Group sustains resistance to proposed event center
North Forsyth County residents mount campaign against facility
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Six months after forming Forsyth County Voice, members of the organization say their diligence may be paying off.
A proposed 9,000 square-foot event space on Keith Bridge Road faces a May 5 deadline, Planning Commission Chairman Stacy Guy said. If property owner Narasimha Rao Tambareni fails to file a request to appear before the commission, the project could be withdrawn.
“The ball is in the applicant’s court,” Guy said.
If the project is withdrawn, Tambareni would be required to wait a year to refile.
Tambareni did not respond to requests for comment.
Since mid-November, dozens of Forsyth County Voice members have attended every County Commission meeting to voice their opposition to the project. Wearing red shirts to signify their opposition, about two dozen members appeared at an April 16 meeting.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
A Forsyth County Voice sign sits on property along Keith Bridge Road where a 9,000 square-foot event center is being proposed.
Forsyth Symphony performance unites new, traditional audiences
Musicians perform with the Forsyth Symphony Orchestra during a spring concert April 19 at Sexton Hall Enrichment Center.
By STANLEY LEARY newsroom@appenmedia.com
CUMMING, Ga. — The Forsyth Symphony Orchestra presented its “Timeless Classics” concert April 19.
The program is designed to connect seasoned classical listeners with audiences more familiar with orchestral music through film and television.
Under the direction of Mark Wood, the ensemble guided the audience through a curated selection of well-known works spanning the classical canon. Wood framed the performance with commentary, noting that while dedicated classical fans would recognize many of the pieces immediately, others might connect with them through their cultural presence in popular media.
He also provided historical context and storytelling between selections, helping listeners better understand each composition’s origins and impact.
PHOTOS BY: STANLEY LEARY/APPEN MEDIA
Mark Wood conducts the Forsyth Symphony Orchestra during a spring concert performance, showcasing the ensemble of local volunteer musicians dedicated to sharing orchestral music with the community.
NEWS TIPS
770-442-3278
AppenMedia.com
319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009
HANS APPEN
Publisher
RAY APPEN
Publisher Emeritus CONTACT
Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.
ADVERTISING
For information about advertising in the Forsyth Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
CIRCULATION
To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
Fire at Roswell apartment complex displaces residents
By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Fire Department responded to a large apartment fire April 9, and dozens of residents have been displaced.
The Roswell Fire Department reported responding to the Enclave apartment complex at 7:30 p.m. The apartments are located at 11251 Alpharetta Highway.
“Crews arrived in just over three minutes to find fire from the first floor to the roof with residents trapped on a second-floor balcony,” a news release from the fire department said. “All residents were safely rescued. Firefighters also rescued two cats and a dog from the building.”
First responders treated two residents for smoke inhalation. The fire department reported that 58 adults, four children and seven pets were displaced.
“The American Red Cross, Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA), Roswell Emergency Management, and Alpharetta Fire Corps Volunteers responded to support displaced residents,” the news release said. “Gas and electricity have been shut off to the building as a precaution. Fire investigators are on scene and the cause is under investigation.”
Woman finds tracker placed in her vehicle
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 55-yearold woman reported April 9 that someone had placed a GPS tracker on her vehicle.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said the woman, whose name was redacted from the report, told them mechanics discovered the tracker under her steering wheel during an emissions test.
The mechanics said they had to remove the device to access the vehicle’s computer and concluded it must have been placed within the past year.
The woman said she contacted the dealership that sold her the vehicle.
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.
They denied placing the tracker.
The woman said she could think of no one who would have installed the device, but she said a friend had performed work on the vehicle. The friend tried to date her, but she turned him down, she said. Shortly after, she said he volunteered to work on her vehicle.
The incident was classified as a felony eavesdropping or surveillance case.
— Jon Wilcox
Homeowner reports theft of Civil War art, valuables
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated a reported burglary at a Bethelview Road home April 11.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said a 47-year-old Cumming woman said she returned home after a night out with a friend and noticed some of her belongings were missing. A makeup bag, jewelry, face care products and 10 Civil War paintings were reported stolen.
The woman said she suspected a family member may have been involved citing a disagreement involving her deceased father’s estate. The incident was classified as a felony burglary of a residence.
— Jon Wilcox
ROSWELL FIRE DEPARTMENT/PROVIDED The Roswell Fire Department reported responding to the Enclave apartment complex at 7:30 p.m. on April 9. The apartments are located at 11251 Alpharetta Highway.
GDOT open house invites questions on bridge closure
MILTON, Ga. — Prior to a months-long bridge closure on Freemanville Road, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will host an open house April 29 for the public to ask questions about upcoming construction.
The session will run from 5:30-7 p.m. in the council chambers at Milton City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk.
The bridge spanning Cooper Sandy Creek south of Providence Road and north of Landrum Road in Milton is expected to close May 7. GDOT estimates the new bridge could reopen in both directions this fall.
Crews have spent months working on the project that will construct a new two-lane bridge with shoulders and space for a future multi-use path on one side.
All construction efforts and corresponding detours are being overseen by GDOT.
