Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - October 20, 2022

Mayors assemble to voice concerns over LOST talks

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Mayors from 12 Fulton County cities gathered in Atlanta Monday to share growing con cerns over negotiations with the county to reach an agreement on the distribution of countywide sales tax revenue.

Speaking before a backdrop of firetrucks from Atlanta, South Fulton and Sandy Springs, the mayors said hopes of a resolution continue to fade following the latest round of talks with Fulton County officials.

For months, city officials have been at odds with Fulton County over how the estimated $3 billion in revenue from the local option sales tax will be appor tioned over the next 10 years.

The latest negotiations, held Oct. 7 at the Georgia Municipal Association offices in Atlanta ended without a resolution or clear way forward.

Developer unveils new plans for North Point Mall

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Trademark Proper ties shared updated plans Oct. 11 for a massive redevelopment project at North Point Mall.

Speaking at a community meeting attended by some 100 residents, Trade mark CEO Terry Montesi shared site

plans and renderings, breaking down exactly how large portions of the mall would be demolished and reworked into a “live-work-play” development along the lines of Avalon, Halcyon and other north Metro Atlanta projects.

“Our goal for this is to create a vibrant 24/7 mixed-use neighborhood. A neighborhood, not a mall,” Montesi said.

The newly rebranded “North Point” development, if approved, would include 315,000 feet of new retail and restau rant space, a hotel and hundreds of rentals and for-sale housing options on the 84-acre mall property.

Construction would occur in mul tiple phases, with the demolition of

City council hopefuls tackle issues at forum

City officials discuss three bond options

ROSWELL

ALEX POPP/ APPEN MEDIA

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens speaks to a group of gathered officials and media at a press conference Monday, Oct. 17, at the Fulton County Civic Center. Dickens was joined by 11 other mayors, including, from left, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul, Fairburn Mayor Mario Avery and Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin.

Alpharetta City Council approves ‘Continuum’ development

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta officials have approved a 51-acre, mixed-use development that is expected to be a “catalyst for change” in the Windward Parkway area.

Plans for the Continuum develop ment at Windward Parkway and West side Parkway call for bringing in more than a million square feet of new office space, retail, restaurants and mixed residential.

The Alpharetta City Council gave unanimous approval for the project at a meeting Oct. 18.

Originally proposed in 2021 with a much grander vision for offices, a hotel, retail and hundreds more residential

units, development plans approved Mon day were more conservative, after talks with city staff, officials and the public, Community Development Director Kathi Cook said.

Cook said if approved, updated de velopment plans would call for rehabili tation and construction of 1.3 million square feet of office space, 73,800 square feet of retail and restaurant space, and construction of about 400 mixed residential units. The property is the former Hewlett-Packard corporate campus.

The project will be developed in eight phases, beginning in 2023 and 2024 with the office building rehabilitation and retail construction, and rental op tions delivered in 2026. The residential components of the development are tied

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to the commercial and retail portions, Cook said.

Attorney Julie Sellers, who repre sents the developers, said even with the scaled down plans, they expect Con tinuum to be a true “catalyst” for change in the Windward Parkway area, without competing with other local mixed-use developments.

“It definitely needs a shot in the arm over there to keep Alpharetta an eco nomic powerhouse,” Councilman Doug DeRito Said.

Sellers said the development will offer the same amount of retail as Alpharetta City Center on twice the amount of land, with a “modest amount of residential.”

“We are complementing the existing uses in the city,” she said. “We are not competing with Avalon; We’re not trying to be a second Avalon … Similarly, we’re really focused on this being a modernday office place.”

Mayor Jim Gilvin said he was ini tially skeptical of the proposal, but after seeing the revisions, believes it was an answer to the city’s aging office stock. Gilvin said the city needs to focus on what employers and employees need and want from a “modern day office” space.

“What you’ve brought before us today is that product,” he said.

Before voting to approve the pro posal, councilmembers shared their appreciation of the applicants and the updated designs.

Councilman John Hipes said he liked how the project came together and was refined through talks with city staff.

“I know where this project started and there was a lot of stuff crammed in there, and you really heard what we had to say,” he said. “When that happens in Alpharetta, we have successful working relationships and projects.”

Renderings show a proposed 51-acre mixed use development at Windward Parkway and Westside Parkway sched uled for completion in 2026. Plans show the development will combine high tech modern office space with retail and mixed housing options.

PROVIDED/ CITY OF ALPHARETTA

Arts commissioner cleared of ethics charges

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. —The Alpharetta Board of Ethics voted 3-2 on Oct. 13 to clear Arts Commission Vice Chairman Gene Andrews of multiple ethical wrong doings alleged in August.

Andrews, who was appointed to the city’s Cultural Arts Commission by Mayor Jim Gilvin, was accused of using “his title and power of position as com missioner” to intimidate, threaten and leverage transactions from Atlanta artist Jennifer Sutton, during a text exchange earlier this year.

On Oct. 13, both Sutton and An drews were able to stand before the eth ics board and tell their sides of the story, which concerned a dispute over a New York art show and a contract between Sutton and another artist represented by Andrews.

Text message screenshots that ac companied Sutton’s complain, filed Aug. 18, show messages between the two par ties quickly became hostile and deterio rated after Andrews requested amend ments be made to a contract for an art show that was already in progress.

“Clearly you don’t get I’m also a City Commissioner google me I don’t play

when it comes to my clients,” a message written by Andrews said.

“Are you threatening me with your title??,” Sutton responded.

During the hearing, Sutton told the board that she had only filed her complaint because she truly felt like Andrews had crossed a line and needed to be held accountable.

“I would like to see accountability,” she said. “I feel that someone at his level … they should be held to a higher standard. I myself am not a city official however, I try to conduct myself as fair and professionally as possible.”

Andrews responded saying the exchange with Sutton didn’t cross any lines and didn’t involve his appointed position in the city. He pointed to the work he was put into helping the city, and said he shouldn’t be judged for one text message exchange.

“I love Alpharetta. I love what I do,” he said. “So, when someone comes to our community and makes this accusa tion that I’m this big, bad wolf … In a 15-minute conversation, you can’t depict who I really am.”

In closing statements after the hourlong hearing, both parties said they would accept whatever decision was made by the Ethics Board.

ALEX POPP/ APPEN MEDIA

Gene Andrews, vice chair of Alpharet ta’s Cultural Arts Commission, speaks to the Alpharetta Board of Ethics at a hearing held Oct. 13 at city hall. An drews was cleared of ethics violations by the board at the hearing.

Board members deliberated in execu tive session for an hour before returning and voting 3-2, with board members Gracile Dawes and Lindsey Ann Burnett opposed, to deny the charges.

However, despite clearing Andrews

of charges, several board members had harsh words for the arts commissioner and said several of his text messages were “problematic.”

“I eat people like you for dessert … She’s a perfect example not to deal with this type of black person. Her brand will be toast,” Dawes quoted from Andrews’ text messages. “We do believe that these statements could give the appearance of a threat to her person and her business in conjunction with your position as a City of Alpharetta arts commissioner.”

In the end, Andrews was asked to re flect on the messages and the complaint made by Sutton.

“When you are representing City of Alpharetta, you always have to keep that in mind, under all circumstances … some of the members of the board would actually like to have you acknowledge Miss Sutton’s concerns with the way that she felt by those texts that were made,” Ethics Board Chair Gina Kel lis said. “The board would like to see the parties formally make amends and perhaps put this episode behind both of you.”

Andrews agreed to Kellis’ request, approaching Sutton to apologize when the meeting was adjourned and shaking her hand.

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Graduation rates increase in metro school systems

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Graduation rates for coun ties in north Metro Atlanta are on the rise, according to data released by the Georgia Department of Education Oct. 6.

Data for Georgia’s high-school gradu ation rate in 2022 shows that many north metro school districts, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb and Gwinnett counties, experienced significant graduation rate increases compared to 2021, mirroring the rise seen at the state level.

Georgia’s statewide graduation rate rose from 83. 7 percent in 2021 to 84.2 percent in 2022 — an all-time high since Georgia began using the gradua tion rate calculation required by federal law, state officials said.

Of the major Metro Atlanta counties, Fulton reported the largest increase to its graduation rate, with an increase from 87.7 percent in 2021 to 89.3 percent in 2022.

“We are so proud of our incredible students, teachers and administrators who have pulled through two extremely challenging years showing tenacity in the face of uncertainty,” Fulton County Superintendent Mike Looney said. “Fulton County Schools continues to concentrate our efforts on recovery and progress with the goal of graduation always in our sights.”

