Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - May 16, 2024

Grassroots history group works to save church, lodge

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Former Roswell Mayor Jere Wood said he plans to “turn up the heat” to preserve a pre-Civil War structure the city intends to demolish through eminent domain.

More than 40 people packed the

porch of Wegman’s Bayou Louisiana Kitchen May 9 as Wood and others took turns making a call to action under the auspices of the new grassroots Save Roswell’s History Committee.

“Our strategy is going to be to turn up the heat until they get out of the kitchen,” Wood said.

At stake is Masonic Lodge No. 165,

a still-active space owned and operated by the Masons that once served as the first permanent building for the Methodist Church in Roswell. For more than 90 years, the property had been landmarked and designated as historically important by

See SAVE, Page 24

Roswell denies ILM Academy expansion bid

School may relocate to site in Alpharetta

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — ILM Academy, an Islamic K-12 private school off Grimes Bridge Road, may rehome outside city limits after the Roswell City Council denied its zoning request to expand May 13. ILM Academy sought to rezone a 9,056-square-foot building across the street on Colonial Park Drive from office park, or OP, to commercial/mixed-use, or CX. The plan was to add six classrooms, reallocating grades 1-4 with 20 to 25 students each.

In addition to its main campus, the school operates out of its Early Childhood Center for a total of 360 students.

While the Roswell Community Development Department recommended approval based on the CX zoning being compatible with future land use planning, the Economic Development Department suggested denial at the City Council meeting.

“It’s an important part of

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Former Roswell Mayor Jere Wood opens the first meeting of the Save Roswell’s History Committee at Wegman’s Bayou Louisiana Kitchen on Canton Street May 9. The group is advocating that the City of Roswell reverse its decision to demolish the historic Masonic Lodge No. 165 in downtown to make way for a pedestrian plaza near a proposed public parking deck.

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Police log busy night ferrying woman

ROSWELL, Ga. — In the span of eight hours, an Alpharetta woman, reportedly pregnant, took three trips to jail, had a physical altercation with an officer and went to the hospital twice under police custody, before ending up in the downtown Rice Street detention center. The incident all stemmed from a ticket for speeding and unlicensed driving, according to reports and interviews obtained by Appen Media.

Roswell police stopped a couple April

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.

Officers arrest couple for meth possession

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested a 45-year-old Panama City man for methamphetamine possession May 7 after McDonald’s employees reported him and a woman for a domestic disturbance.

When officers arrived at the restaurant at 2950 Holcomb Bridge Road, they determined the argument between the two suspects was only verbal.

The incident report did not include information about the female suspect.

Officers said both suspects had drugrelated warrants out of Ohio, which were non-extraditable, but they gave consent to search the vehicle.

After officers found used and clean needles, a rubber tourniquet and burnt spoons in the vehicle, they detained the two and read them their Miranda rights.

The male suspect said he purchased and used meth earlier in the day.

The female told officers she is a heroin addict.

During a search of the vehicle, officers found 2 grams of crystal meth and a needle with liquid inside.

Because neither suspect claimed

17 after a remote-controlled camera flagged a car whose owner had an active warrant out of Dunwoody. The officer reported that the registrant, a 27-yearold Alpharetta woman, was sitting in the passenger seat while her boyfriend was driving the vehicle.

Roswell contacted the Dunwoody Police Department and confirmed the warrant for failure to appear in court, and said they wished to take custody of the subject. As

possession, the male suspect admitted to purchasing meth and the female suspect drove the car, officers arrested them.

Officers transported and booked the male at the North Fulton County Jail.

The jail refused the female suspect who was pregnant and high on drugs, according to a nurse.

Officers transported her to the Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center and released her into their custody.

Phony police scammers target Roswell woman

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police responded to a report of a theft by deception stemming from a May 6 incident involving a 70-year-old woman and phone calls with scammers.

The victim said she received a phone call around noon while she was working on Hill Street.

She said the caller identification showed “Cobb County,” and told her she had an active federal warrant for failing to appear for jury duty.

The victim said she spoke to “Lt. Murphy” and then “Capt. Adams.”

The caller said the warrant would cost her $60,000, then offered to accept $6,000

The victim said she remained on the phone with the caller, drove to the Kroger on East Crossville Road and deposited $1,900 into the COINME bitcoin machine. She told the caller she could only afford that amount and could not pay the $6,000.

a result, the Roswell officer placed her in custody.

Roswell police gave the male driver, also 27, a ticket for driving without a license. They also allowed him to have someone come pick up the car so it wouldn’t be towed.

Meanwhile, the City of Dunwoody gave an update. They would not be able to send

See LOG, Page 31

Officers said the victim provided them with the phone number she sent the money to. When the victim told the caller she was on the way to the Roswell Police Department, they disconnected the phone call.

Stone Mountain man arrested for car theft

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested a 38-year-old Stone Mountain man May 3 for felony theft in the parking lot of a McDonald’s at 591 Holcomb Bridge Road.

An officer said he initially responded to a report of a man acting erratically at the fast-food restaurant.

During a conversation with the suspect outside of the store, officers said the man identified a blue Volkswagen Jetta as his vehicle.

Once a check of the license plate confirmed the vehicle was reported stolen, the officer called for backup.

Officers said they saw the suspect holding the keys to the car, which is valued at $24,000.

When questioned about how he acquired the vehicle, the suspect said someone else had its title and bill of sale.

When asked who sold him the vehicle, the suspect said, “the Devil.”

After officers detained the suspect and read him his Miranda rights, he declined to speak.

Officers transported him to the North Fulton County Jail for felony theft by receiving stolen property.

Alpharetta opens Mid Broadwell Park

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Mid Broadwell Park, Alpharetta’s newest public recreation area, officially opened on May 1 with a ribboncutting drawing city officials and residents.

Located at 1480 Mid Broadwell Road, the 4-acre park features a walking trail, a playground equipped with two sets of slides, a sideways rope swing and water play stations.

Mid Broadwell Park is designed as a neighborhood park, which means it is intended primarily to serve residents who live within walking distance.

To maximize the amount of land dedicated to fun and enjoyment, there is limited space designated for vehicle parking.

The city’s $29.5 million parks bond funded the $500,000 buildout of Mid Broadwell Park, which is one of the voterapproved projects.

Funds from that bond are helping the city reach its goal of having a park within a 10-minute walk of every resident and bringing improvements to its existing public parks.

Roswell Cultural Arts Center sets Summer Puppet Series

By LUKE GARDNER newsroom@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Five puppet shows are coming to the Roswell Cultural Arts Center from June 11 through July 13 for this year’s Summer Puppet Series.

The series features a different show and puppeteer each week. Every show is based on a children’s story, including “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Jungle Book” and “The Tortoise and the Hare.” All the puppeteers are returning fan favorites who have performed in the Summer Puppet Series for years.

“We’ve done the puppet show for over 25 years at least,” said Cultural Arts Manager David Crowe. “It was started by Sandra Mayberry and puppeteer Lee Bryan back in the ’90s. He comes every year and the kids and families love him.”

Each show will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and matinees will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The show lineup will start with All Hands Productions’ performance of “Three Billy Goats Gruff and Other Stuff,” from June 11-15. The show is about three billy goats attempting to pass over a troll’s

bridge, a classic tale interpreted through puppeteer David Stephens.

Next, The Tanglewood Marionettes will showcase “Sleeping Beauty” from June 18-22.

“Tanglewood presents classical and extremely beautiful puppeteering,” Crowe said. “It’s traditional, lovely fairytale stuff.”

The Frisch Marionettes will present “The Jungle Book” from June 25-29. The classic story will be told through Kevin Frisch’s musical marionette adaptation.

Lee Bryan’s “The Tortoise & the Hare & More!” runs July 2-6, without a show on July 4.

“Lee Bryan is like seeing a live-action cartoon,” Crowe said. ”The parents enjoy the dad jokes and the kids enjoy the color and movement.”

For the final show in the series, Lee Bryan will return to present “The Princess & the Butterbean” from July 9-13. In the show, Bryan adds a comedic twist to the classic tale “The Princess and the Pea.”

“All the shows are for all ages,” Crowe said. “The kids enjoy the story, and adults enjoy it because it’s an art and craft that’s beautifully done.”

Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at roswellcac.showare.com.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED

A trio of young ladies help Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin cut the ribbon May 1 on Alpharetta’s Mid Broadwell Park. Alpharetta residents, elected officials and city staff celebrated the opening of Alpharetta’s newest park at 1480 Mid Broadwell Road.