Landrum Road will not be physically altered throughout the project, but no traffic will be allowed on the gravel road for safety reasons. Residential access to homes along Landrum Road will be maintained.
Milton said it will continue to update residents on its Facebook page and through mobile road closure alerts.
Anyone can attend the drop-in information session April 29 to view displays of the detour and get information about the Landrom Road closure from GDOT personnel.
— Hannah Yahne
Donations to families of students killed in crash surpass $130,000
By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
CUMMING, Ga. — In the two weeks since three Horizon Christian Academy students died in a Florida car crash, GoFundMe donation campaigns for the families have surpassed $130,000.
Fundraisers benefitting the families of Jaylyn Fehr and Charlotte Martin have raised $93,000 combined to cover funeral costs. In the description of the Martin family’s campaign, the organizer explains they hope to use remaining funds to make a charity donation or scholarship in the students’ names.
Both girls were juniors at the private school in Cumming and played volleyball on the school’s team and with A5 Gwinnett.
Eric “Jackson” Mobley, a senior at Horizon Christian Academy, was also killed in the car crash. Jackson’s family described him as an incredible brother and dream son.
His younger sister, Jamison Mobley, is recovering from a traumatic brain injury and damage to her carotid artery. She has since come off the ventilator but is now battling an infection at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in Florida.
“Jamison’s road to recovery is going to be hard and she’s going to need all the support she can get,” reads the online fundraiser. “We know that Jamison survived for a reason and we know that
God has big plans for her.”
The fundraiser for the Mobley and Bryant families has reached its goal of $35,000.
Horizon Christian Academy posted on social media describing the four students as “amazing, kind, smart, and loved.”
The students were driving to their spring break destination April 6 when their car ran off the road and struck a tree in Franklin County, Florida.
Students at Horizon Christian Academy returned to the classroom April 14 with access to additional counselors and pastors on campus for support.
J Ross Shutters and Blinds
1654 Market Place Blvd. Cumming, GA 30041
(678) 429-9425
jrossshuttersandblinds.com
7768 Cumming Hwy Ste 400 Canton, GA 30115 (404) 991-4632
jrosswindowcoverings.com
FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE/PROVIDED From left, Jackson Mobley, Jaylyn Fehr and Charlotte Martin were all killed in a crash in Florida on April 6.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — What might look like a classic Southern crawfish boil on the surface is, at its heart, something much deeper—a community gathering with a shared purpose.
The annual Crawfish Boil benefiting the Brady Corbett Fund brought together supporters April 18 for live music, food and fellowship, all aimed at helping children with hearing loss receive critical care and hearing devices.
The event, now a tradition, began as a way to honor the life of Brady Corbett, a young boy whose legacy continues to shape the mission of the fund. Since its founding, the organization has focused on providing what supporters often describe as the “gift of sound,” assisting families who might otherwise be unable to afford essential hearing services.
Funds raised through the event directly support the audiology program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, helping expand access to care and resources for children across the region.
Organizers say the impact is tangible. In previous years, proceeds
DRIVEWAYS & CONCRETE
from the Crawfish Boil have funded critical needs within the program, including newborn hearing screening test kits and the addition of a second audiology extern—investments that continue to benefit families long after the event ends.
For parents like Sprice Packham, whose son Charles received care through the program, the support has been life-changing.
“They helped him to broaden his world,” Packham said. “He couldn’t do that on his own.”
As guests gathered, shared meals and listened to live performances, the evening reflected more than generosity—it highlighted the power of community. Each conversation, donation and connection contributed to a larger story of impact.
With tens of thousands of dollars raised in previous years, organizers entered this year’s event with a clear goal: build on that momentum and continue expanding access to hearing care for children in need.
By the end of the evening, the success of the event would not simply be measured in dollars raised, but in the lives changed—proof that when a community shows up, the impact extends far beyond a single night.
STANLEY LEARY/APPEN MEDIA
Paul Beier pours a fresh batch of cooked crawfish onto the table as guests gather to enjoy the meal during the Crawfish Boil benefiting the Brady Corbett Fund.
Tune-Up Projects
Kitchen Tune-Up
Paint Cabinets
New Countertops, Sink & Faucet
New Backsplash
Cut Down 2-level
Island
Bathroom Tune-Up
New Countertops, Sink & Faucet
Enlarge Shower Shower Glass Shower Safety
Full Remodel Projects
Kitchen Remodel
Total Cabinet Replacement
Large Island
Optimize Cabinet / Appliance Locations
Open Concept –Move Walls
Open to the Public OPEN SATURDAYS
9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat
Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Rd. Connector Alpharetta, GA
Bathroom Remodel
New Larger Shower
Vanity Replacement –Cabs, Counter, Sink
Free Standing Tub
Floor Tile, Wall Tile
Plumbing Fixtures
6 | Forsyth Herald | April 23, 2026
Alpharetta-Milton alliance could enhance Windward
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta officials say a mixed-use project near Ga. 400 is an early example demonstrating the success of collaborations with the City of Milton that could shape development in the Windward and Deerfield communities.