Forsyth County’s graduation rate held steady in 2022. However, system officials said the district has held a 96 percent graduation rate, one of the highest in the state, for three consecu

Graduation rates

Here’s how major metro-Atlanta counties did in 2022:

Statewide – 0.5 percent increase –84.2 graduation rate

Cobb County – 0.2 percent in crease – 87.4 graduation rate

DeKalb County – 0.8 percent in crease – 76.2 graduation rate

Forsyth County – 0 percent in crease – 96.4 graduation rate

Fulton County – 1.6 percent in crease – 87.7 graduation rate

Gwinnett County – 0.7 percent increase – 83.2 graduation rate

tive years.

“Teachers and students who per severed through the challenges of the last several years deserve credit for Georgia’s graduation rate increasing and other recent positive indicators, like Georgia students beating the SAT national average once again,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “I commend Georgia’s educators and the class of 2022 and am confi dent we will continue to see improve ments as we expand opportunities for students and invest in the academic recovery of our state.”

Roswell police get grants to buy new body armor

By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Police Department is purchasing new bullet proof vests for its officers.

The Roswell City Council approved a resolution Oct. 11 to accept a U.S. Department of Justice grant for $24,864 to pay half the cost for replacing out-ofdate police vests over the next two years.

The Police Department will also use the funds to purchase new vests for of ficers it anticipates hiring. In total, the initiative will cost $49,729.50. But, the agency’s human officers aren’t the only ones getting new protection.

At the Oct. 11 meeting, the City Council approved a resolution to formal ly accept three ballistic K9 vests from the Georgia Police K9 Foundation, val ued at $1,550 each, or a total of $4,650.

While unrelated, the donation was accepted four days after Georgia State Patrol K9 Officer Figo was fatally shot during a homicide investigation in Clay ton County. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, law enforce ment was trying to take the suspect into custody when he suddenly shot K9 Figo. Troopers and deputies returned fire, and the suspect was killed at the scene.

The next City Council meeting is at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at City Hall.

Choice Tasting

Most elderly Grove Way residents have relocated

By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — While the Roswell Housing Authority convened its monthly meeting at 199 Grove Way Oct. 11, out side, a small group helped a longtime ten ant move out of her run-down apartment.

Every day, the property gets a little quieter as the half dozen remaining ten ants move out, some as far as Atlanta, Cumming or out of state.

Beth Brown, executive director of the Gainesville Housing Authority which manages the property through a mutual agreement with the Roswell agency, said she expects that number to drop to six within the next 30 days. There are still three tenants, however, who have not found housing options they would even consider applying to.

Seven months ago, the 33 tenants at the public housing development received notice they had until the end of August to vacate. The building, also known as Pelfrey Pines, consists of 40 units built in the mid-1980s. The Roswell Hous ing Authority owns another 55 incomebased housing units in the area.

The City of Roswell found that the property had several structural issues, including settling and cracks, costly deficiencies in the stormwater drainage

systems, missing steel structures and deteriorating steel supports in columns and suspended stairways.

But, the area-wide housing short age and landlords’ unwillingness to accept Section 8 vouchers has limited the elderly residents’ options, especially those who are also disabled. So, over the summer, Vietnam War veteran Michael Dowda sounded the alarm, pleading with city officials to get involved.

The housing authorities later said that the Leumas Group, which had been hired by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, would continue to help the tenants look for housing, and that there would no longer be a set deadline for them to move out as long as the building remained safe.

Dowda, Sheila Richards and Wanda Wilbanks, who spoke to Appen Media in July, have all found new housing.

At the Oct. 11 meeting, Karen Parrish, chairwoman of the Roswell Housing Au thority, said she recently met with a group of legislators and told them about the chal lenges they were facing at the apartment complex. She said State Rep. Chuck Martin seemed interested in getting involved.

Additionally, Parrish said Christo pher Nunn, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, had reached out encouraging them to con

tinue working with the development firm Pennrose to redevelop 199 Grove Way.

In July, the Roswell Housing Author ity announced it planned to submit a 4 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit application to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to build and renovate approximately 150 units on its existing site, increasing the supply of affordable housing in the area by 55 units.

If the project is approved and funded, it would be a $40 million investment in the Groveway community. All the resi

dents that were relocated throughout the process would have priority and the right to return to the new property. Par rish said there are four “big issues” all redevelopment plans for housing authori ties are facing right now – rising interest rates, pricing on tax credits, construction costs and regulations on banks.

However, President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure plan could offer some relief.

The plan proposes a wide range of tax credits to incentivize investment in afford able housing, community development and clean energy. The proposal leverages the public/private frameworks established by existing tax credit programs to spur major new investment in infrastructure.

In other business at the Oct. 11 meet ing, Brown said the Roswell Housing Authority’s year-end financials did not vary from what was presented at the end of June except for some slight reclassifications and Community Development Block Grant funds that had lingered from last year.

They will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to begin their audit, which should be ready by the end of January.

The Roswell Housing Authority meets at noon on the second Tuesday of every month in the Community Room at 199 Grove Way. The next meeting is Nov. 8.

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CHAMIAN CRUZ/APPEN MEDIA Sheila Richards, who spoke to Appen Media in July, is one of the Grove Way apartment residents who has since found new housing.

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Just like every athlete should perform at a high level, so should you — whether you like doing cross stitching or cross fitting or cross country.

SOK, owner of Functionize Health

Physical therapist treats ‘everyday athlete’

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Lauren Sok was a preteen when she knew she wanted to go into physical therapy. At age 12, she broke her elbow. To this day, she can’t fully bend her arm due to a botched physical therapy experience.

Sok, who owns Functionize Health & Physical Therapy in Decatur and Dunwoody, might just fit the stereotype of someone who would own a physical therapy clinic. With a pixie cut, athletic attire and a powerful stance and voice that fill up a room, despite short stat ure, Sok said her childhood injury and resulting physical therapy experience launched her on a path to becoming a physical therapist.

She decided she never wanted some one to go to physical therapy and not meet their goals. Nor did she want someone to go through the same pain of rehabbing something, like she did with her elbow.

After high school, Sok went straight into a physical therapy fast-track mas ter’s program, earning her degree in 2000. Since then, she’s earned certifica tions in Selective Functional Movement Assessment, Trigger Point Dry Needling, Women’s Health and Stott Pilates.

Functionize first opened in Decatur in 2015. And in March, Sok opened a second location in Dunwoody on Nan dina Lane. Sok’s business idea was sparked by frustrations in her 16 years of partnering with traditional physical therapy companies, where one-on-one with clients wasn’t the norm.

Before opening Functionize, she began doing concierge physical therapy. She recalled going door-to-door around Atlanta, carrying her table and a bag of

supplies that she would use to treat peo ple. When Sok built a sizable client base, she branched out with an established clinic to treat the “everyday athlete.”

Sok said a big misconception about physical therapy is that it’s just for injuries.

“We believe if you have a body, you’re an athlete,” Sok said. “Just like every athlete should perform at a high level, so should you — whether you like doing cross stitching or cross fitting or cross country. You can do the whole thing. We just have to help you get there.”

Well-rounded care

While Functionize focuses on physi cal therapy, Sok approaches her work by accounting for all four pillars of healthy living and thriving: exercise, nutrition, sleep and relaxation.

There’s five physical therapists onstaff, including Sok, in addition to a nutritionist who clients can see virtually. Staff also regularly work with functional medicine doctors to provide additional insight into client care. If the Function ize team concludes that a client needs

more attention in a certain area, they refer out to specialists, like orthopedists or psychologists.

At Functionize, physical therapy encompasses a wide range of specialties, like postpartum and pelvic therapy, dry needling, temporomandibular joint dis orders (TMJ) and vestibular rehabilita tion. Staff also uses the Redcord Neurac system, which helps restore proper alignment and muscular control.

Functionize therapists also help cli ents within different performance areas, providing general performance assess ments, clinical Pilates and assessments for swimming and golf.

A mainstay at Functionize is its run ning assessments. With the clinic’s Fit Run Shop, Functionize combines the ex pertise of Pose-certified physical therapists and the newest footwear technology from Atlanta-based Big Peach Running Co.

An avid runner, Drew Whitcomb wanted to address hamstring and ankle pain he’d been experiencing. Friends suggested he see a running-specialized physical therapist.

So, Whitcomb sought care from Functionize after hearing Sok and Jake Reynolds, another physical therapist on staff, on a podcast with Big Peach. Whit comb is also the COO and co-founder of a WearTesters, a running shoe review website, and has worked in the running industry for years.

He said his running form has improved after each Functionize visit, documenting the difference in pictures from past races.

“It’s been a process, but every time I’m just feeling better and better,” Whit comb said.

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AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Lauren Sok, owner of Functionize Health & Physical Therapy, stands next to her business sign at the Dunwoody location Oct. 11. Sok started her physical therapy business in Decatur in 2015, then expanded to Dunwoody this year.

