Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - September 25, 2025 by Appen Media Group

Roswell council adopts tax levy with no increase

Property owners still face slightly higher payments

By JAMIE GODIN newsroom@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, GA — The Roswell City Council voted 6-0 to adopt a 2025 property tax rate of 4.949 mills — the same as last year, though higher property values mean most homeowners will see a bigger bill.

At the Sept. 22 council meeting, several residents voiced frustration that holding the rate steady amounts to a residential tax increase.

“We understand about the rates staying the same, but this is effectively a tax increase for all homeowners,” said William Powell.

Mayor Kurt Wilson agreed.

“To answer your question directly, if we keep the millage rate at the same level, it is a tax increase, yes.”

Chief Financial Officer Bill Godshall estimated the 4.949 rate will generate $29.2 million for the city. At that rate, a home with a fair market value of $550,000 and assessed value of $220,000 would owe about $1,089 in city property taxes — roughly $69 more than in 2024.

To keep tax bills from climbing, the city had the option to adopt a rollback rate of 4.658 mills.

See LEVY, Page 15

A tree stands marked for removal at Wacky World Playground ahead of planned upgrades Sept. 22.

Old Rucker Farm opens fundraising campaign

► PAGE 3

Upgrades to Wills Park will fell 50 mature trees

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The City of Alpharetta is preparing to say goodbye to 50 trees, including some at the beloved Wacky World Playground, to make way for stormwater fixes and long-awaited upgrades.

County approves new arts, culture funds

► PAGE 4

At a Sept. 22 Alpharetta City Council meeting, Morgan Rodgers, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services director, said many of the trees will be removed to allow for stormwater improvements that include a grass-covered collection area.

PHOTOS BY JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

From left, Rosie Brooks visits Wacky World Playground with Jennifer Brooks and Elizabeth Lewis Sept. 22.

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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.

Police cite two men for street racing in lot

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police issued tickets after allegedly finding a person riding on the hood of a car at a gathering of vehicle enthusiasts Sept. 9.

Alpharetta police said an officer saw a 22-year-old man “surfing” on a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by a 20-year-old man at a Haynes Bridge Road parking lot. The officer investigated the location after hearing a crowd yelling and revving engines.

Every Tuesday, the area attracts hundreds of people who show off their cars and motorcycles, police said.

The group has drawn numerous noise complaints, reports of reckless driving and crashes, police said. Both men received tickets for street racing. — Jon Wilcox

Douglas County deputy finds Roswell man’s car

ROSWELL, Ga. —The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office discovered an abandoned Ford Fusion Sept. 18 just a couple of days after a Roswell man reported it stolen.

A Roswell police officer said he met with the 46-year-old victim at his residence off Briarstone Ridge Drive Sept. 16 in reference to a prior theft.

The victim said he initially rented one of his vehicles out to a Canton woman in late May but had to replace it with his red 2017 Ford Fusion because of problems with the original car.

The man also said the renter had been making weekly payments but had missed one Sept. 13. After failing to contact her after a couple of days, he said contacted law enforcement.

According to the report, the Douglass County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle along Twin Oak Drive in Douglasville.

A deputy said the vehicle was in good condition with no keys or suspects found in the vicinity.

The owner met the deputy at the scene and took possession of the vehicle.

The Roswell report does not say whether the Canton woman remains a suspect or if they were able to eventually contact her.

— Hayden Sumlin

Tires reportedly stolen at Alpharetta dealership

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Officers investigated a reported theft of vehicle parts at a Mansell Road automobile dealership Sept. 13

Alpharetta police said officers spoke with an employee, a 59-yearold Gainesville man, who reported four tires were stolen from a pickup truck.

The vehicle was dropped off Sept. 10 for repairs.

The business is protected by gates at night, but a vehicle could have gained access to the property by driving over a curb, the employee said.

The business has no security cameras.

The tires were valued at a total of $12,000.

— Jon Wilcox

Alpharetta man ticketed for laying drag near officer

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police issued citations for stunt and reckless driving to a 24-year-old Alpharetta man Sept. 16 after an officer watched him lay drag in the Aurora Cineplex parking lot.

An officer said he saw a white 2018 BMW 540i enter the parking lot, pick up speed and begin doing donuts.

In his report, the officer said he “was shocked that anyone would be doing donuts while a police officer was in the same parking lot.”

classifying reckless stunt driving as a high and aggravated misdemeanor. Typically, penalties after a conviction include a fine between $500 and $1,000 and anywhere from 10 days to six months in jail.

—

Hayden Sumlin

Construction material stolen from work sites

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. —

Thousands of dollars’ worth of construction equipment was reported stolen from two Atlanta Highway jobsites in Cumming.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said a 49-year-old man representing a construction equipment company reported the theft Sept. 3. He said someone took seven trench support panels valued at approximately $12,000.

The incident was classified as a felony theft by taking.

The theft is thought to have occurred sometime between 4:30 p.m. Sept. 2 and 7 a.m. Sept. 3.

The panels were stacked just off the highway’s right of way at the edge of a parking lot where a gas line project was underway. Each panel weighs about 25 pounds.

A superintendent at another jobsite on Atlanta Highway reported 30 missing panels valued at a total of $30,000. The date of the reported theft was unclear.

— Jon Wilcox

Woman notifies authorities she was groped at market

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 51-year-old Cumming woman reported she was groped in a Browns Bridge Road supermarket Sept. 4.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said the woman told deputies someone touched her buttocks while she was in the candy aisle. She turned around to find a man close to her. She stared at him in shock until he walked out of the aisle.

The woman was crying as she reported the incident.

Officers said the renter last communicated with the vehicle’s owner Sept. 10 concerning the weekly rental payment. At that time, the renter allegedly told the Roswell man that she would pay a portion of the fee and get the rest to him later.

Officers said they listed the Ford sedan, valued at $15,000, as stolen in a regional crime database and unsuccessfully tried to contact the Canton woman.

After activating his emergency lights, the officer said he asked the man why he was doing donuts.

The driver, a 24-year-old Alpharetta man, said he just purchased the vehicle and had never done it before. The suspect also said he didn’t see the patrol car.

The officer issued the driver two citations instead of taking him to jail and/or impounding his vehicle.

The state of Georgia introduced a new law in 2021 to address the increase in street racing cases,

Deputies reviewed security cameras at the store and observed a man getting close to the woman after following her. Cameras recorded him leaving the business and driving away.

Deputies said the suspect is a 26-year-old Lawrenceville man, identifying him through his vehicle’s registration.

The incident was classified as a misdemeanor sexual battery.

— Jon Wilcox

Alpharetta agriculture program launches fundraising campaign

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The City of Alpharetta is seeking the community’s help in transforming a farmhouse at Old Rucker Farm into an educational center.

