anemic job growth in high-paying service sectors that affects consumer spending is also evident in the rate of growth for sales tax collections at the state level. These collections grew at a solid double-digit level in 2022 but have since fallen to low single-digit levels. Turning to positives in the state’s multifaceted economy, a data center construction boom initiated by technology giants has created an arms race in AI computing. With Georgia having surpassed Northern Virginia as the nation’s most active market for data centers, Dhawan noted that the data center boom has expanded beyond metro Atlanta to locations including Bartow and Richmond counties (home to Cartersville and
Augusta, respectively) in the search for cheap land and energy.
“This is good news for construction industry, and other supporting professions (e.g. HVAC technicians, ready-made concrete suppliers, and electricians) who have had steady work – more – and will continue to do so,” Dhawan said.
As electricity needs rise, more power plants will be constructed outside core Atlanta metro counties, along with the associated construction multiplier. In the interim, the state’s economy must ride the economic swells as best as it can before job growth starts to pick up by early 2026 as tariff rate structure settles, and the expected, and aggressive rate cuts by the Federal Reserve help the housing market.
The state’s aerospace and defense companies, including Lockhead Martin and Gulfstream Aerospace, will also benefit, Dhwan said, due to European NATO nations pledging to raise defense
Economic highlights
Here are some key economic points from Rajeev Dhawan’s Aug. 28 Economic Forecast for Atlanta and Georgia:
• Georgia jobs: The state added 66,800 jobs in calendar year 2023 and that pace moderated to 41,900 jobs in 2024. Job additions will moderate further to 33,700 jobs in 2025 (3,400 premium). In 2026, the state will add 65,800 jobs (12,500 premium) and then 83,300 jobs in 2027 (19,200 premium).
• Income: Georgia’s nominal personal income will grow 5.4 percent in 2025, a similar rate of 5.3 percent in 2026, then 6 percent in 2027.
• Atlanta jobs: The metro area will add
spending to 5 percent of their GDP. More demand for aerospace products will start its own multiplier for suppliers
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
24,800 jobs in 2025 (2,200 premium). As recovery takes hold in 2026, the metro area will add a respectable 44,300 jobs (9,900 premium), and 60,500 jobs (14,800 premium) in 2027.
• Housing market: Atlanta housing permitting activity grew by 4.7 percent in 2024; single-family permits increased by 6.5 percent and multifamily permits by 2.0 percent. Total permit numbers will fall by 21.5 percent in 2025 as multifamily permits experience a sharp drop of 40 percent and single-family permits also decrease by 10 percent. In 2026, total permit numbers inch up by 1.3 percent as single-family permits increase by 2.4 percent. Normalcy will return in 2027 when permit activity grows by 13 percent.
The Mayor and Council of the City of Roswell have tentatively adopted a millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes by 7.74 percent.
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to be held at the City of Roswell Council Chambers, City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, Georgia, 30075, on the following dates and times:
September 8, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
September 15, 2025 – 6:00 p.m.
September 22, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 4.949 mills, an increase of 0.291 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 4.658 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $575,000 is approximately $66.93 and the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $500,000 is approximately $58.20.
Randy D. Knighton
Kurt M. Wilson City Administrator Mayor
CITY OF ROSWELL
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE EXPLANATION
The City of Roswell is not increasing its property tax rate for Tax Year 2025. The proposed millage rate is 4.949 mills will remain the same as last year’s rate.
For example, with the City’s 4.949 millage rate, a Roswell homeowner whose property has a fair market value of $575,000 (assessed value of $230,000) will pay about $1,138.27 in City property taxes. Homeowners with exemptions will pay even less. Approximately $207 of that amount goes directly toward paying debt service for the voter-approved Bond Program.
If formally approved by Mayor and Council, Roswell’s property tax rate will remain unchanged and will continue to be the lowest maintenance and operations millage rate in the past 17 years.
For more details about Roswell’s millage rate, visit www.RoswellGov.com.
Randy D. Knighton
Kurt M. Wilson
City Administrator Mayor
downstream that located all over Georgia.
— Patrick Fox
Effort:
Continued from Page 6
The report presented by Mongeon recommends a similar footprint.
“It just so happened we chose to come into a TAD for a redevelopment for the mall right before COVID hit,” Gilvin said, adding, “Eighty percent of those losses are being shouldered by Fulton County Schools and Fulton County.