North Point:

64,000 square feet of existing mall space and construction of an “outdoor walkable village” first, and then several rounds of construction of housing por tions, Montesi said

Plans for the development were ap proved Aug. 4 by the Alpharetta Plan ning Commission, subject to multiple conditions. The project plans are ex pected to go before the Alpharetta City Council for final approval Nov. 7.

Trademark representatives said there’s still some discussion to be had about the development’s main point of contention — rental units.

Developers originally requested more than 1,200 rental units for the project. That figure was later reduced to 900 rental units and 103 for sale units as a condition approved through the Plan ning Commission.

Montesi told community members that decreasing rental units in the de velopment, could jeopardize the finan cial backing of New York Life, who in 2021 purchased North Point Mall from Brookfield Property Partners.

“It is very, very, very, very difficult to make the economics work if we keep reducing the number of multifamily units,” he said. “Because that’s where

the economic value is stored in malls across the country.”

Montesi said they faced harsh oppo sition to rental units from local officials, who painted the large multi-family developments as a potential draw for “transient” and “disengaged” residents. He said they argued the development would bring, luxury, “renter by choice” apartments to the community, and it would have a low density, compared to other developments they’ve worked on nationwide.

“We were told, ‘we don’t care,’” he

said. “I understand that you’re proud of your community. But the market looks around the country and capital goes where it’s welcomed.”

For every 50 rental units removed, the project loses $12 million in econom ic value, he said, and with the signifi cant investment on the line from New York Life, which has reportedly pledged more than $174 million to the project, they are walking a fine line.

“We’re somewhere around 175 units of multifamily away from legally getting approval,” he said. “We’re off right now.”

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ALEXANDER POPP/APPEN MEDIA Trademark Properties CEO Terry Montesi speaks to community members at a meeting at North Point Mall Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Roswell candidates make pitches at forum

By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Candidates for Ro swell’s open Post 1 City Council seat stumped for the stretch run at an Oct. 13 forum on Oak Street.

The four candidates discussed their ability to work with other councilmem bers and shared their ideas to attract more businesses.

The event, sponsored by Roswell NEXT and Roswell Moms Network, drew a crowd of about 50 people and was held at Sunny and Ranney, a home goods and furniture store that supports Sunshine on a Ranney Day. The char ity works to renovate homes for children who need wheelchair-accessible bath rooms, dream bedrooms and therapy

rooms to improve their independence and development.

Early voting for the special election is Oct. 17-30. Election Day is Nov. 8.

On the ballot, are Post 1 City Council candidates Sarah Beeson, Allen Sells, Jason Miller and Mulham Shbeib as well as three bonds that could fund nearly $180 million in upgrades to parks, pub lic safety and downtown parking.

Bond financing is often used for major capital projects that are above and beyond the means of the annual operat ing budget. Money generated through bonds give governments immediate funding to pay for facilities and infra structure that will be used for many years in the future, making projects more affordable.

While City Council members are not

PRESS CLUB

allowed to advocate for a specific bond measure, the candidates were asked to mention the factors they think vot ers should consider when determining whether to vote for or against the bonds and, if they were willing, to share how they plan to vote.

Sells said he thinks residents need to decide if now is the right time to try to change the perception that Roswell is slipping behind other cities.

“Clearly, we have deferred mainte nance …,” Sells said. “So, I think we have to say is now the time, is this the right way to do it and do we trust the people doing it? … But, I think one other thing I’d like to mention is that I’ve heard many times that this is a tax increase. It certainly is, but there’s a bigger one that’s before us and that’s the [Local Option Sales Tax] issue.

Sells said that if the cities don’t reach agreement with the county on how to apportion revenues from the county wide sales tax, or LOST, it could cost taxpayers more per year than the bond increase. If all three bonds are approved, average property owners with homes valued at $450,000 can expect to pay nearly $350 more on their tax bills over the next 30 years.

But the loss of sales tax money could be even more costly.

two parties have so far been unable to negotiate a deal.

If no agreement is reached, the tax ends at the end of this year.

“We should all be paying very close attention to that, because although we may get something out of the bond, we’re going to end up with nothing out of LOST if it goes away,” Sells said. “… That’s even more expensive than the bond issue.”

Miller said he supports the bonds to upgrade the city’s parks and public safety buildings, but that he thinks the bond for downtown parking may not be the right fit. He said he would first like to see the city exhaust all its options such as using a Community Improve ment District on Canton Street to allow local business leaders to direct how they want to see their tax dollars spent.

Beeson agreed, saying that the park ing deck, as it is currently being pro posed, is “very nebulous.” The city has not released details on its potential size, final cost, location or whether visitors will have to pay to use it.

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Every decade, the county and its cit ies renegotiate how money collected from LOST is distributed. The pot has gener ally been apportioned based on each city’s population, while the county has kept about 5 percent for administrative fees.

Recently, however, representatives for the 15 cities have been haggling with county officials over how an estimated $3 billion in sales tax revenue should be distributed over the next 10 years. The

“For me personally, out of the three questions on the bond, I realize the issue of public safety is probably the highest priority at this point in time to make sure that we can provide full coverage for each Roswell citizen and so that we can make sure that we maintain our fire facilities for a new full-time fire depart ment,” Beeson said. “However, I don’t know that I personally would use bond money for deferred maintenance [on parks].”

Shbeib said he supports all three bonds, including the parking deck, because he thinks it would support the entire city by attracting more visitors. He

See CANDIDATES,

Roswell officials stress importance of bond initiatives

By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell City Council hosted the second of 10 public information meetings about the three bond referendums on the Nov. 8 ballot that would fund nearly $180 million in upgrades to parks, public safety and downtown parking.

Speaking before a crowd of residents Oct. 4 at Hembree Park, Mayor Kurt Wil son said the City of Roswell had issued $96.8 million in general obligation bonds since 1988. All have been paid off. The three bonds proposed this time around total $179.6 million.

“Ultimately, we as residents will make the decision,” Wilson said. “Somebody asked me last night, ‘Well, what happens if it gets turned down?’ Then it gets turned down. The will of our residents is what we respect. We’re not advocating yes or no, but I will say as a resident that investing in the city, from my perspective, makes sense.”

Voters will decide between a $107.6 million bond for recreation and parks, bike/pedestrian improvements and sidewalks; a $52 million bond for a new police and fire headquarters and new fire stations; and a $20 million bond for a

new parking deck in historic downtown Roswell. Residents will vote on each question individually.

Over the past couple of months,

Meet the Roswell City Council candidates

elected officials have been touting a reduction in property taxes after adopt ing a rollback tax rate of 4.463 mills, the lowest rate in 35 years. However, if ei

ther of the bonds are approved, property taxes will surely increase.

Property tax impact

Broken down, the $107.6 million bond for parks and bicycle and pedestri an improvements would cost the average property owner with a home valued at $450,000 about $205 per year, or $17.08 a month, in additional property taxes. The $52 million bond for public safety would cost $99 per year, or $8.25 per month. And, the $20 million bond for downtown parking would add $38 per year, or $3.17 per month, to a tax bill.

If all three are approved, the aver age Roswell homeowner could see their property taxes increase by about $342 per year over the next 30 years.

Director of Finance Ryan Luckett told Appen Media that if any of the bond issues fail, the city is limited in finding a back-door funding source for the proj ects, such as a “lease-purchase” plan, for the next four years. The city can, however, reintroduce the bond issue again in a subsequent election.

Luckett also said that payments on bonds, assessed to property owners, is not eligible for any of the city’s home stead exemptions, meaning residents

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CHAMIAN CRUZ/APPEN MEDIA

Roswell officials speak at a public meeting Oct. 4 at Hembree Park about the upcoming bond referendum. If all three bonds are approved, the average Roswell homeowner could see their property taxes increase by about $342 per year over the next 30 years.

Bond:

will be assessed the full taxable value of their homes against the tax rate set to pay on the bonds. The only exception is the disabled veteran exemption, which is eligible for a reduced assessment against both the city’s general mill levy and the levy set to pay back the bonds.

Luckett said the city won’t know the actual interest rate on the bonds until they are issued, but that it’s likely the city would issue the bonds in two to three phases over several years, not all at once.

To provide an estimate of interest expense, the city is assuming an interest rate of 5 percent for a 30-year term. As suming the full $179.6 million is issued all at once, Luckett said the city would pay approximately $173 million in inter est over 30 years.

Heads of city departments that would benefit from the bond funding were on hand at the Oct. 4 meeting to explain why they think the bonds are needed.

Parks bond

The City Council approved a fiveyear park master plan Sept. 26 that includes a complete inventory and as sessment and long-term projection of what it would take the city to maintain

its existing park facilities over the next 20 years.

Director of Recreation, Parks, His toric and Cultural Affairs Jeff Leather man said the reality is that facilities like Hembree Park and East Roswell Park were built in the ‘90s and have a lot of deferred maintenance. He said the $107.6 million bond would help his de partment replace all of its facilities’ grass fields with synthetic fields, bring the lights up to current standard to make them more efficient and update the ir rigation infrastructure.