Alpharetta’s Community Agriculture Program is launching a $650,000 fundraising campaign for the Agriculture & Sustainability Education Center to provide environmental learning, agricultural workshops and community programs for all ages, said Amanda Musilli, Community Agriculture & Sustainability Services manager.

“We’ve seen firsthand how powerful community-centered agriculture can be as a teaching tool, healing space and community connector,” Musilli said.

“An education center will give us a home for learning and collaboration — helping us grow food, knowledge and community together.”

Old Rucker Farm, 900 Rucker Road, is a 1.2-acre farm that includes a 36-bed community garden; vegetable, herb, and flower production areas; an orchard; apiary; chicken coop; pollinator garden and an open-air classroom. The site serves as the home

of the city’s community agriculture program, which was developed in 2018 with the help of residents and community organizations.

The new center will allow yearround classes, provide hands-

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on learning opportunities and support grow programs to promote food security, sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Old Rucker Park is one of the city’s nine bond projects, and construction

How to give: All contributions are taxdeductible and directly support the education center project. Donations can be made online at the Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program website. For corporate sponsorships or media inquiries, please contact Amanda Musilli, community Agriculture & Sustainability Services manager, at amusilli@alpharetta.ga.us.

is scheduled to start in April. Other planned improvements include a new park entrance, parking, trails and a public restroom.

“Ideally, we’d like to build the education center before the park development begins,” Musilli said. “If we are able to raise the funds needed before the end of 2025, we can make that happen.”

— Jon Wilcox

CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED

Volunteers collect a harvest of vegetables at Old Rucker Farms, which serves as the home of the City of Alpharetta’s community agriculture program.

Fulton County restores arts funding

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to restore funding for a program within the Arts & Culture Department to $3 million a year Sept. 17.

While the unanimous vote reflects unity and bipartisanship, some commissioners criticized colleagues for the delay.

The item, sponsored by Democratic commissioners Khadijah Abdur-Rahman and Marvin Arrington Jr. and Republican commissioners Bob Ellis and Bridget Throne, includes an increase of $1.7 million for a previously requested program and its full $3 million in funding set aside in the 2026 budget.

As commissioners enter the last quarter of the year, they begin preparations to draft the 2026 budget, required to be passed by the end of January.

Language in the resolution says, “the Board of Commissioners will consider no further funding enhancements to any department for fiscal year 2025.”

After amending the funding request, Abdur-Rahman said she wanted to clarify that expenditures related to the Fulton County Jail’s federal consent decree and budget reviews are not considered “enhancements.” The consent decree requires the county take measures to effect major improvements at its jail facility on Rice Street in Atlanta.

One reason for the language may be because Commissioner Mo Ivory had requested recently to use 2025 budget underruns to increase funding across several county departments.

County Commissioner Dana Barrett, representing Buckhead and south Sandy Springs, thanked Abdur-Rahman for the amendment.

“That was my biggest concern in terms of the difference between your version of this legislation and, as Commissioner Ivory has already pointed out, her version of this legislation,” Barrett said. “The items,

SCREENSHOT

From left, Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts strikes down a motion from Commissioner Mo Ivory after she tried to amend a resolution that restores funding within the Arts & Culture Department.

other than a word or two, are materially the same.”

Delay in approval

Barrett said she will vote to support the arts but criticized fellow commissioners for their handling of the budget amendment. She said she requested the funding in the original 2025 budget and joined with Arrington Jr. to request it again in February.

“What we are taking part in over the last three meetings is political theater, and we are and have held the arts community hostage really since the beginning of the year,” Barrett said.

The $1.7 million will go toward the Arts & Culture Department’s Contract for Services program, restoring its funding to $3 million after the Board approved $1.3 million at its June 18 meeting.

Barrett said the community is suffering from the lack of funding for programs and called the Board’s actions embarrassing.

“The three of us [including commissioners Arrington and Ivory] were the only ones supporting it. Now all of the sudden, we have people who were ‘no, no, no’ saying ‘yes, yes, yes’ because it’s under a different person’s name,” she said. “Because

we did not fund them at the beginning of the year, there may have been organizations that closed … people who lost jobs [and] programs not able to be held.”

Ivory said Barrett pointed out the obvious and she will always vote to support the arts no matter who gets the credit.

“The arts community has been flooding me with calls asking why we behave in this childish manner,” Ivory said. “But imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and I’m flattered that Commissioner Abdur-Rahman submitted an identical resolution to mine.”

Ivory said inconsistent support from other commissioners delayed funding for the arts’ community.

Despite the amendment to allow potential jail funding and budget soundings, Ivory said it ties the commission’s hands if urgent needs arise in other departments. Her motion to amend the resolution and strike the language failed 4-3.

When she tried to make the same amendment again later in the discussion, Chairman Robb Pitts ruled the motion out of order because it had already failed.

Commissioner Arrington Jr. said he and Barrett were the only commissioners supporting the arts funding at the start of the year. He said he has mixed feelings

about the process and wants to get the CFS program back to the $5 million in annual funding it received before the Great Recession.

“What is being done here is signaling that four people do not want the budget to be changed any further at all,” Arrington said. “Apparently, some type of agreement has been made that they will support this item, but that is it. At the end of the day, it looks like our arts community will be benefitting despite the theater [and posturing].”

Court funding request

In a related matter, Arrington, Barrett and Ivory sponsored a measure to increase the Magistrate Court’s budget by $178,000, or 3.4 percent.

Ivory said she reduced the funding request for the Magistrate Court by around $100,000 after speaking with County Manager Dick Williams and CFO Sharon Whitmore. She said her goal is to increase closure rates, reduce backlogs and ensure there is adequate staffing.

“This funding is targeted solely at staffing to stabilize operations and reduce backlogs,” Ivory said. “The Magistrate Court currently has 55,028 open cases spanning from 2019 to today. Without additional staff, delays will continue.”

Barrett then amended the funding request with Ivory’s support to include $611,939 as a recurring expense in the Magistrate Court’s 2026 budget to continue the funding in full next year.

While Arrington and Barrett voted with Ivory to approve the funding request, Pitts, Thorne and Ellis voted nay, and the item failed. Adbur-Rahman abstained.

The vote follows a new trend revealing a bipartisan voting bloc, composed of Abdur-Rahman, Ellis, Pitts and Thorne, often determining which items pass.

Another item, which would have increased funding for the Atlanta Judicial Circuit’s public defender by some $1.43 million, also failed with commissioners voting the same way.