Georgia Ensemble Theatre co-founder leaves the stage

ROSWELL, Ga. — Anita Allen Farley, co-founder and producing artistic director of the Georgia Ensemble Theatre announced her retirement, effective May 1, ending her 32 years of leadership.

She and her late husband Robert J. “Bob” Farley founded the Georgia Ensemble Theatre in 1992.

The Georgia Ensemble Theatre Board of Trustees named Laurel Crowe, previously the education director, as interim artistic director.

Farley said she looks forward to spending time with family, looking after her health, pursuing hobbies and getting some much-needed relaxation.

The board announced a search is underway for a new director but has not specified a timeline.

Board President Katherine Parvis said Farley's career with the theater is exemplified by the positive impact she has had on its staff, students, audience and community.

“GET became a cornerstone of the Atlanta arts community thanks to Anita and Bob making the theater their lives’ opus,” Parvis said. “For me personally, Anita’s tireless advocacy for the organization amid challenging circumstances has been an inspiration.”

Farley began her theatrical career in 1968 after studying at The Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatrical Arts where she met her husband.

“While Anita is stepping back from the Producing Artistic Director role, we are excited that she will continue

to guide the organization’s next chapter through service as a Board member,” Parvis said. “Anita’s retirement is not the end of an era. It's a celebration of a legacy that we are striving every day to live up to.”

Georgia Ensemble Theatre started as the resident professional theatre company at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.

It has since produced 31 seasons of plays and musicals — 30 years at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center and one year at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre — plus dozens of shows on tour at schools and community centers throughout Georgia.

Bob and Anita Farley were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at Atlanta’s Suzi Bass Awards in 2017, with special attention paid to their long-time support of earlycareer and emerging artists.

For 25 of her 32 years, Farley served as managing director alongside her husband as artistic director. After Bob Farley passed away unexpectedly in 2017, Anita was appointed producing artistic director.

From its inception in 1992, in a part of Metro Atlanta without a

FARLEY

Treasury official tees up funds for clean energy initiatives

Sandy Springs to weigh offer for federal dollars

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Regional Commission Board heard a presentation May 8 from a representative of the U.S. Treasury Department on its direct pay program for clean energy initiatives.

The program, part of the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, offers tax-exempt organizations, specifically local governments, federal money to offset project costs associated with clean energy, like electric vehicles.

David Eichenthal, representing the White House, is a senior policy adviser with the U.S. Treasury Department’s Inflation Reduction Act Implementation Office.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, created more than 20 tax incentives for clean energy and manufacturing.

The projected impact of the bill on inflation is disputed.

One role of the U.S. Treasury Department, responsible for major elements of the law, is to implement tax incentives for investments in clean

energy and manufacturing.

Individuals are eligible for federal tax credits for the purchase of a qualifying clean vehicle purchase and energy improvements to their home.

Most of the tax incentives apply exclusively to businesses, revolving around energy generation and carbon capture, vehicles, manufacturing, fuels, energy efficiency and healthcare.

For many of the incentives, bonuses are available to increase private sector investment in energy security and climate.

Eichenthal almost exclusively discussed the direct pay program.

The Treasury’s Office of Tax Policy and the Internal Revenue Service developed tax regulations and guidance to implement the act’s energy credits and other tax law changes.

Eichenthal said the direct pay program allows for the “blending and grading of different resources,” which allows tax credits to be combined with some loans.

Since some cities and counties across the country started qualifying projects last year, a few have started filing for the tax credits.

“At some point this year, I’m not going to be talking to groups like this about hypothetically what people are

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

David Eichenthal, senior policy adviser with the U.S. Treasury Department, speaks on the Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay program May 8 to the Atlanta Regional Commission Board.

doing,” he said. “I’ll be able to say, the city of ‘X’ made this investment, and they got a check from the federal government covering 30-50 percent of the cost.”

Unfortunately, the credit payment

comes after the project goes into service.

“There’s an upfront financing issue that folks need to consider,” Eichenthal said.

He gave some examples of projects, like fleet electrification and central geothermal heating, that require a hefty initial capital investment but project a reduction in a local government’s operating cost.

A payment from the Internal Revenue Service can be expected within 45 days after a project goes into service, Eichenthal said.

“Finance directors can now model out what that will look like,” he added.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul, serving as the North Fulton County mayoral representative on the ARC Board, said city staff will review the information and determine whether it can meet the needs of the city.

The city is installing electric vehicle charging stations at its new Police Department and Municipal Court on Morgan Falls Road and its new Fleet Center on Roswell Road.

“There are some vehicles in our fleet where the direct pay program may offer us some opportunities,” he said. “We need to dig into it a bit deeper than the cursory overview we got today.”

Roswell announces lineup for Memorial Day service

ROSWELL, Ga. — The 25th Roswell Remembers Memorial Day Ceremony, scheduled for May 27 at City Hall, will pay tribute to the country’s fallen soldiers.

Sponsored by the City of Roswell and the Roswell Rotary Club, the award-winning event will begin at 11 a.m. to feature a military ceremony, the presentation of colors, honor guard, the singing of the national

anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, a tribute to prisoners of war and those missing in action as well as the solemn laying of the wreath.

The grounds will open an hour in advance, featuring displays and music provided by the Roswell New Horizons Band.

Retired Col. Rick White, a Norcross native, will be the guest speaker. White enlisted in the

United States Army in 1966 and served in Vietnam for two years as an Airborne Infantry Company commander in the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

His numerous awards include the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Master Parachutist Wings.

After 31 years of service, White retired from active duty and was

later inducted into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame in Fort Collins. Currently, he holds the positions of director and chairman of the Board at the Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

Following the program, a barbecue lunch featuring chicken and pork will be served on the premises. Tickets can be purchased on-site on the day of the ceremony.

Our aim is to build a resilient ecosystem where people, wildlife and plants can thrive together for generations.

LILIANA BRENNER, Johns Creek Beautification vice president

8 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | May 16, 2024

Johns Creek Beautification rallies around landscaping, public art

June luncheon to help fund Native American sculpture

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Lynn Pennington, president of Johns Creek Beautification, is someone you see at most every cityorganized event, speaking on behalf of a nonprofit that unites people through landscaping and public art.

“If you stay close to our mission statement … it is really a way to bring people together,” said Pennington, whose wealth of energy exceeds her small frame. She stays busy, also serving as co-president to the Cultural Arts Alliance at Johns Creek and as a member of the Johns Creek Historical Society.

While Johns Creek Beautification formed in 2007, its beginnings precede the city’s incorporation with work toward beautifying medians along Medlock Bridge Road.

Over the years, the nonprofit has developed a slate of initiatives.

One can be seen throughout the city, lit up with 52,250 yellow daffodils. The organization’s planting campaign Daffodils4Hope, brought forth by more than 1,100 volunteers of all ages, is in partnership with the nonprofit CanCare Atlanta which provides counseling support to cancer patients and caregivers in the community.

Johns Creek Beautification also hosts a Secret Garden Tour every other year. The rain-or-shine event features an array of private home gardens and the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, each with musical ensembles or solo performers, along with

visual artists sharing their talents with visitors.

Pennington, co-chair to the tour, said she is seeking volunteers to lead the effort next spring with planning beginning in August.

Currently, board members are preparing for a fundraiser in June in support of a new Native American sculpture for the city’s Town Center area — 192 acres anchored by the oncoming Creekside Park, centered around the pond behind City Hall. The hub is also poised to bring retail and industry with tenants like mixed-used development Medley and biomedical engineering giant Boston Scientific.

The Native American sculpture would be the second permanent installation born from the nonprofit’s ArtSpot subcommittee.

The first, unveiled in June 2022 at the Bell and Boles roads roundabout, is Entwined Strength by artist Eric Strauss. Its vine-like form, created from 4,000 pounds of hot forged steel, honors the diverse community members and its leaders who pulled together to create a new city.

Pennington envisions the new sculpture to showcase thousands of years of Native American history that covers what is now Johns Creek, beyond the known Cherokee Nation. She said its intended location, close to City Hall, would allow it to become a symbol of unity and respect for indigenous peoples, showcasing a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

“In the research, we found out that Native Americans were in the Johns Creek area for 14,000 years,” she said. “There is nothing that really shows that

LYNN PENNINGTON/PROVIDED

Artist Eric Strauss stands with his sculpture Entwined Strength at a ribbontying ceremony in June 2022 at the Bell and Boles roads roundabout. The sculpture was the first permanent public art installation born from Johns Creek Beautification’s ArtSpot subcommittee. Currently, the nonprofit is in the fundraising stage for a second sculpture, themed around Native American history.

history in Johns Creek yet, so through art we hope to … capture history, heritage.”