“This park in particular (Hembree Park) was opened the year I graduated from high school,” Leatherman said. “That just gives you some perspective. I have a junior right now in high school. Groveway Community Park is very simi lar but has a little bit less of a need for improvements.”

At Woodstock Park, Leatherman said synthetic soccer fields could help prevent puddles from forming near the soccer goals. Right now, it doesn’t matter how hard maintenance staff work, because the wear and tear in those fields can’t keep up with the volume of the kids playing. He said the bond could also be used to replace the 50-meter Olympic-size pool at Roswell Area Park.

Michael Linton, a 38-year resident, encouraged the City Council at the meeting to support the project and ref

Meet the Roswell City Council candidates

erenced Roswell visionaries like former Mayor W.L. “Pug” Mabry and former Councilmen Don White, Ralph DeLong, Harold Smith, Frank Wilbanks and Winston Dobbs who had the foresight to build the Olympic-size pool in the first place.

“When I moved here, we had a 3-meter board there,” Linton said. “Fast forward a little bit to 1996 when the Olympics were here. The State of Georgia had three Olympic-size pools, and the Fiji Olympic team trained here in Roswell because of that. That tool is incredibly unique and an incredibly valuable asset.”

Linton said that in 2017, a German corporation estimated it would cost approximately $3 million to enclose the pool so local high school swimmers and divers could practice in the winter without having to travel outside the city.

“I’m begging you,” Linton said. “Please paint with bold colors, not pale pastels, and make this happen in Ro swell.”

Lastly, Leatherman said about $20 million in the bond has been set aside for park trail and connectivity projects at Seven Branches Park, Big Creek Park, Oxbo Trail Connectivity and Smith Plan tation Trails.

Police, fire bond

Earlier this year, the City Council began transitioning to a full-time fire department after historically employing only part-time firefighters.

Fire Chief Joe Pennino said the city recently finished hiring 21 fire captains, including two from Alpharetta, who will supervise the city’s seven fire stations full time. The other 19 fire captains pre viously worked part-time for the Roswell Fire Department.

“This is a huge historic moment for the city,” Pennino said.

But, it still needs the facilities to be able to better serve the community, he said. While some fire stations need to be moved, others need to be com pletely remodeled or rebuilt like Sta tion 22 off Crabapple Road which was built on less than .6 acres in 1975 and requires the road to be shut down after a call to park the fire truck back into its bay. There are also gaps in coverage in certain areas like south west Roswell.

Pennino said firefighters are having to share sleeping quarters and lack stor age space in the kitchen. The Roswell Fire Department, he said, even spent $4,500 last year to fix a sewer issue with the septic tank only to have another backup, so that it’s now having to jet it once a month. Since a portion of the sewer line under the foundation needs to be replaced, the department must decide whether to continue with repairs or rebuild the fire station.

“We also currently have our Emer

gency Operation Center in City Hall in a converted meeting room,” Pennino said. “… We need places for the crew that’s not working to be sleeping, to cook, to shower. We can’t transmit out with our portable radios out of this studio.”

With a public safety complex, the fire department, police department and 911 call center could operate in one facility, reducing redundancy and increasing efficiencies in security and technology, he said.

Police Chief James Conroy said many officers are working out of makeshift offices in closets and old holding cells.

“We are bursting at the seams,” Conroy said. “… Being co-located is a no-brainer.”

Parking deck bond

Economic Development Director Dar ryl Connelly said the parking deck bond is really an economic development proj ect because approximately 2.6 million people visit Canton Street every year. He said there are also about 1,400 employ ees and 143 businesses in the historic district.

“So, Canton Street is really the heart of Roswell,” Connelly said. “We have to make sure that it continues to be vibrant and that we provide people with parking spaces. There was a study that was done by the Downtown Development Author ity in 2021 and they actually said that there is a need for public parking in the downtown area.”

While the location of the parking deck will not be disclosed until after the bond is approved, Connelly said it will be downtown, but not on City Hall prop erty. The Historic Preservation Commis sion will be charged with approving the construction materials to support the character of the area.

Connelly said the city may also seek private-public partnerships. For exam ple, if the parking deck costs $20 million and a developer agrees to cover half of it, then the city would only have to pay for the remaining $10 million. Connelly said about 70 percent of the parking tickets that are cashed and sold are from outside of Roswell, so city officials could potentially charge a fee to use the parking deck.

The city has several more upcom ing meetings to discuss the projects in-depth with voters before the elec tion. They are scheduled for Oct. 18 at Roswell Area Park, Oct. 25 at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center and Oct. 26 at St. Andrew Catholic Church. All of the meetings are from 7 to 9 p.m.

For questions about the proposed bond referendum, email Wilson and the City Council at roswellmayorandcoun cil@roswellgov.com.

Early voting started Monday, Oct. 17. Election Day is Nov. 8.

Tax:

Atlanta mayor concerned

Speaking to a crowd of officials and media, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said he was gravely concerned over the discourse that has come from Fulton County negotiators.

“More importantly, they are not en gaging in this process in a way that will reach an appropriate outcome by the deadline,” Dickens said. “In fact, Fulton County continues to hold up the threat of letting LOST expire altogether, a reckless move that would be disastrous for the residents that we all serve.”

Dickens, who has largely steered clear from the public displays sur rounding the 2022 LOST, said that like the other 14 cities in Fulton County, At lanta would suffer greatly if LOST were eliminated. LOST revenues make up nearly 20 percent of Atlanta’s general fund revenue, which funds “vital public safety and quality of life” projects, he said.

County officials have argued that they too have obligations, and county government provides many statemandated services like libraries, public health and a court system. Those ser vices, they argue, have only increased by the wave of new cities incorporating over the past 15 years.

The county is seeking to increase its split of the sales tax revenue from the 4.97 percent it has received over the past 10 years to as much as 15 percent or higher.

“We believe that the work of the cit ies is clearly important,” Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts said at a recent mediation session. “But we know, without a doubt that the services Fulton County provides are important. In fact, in most cases they are a matter of life and death for many people.”

A public safety issue

The mayors argue that cutting their share of LOST funding would ultimately impact services like fire, EMS and police the most, because their most expensive pieces of equipment are largely funded by tax revenues.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said that if the county’s LOST revenues are increased, his city, along with Mil ton and East Point, cannot raise their millage rate to make up the difference with property taxes.

That means their only option is to cut services.

“We have the ability in our city to pay to make sure that people have an eight-minute response time with our ambulance services … that goes away, then response time on ambulance service goes up 50 percent in Sandy Springs, that means people will die,”

Paul said.

Paul said that after the last negotia tion session held Oct. 7, there’s been no sign that county officials want to come back to the negotiating table.

“We’re at a total stalemate,” he said.

Negotiations halted

During that meeting, county nego tiators proposed raising the county’s share of LOST distributions from the current 4.97 percent to 7 percent and then up to 15 percent over 10 years.

City negotiators noted this proposal was nearly identical to several previous offers that had already been rejected, due to their expected impact on the cities.

“Mayor Dickens laid out a plan based on conversations with the county commissioners themselves that we thought would move the ball,” Paul said. “And what happened was they took two steps back and went back to a previous position, back to the 160 per cent Increase, which just totally blew everything out of the water. So, we’re at an impasse right now.”

Dickens said the cities were gener ous when they offered up a 40 percent increase in county LOST proceed, and he called the 160 percent increase pro posal a “slap in the face.”

Closing out his comments on Mon day, Dickens challenged county officials to return to the negotiating table and for residents to contact their district representative on the County Com mission to press them for a resolution before the current LOST agreement expires on Dec. 31.

“To the County Commission, it’s simply time to step up, come to the table and work with these mayors to get this done,” Dickens said. “We all have a job to do and I’m calling on you right now to work with us to get this done.”

City and county officials have not scheduled any additional mediation ses

sions and initially planned to advance the issue to a formal arbitration process if mediation fails.

Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin previ ously told Appen Media that so far, county officials have expressed no interest in participating in arbitration with the cities.

PHOTOS BY ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul speaks at a press conference Oct. 17 about negotiations with Fulton County over distribu tion of the countywide local option sales tax. Behind him are mayors from a dozen Fulton County cities, including Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson, second from left, and Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin, third from right.

Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry speaks at at a press conference in Atlanta Oct. 17 regarding negotiations with Fulton County officials over distribution of the countywide local option sales tax. Behind him from left, Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison, Mountain Park Mayor Jim Still, College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens

Upper school counseling services – an intentional balancing act

Brought to you by - King’s Ridge Christian School

At times students can become singleminded, focusing only on academics. While good grades are certainly an important goal for every student and a key to college admissions, grade point averages should not define students nor consume every waking hour. A life filled only with textbooks, essays, and stan dardized tests is not spiritually mean ingful, socially purposeful, or physically healthy. As a college preparatory school, King’s Ridge Christian School strives to provide students with rigorous academic preparation as well as social, spiritual, and physical fulfillment, which are all necessary for college and life beyond.