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Acclaimed writer to double up on Forsyth library appearances

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

Internationally acclaimed writer William Kent Krueger, author of New York Times bestsellers “Ordinary Grace,” “This Tender Land” and “The River We Remember” as well as an award-winning mystery series, will lead a pair of Forsyth Reads Together events Oct. 9 and 10.

With more than 1.5 million books sold, Krueger will be discussing “Apostle’s Cove,” the latest in his Cork O'Connor series, which is being adapted for television by the production company behind the “Outlander” series, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

On Oct. 9, the Minnesota-based

Friday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 5, Roswell Reads Rewind. Play literary catch-up with online recordings of eight Roswell Reads authors: Fredrik Backman, Ron Rash, William Kent Krueger, Geraldine Brooks, Laura Morelli, Ann Patchett, Delia Owens and Rick Bragg. Free. Registration required. eventbrite. com/e/roswell-reads-rewind-2025-tickets1633189837769?aff=oddtdtcreator

Friday, Oct. 3, Saturday, Oct. 25, and Monday, Oct. 27, Emily Carpenter discussing “Gothictown.” On Oct. 3, she will be at Read It Again Bookstore at 7 p.m. Wine will be served and “Gothictown” purchase is required. 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com. Oct. 25, Atlanta Authors will host Carpenter at a free 2 p.m. event at Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St. Registration requested. AtlantaAuthorsga. com. Carpenter’s free Oct. 27 presentation will be hosted by the Friends of the Northside Library and Bookmiser at Northside Library, 3295 Northside Parkway NW, Atlanta. 6 p.m. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/events.html.

Saturday, Oct. 4, Melanie Sue Bowles and Kimberly Brock delving into “Little Pearl.” 1 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-7975566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com. Tuesday, Oct. 7, Marc Cameron, New York Times bestseller, detailing his new thriller, “Dead Line,” an Arliss Cutter novel. Free. 6 p.m. Presented by Bookmiser, in collaboration with Milton Branch Library. 855 Mayfield Road, Milton. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/events. html.

Thursday, Oct. 9, and Friday, Oct. 10, William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling author, unveiling “Apostle’s Cove,” the 21st installment of his Cork O'Connor series. Free or $30.75 with book, provided by Bookmiser. 6 p.m. Oct. 9 standby line only. Noon Oct. 10. Both presentations are at Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming. eventbrite.com/e/an-afternoon-with-williamkent-krueger-tickets-1447026879349?aff=od dtdtcreator

author will be in conversation with Patti Callahan Henry, author of 18 novels, including her most recent NYT bestseller, “The Story She Left Behind.” A standby line will be available for the sold-out 6 p.m. event at Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming.

Krueger’s Oct. 10 appearance will be from noon-2 p.m., also at Sharon Forks Library. Tickets are free or $30.75 with book, which includes priority seating and photos with the author for the first 50 pre-orders.

Details about Krueger’s appearances and other October author events are below.

Friday, Oct. 10, George Weinstein, Atlanta Writers Club executive director, signing and conferring on books. 3 p.m. Free. Kroger, 12460 Crabapple Road, Alpharetta. georgeweinstein.com.

Saturday, Oct. 11, bilingual story time with Mayra Cuevas and her picture book, “My Abuela is a Bruja.” 11 a.m. Free. Read It Again Bookstore3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com. Saturday, Oct. 11, horror author Andrew K. Clark examining “Where Dark Things Rise.” Free. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com.

Tuesday, Oct. 14, Chuck Storla launching “Murder Two Doors Down: An HOA Homicide Mystery.” 5:30 p.m. Free or $21.50 with book. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com.

Tuesday, Oct. 21, G.A. Sallee, Shannon C. Singleton and Carrigan Richards. A Novel Idea presents the trio discussing their novels, “True Crime Fact or Fiction,” “Peace Amid the Chaos,” and “Phantom Delusions,” respectively. 7 p.m. Free. Roswell Junction, 340 South Atlanta St., Roswell, GA 30075. anovelidea.us. Wednesday, Oct. 22, Ashley Baker on “The Ashes of Us.” 7 p.m. Free. Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming. forsythpl.org/event/14311310

Tuesday, Oct. 28. Marie Bostwick explores “The Book Club for Troublesome Women.” 1 p.m. Free. Author joining via Zoom. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com.

Thursday, Oct. 30, E.J. Wade and Karen Spears Zacharias recount “The Devil’s Pulpit & Other Mostly True Scottish Misadventures.” 5:30 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com.

To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail.com by the 15th.

KRUEGER

Innovation Academy fencing prepares to defend title

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga — Coming into the 2025-2026 season as back-to-back champions, the Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy fencing team is ready for the target on their backs and ready to fight for a third straight title.

Of the champion women’s team, three of the four competing members graduated in May, leaving sophomore Claire Wang to forge a new team to the top. Wang said offseason club fencing has kept her in good shape and ready for the team’s first tournament Sept. 21 at Riverwood Charter School against the Raiders, Pope and Lassiter.

Wang fences year-round for Elite Fencing Academy in Johns Creek. She said the 37 new fencers on the team this year have been coming along well.

“It’s mostly muscle memory, so getting into the season will make it easier,” she said. “We all support each other. I’m feeling optimistic about this year.”

Senior captains Elizabeth Navin and

Jack Wise described how impactful the relationships they have formed through the team have been.

“It’s nice to have a community immediately upon getting to IA,” Wise said. “You meet a lot of people you probably wouldn’t otherwise. We’ve got a really strong team this year, and I think the new fencers are going to do really well and surprise themselves.”

Navin said she’s excited to see new people grow through experience.

“When I found out I was a captain, I was really excited because I want to help everyone enjoy it as much as I have,” Navin said.

Assistant coach Becca Han said she has been proud of the team’s proactive response to the target on their backs this season.

“There’s a lot of new faces, and I think they’re improving extremely well,” she said. “A lot of the kids haven’t realized that pressure yet, and that might come once they’ve done a tournament. But I think more than that, [they’re] feeling most of the pressure in terms of, we want another trophy.”

PHOTOS BY CLAIRE RAFFERTY/PROVIDED

Appen Media reporter Annabelle Reiter gets the scoop on the FCS Innovation Academy fencing team from fencer Claire Wang at FCS Innovation Academy Sept. 18.

Senior captains Elizabeth Navin and Jack Wise reflect on their last three years on the fencing team and look ahead to defending back-to-back titles.

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From diner to interstate icon

Waffle House marks 70 years

By DEAN HESSE dean@appenmedia.com

AVONDALE ESTATES, Ga. — Waffle House celebrated its 70th anniversary on Sept. 6 with free waffles and a look back at how a neighborhood diner became an American institution during an open house at the Waffle House Museum.

"Today's event is all about supporting the community and celebrating our 70th anniversary," said Bud Whitmire, vice president of corporate affairs for Waffle House.