The impetus for the project dates to around 2015, a collaboration between the now-defunct Newtown Park Community Foundation and that year’s Leadership Johns Creek class, which included former CEO of Emory Johns Creek

Marilyn Margolis.

The group set its eyes on a stone sculpture, a work that could endure the weather, akin to Native American petroglyphs found around the Southeast in places like Blairsville.

But, Pennington said the sculpture would be under the artist’s discretion, ideally to be placed in a new plaza area created from stones that could be purchased and inscribed.

Once Johns Creek Beautification has sufficient funds, Pennington said a call will be cast out, prioritizing Native American artists. She said the selection committee would likely be composed of board members from Johns Creek Beautification and the Cultural Arts Alliance as well as a Johns Creek city councilmember.

While the project is pending City Council approval, Pennington said $50,000 has been raised so far across the nonprofit’s Secret Garden tours, and the goal is to collect $100,000 over the next 18 months.

Another $50,000 may head their way, considering a recommendation made at a recent Johns Creek Arts, Culture and Entertainment Committee meeting on the use of hotel/motel tax collections in fiscal year 2025.

The June 6 fundraiser will be the nonprofit’s first annual learning luncheon, featuring two guest speakers — Ashley Frasca, who hosts a Saturday morning garden show on WSB Radio, and Mark Hoban, a golf course superintendent at Rivermont Golf Club who focuses on sustainable, organic methods in his work.

See BEAUTY, Page 9

BUSINESSPOSTS

LYNN PENNINGTON/PROVIDED

Johns Creek Beautification members sort daffodil bulbs with high school volunteers as part of Daffodils4Hope, a planting campaign in partnership with CanCare Atlanta — a nonprofit that provides counseling support to cancer patients and caregivers. Since the program’s inception six years ago, more than 1,100 volunteers have planted 52,250 daffodils around Johns Creek.

Beauty:

Continued from Page 8

The luncheon aligns with the nonprofit’s other effort to recertify Johns Creek as a National Wildlife Habitat, promoting sustainable gardening practices. The city first earned certification with the National Wildlife Federation’s Community Wildlife Habitat program in April 2012.

Johns Creek Beautification Vice President Liliana Brenner said the organization is also helping to certify individual properties such as homes, parks, schools and businesses by providing food, water, shelter and places to raise young. Residents are encouraged to certify their properties at certifiedwildlifehabitat.nwf.org.

“Our aim is to build a resilient ecosystem where people, wildlife and plants can thrive together for generations,” Brenner said.

Johns Creek Beautification’s first annual learning luncheon “Seed Soil Sunshine” June 6 will feature two guest speakers on sustainable gardening practices and a Q&A on how to humanely deter deer while creating a safe environment for pets. The luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Sugo on Medlock Bridge Road. Tickets are $70 and include a meal of salads, several main courses and dessert. Proceeds will help fund a new Native American sculpture for the Johns Creek Town Center area. To reserve a seat, visit: www. johnscreekbeautification.org/fundraiser.html.

CITY OF ROSWELL PUBLIC NOTICE

BUDGET FOR 2024 6-MONTH BUDGET

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, PURSUANT TO CITY OF ROSWELL CHARTER ARTICLE 6, SECTION Ch. 6.30, THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR, WILL SUBMIT TO THE CITY COUNCIL A PRELIMINARY BUDGET FOR FY 2024 6-MONTH BUDGET AT THE MEETING OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL SCHEDULED FOR 7:00 P.M., MAY 13, 2024 IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT ROSWELL CITY HALL. THE BUDGET DOCUMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR CITIZEN REVIEW AFTER THE MEETING OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MAY 13, 2024 IN THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M., MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. THE BUDGET DOCUMENT WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW. ROSWELLGOV.COM/BUDGET.

THERE WILL BE A PUBLIC HEARING ON MAY 28, 2024 AT 7:00 P.M. AND A PUBLIC HEARING ON JUNE 10, 2024 AT 7:00 P.M. REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2024 – DECEMBER 31, 2024. THE HEARINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT ROSWELL CITY HALL, 38 HILL STREET IN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND WILL BE STREAMED ONLINE AT WWW.ROSWELLGOV.COM.

RANDY G. KNIGHTON

KURT M. WILSON City Administrator Mayor

Sponsored Section May 16, 2024 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | 10

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reimagined educational offerings, and parents may choose from a variety of educational modes, from virtual, hybrid, full-time, or homeschool, we seek to meet the education needs of every child and family. Our high school model, is one that prepares students to be Life-Prep | College Ready, which includes four days of

on campus learning and one day of at home independent study. We are proud to announce that several students in the Class of 2024 will graduate with a diploma of distinction, which serves as an opportunity for students to receive credit for further study, research, and experience in Fine Arts, Communications, or

STEM. No matter what mode fits an individual child, we aim to launch each student as a servant leader who knows how to shape culture through a biblical world-view. Our team looks forward to prayerfully walking you through the admissions experience where your family can be a part of Education Reimagined.

North Springs High prepares for construction on new school

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — With the April 26 approval of a $14.1 million contract for site work at North Springs High School, dirt at 7447 Roswell Road will be moving soon.

The Fulton County School Board of Education approved the contract with Cumming-based Vertical Earth, with an additional $1.4 million contingency, for phase one site work at the new school.

North Springs is a Fulton County public high school in the heart of Sandy Springs.

It is the state's only dual magnet school, allowing students to participate in the Visual & Arts magnet, Mathematics & Science magnet, or both, depending on their qualifications and abilities. Built in 1963, the school is one of the oldest in the Fulton County system.

Fulton County Schools’ “Bricks and Clicks” 2027 Capital Plan, funded through the education special purpose local option sales tax, calls for replacing North Springs High.

Since Fulton County voters first approved ESPLOST in 1997, it has become

FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS/PROVIDED

A rendering shows the campus layout of the new North Springs High School, anticipated to open in August 2027.

the primary funding source for capital improvements, with $3.2 billion generated to date.

The replacement of the school and construction of a new campus will cost around $108 million, according to a February estimate from Noel Maloof, chief operations officer for the district.

Replacing the school requires significant coordination. Construction will take place on-campus while school is in session.

The $15.6 site work project calls for the demolition of the softball field, compe-

tition field, stadium, practice field, tennis courts and surrounding parking lots, driveways and hardscape.

Site work also includes installing a new curb cut at Trowbridge Road and new access driveways as a part of the new layout of the school’s replacement.

Other phase one tasks include construction of new soil-nail and concrete retaining walls, relocation of existing utilities and installation of new utilities, storm drainage pipe systems and three detention ponds.

Anne Boatwright, media relations manager at Fulton County Schools, said all other site work and building construction will happen in a later phase.

She also said the estimated time for completion of the first phase is this December. Because of potential dangers, Boatwright said the campus will be subdivided to keep all construction activities separate from school activities.

“There will be safety fencing and other controls in place to make this possible to manage,” she said. “Safety is always the priority when a contractor is working on the campus while school is in session.”

Boatwright also said the school district coordinates on a regular basis with Princi-

Discover

pal Sott Hanson and his staff.

Because phase one involves the demolition of athletic facilities, high school sports will move to other schools, including Sandy Springs Middle.

Appen Media also asked Fulton County Schools representatives about the potential for noise disruptions during the 2024-25 school year and beyond.

Because site work is anticipated to conclude at the end of the year, construction of additional phases is expected to continue until the new school’s projected opening date in August 2027.

“Due to the location of the construction, being elevated and on the back side of the building that faces the gymnasium and other large activity spaces, the noise factor is expected to be minimal,” Boatwright said.

She listed student safety and preserving a disruption-free learning environment as the top priorities of Fulton County Schools.

“Communication has already begun about some adjustments and more will be conducted in the fall to ensure all students and teachers understand the safety and access parameters while the project is ongoing," she said.

Woods Difference!

• Private non-parochial education for infants through 8th grade.

• Nurturing environment featuring 1 to 1 iPads, outstanding teachers, small class sizes with assistants, hands-on academics, STEM, Discovery Clubs, frequent field trips, and leadership opportunities.

• After School, Sports, Science Olympiad, Robotics and Drama available.