Research supports this call for stu dents to live a balanced life. According to the Johns Hopkins Student Assistance Program, “Students often prioritize aca demics at the expense of personal fac

tors, including relation ships and exercise. This can lead to a decline in academic performance, as general health and well-being are critical to optimal academic func tioning.” (2020). Per haps most surprising is that college admis sions departments tell counselors that a high school resume filled only with academic accolades is not what they seek in applicants.

The Upper School counseling depart ment at KRCS intentionally focuses on developing the whole child; one who successfully balances academics, extracurricular interests, the arts, athletic pursuits, and a spiritual relationship with Christ. Through one-on-one meetings, small group advisement lessons, large group presentations, family conferences, and daily informal settings, counselors

viduals through their unique talents, aspi rations, struggles, and strengths. Coun selors act as guides, encouraging students to build resiliency, self-confidence, and independence - qualities that are crucial for success in college and beyond.

The KRCS counseling team truly be

best prepared to live out the King’s Ridge mission: “equipping students to know, to serve, and to believe”.

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SPURKA

davisacademy.org/admissions

Be amazed, learn more

From Kindergarten Prep - Eighth Grade, The Davis Academy teaches to the whole child, creating compassion ate leaders and equipping them with skills they will use for the entirety of their academic careers and beyond. Davis graduates attend the most pres tigious public and private high schools in Atlanta, they know who they are and continuously make a difference in their communities and the world.

Students learn amongst a warm and supportive community that shares common values and visions. We teach life skills, instill Jewish values, and provide diverse experiences so that our students become well-rounded and self-confident individuals. We celebrate both the ways our diversity makes our school vibrant and the individual dif ferences that make our school commu nity so unique. With a retention rate of 97%, The Davis Academy community is comprised of families from across the globe, nation, and 31 metro Atlanta zip codes.

The school offers many options for prospective families to learn about the school and community. Parents can schedule a personal tour (on campus or virtual). In addition, families can engage in wonderful Cub Club events that are free and open to the community.

To learn more or schedule a tour go to www.davisacademy.org/admissions/ visit or call 678-527-3300.

The Alfred & Adele Davis Academy 8105 Roberts Drive, Atlanta, GA 30350 770-671-0085 www.davisacademy.org

Brought to you by - The Davis Academy

PHOTOS PROVIDED

A letter to students

Brought to you by - Woodward Academy

1. You are awesome. Be confident in who you are. I promise you’ll meet people who are smarter than you, and that’s OK. You don’t have to be the smartest person—oddly enough, sometimes being the smartest person is difficult. I also promise that you will be smarter than most. Enjoy that; while being smart isn’t everything, it is defi nitely something. Be confident in your intelligence, but not arrogant. I’ve found that, most of the time, being arrogant backfires on you. That leads into point two…

2. Sometimes it takes more courage and intelligence to be silent than to speak. It took me a long time to un derstand and respect silence. I’m still learning that it’s a mark of maturity and, most of the time, intelligence. Also, respect everyone’s differences and challenge yourself to learn about them.

3. Never stop learning. I don’t mean that in a teacher way, I mean it in a learning life sort of way. You are con stantly growing, maturing, and devel oping, so enjoy it. Life is a condition to which no one is immune. We learn something every day.

Our taste in music, food, TV, and the people we surround ourselves with evolves. It’s natural for these prefer ences to change. I wasted a lot of time trying to be someone I wasn’t because I thought I was supposed to be someone else.

To complete number three, you need to invest in number four…

4. Spend time with yourself. Since you’ve been in my class, I’ve learned how amazing you are each in your own way. If you sit and spend time with you, I think you’ll feel the same way. I’m such a people person, but some times the best thing is time alone with great music, a book, TV, or whatever. As cheesy as this sounds, be your own best friend. The sooner you learn that all of your faults and idiosyncra sies are what make you awesome, the sooner you will be a better person and enjoy life so much more. That leads to number five…

5. Everyone has faults. With the advent of social media, I sometimes find myself comparing my faults with everyone else’s highlights. Scrolling through your Twitter feed (or Snapchat or Tik Tok), you see people lauding their

accomplishments, great times, and great friends. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, as long as you understand that what you see on social media is an incomplete picture. If you compare all of your faults to those highlights, you may feel a bit inadequate. Everyone has faults, so embrace yours. Grow from them and know that they add to what makes you, you. And remember, you’re awe some.

6. Surround yourself with people who love you and think you’re great (but also who know and accept your faults). You need this. If someone won’t accept you for who you are, ask yourself if you really need that rela tionship (be it friends or more).

7. Smile. Every day. I’m not getting into the psychology of it all, but it could pos sibly make you happier and healthier. It works. Trust me.

8. Don’t trust people just because they say, “trust me.” Still...

9. Trust people. It’s endearing. I know this is very contradictory, but it’s true. Even though “trust me” should raise flags, trusting people means you are human and we all need people we can trust.

10. I’ve saved one of the most impor tant tips for last: Be happy. Genuinely happy.

Choose a profession that pays the bills and makes you want to go to work most days. You won’t be happy every day. You will have bad days, weeks and maybe even months, but you’ll be gener ally happy. Money will not, in the end, make you happy.

One of the greatest pieces of advice my dad ever gave me was to make great memories. Good and bad, and all kinds in between, they are all part of our life.

So, make them good ones and remember that you are part of other’s memories so make sure they are posi tive, too.

I have to end this the way my mother ended most of our conversations when I was in high school and college. Make good choices. (I repeat this often to my own kids.)

Lori Fenzl, Upper School social studies teacher

A DEEPLY PERSONALIZED COMMUNITY, WHERE EACH STUDENT CAN TAILOR THEIR OWN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

PRE-K THROUGH 12TH GRADE

With

High Meadows School –Inspiring future global citizens and innovative leaders

Brought to you by - High Meadows School

There is no place like High Meadows School. Since 1973, High Meadows stu dents in Pre-K through 8th grade have learned through experiential, immer sive educational opportunities offered both in the school’s spacious, lightfilled classrooms and across 42 acres of grassy fields and scenic woodlands. High Meadows School’s progressive cur riculum is focused on developing future global citizens and innovative leaders who embrace challenge and think for themselves.

High Meadows lower years class rooms offer low student-teacher ratios in which instruction emphasizes academic excellence, love of learning, critical thinking, and environmental and social responsibility. As a nationally recog nized and award-winning leader in pro gressive education, High Meadows is an

accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering its renowned Primary Years Program for students in preschool through fifth grade.

High Meadows School’s accomplished and experienced faculty lead each stu dent on this journey. Through interac tive, inquiry-based instruction, support ed by of-the-moment technology and our nature-based campus, High Meadows teachers are unequaled in their intellect, passion, and compassion for these kids. Every day they inspire authentic learn ing opportunities that are engaging and sticky (literally and figuratively!).

When children graduate from High Meadows, they are empowered with a deep respect for international perspec tives, an intuitive understanding of life’s interconnectedness, and an exceedingly strong sense of self. Education is an expedition that starts from the moment we are born. When we teach children to be curious and inquiring at an early age,

we create within them a love of learn ing that lasts an entire lifetime. What is more important than that?

Come see how all this comes to life.

Please visit our website at highmeadows.org or call 770-993-2940 to learn more about High Meadows School.

Open House

PROVIDED

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 mat ter 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 the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesleyan’s school motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, Your self, and every aspect of school life is oriented to reinforce this philosophy of putting Jesus first and others ahead of ourselves.

A college preparatory environ

ment, 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 1,171 students in grades K-12 for the 2021-2022 school year. Wesleyan of fers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Supervised care before school is included in the cost of tu ition and after care is available (K-8) until 6:00 p.m. at an affordable rate.

Wesleyan School

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

https://www.wesleyanschool.org/

Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive

PROVIDED

Great minds think differently

Brought to you by - The Cottage School

Since 1985, The Cottage School (TCS) has provided a comprehensive program for students with learning differences. TCS of fers a business-based model that promotes self-advocacy and fosters self-confidence, preparing them for life after graduation to pursue post-secondary educational paths or vocational opportunities. Our accred ited college preparatory curriculum meets Georgia graduation standards and HOPE scholarship requirements to take students to graduation and beyond.

Our students, in all grades, enjoy unique experiential learning with electives based on their interests and clubs includ ing archery, drama, forensics, robotics, horticulture and amazing off-campus experiences throughout the year.