The Waffle House story began on Labor Day weekend in 1955, when neighbors Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner opened the first Waffle House at 2719 E. College Ave. in Avondale Estates. Their vision was straightforward: create "a good, neighborhood-friendly restaurant that folks could enjoy 24 hours a day," Whitmire said.

That original location, now preserved as the Waffle House Museum and designated as Unit No. 1, has grown into a chain of over 2,000 restaurants in 25 states.

Waffle House's expansion paralleled the development of America's interstate system.

"The highway system kind of grew us," Whitmire noted. "People wanted a good, safe, friendly place to stop on the road, and so we really grew along with the interstate system."

This growth strategy helped establish Waffle House as more than just a restaurant—it became a reliable roadside beacon for travelers.

The chain's commitment to staying open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, led to an unexpected claim to fame: the Waffle House Index, an informal measure used to assess storm damage.

"We're always open, unless there's a really bad storm. But safety is first," Whitmire said. "If we've got people, and we've got power and we've got food, we can serve the community. If we're closed or can't get back open, then it got hit really hard, but we try to be there for the community as quickly as we can. That's one of our signatures."

Behind the Scenes

Visitors to the 70th anniversary celebration learned some insider secrets,

Madden Perry, who worked three years at Waffle House and has the tattoo to prove it, attends the open house and 70th anniversary celebration at the Waffle House Museum on Sept. 6.

including how Waffle House cooks manage orders as they’re called out. The chain uses a unique coding system involving

From left, Anthony McFarlane, mom Leslie McFarlane and Lauryn McFarlane enjoy free waffles at the Waffle House Museum open house on Sept. 6. Anthony's favorite is the chocolate chip waffle, Leslie's is the pecan waffle and Lauryn likes her waffles plain.

condiment packets and their placement on plates to communicate order specifications.

"We've got a kind of coding system on

the plates," Whitmire revealed. "You mark the plates with a jelly packet or condiments. Different positions on the plate represent different ways to cook your eggs, how you like your sandwiches and meats cooked, all that sort of stuff."

As for the most popular menu items? Hash browns and waffles remain the crowd favorites, according to Whitmire.

The celebration featured free waffles, including a limited-availability birthday cake waffle, self-guided museum tours and Waffle House merchandise. The Waffle House Museum welcomes visitors through quarterly open houses, with dates posted at wafflehouse.com/museum/ and guided tours on request.

"Thank you to our customers and our community for being loyal to us," Whitmire said. "We appreciate the loyalty, and we're just honored to continue serving for another 70 years, at least."

PHOTOS BY: DEAN HESSE/APPEN MEDIA

RAIDERS 32, BULLDOGS 14

Alpharetta dominates in first win of season

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga — The Alpharetta Raiders won their first game of the season 32-14 Sept. 19 at home against Forsyth Central High.

It was head coach Brian Landis’ first win for the Raiders. Players say he has revitalized the program with a new air of discipline and accountability.

Linebacker Duke Condie scored the first touchdowns of his high school (or middle school) career with 3-yard and 2-yard rushes.

Condie was brought in on third down and goal in the fourth quarter after he had already proved once in the first period that he was good for muscling in the last few yards of a drive.

“The last time I scored was a 2-point conversion in middle school, so this was a new experience and it was awesome,” he said. “We played hard. We’re building off that and cleaning up some mistakes for next week.”

Condie plays on both sides of the ball, logging multiple key tackles including two for loss. Several first downs came with the help of blocking by the senior.

Four-star edge Jaxon Holly was another highlight of the Raiders defense, logging a pass deflection and the only sack alongside several tackles. Holly has upward of 29 Division I offers, including UGA, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Michigan.

One of the strongest defensive backs on the field was junior Noah Glover who notched multiple forced incompletions.

Quarterback Matthew Schletty, who has been described by Landis as “the juice of the team,” threw for 117 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions and added two more touchdowns rushing.

The Raiders had their first lead of the season going into halftime, 13-0. The Bulldogs fired back, with a 12-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Carter Jackson

Jackson threw 12-28 for 129 yards and rushed for the first of the Bulldogs’ two touchdowns.

Georgia Southern commit Max Haertel was a Swiss Army knife for the Bulldogs, with multiple key tackles and forcing his way in for the second Central touchdown. The extra point put the Bulldogs up by 1.

Alpharetta then tightened up on defense to stifle Central’s rush, forcing the punting unit in and allowing the Raiders’ offense to resume work.

Schletty threw a 40-yard touchdown to senior Thomas Byrd to respond, putting the Raiders back in the lead to start the fourth quarter.

Condie then pulled in his second score, and Schletty rushed for the final nail in the Bulldogs’ coffin.

Alpharetta faces off against North Atlanta Sept. 26. Forsyth Central has a bye next week, then will go up against West Forsyth Oct. 3.

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Fulton Science Academy unveils new athletic facility

By WENDY EDWARDS newsroom@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Fulton Science Academy publicly unveiled its new state-of-the-art athletic facilities Sept. 17, 2025, with a ceremony attended by students, parents, faculty and community leaders.

Attendees were treated to a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by FSA’s elementary students, speeches from notable guests, a Mustang mascot reveal, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and refreshments as they explored the newly opened additions.

Fulton Science Academy, which opened as a private institution in 2012, has grown from over 100 students to nearly 1,000 in that time. With that growth, the need for permanent and more accessible athletic facilities became clear.

Coach Alex Ayres, a key figure in the project, knows this better than most.

“I’ve been here eight years, and when I first got here we had three athletic teams,” Ayres said. “The second year, we grew athletics tremendously, and we knew we needed the facilities to come along with that. It has been a five-year project, but we wrapped up everything in August. We’re growing bigger and bigger every year, and athletics is definitely important. I think these facilities show it.”

The school now boasts a soccer field, four tennis courts, a field house, an observatory, an innovation lab and two music rooms, adding to its other offerings. Jim Winer, principal architect with Make3 in Atlanta, led the $12.5 million project. Still, the effort came with challenges.

Community leaders and Fulton Science Academy administrators cut

“It was a challenge to address the topography and fit the entire program into a very limited site,” Winer said. “It’s like an athletic hill village. It really took the right client to make this happen.”

Head of School David Aiden said the facility is already shaping student life. The space gives practices more focus, creates a true home atmosphere during games and provides opportunities for students to grow in ways beyond

academics. The observatory atop the field house has even caught the attention of NASA scientists, who noted that students are conducting Ph.D.level work through extensive overnight research projects.

Current and former students also joined the celebration. Akshay Maharaj, an alumnus now attending UCLA, said he was excited to see the improvements.