A quarter century of inspiring students with the passion to excel

Woodward Academy launches new Maymester Program

Woodward Appoints Academy Psychologist

Woodward Academy is launching a Maymester program in May 2024 for Middle and Upper School students. This program is an integral goal of Woodward’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, an Unparalleled Student Experience, which highlights the need to increase real-world application offerings in the curriculum to better prepare students for the future.

The Maymester program will take place during the last two weeks of May, after the conclusion of the spring semester, and will provide students exposure to ideas, cultures, community, and relationships through experiential learning and real-world applications. Maymester students will partake in a concrete, hands-on learning experience followed by focused and intentional reflection. Maymester will offer multiple settings in which students can participate and learn on campus, in the community, or via a domestic or international travel experience.

Our Maymester courses will be anchored to Woodward’s mission statement of creating a richer learner community and exceptional academic opportunities for our students in order to nurture lifelong learners. The faculty have designed intriguing cross-disciplinary courses born from their own passions. Course proposals include Zoology, Game Design, Sports Marketing, Public Speaking, The Civil Rights Movement in Georgia, Business in a Box, Writing a Novel, The Chemistry of Food, Ancient Civilizations and Cultures, Auto Maintenance, and more.

Assessment will be based on a deliverable that students create at the end of the course in the context of their learning. These deliverables could be presentations, journals, audio/video logs, peer reviewed feedback, or another method designed and approved by the teacher. With the exception of Class of 2024 seniors, all Woodward Middle and Upper School students are required to participate and will receive course credit for the Maymester program.

Ms. Daena Shearer was selected to serve as Woodward’s newly appointed Academy Psychologist. This position was created in response to the Academy’s 20222025 Strategic Plan goal to proactively foster, develop, and support the social and emotional well-being of each member of the Woodward Academy community.

Ms. Shearer has spent the last nine years working as a school psychologist in public and private school systems in New York and Georgia, most recently at the Lovett School. She has extensive experience working with pre-K through 12th grade students experiencing socialemotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. Additionally, Ms. Shearer has provided in-home therapy for students with developmental delays, autism, and other genetic disorders, and has a wealth of experience conducting individual and group setting counseling.

Ms. Shearer is an expert in conducting psycho-educational evaluations and is proficient in using those assessments to tailor academic and behavioral interventions in both school and home settings. Her therapeutic techniques include play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, group therapy, and applied behavioral analysis. Ms. Shearer is excited for the opportunity to join a community that deeply values mental health, and to use her therapeutic background to further advance the Academy’s mental health and wellness initiative. She shares, “I admire Woodward’s emphasis on meeting each student where they are, and equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to achieve success, no matter their learning differences.”

Ms. Shearer holds a B.A. in Psychology from The City College of New York, as well as an Advanced Professional Diploma in School Psychology and a M.S. in Education, specializing in Therapeutic Interventions, from Fordham University Graduate School of Education in New York.

Brought to you by - Woodward Academy

Change lives, change the world

Brought to you by - Wesleyan

School

Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. Our leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them with the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesleyan’s school motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, Yourself, and every aspect of school life is oriented to reinforce this philosophy of putting Jesus first and others ahead of ourselves.

A college preparatory environment,

students have access to a wide range of academic opportunities along with athletics, arts, service and other extracurricular activities. Wesleyan’s 85-acre campus provides state-ofthe-art academic facilities along with on-campus practice space for athletics and arts.

Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan enrolled 1,206 students in grades K-12 for the 2023-2024 school year. Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Supervised care before school is included in the cost of tuition and after care is available (K-8) until 6 p.m. at an affordable rate.

Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-7640

https://www.wesleyanschool.org/

Sowing the seeds of organic learning

Maria Montessori, Italy’s first woman doctor, invented a system of early childhood education based on her scientific observations of how the child constructs himself through interaction with his environment.

Her emphasis on the importance of the “prepared” environment created by the teacher offers the child the freedom to choose his work. This freedom - which is given when the child demonstrates the responsibility to use it wisely - allows him to remain with an activity until its purpose is accomplished. Working without artificial timelines allows him to engage in the spontaneous repetition of a skill so that it is refined; this freedom also creates in him the ability to concentrate for long periods of time and to feel the satisfaction of mastery.

In a Montessori environment, the teacher serves as a guide rather than as a traditional instructor. She continually observes the child, using these observations to give the next lesson so that he steadily progresses.

The multi-aged classroom gives every child regular opportunities to be the learner as well as the leader in the security of a home-like environment which is cared for by everyone in it, teacher and student alike. The Montessori classroom is ordered and beautiful, filled with materials that are aesthetically pleasing, materials which capture the imagination and assist in physical, academic and social development.

Montessori develops children who are responsible, creative, innovative, respectful and kind. Montessori children are truly the citizens of the future, equipped to face challenges with confidence and competence.

Located near the intersection of 141 and McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek, Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia provides excellence in Montessori education for infants, toddlers and children to six years old. JCMSOG provides an authentic Montessori environment, where each individual’s needs are respected, and everyone works together for the good of the community. The focus is always on helping the children to develop themselves in a caring, peaceful environment. By helping children to

develop independence, we assist them in their physical and emotional development. As their sense of security in their ability to care for themselves and their environment

grows, their brains have more energy or “bandwidth” for increased academic learning. Additionally, this focus on the development of muscular control is a first

• All Day, year-round, authentic Montessori Program with rolling admissions

• School Administration Team with Advanced Academic Degrees

• Montessori Trained Lead Teachers in every classroom providing individual customized lessons

• Scientifically designed, hands on, multisensory learning materials in all our beautifully organized classrooms

• Designated School Personnel only allowed in the school building

• Thorough handwashing/hygiene practices consistently taught and enforced

• Healthy, nutritious lunch and snacks provided daily and included in tuition fees

Limited Openings Available – The JCMSOG difference is best experienced in person, schedule a tour or visit with your child and observe our “Montessori Magic.”

EDUCATION NEWS

School social worker connects students to resources

Forsyth County Schools posts fewer specialists than in neighboring DeKalb, Fulton counties

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Amy Gamez, one of 14 school social workers in the Forsyth County School District, plants her feet on the ground throughout a scheduled day of meetings, ready to be on the move.

Her role is holistic, communitybased and requires the skill of anticipating needs as well as adapting to change, pivoting when a school calls her in the middle of the workday requiring that she be present for additional student support.

“That’s what I love about my job — I like to kind of be here and there and everywhere,” Gamez said.

Gamez handled 400 to 500 of the 5,100 student cases in Forsyth County public schools this year, though some of those were quick one-anddones versus students who required continuous oversight. Last year, she said, social workers conducted a total of 800 home visits.

Over the course of her 18-year career with Forsyth County Schools, Gamez said the needs have increased, serving more families in a district that has seen nearly 13,000 more students enroll in the last decade. But, she said community resources have grown to meet those needs.

Around a decade ago, Gamez began organizing what is now Family Promise of Forsyth County — a nonprofit that serves families experiencing homelessness. At the time, she knew of five families living out of a hotel, and she began reaching out to churches to schedule a planning meeting.

“I was really frustrated because I saw that they were paying at the time [what] was probably $1,000 a month, which is nothing now, you know, and they were just in a hole,” Gamez said. “Most of these families were in the hotel for six months to a year, and I was very frustrated that they were just stuck in this cycle.”

Gamez is continuing to meet basic needs for students and their families, sometimes doing it through a phone app called Purposity which allows her to request items that individuals

AMY GAMEZ/PROVIDED

Amy Gamez, one of 14 Forsyth County Schools social workers, stands by a food donation provided by a local community partner. Gamez serves New Hope Elementary School, Otwell Middle School and Academies of Creative Education, which includes Forsyth Academy, Gateway Academy and Forsyth Virtual Academy.

around Forsyth County can donate. She said Forsyth County was one of the pilot counties for Purposity, Gamez becoming one of the first slate of school social workers to use the tool.

She said there has also been a shift in focus over the years, from meeting basic needs to mental health challenges. Nowadays, mental health is a large component to her job, though social workers and counselors function differently.

“We really are a connector to families to get them plugged into the resources in our community,” said Gomez, who works with a number of nonprofits and organizations like the Division of Family and Children Services. The week before, she met with representatives of the Boys and Girls Club on how to connect students to its services.

The ratio of students per school social worker in the Forsyth County School District was more than double than in DeKalb and Fulton counties last year. But, the ratio of students per school counselor across all grade levels was mid-range.