Since 2019, the taxable real estate value of nine mall parcels has fallen by about 47 percent.
Estimated 2024 city, county and school district property taxes on mall real estate and commercial personal property fell by nearly 53.5 percent compared to five years ago.
KB Advisory Group’s report highlights an ongoing trend of struggling malls throughout Atlanta and the nation, requiring increasingly complex, large-scale
Garrett:
Continued from Page 1
The Alpharetta City Council recognized her contribution to the city at an Aug. 19 meeting. She served as director of Planning and Community Development from 1982 to 1989, assistant city administrator from 1989 to 1992 and city administrator for development from 1991 to 1993.
Garrett joined the city’s staff when the population was a little more than 3,000. Now, the city boasts more than 67,000 residents.
She helped chart the city’s evolution into a major employment hub in the Metro Atlanta area, overseeing numerous private sector master plans, Mayor Jim Gilvin said in a proclamation.
“Marie was a visionary and dedicated to building a world-class city,” Gilvin said. “We the City Council of the City of Alpharetta do hereby recognize Marie Lewis Garrett for her passion for public service, her contributions to our city.”
Her work includes projects in the
Facility:
Continued from Page 1
“Maintaining America’s leadership as the dominant and stabilizing world power demands that we’re capable of meeting and overcoming new and evolving threats to ensure our security, as well as
public and private partnerships for redevelopment.
Council members said the
Windward, Kingswood, Brookside, Preston Ridge and Mansell Ridge areas. She also helped bring North Point Mall to the city.
At the meeting, State Rep. Chuck Martin, who represents Alpharetta and District 49, said Garrett played an instrumental role in the area’s development. He said she was recognized by lawmakers in part for her work as a lobbyist at the state level.
“She helped shape communities all over this end of Georgia and probably really beyond,” Martin said. “Marie’s life will be measured over the years for the impact she made for our future. Marie Garrett led a life that will impact people … for generations.”
Martin and state Rep. Jan Jones authored a House resolution in her memory. It was adopted in March.
Apart from her posts in Alpharetta, Garrett served as Brookhaven’s first city manager. In Canton, she was special adviser to the mayor. In Johns Creek, she was appointed interim city manager.
She did consulting work for Powder Springs, Stone Mountain, Roswell, Dunwoody and Sandy
that of our partners and allies,” McCormick said.
PBS GROUP has been active in the U.S. economy since 2016, through the subsidiary Atlantabased PBS Aerospace which manages its domestic market activities.
PBS Aerospace is expected to create more than 100 jobs. More than 70 percent of PBS Aerospace
investment could breathe new life into the area, which could be the site of a project at North Point Mall centered
Springs through her firm, Marie Garrett Consulting.
Garrett had big ideas for the local governments, but she was happy to act behind the scenes, letting elected officials take the credit, her husband said.
As the daughter of a command sergeant major, the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Army, Garrett was raised to hold herself to a higher standard.
“He pushed his kids, and Marie was the middle child,” her husband said. “She was definitely a daddy’s girl through and through. She was the closest to being almost exactly like him.”
As a mother, she applied that spirit to her own sons, who have obtained higher degrees and started their own families.
As a city planner, she was never satisfied with the status quo, and instead worked toward a better future that was not always apparent to all.
“That was the hardest thing, was convincing the mayor and council that we could make this a metropolitan city,” Steve Garrett said. “And of course, you got the good old boys that
technicians are U.S. military veterans.
“They bring a lot of patriotism,” CEO of PBS Aerospace Erin Dunham said.
In a statement, the company stated that it chose Roswell for it’s aerospace innovation ecosystem and proximity to the Georgia Institute of Technology.
In late April, Mayor Wilson
around a National Hockey League franchise.
“I look at it as being a total opportunity,” Councilman Donald Mitchell said.
Alpharetta Sports & Entertainment Group has submitted a petition to attract a franchise at the mall. New York Life Co., the insurer that owns the property, said it has plans to create a mixed-use project around the team.
A project at the proposed mega mixed-use development Gathering at South Forsyth also is seeking the franchise.
In March, the Alpharetta City Council unanimously approved the North Point Development Framework plan to offer a vision of how the area might be reimagined as a more green, walkable and mixed-use community.
It proposes a dramatic revisioning with numerous trails, on-street parking, green spaces and city blocks that would incorporate mixed-use development.
didn’t want all that really.”