“I like seeing how the athletics have grown because back when we were around we used to play basketball in the parking lot,” Maharaj said. “So this is really cool to see how the facilities have expanded.”

Looking ahead, Fulton Science Academy plans a fourth phase of development: a Fine Arts Center that will feature a 600-seat auditorium, art studios and a multi-purpose hall.

Our chapel mausoleum offers timeless options of both cremation and traditional burial. Contact us for further information on the Chapel of Reflections and our many other offerings.

WENDY EDWARDS/APPEN MEDIA

the ribbon on the school’s new Alpharetta athletic facility Sept. 17

Alpharetta girls sweep Denmark in volleyball

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga — The Alpharetta volleyball team traveled to Denmark High School Sept. 18 to sweep the Danes 3-0.

Alpharetta, currently ranked No. 1 in all classifications in Georgia, has lost only one match this season to Cartersville. The Raiders have dropped just six sets all year, securing the No. 13 spot on MaxPreps’ national rankings.

Returning seniors libero Kailey Leonard, middle blocker Audrey Simpson, an Alabama commit, outside hitter Kennedi White, committed to Emory, and right side Stephanie Payne, still uncommitted and on the All-American watchlist, are two-time champions with the Raiders.

Replacing three starters in the class of 2025 has gone smoothly for Alpharetta. White was playing last year behind Brooke Boyles, who finished in the top 30 for total kills in Georgia. Simpson had been playing behind Madison McLin, who had the fourthhighest hitting percentage in the state.

The Raiders have turned to the youth to replace Abigail Li, their

setter now playing at Georgia Tech. Freshman Susie Dai posted 13 assists against the Danes. Sophomore Harsha Velugoti contributed 12.

Libero Kailey Leonard, who played one set as defensive specialist while fellow senior Tabitha Estes got a turn in the dark jersey, had 13 serve receives and 11 digs, including multiple impressive ups on FAMU commit Azaria Ehima.

Ehima and the Danes kept the Raiders busy with a back-and-forth first set. Alpharetta survived after numerous ties and lead changes, 2624.

The Raiders cleaned up errors in the second set, seeing success by sharing the sets among all hitters. All 15 members of Alpharetta’s team touched the court, closing out set two 25-17.

Sophomore Leilani Lamar, a transfer this season from Tampa Prep, logged three straight aces in the second set, a solo block and four kills against the Danes.

“The players and coaches have been really welcoming,” she said. “Everyone stepped up and we all really just played our best today.”

The Danes came out hot in the third set, keeping the score close until Alpharetta went on a 5-0 run to go up 16-8. The Raiders closed out strong, 25-14.

Alpharetta co-head coach Elizabeth Margeson said that even in a year that included replacing three starters, continuity has been maintained, even strengthened this season.

“We have a very deep team, at every position,” she said. “We have a sophomore and a freshman at setter, and they’ve been consistent throughout the season. It’s really a testament to how hard they work and the older girls they have around them with great communication.”

Denmark opposite Azaria Ehima had a down night after a season-high 21 kills against Forsyth Central Sept. 16. Ehima logged nine kills and two aces against the Raiders.

Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs

Jay Looft Owner/Agent

Medicare insurance changes on the horizon

For anyone on a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan, you should be receiving your ANOC right about now. This is your Annual Notice of Change. How will these plans change for 2026, you ask?

On Prescription Drug Plans, expect higher monthly premiums. Many drug plans will be using the standard $615 deductible on brand name medicines. And then, there is always a possibility of formulary changes on the prescriptions you take. For example, the drug that is currently at a lower Tier 3 cost could now be Tier 4 in 2026. For those doit-yourselfers, the easiest way to verify these tier level changes is by visiting Medicare.gov and using the Prescription Drug Plan Finder Tool.

On Medicare Advantage, there is a divide between companies that “want the business” (based on how competitive their Medicare Advantage benefits are designed) and companies that believe they are “too big to fail” (a 2008 reference for those of you that remember).

Let me be frank, most Medicare Advantage companies are of sound financial strength and do a great job at paying your medical and drug claims. But here are the areas of an MA Plan that shine when they are competitive:

• Low to $0 monthly Premium

• Reasonable Maximum Out of Pocket amounts

• Possible Part B Premium Give Back Option

• Competitive Copays on doctor visits and surgeries

• Wide selection of doctors and hospitals

• Wide variety of brand name and generic prescription drugs covered

• Sufficient dental and vision insurance, with quality providers available

• Additional benefits such as gym memberships and grocery allowance possible

If you have not opened your Annual Notice of Change in a couple years, chances are you have probably missed out on some of these benefits listed

above. So often the Medicare Advantage companies will degrade plans over time, but only those Medicare beneficiaries who are engaged with their plan changes every year, and their AGENT, will benefit and win in 2026.

Fortunately, you have an agent… SeniorSource Medicare Solutions! We are based out of Alpharetta and Cumming, but also have agents in Roswell, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Monroe, and Madison.

I’m now entering my 17th Medicare Annual Enrollment Period as a Medicare Insurance Agent. It’s because of this experience, I can assure we are very good at what we do and believe we can lead you to the best plan for you in 2026.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period will begin on October 15th, 2025, and run through December 7th, 2025, with those selections going into effect on January 1st, 2026. Please contact us by visiting our webpage for this upcoming AEP at SeniorSourceMedicare.com/AEP. Here we will provide valuable tips, information, and links to popular Medicare Advantage Plan and Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan Summaries starting on October 1st. We look forward to working with you this fall!

Does Testosterone make melanomas more aggressive?

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 com-

mon 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.

Insist

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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.

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Absorb, with “up”

Levy:

Wilson emphasized that while rising costs have led to pay increases and other expenses, the city has rolled back the rate in past years and hopes long-term to “rid [residents] of residential property tax.”

Resident Daryl O’Hare tied the discussion to household financial pressures.

“My cost pressures at home are pretty significant,” O’Hare said. “At the grocery store I’m spending way more money. My energy rates, even if they freeze them, they’re freezing them at the highest rates we’ve ever had them.”

She urged council members to follow through on its stated goal: “If the goal is eliminate the property tax, then tonight I’m going to say in good faith: ‘Prove it.’”

In other matters at the Sept. 22 meeting, U.S. Army Spec. Micah Clark joined with his son to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Clark, who served 11 months in Afghanistan, is the founder and CEO of Clark Brothers Roofing and Construction.

Roswell resident Daryl O’Hare addresses the City Council Sept. 22, seeking action to lower the property tax rate. She said residents face higher costs at home.

the community.

“Roswell has been truly incredible to us, and it feels like family, and we have no plans to leave,” Clark said.

The Roswell Youth Advisory Council presented the proclamation.