There were 378 students per counselor across Forsyth County elementary, middle and high schools, whereas there were 478 students per

A comparison of the number of students per school social worker across Dekalb, Forsyth and Fulton county school districts shows that the ratio in the Forsyth County School District is more than double its neighbors in fiscal year 2023. There were 14 school social workers that served nearly 54,500 students in Forsyth County.

counselor in Fulton County and 283 in DeKalb County.

In addition to its team of counselors, Forsyth County Schools has a mental health facilitator, nine student advocacy specialists, eight support staff for behavior support – each with different roles, and 17 emotional behavioral intervention classes.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners in March formed a mental health advisory committee, set to have two school board members. But, Forsyth County Schools opted out.

Jennifer Caracciolo, chief communications officer for Forsyth County, told Appen Media that Forsyth County Schools is “assessing the effectiveness” of its system efforts with regard to its strategic plan.

“It’s not that we don’t want to partner,” Caracciolo said. “We obviously have made a significant investment in mental health, not only for that of our students, but our staff as well. And, we have a district plan,

and we have employed a number of experts in various fields, and so we’re working on that plan.”

She also said the district is trying to focus on getting students graduated.

While investments have been made toward mental health resources, investments in school social workers are lacking. Caracciolo argued that this is because the district plans according to the needs of its specific student population, opting for other methods.

Caracciolo highlighted the school district’s local investment dollars, spending more than $11 million on school counselors than what is received from the state. She also said neighboring school districts receive significantly more federal funding, in part because of their free/reduced lunch numbers.

The Forsyth County School District has about half the student

JACOB TOMBERLIN/PROVIDED

Does my child have a learning disability?

Brought

you by - Rebecca L. Marshall, Ph.D., Summit Counseling Center

If your child is struggling in school despite receiving extra help, you may be wondering if your child has a learning disability. Figuring out whether your child has a learning disability, and what to do about it, can become clear with formal testing by a professional with expertise in the field. Evaluation of suspected learning disabilities is essential to finding appropriate interventions so that children do not fall behind in school.

A learning disability (LD) is defined by poor achievement in particular academic areas compared to a child’s potential, which is based on the child’s general intellectual ability. Poor performance in school is itself not necessarily an indicator of a learning disability (LD); rather, poor performance in the context of appropriate effort, attention, and additional help may be indicative of a specific learning disorder. Learning disabilities may affect particular academic skills, such as reading or math, but often affect a variety of subject areas. Learning disabilities can also be exacerbated or compounded by attention problems. While prevalence estimates vary, a significant percentage of children with learning disabilities also have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). There are several benefits of a comprehensive evaluation for learning disabilities, also called a psychoeducational evaluation. First, the diagnosis of an LD can establish a child’s eligibility for educational services in schools. Second, the reasons underlying poor academic performance in a specific subject area can be determined; and, finally and most importantly, specific learning problems can be subsequently targeted for intervention or remediation.

Sometimes poor performance in school is a result of social or emotional factors that are not associated with a learning disability. It is important to identify and address, for example, whether a child is struggling with anxiety or depression that may be affecting his or her school performance. Comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations help parents and teachers to determine whether social and emotional problems may be interfering with the learning process.

Early identification of learning disabilities leads to targeted interventions that can help children progress in school. Early intervention is best, so it is critical to have your child tested as soon as a learning disability is suspected. Regardless of the reasons behind poor school performance, assessment is the first step in getting your child back on track to academic success.

Rebecca L. Marshall, Ph.D. (rmarshall@summitcounseling.org) is a Licensed Psychologist and Staff Therapist at the Summit Counseling Center in Johns Creek, Georgia.

EDUCATION NEWS

Local high school seniors provide advice to students

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Continuing the tradition of recognizing departing students, Fulton County Schools has released the first six videos for its “Senior Spotlight: Class of 2024.”

Fulton County Schools profiles 19 outstanding seniors — one from each high school — who embody the spirit of the class of 2024.

Each week in May, the school district will release additional profiles.

The group of seniors include high academic achievers, all-star athletes and award-winners, students with unusual or unique stories to share, and those who have beaten the odds to graduate.

The class of 2024 began their high school journey at the height of COVID-19 lockdowns, but persevered.

Leila Alvarez, a senior at Alpharetta High School, said getting involved in everything she could was her solution to such an enormous challenge.

When she is not at soccer practice or studying for International Baccalaureate classes, Alvarez serves as the student body vice president and participates in other school activities.

In her role as president of the Unified Raiders, Alvarez builds bonds between different students at the school.

Leila calls her work with the Unified Raiders her proudest accomplishment. She said she finds purpose, “knowing that I’m giving back to a community that feels really isolated.”

Her advice to students entering high school is to get involved with clubs and activities at school.

Next year, Alvarez will attend Williams College in Massachusetts.

When Lucy Sillitto, a Centennial High School senior, is faced with challenges, she turns them into opportunities with others.

Social studies teacher Cameron Yarbrough said Sillitto embodies what it means to be a Centennial Knight.

“She’s strong in the classroom, she cares for others and wants to see them succeed and is just really an all-round stellar student,” Yarbrough said.

Sillitto founded a local chapter of the national mental health organization, Active Minds. The work

of the 50-member club was featured on 11Alive News during Suicide Prevention Week.

After graduation Sillitto plans to attend Georgia Tech and major in neuroscience.

She said she chose the major because of her love for science and push to de-stigmatize mental health.

Sillitto advises incoming high school students to “find a balance in your life and find something that you can use as your outlet.”

Laylah Frazier, a senior at North Springs High School, said her mom helped her balance volleyball, cheerleading and Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

North Springs High School

Principal Scott Hanson said Frazier’s involvement makes her stand out.

“She is involved in school, she's a multi-sport athlete, and she's somebody that is in the JROTC leadership program,” Hanson said. “She just makes her mark all over the place.”

After graduation she plans to attend college and is considering a career in aviation or aeronautics with a double major in public relations.

Frazier advises incoming high school students to “make friends, talk to people, talk to your teachers and talk to your administrators. If you are a familiar face around school, so many doors open for you.”

Christian Jimenez, senior valedictorian at Roswell High School, said his mother is one of his biggest inspirations for running and as a person.

Jimenez, a member of the cross country team, placed second in the Boys 6A 5,000-meter run this year.

Honors and AP Chemistry teacher Christi Chilton said Jimenez is an intellectual star.

“He is constantly asking thoughtprovoking questions to deepen his understanding,” she said. “He is truly invested in the success and emotional well-being of his peers and celebrates everyone’s achievements.”

Jimenez is headed to the University of California, San Diego in the fall.

Haja Kabba from Banneker High School near College Park and Lauren Jones from Creekside High School in Fairburn also received senior spotlights in the first week of May.

to

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Memorial Day – Remember & Honor

Monday, May 27, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Visit the Post’s “Walk of Memories”

Bring Family & Friends – Learn About the Exhibits

Meet Some of Those Who Have Served

“A Tribute to The Ed Sullivan Show“ Friday, May 31, 8 p.m.; Doors Open at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $30 per person

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federal, regional and local authorities. It appears on the city’s Official Historic Properties Map, adopted in 2020.

The city’s Green Street Activation Plan calls for constructing a pedestrian plaza on the property, including a 10foot shared-used path, to sit adjacent to a new public parking deck.

Eminent domain, generally, is the taking of a property for fair market value for redevelopment purposes toward public use.

The City of Roswell has deposited $3.4 million as compensation for the property as well as the adjacent property at 1056 Alpharetta St., commonly referred to as the “Chophouse” lot, according to documents filed to the Fulton County Superior Court.

But, during negotiations, Wood said the Masons had asked for $4.8 million and have since hired a lawyer.

Michael Dal Cerro, former Roswell City Council candidate, describes ways to get involved in the Save Roswell’s History Committee campaign May 9. So far, the group has collected more than 860 petition signatures.

In addition to those who attended the open forum, the group has collected more than 860 petition signatures so far to direct the City Council away from tearing down the lodge. Bryan Williams, the committee’s “digital guru,” told the crowd every petition signature automatically sends an email to all the City Council.

“We really wanted to get this in front of their eyes,” Williams said.

In a prepared response to the widespread criticism voiced at the April 29 City Council open forum, city staff declared Roswell’s dedication to historic preservation over the years with millions of dollars allocated toward the effort.

That night, Wood called on several residents, including former city officials, to state their case against the City Council’s discretion on the matter.

The city’s statement also referenced the voter-approved slate of bonds

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passed in November 2022, which included $20 million for a public parking deck downtown, and says the acquisition of the lodge property is “crucial.”

At the committee forum, others stepped up to bat, including Sarah Post, the committee’s marketing chair, and Michael Dal Cerro, former Roswell City Council candidate in charge of committee recruitment.