Community Development Director Kathi Cook said Garrett’s vision for Alpharetta was bold. The planner oversaw numerous “game-changing” master plans that transformed the city into what it is today.
“She was visionary with North Point,” said Cook, who worked under Garrett in the 1990s.
Garrett also was pivotal in planning the Big Creek Greenway years before the first work began. The multiuse trail now offers recreation opportunities to residents and serves as a powerful attracting force for businesses looking to make the city a home.
“Every day was exciting,” Cook said. “It had a lot of people interested in developing Alpharetta and bringing projects to the city.”
As a leader, Garrett worked collaboratively, sharing her vision with those she worked with. She also readily gave and received feedback.
“She was so personable,” Cook said. “When she would talk to people, she would really listen. She was someone everyone always wanted to be around.”
attributed the decision to a trade mission that city officials took to the Czech Republic in October 2024.
A second phase will include a $90 million investment. PBS Aerospace stated that the expansion will include the creation of a new plant capable of increasing the output of small turbojet engines for unmanned systems, cruise missiles and advanced aerial platforms.
GRAPH BY JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
A KB Advisory Group study shows sharply declining property values of North Point Mall.
DC Aiken
Big Sky Franchise Team
David & Michelle Bertany
Amour & Duane Carthy
Adam Corder
Barbara Anderson
Kerry Arias
Scott Baynton
Joseph Bell
Rita Brown
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Roswell vs Milton football epitomizes rivalry for ages
BOB MEYERS Columnist
Milton High School began welcoming students in 1921, with a new campus replacing the old in 2005. Roswell High School opened its doors in 1950, the year that saw the beginning of one of the most intense athletic rivalries in Georgia history.
Tim McFarlin bore witness to many exciting events during his 42 years as a coach. Born and raised in Milton, Coach McFarlin understood the uniqueness of each community, even though the competing schools were just a few miles apart.
The main rivals, Roswell High and Milton High, have traditionally put strong football teams on the field. The competition is not exclusive to football. The schools compete fervently in basketball, baseball and lacrosse. Local businesses and alumni support their schools, making the rivalry a truly community affair.
The McFarlin family was one of the early families in Old Milton County. The Milton City Hall opened in 2017 on land once owned by the McFarlin family.
Tim McFarlin’s great, great, great grandfather was from a farming family in Northern Ireland. He migrated to South Carolina where he continued as a farmer. His son moved to Toccoa, Georgia, where he raised watermelons and corn. Tim’s father, the Rev. George Washington McFarlin (19171976) stayed close to his roots and became a pastor in a small church in Toccoa. In early 1950, he moved to Crabapple and served as pastor of Crabapple Baptist Church where the former city hall is today. His first land purchase was 4.3 acres strategically located at Crabapple crossroads. Tim’s maternal ancestors are of English descent.
Tim’s mother “Lottie” Wood (19202010) worked with George McFarland at the Georgia Department of Revenue until George went into the Army during World War ll. After the war, George went back to work in Atlanta where he wooed his future wife, who at that point was working for Bell Aircraft Corporation during war. Later, she worked for Fulton County Schools. The couple married in 1941 and bought 58 acres in Crabapple in 1953. George provided the produce from 20
acres where the Crabapple Crossing Elementary School is today to the Crabapple Baptist Church. Church volunteers produced cotton and corn throughout the 1950s. The McFarlin Farm began at Birmingham Highway and extended beyond the current location of the Milton City Hall. George named Charlotte Drive after Tim’s sister. McFarlin Lane in Milton is testimony to the family’s active civic involvement.
Tim’s father went to work in the poultry division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and became good friends with Herman Talmage and served as chaplin for two governors in their offices, Carl Sanders who served 1963-1967 and Lester Maddox 1967-1971.
Tim McFarlin was born and raised in Crabapple. He attended Milton High School where he earned 12 varsity letters in five sports and years later in 2025 was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. He attended Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville where he majored in secondary education and played baseball. He met his wife Kay at Georgia College during his second week at school. They have been married for 43 years. Kay never missed a game Tim coached in his 42year career. Their daughter, Courtney, and son, Will, are, as you might expect, very athletic. Courtney played basketball and was a pole vaulter at Roswell High School. Will was an allstate golfer before coaching at North Georgia University.