Councilman David Johnson explains how the city budget provides vital services, improves residents’ quality of life, and reinvests in the community.

an additional $35,547 budgeted for contingencies.

The council also approved a new 15-year agreement with Fulton County to continue water service through seven emergency interconnects. The deal allows Roswell to act as a sewer billing agent for the county and collect a 10 percent commission. Continued from Page 1

He was recognized by the City Council as an Esteemed Veteran of Roswell for his distinguished military service and ongoing contributions to

Park:

Continued from Page 1

Other trees will be removed because their advanced age and worsening health poses a safety risk to park visitors.

Some residents say they are saddened by the plan.

Rodgers said he understands some residents may be troubled by the removals but added he thinks they are necessary.

“I love trees as much as anybody,” Rodgers said. “I feel like I’m losing some really good, old neighbors. I hate to see them go, but they are leaving no matter what.”

The city is gearing up for construction at the playground, park and Equestrian Center as part of a $29.5 million parks bond approved by voters in 2021.

In July, the City Council approved a contract with Georgia-based Integrated Construction and Nobility to take over work at Old Rucker Park, Union Hill Park, Wills Park and the Equestrian Center.

Plans call for the Equestrian Center to receive a new entrance, upgraded RV hookups and arena renovations and improvements. The Waggy World Dog park also will be upgraded to improve

The council also issued a proclamation declaring the city’s 75th annual Frances McGahee Youth Day Celebration, to be held Saturday, Oct. 4, with the theme “Growing Together.”

In its consent agenda, the council approved a $355,471 contract with Inliner Solutions, LLC to rehabilitate stormwater pipes along nine city roads. The project will repair and line 18 pipes and structures ranging from 18 to 48 inches in diameter, with

Morgan Rodgers, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services director, presents plans for tree removal as part of upgrades at Wacky World Playground and Wills Park during a Sept. 22 City Council meeting.

amenities and drainage.

Now 28 years old, the wooden Wacky World Playground “has seen its better days,” Rodgers said, adding many of its support structures are suffering decay under the ground.

The new playground will feature awnings for shade, metal fence, rubber surface to allow better access for those with mobility issues, separate areas for younger and older children, larger restroom, zipline and swing set. The

playground’s parking lot will receive 72 additional spaces.

All affected trees were reviewed by a city tree study and the city’s arborist. All 50 trees, three of which are specimen trees, will be replaced.

Wacky World will close Sept. 29 to allow for the work, which is expected to be completed in early May.

Alpharetta resident James Weaver said he has been visiting Wacky World for years, bringing his grandchildren there to play. He has made a routine of taking his grandson to the playground each day after school.

He said it saddens him to hear some of the largest trees near the playground will be removed.

“They’re beautiful,” he said. “It took maybe 100 years for them to grow, and now they are going to do away with them?”

Weaver said he likes the idea of replacing the trees but wonders whether he will be around when they mature.

“What about the next 50, 60 years?” he said.

Alpharetta resident and selfdescribed “tree lover” Elizabeth Lewis said she shared Weaver’s concerns. She also regularly visits the playground with her grandchildren.

“These are beautiful, ancient trees,” she said. “I don’t think they should mess with them.”

PHOTOS BY JAMIE GODIN/APPEN MEDIA

SCREENSHOT

An old geezer competes with time to stop aging

I remember in elementary school PE class being out on the playground and feeling sorry for those kids who were overweight, uncoordinated, weak, or otherwise ill-adapted for playground sports in any way, shape or form. Same thing goes in middle school – watching those kids try to climb the ropes and not even being able to progress more than one or two pulls “up.” Or, when we did wrestling, and their names were called, watching the pure abject fear, or maybe just resignation, at being objects of laughter as they walked out to the center of the mat knowing the humiliation that awaited.

I was the guy who did almost everything athletic without much effort. I set the school record for pullups; I won the county high jump. Won Punt, Pass and Kick several years. I was “most athletic” one year. I could do kip ups without using my arms. I thought I would be king of the mountain forever!

That was, of course, until my growth spurt didn’t spurt, and everyone else’s did – around 9th grade. Without changing anything, almost overnight, I seemed to tumble down from my lofty perch to average – to the

AIKENOMICS

mean.

Later, in high school, I tried to redeem myself as a tennis player. I figured if I practiced 3-5 hours a day, seven days a week – which I did – I would eventually become fairly good. I almost got there after three years of that regimen. I can still hit a tennis ball fairly well today – courtesy of those three years or dedicated work done roughly 50 years ago.

Later in life, as an adult, as a father, husband and guy trying to start a career at the Miami Herald and then a business (Appen Newspapers) here in Alpharetta, I ran. And ran. And ran.

In Miami, almost every single day, I ran across bridges, along beaches and causeways. My runs were usually through turf that was drop-dead stunning, regenerative and peaceful. The more stressed out I was, the farther I ran. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier than running along the beach on Key Biscayne almost every day for an hour or two. Just call me Forrest Gump.

In Alpharetta, I lost my runs through stunning scenery – although had I dared to run along Freemanville Road or Birmingham Highway, I would have retained it – that is, if I wasn’t hit by someone driving a $150,000 vehicle – in a hurry to no place in particular and on their phone. Instead, I usually ran along Haynes Bridge Road, across Ga. 400, and farther. It wasn’t as pretty but, with my headphones blasting and

usually in deep thought, I almost didn’t notice and certainly didn’t care. Later, I added swimming and lifting weights at the Y starting at 5 a.m. every weekday to my anti-stress – anti-aging regimen. And honestly, it worked – kind of. Swim in the mornings. Run after work in the late afternoons or at night. The routine forced me to retro-manage my life – toward health – eat better, sleep better and abstain from stuff like alcohol. If I wanted my run and swim, I had to take care of myself; it was a simple choice. Which did I want more?

Fast forward to 71. No way. I am still Forrest pounding out the miles. Not.

Time has been such a snark to me these past few years. I made a new friend that goes by the name of sciatic. Had never met him nor – honestly –had I even ever heard of this “guy.” Wow, do I ever know “sciatic” now. It has taken me just at a year to make that new friend disappear.

Then of course, my lower back. My X-rays came back “sever compressed disc” and “very severely compressed disc.” So, okay, no more running. That one truly hurt – my heart. But if I have to stop running to avoid my friend sciatic or my friends L2 and L3, I guess I haven’t much choice.