Like Wood, Dal Cerro called himself a “son of Roswell,” hailing from a family with four generations of Roswellians.

“I think it’d be an absolute tragedy to see that … erased from our legacy,”

Dal Cerro said.

Julie Martin, a former Roswell planner and professionally trained historic preservationist, took her turn to say that the five criteria for demolition in the city’s Historic District are not being met.

“Roswell deserves better than this,” Martin said. “The citizens 100 years from now deserve better than this.”

Others from the audience called out suggestions, like tabling at Alive in Roswell. Pam Nitzken, an illustrator and 30-year Roswell resident, said she is working to create renderings to show an alternative approach for the city if it were to preserve and restore the lodge, against the contrast of concrete.

Yard signs and T-shirts advocating the cause are also on their way. By the end of the forum, the committee agreed to meet every two weeks.

“One of the things I find is to try to not only stay positive — keep your sense of humor,” Wood said in closing remarks. “... [This campaign] should be inspiring. It should be hard fought, but it should be fun, and we can have fun … And, the main thing is to keep the heat on.”

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Academy:

the city that we are contemplating master planning, so any changes could potentially impact future development,” Economic Development Director Darryl Connelly said.

The movement of students from one building to another was also of concern, though the applicant agreed to add a crosswalk.

Director of Transportation Jeff Littlefield said the crosswalk must meet a sight distance requirement of 590 feet in the posted 35 mph zone and that there were some challenges because of a road curve adjacent to the proposed crossing.

But, Littlefield said measurements were not identified at the time because the proposed site for the crosswalk was new to the plan.

School growth

Imran Balkhi, applicant and chair of ILM’s Board of Governors, told the council the process started around nine months ago, when the building owner Erik Alford approached the school offering up the space. In an interview, Balkhi told Appen Media the school has grown around 25 percent each year.

Alford, standing alongside Balkhi and project manager Faique Sayeed, described the positive change he has seen in the area since ILM Academy opened. He also questioned the Economic Development Department’s suggestion to deny the zoning request.

“Can we really consider a zoning issue based on a potential future master plan …To me, it doesn’t seem like we can do it that way,” Alford said.

Several parents who spoke in favor of the expansion said they moved to Roswell to be near the school. One mentioned a waiting list to enroll, and another described the school as an economic driver, with parents patronizing nearby businesses.

“I’m afraid that if you don’t grant this variance, we will lose an economic and family values pillar of the community,” one parent said. “The city already has its hands full with many things. We lose plenty of opportunities to Alpharetta.”

Concerns with plan

Some neighboring residents and property owners voiced opposition, like Roswell Board of Zoning Appeals member Mark Schumacher who owns four office buildings off Colonial Park Drive consisting of 25 tenants. In addition to congestion, he complained about noise and unaccompanied children running into his lots to fetch

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Imran Balkhi, chair of ILM Academy’s Board of Governors, presents a request to rezone a 9,056-square-foot building across the street from the school on Colonial Park Drive for additional classroom space at the May 13 Roswell City Council meeting. The council denied the request in a 5-1 vote.

balls.

City Councilwoman Sarah Beeson motioned to approve the request with conditions to mitigate traffic concerns, but the motion died. Other councilmembers stated their justification for denial, ranging from future economic development in the area to safety issues.

Mayor Kurt Wilson expressed his gratitude for the city’s Muslim community but said the proposal doesn’t make sense in terms of the current zoning.

“... It’s nothing to do with the fact it’s a Muslim school — just the opposite,” Wilson said. “I think there’s a desire to want to grant it because of how much good you have done.”

He also advised future applicants to consult the City Council before applications are submitted. Once applications are submitted, Wilson said the council cannot engage with applicants.

Because of the denial, Balkhi told Appen Media the school is considering a 50,000-square-foot facility in Alpharetta that could accommodate

Roswell Budget Manager Lynn Williams presents highlights in the mayor’s proposed six-month fiscal year 2024 budget at the City Council meeting May 13. In April, the City Council changed its budget to reflect a calendar year, rather than a July 1 start date.

growth for the next six to seven years, doubling its current capacity. He anticipates that parents would not want to travel between two campuses for different age groups.

“I most likely will start negotiations,” Balkhi said.

In other action, the City Council approved a zoning request to add administrative and teacher office space and potentially additional classroom space for The Cottage

School, which has served students with learning disabilities for nearly 40 years.

A 1.3-acre property off Grimes Bridge Road, currently owned and surrounded by The Cottage School, was rezoned from single family residential, or RS-18, to civic and institutional, or CIV.

Budget hearings

Also at the regular meeting May 13, Roswell Budget Manager Lynn Williams presented the mayor’s proposed six-month fiscal year 2024 budget. In April, the City Council moved to base the city’s fiscal year budgeting process off the calendar year versus a July 1 start date.

The proposed $60.6 million budget is based on the current millage rate of 4.949 mills and does not include an additional millage rate for the voterapproved bond referendum.

Williams said property tax billing will not be affected and that the city will look into adopting a millage rate later this year after receiving the Fulton County Tax Digest. She said bills would be sent in the fall, as normal.

The city scheduled the first hearing for the proposed six-month fiscal year 2024 budget for May 28. A second hearing and adoption is set for June 10.

What does Moonlight Graham have to do with anything?

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

For those of you who don’t know, Moonlight Graham was, according to Wikipedia, “an American professional baseball player and medical doctor who appeared as a right fielder in a single major league game for the New York Giants on June 29, 1905. Moonlight Graham was also one of the main characters in the movie “Field of Dreams” which starred Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones and Burt Lancaster – who played Moonlight Graham. Many

believe that Burt hit it out of the ballpark – no pun intended – in this role. I know I do.

In “Field of Dreams,” Moonlight Graham is given the opportunity to go back in time and play professional baseball again – his dream – on Keven Costner’s (movie name - Ray Consella) baseball diamond in the middle of a cornfield - today - in Iowa. In one scene, Ray’s young daughter falls off the bleachers and is choking to death. Moonlight Graham – the baseball player – moves across the ball field toward her. As he leaves the field, he stops. At that point, he must choose between crossing back into the present –as the old physician – to save the girl, or remain on the field as the

young baseball player and live out his dream. If he steps off the field, he forever gives up the dream. If he doesn’t, Ray’s daughter dies. He walks off the field and saves Ray’s daughter.

As he returns to the diamond toward the cornfield – now, forever the physician – through all the ghosts of legendary ball players who have “come back to play again,” one of the legends shouts out to him, a shout of respect, admiration and validation: “Hey rookie, you were good.”

Burt – Moonlight – stops in his tracks. Time freezes. He turns and gazes back at the team, deep in thought and appreciation of the moment. Then he walks into the corn field and reality again.

I thought that it was the best line – and best scene – in the movie; it moved me to tears. It still does.

Moonlight Graham is relevant today on a number of levels. First, to me, is simply the magic of the movie. To have loved this movie, one had to buy into the story of going back into time and living out a dream –“ a willing suspension of disbelief “(Fitzgerald’s definition of what “fiction” must enable). If you weren’t able to do that, the movie didn‘t

work.

Life today, often feels like it is powered by disbelief – by skepticism – about anything and everything. It’s so unhealthy and debilitating. We need to be able to believe – even in ghosts playing baseball.

Choices.

“Field of Dreams” told a story about choices. It reminds us that even today when there is so much distraction and white noise, when we see so many things that go the wrong way, that we can still swim against that current and be good, do good, and find good. It is a simple and really obvious message, but it is one that we need to hear, and keep hearing. Young people today, I think, have less opportunity than we did to know this. They need to know this.

Choices we make now and, in the future – choices about helping people, or just ourselves – will define who we are; how we have lived; and what we have collectively accomplished.

Hopefully, some day as we are approaching that cornfield that we will all face sooner or later, we too will hear a voice like Moonlight Graham heard – “Hey rookie, you were good.”

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Howmany more parking lots?

The things we feed are the things that grow.

Alpharetta is trying to decide –parking or playground. Short-term planning has no future, nor do we if asphalt and concrete is all we plant.

Does UGA pave campus to accommodate cars for football games or do they let the people work it out? Maybe an 80-yard field with parking in the end zone would be more convenient. It’s time we stop buying the solutions of the

Farley:

Continued from Page 6

professional theatre, the Georgia Ensemble Threatre grew under the Farleys’ leadership to a high mark of 3,000 season subscribers just before the 2020 pandemic.