In 1981 Tim accepted an offer to coach multiple sports at Roswell High School before becoming head football coach in 1998. He led the team to the State Championship in 2006 and was inducted into the Roswell Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. Tim’s career record was 216 wins, 60 losses and 2 ties, a record for any coach in North Fulton history.
In 2008, Tim stepped away from football and continued to coach the golf team and his son until 2011. Four years later, he became coach at Blessed Trinity High School in Roswell, known for its academic excellence and winning sports teams. Coach McFarlin led his team to three state championships and seven region championships. In 2021 he became the coach at Fellowship Christian School. He retired after the 2022 season.
Recliner? Maybe. Could be.
CITY OF ALPHARETTA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The following items will be considered by the Design Review Board on Friday, October 17, 2025 with a workshop commencing at 8:30 a.m. and regular meeting commencing at 9:00 a.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
1. DRB250035 131 Roswell St 131 Roswell St building C
Consideration of exterior improvements. The property is located at 131 Roswell St and is legally described as being in Land Lot 0694, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia
2. DRB250024 Parrish Construction 7905 Westside Parkway
Consideration of exterior improvements. The property is located at 7905 Westside Pky and is legally described as being in Land Lot 0751, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia
3. DRB240027 Super Golden Buffet 915 North Point Dr
Consideration of new addition. The property is located at 915 North Point Dr and is legally described as being in Land Lot 0797 & 0808, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia
4. DRB230032 Alpharetta District Places 126 Roswell St
Consideration of new development. The property is located at 126 Roswell St and is legally described as being in Land Lot 0694, 0695 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia
Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
Rivalry:
Continued from Page 27
Since 2022 McFarlin has served as director of High School Relations for Georgia Tech Football.
He is a founding member of the
Georgia Football Coaches Association, a board member of the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame and a 30-year member of the Roswell Rotary Club.
Coach McFarlin’s philosophy of coaching is unique in some respects. For example, he did not hold spring practices and encouraged his players
In Memoriam
Roline Elizabeth “Rhett” Carmichael
January 5, 1929 – August 27,
Roline Elizabeth “Rhett” Carmichael, 96, of Woodstock, beloved wife, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, and friend, passed on to be with the Lord on Aug 27, 2025.
Born on January 5, 1929 in East Point, Georgia to Charles H. and Ary Myrle Murphy Thompson, Rhett was raised in Thomaston, where her father worked for more than 50 years as an agent with the Central Georgia Railroad.
She received her driver’s license at the age of 14 and worked driving to collect materials to support war efforts.
After graduating Robert E. Lee Institute, Rhett continued her education at Valdosta State College.
New job opportunities brought her to the Atlanta area, where she met the love of her life, Chelsea W. “Mike” Carmichael and they were married on October 1, 1953. Together they enjoyed more than 60 years playing bridge, golfing, and serving others.
Following her years working in Atlanta law offices, Rhett became personal secretary to Mr. Ed Dodd, the founder/writer of the nationally syndicated conservationist comic strip Mark Trail. Her calligraphy skills can be seen featured in many of these beloved comics.
She found fulfillment with the arrival of their two boys, Andrew and Patrick, whom her and Mike had the rare opportunity to hand pick as their very own and establish their family.
Rhett worked tirelessly at Roswell Recreation and Parks Department and helped to found and establish their very popular gymnastics program.
Rhett stood strong in her faith in our Lord and was an active member throughout the years in the Seekers class at Roswell United Methodist Church, where she held each member near and dear to her heart. She also devoted countless hours to the North Fulton Community Charities where she donated and distributed goods to those in need any and every time she was able to.
to compete in other sports. He believed that cross-training built better and smarter athletes. His focus was not just on winning seasons. He always emphasized program building for the long term. He says, “successful coaching requires strong commitment to the team and to the future.”
Milton Mayor Peyton Jameson, who played football for McFarlin at Roswell High School, says of McFarlin, “He was more than a coach. His influence
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
2025
Rhett lovingly supported her two boys through numerous sports and extracurriculars, and continued to do so throughout each of their careers and personal endeavors.
Always a student, Rhett later worked to finish her Bachelor’s at Kennesaw State and finally Mercer College where she received her Master’s Degree in Religion. She loved singing in the Church choir, golfing, and playing bridge, but especially, time with family. Her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren were her pride and joy.