The school’s beautiful 23-acre Roswell campus is a hidden gem in North Fulton,

with small class sizes our students devel op meaningful connections to our teach ing staff. Our cottages are unique and warm learning environments that include computer and science labs, art studios, a multi-purpose athletic and performing arts facility, indoor and outdoor class rooms, and trails for mountain biking and cross-country. TCS encourages students of all abilities to participate in athletics by offering sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, cross-country, tennis, and golf.

The Cottage School has built a one-ofa-kind learning environment perfect for students who learn differently. TCS offers 12-month rolling admissions for all grade levels. Visit our website or call for a cam pus tour today.

The Cottage School 700 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, Georgia 30075 770-641-8688

Brought to you by - Mill Springs Acad emy

Those are the words of Mill Springs Academy’s founder, Tweetie L. Moore, and the words that Mill Springs adminis tration, faculty, and staff continue to live by today. Founded in 1981, Mill Springs provides a values-based college prepara tory program for students with ADHD and learning differences. Mill Springs’ school-wide Community Structure en courages students to participate in their own education by teaching self-advocacy, social problem-solving skills, and how to forge their own path. Our small class sizes allow teachers to provide each student with individualized instruction. Our highly skilled faculty and counselors provide academic rigor on all levels, from kindergarten through 12, in a supportive, nurturing environment.

Mill Springs Academy also offers students a wide variety of opportunities outside the core curriculum. Mill Springs’ fine arts program encourages students to explore their creativity through painting, sculpture, set design, music, performance, and more. Our robust athletic programs allow students to play at a competitive level

while building teamwork and confidence.

Mill Springs’ 85-acre Alpharetta campus includes indoor and outdoor classroom space, athletic facilities, and visual and performing arts facilities. We serve students from over 50 different zip codes in the Metro Atlanta area and provide four bus routes with ten stops in the morning and afternoon. To learn more about Mill Springs Academy, visit us at www.millsprings.org/visit.

The Cottage School has served students with learning differences in the metro and surrounding area since 1985.

TCS changes lives by focusing on the social and emotional needs of our students as well as their academic achievement.

Our business-based model fosters self-advocacy and prepares them for the future.

Serving students grades 3–12. Learn more at www.cottageschool.org

PROVIDED

“If a student can’t learn the way we teach… we should teach the way a student can learn.”

Sowing the seeds of organic learning

Brought to you by – Johns Creek Mon tessori School of Georgia

Maria Montessori, Italy’s first woman doctor, invented a system of early childhood education based on her scientific observa tions 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 free dom to choose his work. This freedom - which is given when the child demon strates the responsibility to use it wisely - allows him to remain with an activity until its purpose is accomplished. Work ing without artificial timelines allows him to engage in the spontaneous repeti tion 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 observa tions 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 secu rity of a home-like environment which is

cared for by everyone in it, teacher and student alike. The Montessori class room 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 chil dren are truly the citizens of the future, equipped to face challenges with confi dence and competence.

Located near the intersection of 141 and McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek, Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia provides excellence in Mon tessori 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 chil dren to develop themselves in a caring, peaceful environment. By helping chil dren 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. Ad ditionally, this focus on development of muscular control is a first step in developing self-discipline. The JCMSOG

Difference is best experienced in person. Please schedule a visit with your child to observe our “Montessori Magic” - www. JCMSOG.org 770-814-8001

Johns Creek to host Diwali festival at Shakerag Park

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The entire Johns Creek community is invited to help cel ebrate the symbolic meaning of Diwali, a “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance” on Oct. 22 at Shakerag Park in Johns Creek.

Johns Creek and community volun teers have teamed up to host the first city and community-organized Diwali event in the state of Georgia. The event is 4-8 p.m. A firework display will begin at 7:45 p.m.

The festival will have over 40 vendors and 15 Indian jewelry and clothing shops,

Indian food, live music and cultural per formances. There will also be free activities like bounce houses, face painting, a bal loon artist, caricatures, clay lamp (Diya) painting & giveaways, Rangoli, Diya’s Display and door entry prizes.

Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry said he ran on the idea that the city should have more events — bigger, bet ter and more diverse events in terms of audience, location and style.

“This is kind of the down payment on fulfilling that promise,” Bradberry said. “It’s all part of building a greater community.”

But Bradberry made sure to credit the community volunteers, who have

If you go

What: Diwali

When: Saturday, Oct. 22 from 4-8 p.m.

Where: Shakerag Park Cost: Free

taken the festival to great heights, help ing raise about $30,000 for the event through sponsorships.

“The best way for us to build greater community is by having members of the community be responsible for putting

on our community events,” he said.

Himanshu Karnwal, who’s on the Johns Creek Planning Commission, spearheaded organizing the Diwali festi val alongside Stacey Gross, Johns Creek Volunteer Coordinator.

Karnwal said the intention behind the festival is to create togetherness and harmony within the community.

“The Indian community mostly stays in a bubble …,” Karnwal said. “We were thinking, ‘How do we make them feel included in the community? What’s the thing we can do with the community, so other people can also learn about the cul ture and participate in that experience?’”

The Cottage School to host scavenger hunt

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Cottage School (TCS) will host We Light Up the Night, a one-of-kind virtual scavenger hunt and light show, on Nov. 5.

The community unity event will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Cottage School.

By using a GPS tracking app, guests will participate in the virtual scavenger hunt across campus by battery operated lantern light. The treasures are in the form of audio messages from community leaders about the school, its history and the greater community. Activities will

culminate in a light show.

The Cottage School will share the proceeds from the event with two local nonprofits, Solidarity Sandy Springs and Atlanta Ronald McDon ald House.

Battery operated lanterns and We Light Up the Night T-shirts will be avail able for purchase. Guests can enjoy free food, music and an opportunity to participate in a collaborative art project that will travel between TCS, Solidarity Sandy Springs and the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House.

If you go

What: We Light Up the Night

When: Saturday, Nov. 5 from 5:307:30 p.m.

Where: The Cottage School

Cost: Free admission, fundraising on site

For more information or to find out more about sponsor opportunities visit TCSWLUTN2022.givesmart.com.

THE COTTAGE SCHOOL/PROVIDED The Cottage School will host We Light Up the Night, a virtual scavenger hunt and light show, Nov. 5.

Nix family left mark in North Fulton PERSERVING

Some early Nix family settlers, like some other pioneers, came to Georgia from Europe via the Carolinas beginning in the 18th century. By 1840 there were 48 Nix families living in Georgia, about 35 percent of all Nixs in the USA according to Ancestry.com. In this column, I will highlight a few noteworthy north Georgia pioneers.

BOB MEYERS Columnist bobmey@bellsouth.net

Charles William “Charlie” Nix (18361927) was a colorful character. He joined the Confederate army when he was 25 and served with General Jeb Stuart’s calvary. He fought in Antietam, Gettysburg and Chancellorsville, which was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War up until then and famous as the battle where General Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded by his own troops.

Charlie was born in Cherokee County, married Susan Caroline Bates (1840–1907) and had eight children and 27 grandchildren. At the time of his 90th birthday in 1926, celebrated with a cake with 90 candles, the Atlan ta Constitution said he was one of the oldest people in Georgia and one of the earliest subscribers to the newspaper.

“In the early days he rode four miles ev ery day on horseback to get his paper,” the newspaper reported. He is buried in Provi dence Baptist Church in Alpharetta along with two dozen other Nix family members.

Many local Nix families are descend ed from Matthias Bates (1802-1883), whose daughter married Charlie Nix. Matthias and his son Russell started a trading post in Cherokee County at the intersection of Batesville Road and Sugar Pike Road. Charlie’s sons Walter Scott Nix Sr. (1873-1956) and John Rus sell Nix (1871-1939) bought 140 acres from their uncle Russell. They opened a general store which contained the Bates

ville Post Office. Walter became store keeper and postmaster. Walter and his brother turned the property into a trade and service center with a blacksmith shop, grist mill, cotton gin, sawmill, guano distributorship and potato curing house. Nearby, the Big Springs School and the Big Springs Methodist Church were built.

Dr Harold Lyle Nix (1920-2003), son of Walter Scott Nix, was raised in Batesville and became a distinguished professor of sociology at the University of Georgia. He focused on developing alter natives to the rapidly disintegrating rural economy. Among his many accomplish ments was a book he wrote for his family in 2000 titled “Moments to Remember” in which he recalls growing up in Batesville. In poignant terms he explains that the rural South at the time “was made up of a gridwork of small trade and service centers about four miles, or a ‘team-haul’ apart” so a farmer could walk a mule to a cotton gin, store, school or church in a half a day. Batesville was such a center

in the late 1800s.

The area underwent dramatic changes in the early and mid-20th century. The automobile, tractor, paved roads, the boll weevil and two world wars changed the South forever. Some of the rural service centers continued to prosper, others declined or disappeared. Batesville officially disappeared on Dec. 12, 1992, when the last remaining structure in town, the old Walter Scott Nix, Sr. home, was put to the torch as a county fire training exercise. Today Batesville is just the crossroads where Batesville Road and Sugar Pike Road intersect. One structure, the abandoned potato curing house, still stands.