Which brings me to those aerobics’ classes – that Zumba, Body Pump, Flow Yoga, pilates and the like –all done in large rooms, filled with people, music blasting, and frequently

a masochistic instructor with a microphone and little empathy. So, I went to one of those things with my wife Christina the other night. I suspected that it was not going to feel quite the same as running along the beach at dusk or smacking a tennis ball against a backboard. It wasn’t. It was just me, one other guy, and maybe 50 women of all ages – all in better shape than me – or at least in better gym-condition doing those things. I expected humbling. I got it. I expected hard, really hard. It was that. I didn’t expect it to be fun. It wasn’t. I expected to make a fool of myself, but I didn’t dare to look around to see how many of those women were laughing and shaking their heads feeling sorry for that old guy over there. So, I just assumed I made a fool of myself without confirmation.

I felt like an anemic, toneless, muscle-less, bumbling Richard Simmons mime trying to lead a class and tripping over his shoelaces and falling flat on his face while still chanting “and 1 and 2 and 3.” It was ugly.

So, I decided to stick with my swimming at the Y so early in the morning that I almost always have my own lane and rarely have any witnesses. Seventy-one and counting. Go to heck sciatic. And if I close my eyes during those laps (I’m up to a mile now) it feels kind of like running along the ocean's edge. I’ll go with that.

Fed delivers expected rate cut, but risks remain

The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate by 0.25 percent Sept. 17, a move fully anticipated by markets. Mortgage rates barely moved, and the 10-year Treasury yield hovered near 4.02 percent, essentially unchanged from the day before. On the surface, the Fed’s decision was framed as a balanced response to slowing job growth on one hand and the lingering threat of inflation on the other.

Yet beneath the calm rhetoric lies a deeper concern. Chair Jerome Powell and his colleagues continue to emphasize a backward-looking approach, pledging that all policy will

be “data dependent.” While cautious in tone, this strategy risks missing the broader trajectory of the economy. Indicators from the labor market, housing and consumer spending suggest a slowdown is already underway, leaving many to wonder whether the Fed is acting too timidly.

Labor market weakness

Unemployment has crept higher in recent months, while new job creation has softened considerably. Businesses are scaling back hiring plans, and layoffs, though not widespread, are no longer isolated to a few sectors. A cautious household sector follows naturally: if people feel less secure in their jobs, they spend less. And when spending slows, demand for goods and services declines, pulling down prices. This is, in essence, Economics 101.

Housing at a standstill

The housing market offers a stark case study. Sales have fallen to their lowest levels in more than two decades. Buyers face affordability challenges despite modest rate relief, while sellers are reluctant to cut prices further. Even with mortgage rates poised just above 6 percent, activity remains subdued, underscoring how fragile housing demand has become.

A more decisive easing from the Fed could provide some relief, but for now the market remains in limbo.

The inflation specter

Despite this clear evidence of weakening fundamentals, the Fed still clings to the specter of re-accelerating inflation. While vigilance against rising prices is prudent, inflation has already moderated significantly from its peak, and forward-looking pressures —

falling energy prices, softening wage growth, and improving supply chains — suggest further easing ahead. The risk today is not a resurgence of runaway prices, but rather a policy stance that remains too tight in the face of mounting slack.

What comes next

Markets now expect the Fed may deliver two more 0.25 percent cuts before year-end. Such moves could provide incremental relief, but they may not be enough to reverse the downward trends in housing or employment. Monetary policy works with long lags, and cautious halfmeasures risk leaving the economy vulnerable to a sharper downturn.

For mortgage markets, the story remains one of patience.

RAY

Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

GARDEN BUZZ

Why fig trees have a place in your home landscape

Every homeowner can benefit by having a fig tree as part of their landscape garden. There are several reasons to consider growing at least one tree in your garden area. The fig tree, steeped in history, is easy to start and maintain, provides a shady canopy from the hot summer sun and provides good tasting, nutritious fruit for your family and friends.

An attractive addition to your home landscape: Fig trees beautify your landscape from spring to late fall. These naturally fast-growing trees, located optimally in your landscape, will provide an eye-catching focal point in your yard. A typical tree can grow from 10 to 30+ feet and provide welcome relief as a natural shade to deck areas or near your home with its large, majestic leaves.

Easy to grow and maintain: Regardless of your expertise as a gardener, fig trees are relatively easy to grow. The Atlanta area’s warm, humid summers and mild winters are perfect for fig trees. They adapt well to our soil types and are able to withstand periods of drought, which makes them low maintenance throughout the year. In optimal conditions, the trees will grow significantly, and you may elect to prune yearly to allow easy access to all the fruit produced. It’s best to prune them when they are dormant in the late winter or early spring.

Figs are also easy to propagate. If you already have a tree in your yard or a friend/neighbor has one that you admire, you can easily start another by cutting a branch during growth and placing in a container or layering a branch on the ground until it creates its own roots.

Healthy and tasty fruit: An added benefit that enhances the natural beauty of this tree is that it can provide phenomenal and bountiful fruit during the summer and fall months with very little effort on your part. In the proper

growing location, you can harvest multiple pounds of this sweet signature fruit. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used to make dried fruit and jam (my favorite). In a typical year, I was able to process over 100 jars of fig jam, even after allowing friends, neighbors, birds, squirrels, bees, wasps and other yard visitors to partake in the fruit from a single tree.

Getting started: For optimal outcomes and bountiful fruit production, it is recommended you plant the tree in an area with full sun and well-drained soil. It is recommended that you have the soil

tested for nutrients through your local Extension office. While you have a plethora of types of fig trees to choose from, there are specific varieties that thrive in our area: Celeste, Concordia, Hardy Chicago and more. Check out the UGA Extension publication, “Home Garden Figs,” for a list of varieties recommended for Georgia. My favorite is Italian White, which produces large, light-skinned, sweet fruit. It is recommended that you select a plant from your local garden retailer that is self-pollinating, so you are not dependent on the microscopic wasp in the family Agaonide to ensure proper fruit production.

Find an optimal location for your tree that is near your house (or wall) with southern exposure that will have plenty of morning and afternoon full light exposure. Fig trees thrive when they have a wall for structural support, as they are not a hardwood fruit tree. Alternatively, you can start your tree in a container while you determine the best location for your yard. Moreover, figs can be a container plant if you do not have the ability to plant in-ground or want to contain their growth. Here’s hoping you can FIGure it out.

Happy Gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https://www. appenmedia.com/opinion/columnists/ garden_buzz/.

About the author

This week's "Garden Buzz" features Sandy Springs resident Jerry Veltri, an active gardener in the Atlanta area for over 30 years. Jerry is a recent member of the UGA Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. He spends most of his time supporting Master Gardener Extension Volunteer efforts at Lost Corner Preserve.

Continued from Page 16

Because Wednesday’s cut was already priced in, mortgage rates were largely unchanged. To push borrowing costs lower, investors will need greater

confidence that the Fed is committed to further easing. That conviction may not arrive until the Fed signals less concern about inflation and more urgency about growth.