Rhett spent her final days surrounded by loving family and friends in her favorite place, the beach.
Rhett is survived by her devoted and loving son Andrew (Andy) A. & Nancy Carmichael of Cumming, GA who took on the role and responsibility of caring for her in her final years; son and U.S Air Force Master Sergeant (Retired) Patrick (Pat) T. & Elizabeth (Beth) Carmichael of Linden, TX; Grandchildren Lindsey E. Carmichael of Alpharetta, Georgia, Andrew (Drew) K. & Kristen Carmichael of Woodstock, Georgia, and Kalia Carmichael of Arlington, Texas; Great-grandchildren Emerson, Sydney, and Andrew (AJ) J., and numerous nieces and nephews. Rhett was preceded in death by her parents and husband, as well as siblings Charles, Hilda Duckworth, George, James, and Joseph.
The family received friends and relatives on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 pm at the Northside Chapel in Roswell, Georgia. A celebration of Rhett’s life was held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 1:00 pm in the Roswell United Methodist Church with Reverend Jeff Ross officiating. After a brief reception, a procession will culminate at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia where she will be laid to rest next to her husband on the lands he developed.
“Love God, love ourselves, love others”
The following items will be considered by the Board of Zoning Appeals on Thursday, October 16, 2025 commencing at 5:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
a. V-25-26 Connolly/3235 Brierfield Road
Consideration of a variance to Unified Development Code Subsection 1.3.1(B)(1) to reduce the rear platted setback from 30’ to 15’ to allow for a deck expansion. The property is located at 3235 Brierfield Road and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1131, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
extended far beyond the field. He was a role model who touched and shaped countless lives in our community.”
The Milton-Roswell rivalry is one of the most remembered high school rivalries in the state’s history. The right combination of coach and schools produced a rivalry for the ages.
Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
CITY OF ALPHARETTA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, October 2, 2025 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, October 27, 2025 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
a. Z-25-07/CU-25-15/V-25-20 Alpharetta District Places
Consideration of a rezoning, conditional use, and variances to allow for 195 ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Rent’ units and approximately 35,000 square feet of retail/restaurant on 3.02 acres in the Downtown. A rezoning is requested from C-2 (General Commercial) to DT-C (Downtown Core) and a conditional use is requested to allow ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Rent’. Variances are requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Subsection 1.4.2 and Subsection 3.2.2 to allow utilities in a required landscape strip, Subsection 3.2.8(D) to reduce the landscape strip along Marietta Street, Subsection 3.2.8(K) to remove trees within the building setback along Marietta Street, Appendix A Subsection 2.3.3(E) to modify the Collector Street Commercial/Mixed-Use streetscape requirements for Marietta Street, Appendix A Subsection 2.4.4 to allow a parking structure to front on an arterial and a collector street without ground-floor active uses, and Appendix A Subsection 3.5.5 to increase the maximum building footprint and increase the maximum building height. The property is located at 0 South Main Street and 131 South Main Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 695, 1 st District, 2 nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
b. Z-25-10/V-25-22 Levitan/75 & 91 Roswell Street
Consideration of a rezoning and variance to allow for the construction of 9 ‘For-Sale’ single-family dwelling units, including 5 detached homes and 4 semi-detached homes, on 1.12 acres in the Downtown. A rezoning is requested from C-2 (General Commercial) to DT-C (Downtown Core) and a variance is requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Appendix A: Alpharetta Downtown Code Subsection 2.3.3 to modify streetscape requirements along Roswell Street, Marietta Street and Cotton Alley. The property is located at 75 & 91 Roswell Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1269, 2 nd District, 2 nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
c. Z-24-09/E-24-03/V-24-14 Wells Fargo Redevelopment/21 North Main Street
Consideration of a rezoning, parking special exception, and variance to allow a 3-story building with rooftop restaurant on 0.714 acres in the Downtown. A rezoning is requested from C-2 (General Commercial) to DT-C (Downtown Core) and a parking special exception is requested to allow off-site parking. Variances are requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Appendix A: Alpharetta Downtown Code Subsection 3.5.5 to increase the maximum building footprint and UDC Subsection 3.2.8(D) Landscape Strips to eliminate the landscape strip on the east and north sides of the property. The property is located at 21 North Main Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1268, 2 nd District, 2 nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
d. MP-25-08/CU-25-13/V-25-17 Hanover Windward Park/Windward MP Pod 66