Brothers Jody and Jason Nix, great grandsons of Walter Scott Nix, operate Big Spring Farms Pumpkin Patch on Sugar Pike Road next to the intersection. The attraction is open on weekends in October and provides opportunities for families to experience rural life as it once was, including demonstrations by an old Model 0 Frick sawmill.

An early Nix residence in Milton is a City of Milton Historic Site. Built circa 1896 on Birmingham Road, the house was owned by William Henry Nix (1886-1953) and Clara Maddox Nix, daughter of Dr. Ci cero Cincinnatus, a prominent doctor in Al pharetta. Today the home is owned by Jim Bell who in order to preserve the land has created a certified natural burial ground, Milton Fields, adjacent to the house.

Nix Road, one of Milton’s prized dirt roads, connects Birmingham Highway with Freemanville Road. Several genera tions of Nix families lived there accord ing to Sonja Holcombe whose parents, Obed Farrell Holcombe (1911-1994) and Mary Sue Nix Holcombe Rigby (born 1933), lived on the corner of Nix Road and Birmingham Highway in a house that still stands. Sonja’s grandparents John Leonard Nix (1884-1963) and Oscar Adena Nix (1907-1992) also lived in the house but moved away in 1930. Sonja’s great grandparents John Leon ard Nix (1884-1963) and Oscar Adena Nix (1907-1992) lived in a house on a hill overlooking Nix Road, so it is under standable how the road got its name.

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net

PHOTOS BY NIX FAMILY/PROVIDED

Charles Nix marks his 90th birthday in front of a cake with four of his eight chil dren. From left, Laura Puckett, Dr. Will Nix, Fannie Benson and Walter Scott Nix

This home on Birmingham Road was built in 1896 by William Henry Nix.

Get your shovel for the return of the Joros

If you’ve been out in the great wide world lately, you’ve probably noticed those shimmery gossamer webby things up there in the power lines. It seems like wherever there are two lines with a few feet of each other, there are also a whole bunch of webby things.

some dings and dimples here and there, but that’s just how much-loved shov els usually are. Those blemishes could pour out the stories, too, if I only could remember what those stories are. For it’s an old shovel with a much-used wood handle polished by use so it’s smooth as the lid of a fine piano. Old things always have tales to tell.

STEVE HUDSON Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net

Joro spider webs?

Yeah, those. They’re back!

Prime Joro season in this neck of the woods is usually August through Octo ber, and they’ve been turning up in lots of other places, too – some of them close to home. For instance, one delegation seems to favor the little nook between the corner of my house and the railing on the deck.

There was a big ol’ Joro spider out there a few days ago, but notice I said “was.” Durable though those Joros are, they’re no match for my ancient Sears and Roebuck shovel.

As yard tools go, that shovel is one of those enduring institutions ever. Sure, the business end is a little rusted, with

Anyway, that shovel’s a great antiJoro weapons system, at least if the Joros are not too far off the ground. A single swashbuckling stroke through the air made short work of the web at the end of the deck, and then a second stroke (vertical, descending) reconfig ured the once-intimidating Joro spi der who used to live there from three dimensions down to two. One down, 88 million to go.

I should have felt good about that, but I just kind of shrugged. I was, I knew, resigned to having to do it all again in a day or two. And that’s exactly what happened.

Somewhat more troublesome are the Joro webs that are higher off the ground and out of reach even of me and my shovel. For those, I’ve adopted the strategy of scouring the ground under the big oak tree for suitable throwing sticks which I pick up and

heft in my hand and then launch with aboriginal accuracy (sometimes) into the sky in the general direction of whatever web I have targeted. This is not nearly as effective as it sounds, however, and it also puts nearby win dows or small children at risk. Occa sionally I get lucky, though, and any way Ellie the Resident Mini Schnauzer thinks its all part of some grand game of fetch-the-stick, which she does with relish and glee – whether there hap pens to be a spider attached to the stick or not.

So what’s the deal with these Joro spiders anyway? You’ll recall from our previous chat on the subject that they seem to have first appeared in Geor gia along the I-85 corridor in the area of Braselton and Hoschton. That’s home to many large distribution cen ters, and the feeling among those who know is that these spiders (or maybe their eggs) hitched a ride into our fair land aboard a crate, in some pack ing material, or maybe even on a live plant.

But however they got here, it appears that they are here to stay. Fortunately, they are not a particular threat to people unless provoked in an up-close and personal way, though their long-term impact on ecosystems is not known for certain.

Clearly, what is needed is more info!

FALL

FALL FAMILY ACTIVITIES!

And so, possibly out of a vague sense of guilt over murdering that helpless spider whose only sin was to have taken up residence on the cor ner of my deck, I decided to attempt to redeem myself by participating in something called Joro Watch. Joro Watch is a new website developed by a whole bunch of interested folks, among them the spiderists (is that a word? If not, it should be) at the University of Georgia as well as something called the Southern Integrated Pest Man agement Center. This I picture as a fortified bunker, possibly located deep

inside Stone Mountain where even the most determined joro spider probably can’t get in. In my mind’s eye its walls are covered with high-tech maps and glowing computer screens and lots and lots of flickering numbers. One of those numbers just decreased by one, from 88,325,286 to 88,325,285. That was me and my shovel. It’s nice to be appreciated.

But I digress. We were talking about Joro Watch, which lives at jorowatch. org.

Joro Watch is, according to the In terweb, “a monitoring program to collect data and better understand the current spread and distribution of joro spiders. You’ll like it for all sorts of reasons, not the least of which is a map showing where the joro spiders have been show ing up. The answer to that one, by the way, is mostly in Georgia, some in South Carolina, and a little bit in North Caro lina and Tennessee. There’s even one little tiny spot of green in Washington County, Okla. But if you live somewhere else and feel left out, don’t worry. It’s probably just a matter of time, and the map will help you know when it’s time to go dig out the old shovel.

Joro Watch really is kind of fun – and useful too. For example, it’ll help you figure out whether what you’re seeing is an honest-to-goodness Joro spider or one of its similar-looking cousins (such as our very own native yellow garden spiders). Adding your own observational data is easy, and there were even perks in the form of a chance to win custom Joro Watch stickers too in the recent Joro Spider Spotting Contest, which ended Oct 15. Citizen science like this is usually its own reward, but free stuff doesn’t hurt.

Anyway, I just completed my latest Joro spider sighting report. I got an of ficial verification and a “Record ID” and everything. That’s pretty cool.

But wait. Is that another one on the other end of the deck?

Where did I put that shovel?

Thank You!

Our local news is free to read but not to produce. Alpharetta-Roswell Herald relies on advertisers to keep the lights on, pay our reporters and publish your news. That’s why we want to say thank you to all the advertisers, large and small, who have stuck by us through thick and thin.

Consider giving them your business, just as they have done with us.

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Candidates:

said the additional funds would cost the average homeowner about $1 a day.

“We talk a lot about affordable hous ing and affordable cost of living in the City of Roswell,” Shbeib said. “Well, to me, one nice thing about this bond is if you’re … a renter, you’re getting the ben efit of this without having to pay for the taxes. And if you’re a homeowner, you’re appreciating the value of your homes.”

Panelists from Roswell NEXT and Roswell Moms Network then asked the

candidates if they thought they would complement the City Council or bring a different perspective. Since being sworn in this year, the newly elected City Coun cil and Mayor Kurt Wilson have largely voted unanimously on many issues.

Beeson said she appreciates the lack of infighting that often seems to hold the city back, but that she would offer a different perspective whenever possible. She said disagreement is not “inherently vitriolic,” and that with Roswell’s popula tion of nearly 97,000, residents should be able to show diversity of thought.

“I don’t believe anyone on council has an environmental background, and we have the largest river frontage in the

metropolitan area,” Beeson said. “We also have a wonderful tree canopy and green space. So, being able to speak out on that, as well as being able to speak towards city planning and future plan ning, I think would complement the City Council.”

Shbeib said he would vote on every issue independently by consulting his conscience, regardless of how the other City Council members vote. Sells said he trusts the city’s various boards and com mittees to do the hard work before the City Council meetings. Miller said that as an analytical thinker, he would ask a lot of questions and gather citizen input before voting on a matter.

One of the last questions Roswell NEXT and Roswell Moms Network asked was about the areas in the city they would focus on for redevelopment and ideas to make the city more businessfriendly.

Sells said he would try to avoid fo cusing on small, inconsequential issues that would deter companies from want ing to do business in Roswell. Instead, he said, he would focus more on making negotiations that would most benefit both parties.

“We have to make sure that we are not fighting them at the expense of their

Forum:

business model with small points,” Sells said.