The bottom line

The Fed delivered what markets expected, but expectations alone are

no substitute for leadership. By looking into the rear-view mirror rather than the windshield, policymakers risk missing the larger slowdown already unfolding. Whether two more modest cuts this year will be enough remains uncertain. What is clear is that the economy cannot afford a central bank that continues to play catch-up.

DC Aiken is Senior Vice President of Lending for CrossCountry Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com.

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

JERRY VELTRI Guest Columnist

PHOTOS BY JERRY VELTRI/PROVIDED

Mature fig tree

Harvested figs—the ‘fruits’ of your labor

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6 SOLUTIONS

DEATH NOTICES

David Greene, 67, of Roswell, passed away on September 6, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Alan McDonald, 80, of Alpharetta, passed away on September 14, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Bruce Taylor, 88, of Roswell, passed away on September 9, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

During these turbulent times, we would like to highlight the continued courage and commitment of everyone who works in the health care, law enforcement, childcare, food service and utility sectors. We are extremely grateful.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following items will be 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. PH-24-16 Road Abandonment –Manning Street

Consideration of a request for road abandonment of Manning Street. The property is located within the Manning Street right-of-way and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 1253 & 1268, 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.

12050 Crabapple Road • Roswell, GA 30075

Education Manager

Bilingual (English / Spanish) Donor Operations Supervisor

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.

The Bilingual (English / Spanish) Donor Operations Supervisor (Full-time) manages the donation door process and delegates tasks to staff, volunteers, and community service workers. As the face of NFCC, they provide excellent customer service while greeting donors and ensuring donations are properly removed from vehicles and sorted in designated areas. They are responsible for maintaining the security of merchandise and keeping all areas clean and organized.

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

The Supervisor must be able to lift up to 75lb frequently and be on their feet most of their shift. They must enjoy staying busy, training and influencing others to work as a team in a professional manner. Must have the ability to work Tuesday through Saturday 9am – 5pm. An extraordinary Total Rewards Package is included with this opportunity!

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

Bilingual (English / Spanish) Donor Operations Supervisor

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

Lead Technology Product Manager needed by AT&T Services, Inc., in Alpharetta, GA to oversee comprehensive project management for the Flagship app program and may also handle sub-components of extensive programs. Apply at http://att.jobs/, select JOB SEARCH and APPLY and select Search by Requisition Number at the left bottom of the page and enter Job Number: R-81929.

Bilingual (English / Spanish) Donor Operations Supervisor

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

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

Senior Java Full-Stack Software Developer (Multiple Positions), Johns Creek, GA & unanticipated client sites thruout U.S. Design, develop, & maintain web apps using Java, Spring Boot, Angular, & related tech. Must have BS or equiv in CS, CIS, IT-rel Engineering, or rel, & 5 yrs exp in job offered or related. Travel/relocation req. Mail résumés: NFC Solutions USA Inc, Job .Net, 11030 Jones Bridge Road, Ste 202, Johns Creek, GA 30022.

Product Tester, Software sought by Ingenico Inc. in Alpharetta, GA to develop and execute software testing to test and evaluate software tools imbedded in payment hardware. Prepare Software Detailed Product Requirement Specifications, including functionalities, User Interface, and API for Firmware and Software Development Kits to support testing, quality assurance, and performance improvement. Serve as technical interface with customers’ developers to test and troubleshoot integration of our product into their solution. Respond to customer inquiries, triage issues, identify scope, and gather information to ensure cases are properly documented. Remote work possible from home office located within commuting distance of Alpharetta, GA HQ. Must work in office 2 days per week. Interested candidates should email resumes to Laura McCartney at laura.mccartney@ingenico.com. Reference code PTS46 in response.

Ryder System, Inc. seeks Director, Enterprise AI in Alpharetta, GA to road map our AI initiatives. Telecommuting permitted. Apply @ www. jobpostingtoday.com/ Ref #38575.

Pilot Travel Centers LLC. dba Pilot Flying J seeks Sr. Developer, Salesforce in Roswell, GA to add features, fixes, and enhancements to new and existing applications, processes, and reports. Apply at www. jobpostingtoday.com Ref #32211.

Lead Software Engineering needed by AT&T Services, Inc., in Alpharetta, GA [Hybrid position] to design, code, test, debug and document new and existing components to ensure that software meets business, quality and operational needs. Apply at http://att. jobs/, select JOB SEARCH and APPLY and select Search by Requisition Number at the left bottom of the page and enter Job Number: R-80357.

Infor (US), LLC has an opening for a Senior Development Operations Engineer in Alpharetta, GA. Position will support the Infor Cloud Services Operations and will work with many AWS service offerings and open-source tools. Responsible for troubleshooting, monitoring, and development of system automations. 100% telecommuting permitted. How to apply: E-mail resume, referencing IN1063, including job history, to careers@infor.com. EOE.

Anjus, LLC in Roswell, GA has multi open’gs: A) Java Programmers I to assist w/correct’n of app errors. Salary: $90,210/yr. B) Java Programmers II to anlyz, dvlp, & implemt complex functionality according to biz reqmnts. Salary: $109,741/yr. C) Java Programmers III to assist Project Manager in anlyz’g, dvlp’g, & implemt’g complex functionality according to biz reqmnt. Salary: $129,272/yr. D) Java/J2EE Developers I to dsgn, dvlp, test & support Java/J2EE apps. Salary: $105,227/yr. E) Java/J2EE Developers II to dvlp SW sys’m testing & validation procedures, progrmmg, & documnt’n. Salary: $127,504/yr. F) Java/J2EE Developers III to coord modificat’n of SW to correct errors. Salary: $149,760/yr. Jobs A-F: No trvl. No telecom. Job duties are proj-based @ unanticipated sites w/in U.S. Relo may be req’d @ proj. end. Email resumes to Build_your_future@anjusintl.com

Lead Software Engineer needed by AT&T Services, Inc. in Alpharetta, GA [Hybrid position] to design, code, test, debug and document new and existing components to ensure that software meets business, quality and operational needs. Apply at http://att.jobs/, select JOB SEARCH and APPLY and select Search by Requisition Number at the left bottom of the page and enter Job Number: R-76283.

ESL Contractor Instructor (Evening)

Bilingual (English / Spanish) Donor Operations Supervisor

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

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

Truck Driver

Bilingual (English / Spanish) Donor Operations Supervisor

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

TAX PREPARER ASSISTANT: Experience required. Flexible hours. Lacerte software experience helpful. admin@skbcpas.com

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

Remote/part-time/flexible/contract work for seasoned accountants/bookkeepers. Non-Profit/ForProfit Clients. QBO and payroll expertise required. Sue@playbook-cloud.com

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