Consideration of a master plan amendment, conditional use, and variances to allow 326 ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Rent’ units on 47.65 acres in the Windward Park mixed-use development. A master plan amendment is requested to the Windward Master Plan Pod 66 to add ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Rent’, as well as other modifications to the Windward Park mixed-use development. A conditional use is requested to allow ‘Dwelling, ‘For-Rent’. Variances are requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Subsection 2.7.0(b)(1) to increase the distance to/from the off-street parking to the door of the residential unit; UDC Subsection 2.7.0(b)(2)(i) to reduce the ratio of outdoor amenity space; UDC Subsection 2.7.0(b)(3) to allow ground floor dwellings on storefront streets and to allow first floor dwelling units on more than 2 sides of the building; UDC Subsection 2.7.0(b)(4) to reduce the minimum floor area of required balconies; UDC Subsection 2.7.0(b)(6) to reduce the first floor minimum ceiling height; and UDC Subsection 2.7.0(b)(9) to eliminate the requirement for a neighborhood grocery. The property is located at 0 North Point Parkway and 0 Dryden Road and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 1112, 1177 & 1188, 2 nd District, 2 nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
e. Z-25-09/PH-25-15 41 Milton
Avenue
Consideration of a rezoning and parking in-lieu fees to allow for the conversion of basement storage space to useable space for an office, retail, restaurant, or residential dwelling. A rezoning is requested from C-2 (General Commercial) to DT-C (Downtown Core). Parking in-lieu fees are requested for up to three (3) parking spaces. The property is located at 41 Milton Avenue and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1269, 2 nd District, 2 nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
f. MP-25-05/CU-25-07
Northwinds Summit Vertiport
Consideration of a master plan amendment and conditional use to allow a ‘Vertiport’ in the Northwinds Summit mixed-use development. A master plan amendment is requested to the Northwinds Summit Master Plan to add ‘Vertiport’ as conditional use and a conditional use is requested to allow ‘Vertiport’ for the applicant’s proposed Vertiport. The property is located at 1000 Summit Place and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 753 & 798, 1 st District, 2 nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
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EL DON MEXICAN RESTAURANT
INC.
Purchasing Agent (Alpharetta, GA) Purchase products incl kitchen supplies, tableware, & cleaning materials. Assess vendors based on several criteria: price, quality, & timely delivery. Address product issues promptly, ensuring swift resolution through returns, exchanges, or refunds. Bach’s deg in Economics, Finance, or Business Administration; M-F, 40 hrs./wk; Send Resume to Kamil Kaya, Owner, El Don Mexican Restaurant Inc, 6320 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004.
Primerica Life Insurance Company seeks a Lead Robotics Architect to architect/design business application & automated solutions using Pega Robotics & develop automation operating model. $150,000 to $171,000/ year. Job in Duluth GA & allow remote work from anywhere w/in U.S. w/in EST hours. Health/Dental/ Vision ins., 401(K), PTO, Life/Disability Ins. & more. Apply @ https://primerica.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PRI. JOB #. R-380:082025
Apptad Inc in Alpharetta, GA seeks the following positions:
Solution Data Architect (s) to implement & optimize data architecture, data modelling, & data solutions. Salary: $135,533.00
Data Quality - Senior Developer (s) to troubleshoot complex data issues, optimize workflows & lead technical aspects of projects. Salary: $152,131.00 Data Engineer (s) to collaborate w/ data model architectures, data quality governance & data solutions. Salary: $152,131.00 Travel & relocation possible to unanticipated client location throughout the US. for all positions. To apply: E-mail resume & position applied for to: Lavanya Arunkumar, Director – Legal & Immigration immigration.usa@apptadinc.com
Software Developer (Cumming, Georgia) 4 Positions - Design and develop Software Applications. Determine design specifications or details, resolve information technology issues. Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system. Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces. Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints. Master’s in Computer Applications or related required. Please email resumes to careers@bristechsolutions.com
Education Manager
The Education Manager is responsible for coordinating the educational activities ranging from formal classroom to on-line programs, and workshops. Programming includes ESL, GED, Workforce Development and Financial Support events for families working toward financial stability. The Education Manager supervises NFCC team members within the program department including the Sr. Education Specialist, Workforce Development Coordinator and contract ESL Instructors.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in Adult Education or other relevant field and 3 years’ experience in a non-profit program manager role or other relevant experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
Administrative and HR Coordinator
The Administrative & HR Coordinator provides comprehensive administrative support to the President and essential human resources functions to the Vice President of People and Culture. This dual role combines executive administrative duties including board meeting preparation, correspondence management, and event coordination with HR responsibilities such as recruitment support, benefits administration, and employee record maintenance.