Miller, on the other hand, com pared Roswell to the middle of a donut, because of the development going on in surrounding cities. To change that, he said he would focus on unused prop erties in East Roswell to create more convention space that would bring busi nesses and generate more tax revenue for the city. He would also explore offer

ing economic incentives such as job tax credits.

“Secondly, … we have a lot of areas that have operating businesses that have storefronts that are in disrepair,” Miller said. “We have a lot of parking lots that have potholes as deep as your tire. I think if we hold these businesses ac countable and encourage them and force them to maintain their facilities then that is going to generate more interest in our city.”

Beeson, who said she would also focus on East Roswell, would turn to the Unified Development Code to ensure it’s in line with the city’s vision for the

area. She added that she thinks the city should consider doing a Community Improvement District there. Beeson also mentioned using mixed-use to create community-oriented spaces.

“Historic Roswell is a perfect example of that,” Beeson said. “The more person al, walkable contacts we can have, the more return on investment we can have. I’d like to see more of that in Roswell.”

Shbeib said he thinks there is no rea son for Roswell to be losing businesses to neighboring cities. He said Roswell should reconsider its process for starting a business and maintaining a business license.

“We’re not a broken city by any means,” Shbeib said. “This is a great city. But, just because we’re a great city, it doesn’t mean there’s opportunities.”

On a lighter note, panelists asked several nonpolitical questions such as what the candidates would choose for their careers if money were no object. Beeson said she would be a travel writer, Miller a landscaper to spend more time outside, Sells a philosophy and logic professor or high school teacher, and Shbeib said he would be a professional mascot. Shbeib said he was a mascot for the University of Central Florida and University of South Florida.

Therapy:

tional companies, she typically tended to multiple people at the same time, people of different ages and with differ ent needs.

bursement.

Building a health community

“People always say, ‘The hardest part is an adult is making friends.’”

A cash-based system

For Sok, one important feature of Functionize is its cash-based system, which avoids the pitfalls associated with insurance companies.

The Functionize website explains the cash-based model and its ben efits.

“In our 25+ years of combined experi ence, third-party payers pressuring for fast diagnosis, insisting on canned treat ments, and obstructing the therapy we want to provide often hurts the patient’s progress.”

Sok said insurance companies typically require patients to visit prac titioners two to three times a week, which calls for co-pays or full costs if deductibles aren’t met. Plus, in-network companies often entail a cookie-cutter approach filled with standard protocols that overlook individualized needs and goals, she said.

And when Sok worked with tradi

“I always said it was like daycare,” Sok said. “You were keeping people occupied basically, and not thinking through it.”

Whitcomb, who has seen many physi cal therapists over the years, said Func tionize is different from all the others.

“[With] every other physical thera pist, you go in there for an hour, and you usually are sharing the time with at least one other patient, where they’re bouncing back and forth between you and that other patient,” Whitcomb said. “That’s been my experience with every single physical therapy place I’ve been to, but then with Functionize, you’re not.”

He also said treatment at Functionize is not much more expensive than other companies, where you have multiple co-pays.

Sok said the average cost per visit, and there’s usually around 10 per client, runs from $200 to $249.

But clients have the option to submit the itemized bill to insurance for reim

Sok is focused on building com munity in Dunwoody. During a tour of the facility Oct. 11, Sok talked about the room behind the group exercise studio. She plans to lease it as a cof fee shop, to bring community through coffee.

The room is empty, save for a color ful art piece hanging on the wall that asks, “Are you living your dream or still dreaming of living?” Sok saw the paint ing before she started her business and said it’s a big part of her inspiration. She wrote about the painting for one of her newsletters, which she writes regularly.

“It was like the light bulb moment,” she said. “Like, okay, ‘This bright, color ful painting is telling you something. I’m ready to start living my dream.’”

Some of Sok’s clients are members of Run the Wood, a local running group that meets on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. Sok, who lives in Dunwoody, formed the group last year after observing many solo runners in the Dunwoody community.

Allison Thornton, another Function ize client, said she’s been a part of the group since it started.

“I know some friendships have formed out of that group,” Thornton said.

Thornton sought treatment from the Functionize team this year for hip and shoulder pain. Because she’s had im provement over the course of her visits, Thornton goes sporadically, as needed. Her husband and daughter also go to Functionize.

Thornton has also used the small group exercise classes offered at Func tionalize.

She attended the Strength Founda tions group exercise class, led by Jesse Brown, a physical therapist on staff. She has also attended Sok’s Mat Pilates class.

“Between those two classes, I just feel like I’m overall stronger, maybe more than I have been in my whole life,” Thornton said.

For more information about Func tionize, visit functionizehealth.com or call (404) 907-4196.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Alpharetta Women’s Half Marathon and 5k athletes will be running through your neighborhood and streets Sunday October 23. Due to the nature of the event, select city streets along the route be restricted during the event. Please visit our website for a copy of the route and suggested detours: http://alpharettawomenshalf.events

We appreciate your help in bringing this race back to the city and hope you have an opportunity to enjoy this exciting event. We apologize for any inconvenience that it may cause you. Members of the Alpharetta Police Department will be at all major intersections along the route to direct you around the restricted roads. If you need assistance, please email us at info@race10x.com.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE

PH-22-AB-31

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: 830 0178 6052

Dial In: +1 646 558 8656 US

October 27, 2022 at 2:00 P.M.

PURPOSE Restaurant Consumption on Premises Beer and Wine

APPLICANT

Ikigai Nikkei, LLC d/b/a Little Tokyo Sushi & Grill 5815 Windward Parkway #209 Alpharetta, GA 30005

Owner Ikigai Nikkei, LLC

Registered Agent Jesus Davila Martinez

Offering: Burials • Cremation • Prearrangements Out-of-state transportation

CITY OF ALPHARETTA PUBLIC NOTICE

PH-22-AB-32

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: 830 0178 6052

Dial In: +1 646 558 8656 US

October 27, 2022 at 2:00 P.M.

PURPOSE Restaurant Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer, Wine & Sunday Sales

APPLICANT Mr. Taco 2, Inc. d/b/a Mr. Taco 4000 North Point Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30022

Owner Mr. Taco 2, Inc.

Registered Agent Diana Guevara

Alexander Stephen Gallagher In Memoriam

Alexander Stephen Gallagher (Al), age 83, of Roswell, passed away peacefully on October 4. He was born September 18, 1939 in Staten Island, NY, the son of Violet and Alexander Gallagher. Al was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Gallagher and his mother and father.

He is survived by his two brothers, Jack Gallagher of Davenport, IA and Tom Gallagher of Mahwah, NJ; son, Ed (Colleen) Gallagher of Cumming, GA; daughter, Linda (Michael) DeCamp of Ellijay, GA; son, Mike (Lynn) Gallagher of Arlington, MA; son, Ron (Margaret) Gallagher of Norcross, GA; daughter, Debbie Gallagher of Roswell, GA; nieces, Pam and Sue

(Burt); 18 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to the following charity: DOT Ministries (www.dotministries.org).

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 14th from 4PM - 7PM at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Rd, Roswell, GA 30076.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 15th at 10AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 535 Rucker Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004 followed by a reception in the parish hall. Interment will be at Green Lawn Cemetery.

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Seeking part-time Building/Facilities Assistant Manager for Alpharetta Presbyterian Church from about 12-4 Monday – Friday.

Candidate needs basic knowledge/competency in building maintenance and grounds keeping as well as strong interpersonal skills. Computer skills are desired.

Requires successful completion of a criminal record and child abuse background check, a valid driver’s license and the ability to perform physical tasks. Full job description can be seen at https://alpharettapres. com/about-us/jobs/.

Qualified candidates please send resume to office@alpharettapres.com

Garage Sale

CUMMING

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Income Opportunity

Yard Sale

ROSWELL

Devereux Downs/ State Street multifamily sale. Woodstock Road at Devereux Chase 30075. Saturday 10/22, 8am-2pm; no earlybirds. Rain/shine! Balloons on mailboxes.CUMMING

Haulers

Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc. Many local references Call Ralph Rucker 678-898-7237

Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 5:00 pm

Home Improvement

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We offer drywall, painting, carpentry, plumbing and electrical. Basements finished, kitchen and bath rehabs. All types flooring. Also total home rehab for those who have a rental house or one to sell. Call 678-887-1868 for a free estimate.

Pinestraw

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Mervyn Weis - (770)377-8357

We look forward to talking with you!

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hauling, topsoil

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punctual, professional and

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Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining

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Flooring

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DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866479-1516

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-877539-0299

Vivint. Smart security. Professionally installed. One connected system for total peace of mind. Free professional installation! Four free months of monitoring! Call to customize your system. 1-833-841-0737

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Fi-nancing available. 1-855-417-1306

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways,

Rachael at

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