Interim Artistic Director Crowe is charting a focused, financially conservative path to the future,

past that have created the problems of the present. Our imaginations are not limited to the way it has always been. If politicians have no vision, we have chosen the wrong people. Perhaps the question we should ask is where will the children play? And on this Earth Day we should consider how many parking lots can the natural world survive.

Gus Hadorn Roswell

according to the organization’s statement.

In early 2024, the GET Board of Directors voted to postpone the remainder of the Mainstage 2023-24 season due to financial challenges. Instead, the company has focused on educational programming, smaller studio productions and fundraising efforts.

The Georgia Ensemble Theatre will honor Anita Farley’s career with an open house retirement party this fall.

What’s the buzz about periodical cicadas?

Have you heard about the impending cicada-pocalypse?

In May, periodical cicadas, which emerge once every 13 years, will be crawling out of the ground across the Southeast.

So what?

Perhaps you’re thinking, “I see cicadas every year. What’s the big deal?” Those cicadas you see every summer and fall are annual, or dog-day, cicadas, which emerge every year.

Periodical cicadas are more special. They are unique to eastern North America and found nowhere else in the world. They only emerge from the ground every 13 or 17 years, depending on their brood. Broods are separate populations of cicadas that emerge on the same cycle.

Brood XIX (“nineteen”), also called the “Great Southern Brood,” are 13year cicadas set to emerge across the Southeast this year. Small areas throughout central Illinois will see a dual emergence of Brood XIX and Brood XIII (“thirteen”). The last time these two broods’ emergence matched up was in 1803, when Thomas Jefferson was president!

In Georgia, we will see a solo emergence from Brood XIX, but it’s still pretty cool. Just because periodical cicadas only appear aboveground every 13 or 17 years doesn’t mean they don’t exist in the interim. In fact, they’re alive that whole time, tunneling underground in their nymph (juvenile) stage and feeding on roots of hardwood trees.

Cicada life cycle

On May nights, the cicada nymphs use their claw-like front legs to tunnel up to the soil surface. The nymphs immediately find the closest tree or shrub (or another vertical surface) and start climbing up, up, up. Most stop within the first 10 feet, latch onto the bark and begin to molt. First, they split their exoskeleton down the back, then lean backwards and squeeze their new, adult body through the fissure. They hang belly up for a while and use gravity to help their wings unfurl. Over several hours, they pump hemolymph (insect “blood”) into their expanding wings until they are full size. Meanwhile, the exoskeleton cures, hardens and develops its bright colors.

Millions of individual cicadas will emerge like this over several weeks, and scientists still don’t know how they accomplish this amazing synchronicity.

After the wings harden, the cicada can fly up into the tree canopy and begin its ultimate objective: mating! The buzzing you hear is a mating call males make to lure in females. These deafening calls can reach up to 90 decibels, or as loud as a lawnmower. Once a pair deem each other suitable, they mate.

The female uses a serrated structure called an ovipositor to saw small slits along the tips of branches, where she lays her eggs. The adults die soon after and will all be gone by June. The eggs remain inside the protected crevices for six to ten weeks until the new nymphs hatch. They drop down to the ground and tunnel into the soil to begin their years-long development. Thus, the cycle continues.

Because of this huge chunk of time they spend underground as nymphs, periodical cicadas actually have the longest development time of any insect species in North America. Talk about late bloomers!

Are cicadas good?

Cicadas are great for our ecosystems. Their tunneling aerates our native soils, and the decaying bodies of the deceased adults act as a natural fertilizer.

Not to mention the food source they provide. All these insects emerging at once is a bumper crop for predators. Nymphs and adults are tasty morsels for

birds, fish, deer and other wildlife. Even dogs will eat them and may vomit if they binge too many (“too much roughage at one time,” says University of Georgia entomologist Nancy Hinkle). Still, there are more cicadas than our predators can consume, so some survive to sustain the population.

It’s worth noting that cicadas are not a threat to us or our pets. They are not poisonous, don’t bite, don’t transmit diseases and won’t feed on crops. Egg laying by the females may cause aesthetic damage to branch tips, but this is not likely to harm your trees.

Where to find them

Finding periodical cicadas can be a guessing game. In the Atlanta area, the U.S. Forest Service says we may

About the Author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Gabrielle LaTora, agriculture agent for UGA Extension in Fulton County. An entomologist by training, Gabrielle is interested in insects on farms and in gardens and is passionate about closing the gap between people and their food. In addition to helping coordinate Fulton County’s Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, Gabrielle oversees the North Fulton Community Garden, answers clients’ questions about gardening and natural resources, works with urban farmers, and delivers educational programs for Fulton County residents.

see Brood XIX in Fulton and Cherokee Counties. Surveys done by UGA entomologists during the 2011 emergence reported them in Fayette and Coweta counties.

Regardless, you will only find them in hardwood forests that have not been disturbed in at least 13 years. Look for mature forests with minimal soil disturbance that are relatively close to a stream or creek. The app iNaturalist is a great way to check if others in your area have reported seeing any.

If you do see a cicada, how do you know if it’s the periodical type? Periodical cicadas are mostly black with red eyes and orange-tinted wings, while annual cicadas are green with black eyes. Dr. Hinkle makes it even simpler: “Any cicada you see before June is a periodical cicada; any cicada you see after June is an annual cicada.”

If you happen to see one, note the date and location, and take a photo! Report your observations on iNaturalist, and send your photos to your local Extension agent for good measure. If you live in Fulton County, I am anxiously awaiting your email.

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

GABRIELLE LATORA Guest Columnist

PROVIDED

Active periodical cicada broods in the United States; U.S. Forest Service

BUGWOOD.ORG/PROVIDED

Periodical cicada; image by Ward Upham, Kansas State University.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA

PUBLIC NOTICE

PH-24-AB-09

Please note that this meeting will be a virtual meeting, conducted online using Zoom meetings.

PLACE

To Attend the Virtual Meeting: Using Your Computer, Tablet or Smartphone

Go to: https://zoom.us Meeting ID: 813 5277 7695 Dial In: +1 646 558 8656 US May 24, 2024 at 9:00 A.M.

PURPOSE

Change of Ownership Hotel

Consumption on Premises Specialty Gift Shop

Distilled Spirits, Beer, Wine & Sunday Sales

APPLICANT

Windward Hotel, LLC

d/b/a Doubletree Atlanta - Alpharetta 2925 Jordan Court Alpharetta, GA 30005

Owner: Windward Hotel, LLC

Registered Agent: Michael Sard

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE

PH-24-AB-10

Please note that this meeting will be a virtual meeting, conducted online using Zoom meetings.

PLACE

To Attend the Virtual Meeting: Using Your Computer, Tablet or Smartphone

Go to: https://zoom.us

Meeting ID: 813 5277 7695

Dial In: +1 646 558 8656 US May 24, 2024 at 9:00 A.M.

PURPOSE

Restaurant

Consumption on Premises Beer, Wine & Sunday Sales

APPLICANT

Ramen N Sushi, Inc.

d/b/a Lanzhou Ramen N Sushi 1055 Mansell Road #200 Roswell, GA 30076

Owner: Ramen N Sushi, Inc.

Registered Agent: Qian Zheng

TO ROSWELL?

WELCOME

Affidavit Claim of Ownership of Certificate of Title(s) COBB COUNTY Deed Book:16198 pg 3192-3221 by: Bridgeforth, Abdullah Al-Hakim AlAmin Held In Trust, All Rights Reserve

Randy Knighton City of Roswell

Kurt Wilson City Administrator Notice of Neighborhood Meeting Mayor

The following item will be discussed at a Neighborhood Meeting on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 7:00 PM at Roswell City Hall, Room 220, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, Georgia.

a. CU 20240905 - 200 Sussex Court

The applicants, Nikolaus and Susan Walter, are requesting a Conditional Use for a Carriage/Pool House; land lot 118.

The complete file is available for public view at the Roswell Planning and Zoning Office, 38 Hill Street, Suite G-30, Roswell, Georgia, (770) 817-6720, or planningandzoning@roswellgov.com. Refer to www.roswellgov.com.

Locally Owned and Operated

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319 North Main Street | Alpharetta, GA 30009 AppenMedia.com

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.

The following item will be heard at a public hearing held by the Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 6:00 PM in the Roswell City Hall Council Chambers, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, Georgia.

a. HPC20235123 – 605 Atlanta Street

The applicant, Sandy Epstein, SEA Studios Architects, is requesting front and rear exterior changes to an existing structure, Land Lot 384.