The Administrative & HR Coordinator takes initiative, can multi-task and remain very organized. The role requires exceptional organizational skills, discretion with confidential information, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources or another relevant field, at least two years of administrative experience and enjoy project management and coordination, we’d love to hear from you!
Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
IT POSITIONS: Alpharetta, GA & various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S: SOFTWARE ENGINEERS: Archt solns bsd on tech rqmts & dvlp sw apps. Dvlp POCs, hgh lvl, Low-lvl dsgns & tech Specs/archt to impl biz rqmts. Dsgn & implmnt Scalable microsrvc-bsd archts u/Spring Boot. Dsgn & impl JMS srvcs, Kafka Bsd event driven archt solns u/ Kafka streams. Dvlp & dply AWS cld-bsd apps & provide post -prodtn app suprt. Skills req’d: Java, Groovy, Rest API, Kafka, Hibernate. Docker, Intellij, Gradle, Kibana & Jenkins. Bachelor’s in Sci, Tech, or Engg (any) w/5 yrs exp in job off’d or rltd occup is req’d. TEST ENGINEERS: Gather & anlyz sys rqmts. Create a test plan & strtgy. Dsgn & dvlp test cases. Set up & enhnc test frmwrk. Perf test exectn. Cndct defect logng & verfictn. Cndct sys, functnl, GUI, intgrtn, user acceptance, regresn, stress, smoke, sanity, positive & negative, boundary value, data drivn, backend, end to end, cross browser, & load test activities. Skills req’d: Java, C#, JavaScript, Unix, Linux, Selenium, SOAPUI, JIRA, SQL, DB2, HP-ALM, XML, TestNG, Junit, Ant, Maven & Jenkins. Bachelor’s in Sci, Tech, or Engg (any); Comp Apps w/5 yrs exp in job off’d or rltd occup is req’d. BOTH JOBS: Mail resume: HR, Verinova Technologies LLC.,4080 McGinnis Ferry Rd, Ste 1301, Alpharetta, GA 30005
Caremark LLC, a CVS Health company, is hiring for the following roles in Alpharetta, GA: Staff Data Engineer (R0697018) to Develop, build, and manage large-scale data structures, pipelines, and efficient Extract/Load/Transform (ETL) workflows to address complex problems and support business applications. Pay Range: $129688.00/year to $230000.00/year. Multiple Positions. Related degree &/or experience &/or skills &/or license required for all positions. The Company offers a full range of benefits. For more detailed information on available benefits, please visit https://jobs.cvshealth.com/us/ en/benefits. Apply online at http://jobs.cvshealth. com/. Or send resume to istappintake@cvshealth. com. Must reference job title, location, & Req ID.
ESL Contractor Instructor (Evening)
NFCC is seeking an Evening ESL Contractor Instructor to teach English classes through our Adult Education program, serving students throughout North Fulton and surrounding counties. Our ESL Program runs three sessions annually, with comprehensive lessons covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, along with regular assessments to track student progress.
We’re looking for an instructor who is available to teach evening classes. The ideal candidate will be committed to maintaining strong enrollment of at least ten students per class and who can create an engaging learning environment that supports adult learners in achieving their English language goals.
If you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in TESL, TESOL, English with a TESL certificate, linguistics or applied linguistics with a TESL certificate, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
Truck Driver
NFCC is seeking a Truck Driver (Donor Operations Services Associate II) to join our Facilities team. Our Truck Driver collects scheduled donations from businesses, residential locations, and special events while serving as a key point of contact for donors to coordinate pickup appointments. As the face of NFCC during donor interactions, this role requires maintaining a professional and a welcoming presence that reflects the organization’s values. Additionally, this position contributes to facility maintenance operations as needed.
The Truck Driver works Monday through Friday 9am – 2pm and periodically on Saturdays or Sundays for special events.
If you have 1-2 years of Box Truck delivery experience, maintain a valid Ga Driver’s License free of any traffic violations for the past 3 years and enjoy providing excellent customer service, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
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