The complete file is available for public view at the Roswell Planning & Zoning Office, 38 Hill Street, Suite G-30, Roswell, Georgia, (770) 817-6720 or planningandzoning@roswellgov.com. Refer to www.roswellgov.com.

DEATH NOTICES

Aubrey Jones, 89, of Alpharetta, passed away on May 6, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Carol Mack, 91, of Roswell, passed away on May 5, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

John Parsons, 90, of Roswell, passed away on May 2, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Kenneth Walsh, 80, of Roswell, passed away on May 5, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DURHAM COUNTY DISTRICT COURT

FILE NO.: 24-CVD-255 Child Custody Complaint

Guadalupe Gomez Valente -vArmando Tavira Alvarado

To: Armando Tavira Alvarado

TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above entitled action. The nature of relief being sought is: the custody of your daughter Alexandra Tavira Gomez

You are required to make defense to this pleading no later than forty (40) days from the date of first publication and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This the 13th day of May, 2024.

H. Esteban, Attorney at Law 211 E. Six Forks Road, Suite 122 Raleigh, NC 27609

(919) 703-0470

12050 Crabapple Road • Roswell, GA 30075

Randy Knighton City of Roswell Kurt Wilson City Administrator Notice of Public Hearing Mayor

Is Your Company Hiring?

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following item will be heard at a public hearing held by the Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday, June 13, 2024 commencing at 3:00 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. PH-24-10 Dr. J.L. Morris House/116 North Main Street – Certificate of Appropriateness

Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness to allow for rehabilitation and building addition for the Dr. J.L. Morris House. The property is located at 116 North Main Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1252, 2 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.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following items will be considered by the Design Review Board on Friday, June 21, 2024 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. DRB240023 Surety Bond Girls

Consideration of a new signage in the Downtown. The property is located at 365 Brady Place and is legally described as being in Land Lot 0693, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

2. DRB240022 The Tipsy Spoon

Consideration of a new signage in the Downtown. The property is located at 64 North Main St and is legally described as being in Land Lot 1252, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia

3. DRB240020 Campania

Consideration of a new patio addition. The property is located at 800 North Main St and is legally described as being in Land Lot 1111, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia

4. DRB240024 418 North Main St

Consideration of an exterior remodel and paint. The property is located at 418 North Main St and is legally described as being in Land Lot 1180, 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia

5. DRB240025 VyBez LLC

Consideration of exterior changes in the Downtown. The property is located at 124 Devore Rd and is legally described as being in Land Lot 0693, 1 st 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.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, June 6, 2024 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, June 24, 2024 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.

a. Z-24-10 Chapman/152 Marietta Street

Consideration of a rezoning to allow for the construction of a 2-story mixeduse building on 0.45 acres in the Downtown. A rezoning is requested from C-2 (General Commercial) to DT-MU (Downtown Mixed-Use). The property is located at 152 Marietta Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 694 & 1270, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

b. Z-24-08/V-24-08/E-24-05 306 Thompson Street

Consideration of a rezoning, variance, and exception to allow for the construction of 2 ‘For-Sale’ single-family detached homes on 1.148 acres in the Downtown Overlay. A rezoning is requested from R-12 (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’, Residential) to DT-LW (Downtown Live-Work). Variances are requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Appendix A Subsection 2.4.6 to allow parking between the building and the street and to eliminate the requirement for a street-facing garage to be recessed at least 20’ behind the front building façade, and an exception is requested to Appendix A Subsection 2.8.7 to allow a contemporary architectural style for the proposed homes. The property is located at 306 Thompson Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 802, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

c. MP-24-04/CU-24-06/V-24-16 SEV Laser/North Point Commons Master Plan Pod B

Consideration of a master plan amendment, conditional use and variance to allow SEV Laser to occupy a 1,546 square foot suite in the Stone Walk at North Point shopping center. A master plan amendment is requested to the North Point Commons Master Plan Pod B to add ‘Spa Services’ as conditional use and a conditional use is requested to allow ‘Spa Services’ for SEV Laser. A variance is requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 1.4 Defined Terms, to allow a ‘Spa Services’ business within 2,000’ or less of another ‘Spa Services’ business. The property is located at 970 North Point Drive, Suite B-130 and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 754, 755, 796 & 797, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

d. MP-24-02/CU-24-05/V-24-13 Tractor Supply Company/North Point Business Center Master Plan Pod 7

Consideration of a master plan amendment, conditional use and variance to allow for the re-use of the 34,313 square foot former Ethan Allen building for Tractor Supply Company on 4.6 acres in North Point. A master plan amendment is requested to the North Point Business Center Master Plan Pod 7 to add ‘Retail Establishment, Mixed Sales’ as a conditional use and a conditional use is requested to allow ‘Retail Establishment, Mixed Sales’ for Tractor Supply Company. A variance is requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 2.5 Parking and Loading, to reduce parking requirements. The property is located at 6800 North Point Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 687 & 702, 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.

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population than Fulton and DeKalb counties, and it also works with a much smaller budget. Yet, Forsyth County Schools collects 80 percent of what its neighbors collect in terms of total revenue per student and has 25 percent of the school social worker staffing.

Despite Forsyth County being the richest county in Georgia by per capita income, and its school district maintaining high academic rankings across the state overall, lack of adequate housing for students is growing.

McKinney Vento, a federal, state and local program created during the Reagan administration to address attendance issues related to homelessness, identifies homelessness as the lack of fixed, adequate or regular nighttime housing.

In March, Appen Media reported there were 1,044 students in the district’s McKinney Vento program, up from the 1,020 students recorded at the end of the 2022-23 school year. There were 610 students in the program in 2019-20.

Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 4pm

“Fulton or DeKalb may have a larger number of students that are facing homelessness, and also facing social and economic challenges,” said Caracciolo, who confirmed the district is adding another school social worker next year to serve a growing student population of currently more than 55,300 students.

A comparison of the number of students per school counselor across Dekalb, Forsyth and Fulton county school districts shows that Forsyth County Schools is mid-range with 378 students per counselor across its elementary, middle and high schools.

Continued from Page 2

an officer to pick up the woman.

The Roswell officer tried to take the subject to the North Fulton Jail Annex in Alpharetta. Staff there turned her away due to complaints of pregnancy cramps and nausea, according to police documents. Roswell petitioned Dunwoody again, but the agency remained unable to pick up the subject.

The Roswell officer took her to North Fulton Hospital, stopping for gas along the way. Hospital staff evaluated the woman. When Dunwoody again declined to get the subject, Roswell released her.

A few hours later and 2 miles away, another camera flagged the vehicle again. This time Alpharetta police responded. Seeing the car with a female driver enter an apartment complex parking lot, the officer followed. He reported seeing a woman walking quickly toward the building, while he exited his patrol car and ran after her.

According to police documents, the officer and subject went back and forth about her identity, which she initially denied. When asked about her warrant, the woman “stated she had already dealt with it today, through Roswell Police Department.” The officer clarified he was with Alpharetta Police and had her walk back to the parking lot.

There, a scuffle allegedly broke out. The officer reported grabbing her wrist, after which “she quickly pulled it to the front of her body,” and began trying to make phone calls. The struggle continued, according to the officer’s narrative. “Because she was consistently pulling away I pushed [the subject] to the ground, on the pine straw in the planter.” The report went on to describe a continuing struggle, with the woman trying to use Siri to call her boyfriend. Eventually, the officer secured the subject in handcuffs and led her to his patrol car.

Roswell and other Alpharetta officers thenarrived at the scene. Roswell police explained what had happened a few hours earlier. Alpharetta police then contacted Dunwoody. Again, that agency confirmed the warrant and said they wanted to

extradite her.

Alpharetta kept the subject in custody, this time adding charges for obstruction and driving with a suspended license. They took her back to North Fulton hospital “for medical clearance from being pushed [to] the ground and her pregnancy.” After receiving medical clearance, police transported her to the Alpharetta jail. Due to the exchange that had taken place there a few hours prior, jail staff denied her entrance. Alpharetta police took her “to the Fulton County Jail at Rice St. in Atlanta where she was admitted.

According to court documents, the woman spent two nights in the Atlanta jail before being released on a $3,000 bond.

Appen Media confirmed the above reports with Dunwoody Police officials. They attributed the actions in part to low manpower, that “call volume was very high during that time” and that they could not commit the personnel to stay at the hospital with the subject.

The subject’s original charges, according to Dunwoody police, were speeding and driving on a suspended license.

JACOB TOMBERLIN/PROVIDED