At an April 13 meeting, the Alpharetta City Council approved what officials hope is the first of many redevelopment projects since the Windward Livable Centers Initiative study, a joint effort between Alpharetta, Milton and True North 400 Community Improvement District.
“Basically, we acknowledge that development doesn’t stop at the jurisdictional boundary down two cities,” said Michael Woodman, Alpharetta Planning and Development Services manager. “And a lot of times it overlaps.”
Developer McKinley Homes is proposing a mixed-use center to include 110 for-sale condos, 207,000 square feet of office and 5,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space at the corner of Morris and Old Morris roads. The site lies on the edge of the MiltonAlpharetta boundary adjacent to Ga. 400.
Council members unanimously approved a comprehensive land use plan amendment, rezoning and variance for the project.
To be built at a 15-acre site, the project will bring much-needed homes to the area, which already includes considerable retail spaces and restaurants, Woodman said.
Adopted in 2024, the Livable Centers Initiative study proposes community
A map shows the site of a proposed mixed-use project in Alpharetta
is proposing a mixed-use center to include 110 for-sale
207,000
and restaurant space at the corner of Morris and Old Morris roads.
hubs and better pedestrian connectivity in the Windward area.
In Milton’s Deerfield area in the southeastern corner of the city, plans are underway for major transformation within the next 10 years. Adopted in 2025, the Deerfield Urban Design Manual reimagines 560,000-square-feet of office space.
Updates to the Unified Development Code specifically address the area.
Kenneth Wood, CEO of Planners and Engineers Collaborative and speaking on behalf of McKinley Homes, said their decision to build at the Windward site was considerably influenced by redevelopment plans in Milton.
An active park on over 24 acres that was purchased by the city in 2024 is planned along Deerfield Parkway, and the area is expected to add town homes and restaurants, making it more attractive
and bolstering property values.
Additionally, Milton is collaborating with the Georgia Department of Transportation to reconstruct 3.3 miles of nearby Ga. 9.
The result is an area that people are more likely to want to live in, he said.
“That is what drives higher rents … as people want to live there, then that’s going to bring where you can afford the construction cost,” Wood said.
CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED
along the border with Milton. Developer McKinley Homes
condos,
square feet of office and 5,000 square feet of retail
THE ESTATE OF WHITNEY E. HOUSTON/PROVIDED A young Whitney Houston plays tennis, a sport she played regularly throughout her life. The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation is launching a pickleball tournament in her name to continue the its mission to support youth programs.
Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation slates pickleball tournament fundraiser
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — To expand upon and continue the mission of late singer Whitney Houston, her estate announced the Whitney E. Houston Pickleball Tournament to be hosted on Saturday, June 6.
The tournament will be held at the Atlanta National Pickleball Club, 10800 Davis Drive, from 1 -8 p.m. The tournament invites both experienced and casual pickleball players to participate.
The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation was founded by Houston’s estate in 2020 to provide financial support to youth programs. Donations also support the Whitney E. Houston Academy of Creative and Performing Arts.
In addition to the pickleball tournament, the foundation presents two other annual events including, its signature Legacy of Love Gala and the Winter Wonderland holiday event in December. All three events are held in the Metro Atlanta area.
While Houston was known as a global superstar, she was an avid tennis player among a family of professional
athletes, including her brother Gary Houston, a former NBA player with the Denver Nuggets.
Pat Houston, executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and president of the Legacy Foundation, said they played tennis regularly after the singer moved to Alpharetta in 2003.
“Whitney was an athlete at heart. We spent a great deal of time on the courts,” Pat Houston said. “She would have loved pickleball and would have played as my partner. We look forward to inviting the community of Alpharetta and the surrounding areas to the tournament.”
As the Foundation continues to expand the event, the organizers will collaborate with and continue to seek out the appropriate partners and increase its guest list of celebrities and professional pickleball players from the Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA).
Tickets to participate in the first Whitney E. Houston Pickleball Tournament are on sale now.
— Hannah Yahne
Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist
Insist on the
BEST
Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.
He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.
Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 23 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.
Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.
Icotyde and the advent of oral peptide medication
We are in a golden age of medicine. The last few decades have brought one breakthrough after another, and we may now be seeing another important step forward in psoriasis—a step that could hint at a broader shift in how medicines are designed.
To understand how far we’ve come, it helps to look back. Not that long ago, patients with psoriasis sometimes spent weeks in the hospital undergoing tar baths and other crude treatments just to get partial relief from this itchy and often debilitating disease. In severe cases, psoriasis could progress to erythroderma—a widespread, inflamed, scaly rash that could even be lifethreatening due to problems with temperature and fluid regulation.
Things began to improve in 1972 with the approval of methotrexate for psoriasis. Methotrexate is reasonably effective but comes with risks like liver toxicity. Over time, light therapies and topical treatments helped, though they were often cumbersome. Starting in the early 2000s, biologic medications such as Humira, Enbrel, and later Skyrizi dramatically improved outcomes. These drugs are remarkably effective and generally well tolerated, but they are large protein molecules and must be given by injection or infusion.
Oral options followed. Otezla (2014) offered a safer alternative to methotrexate, though it is typically less effective than the best biologics and can cause GI and headache side effects. Another oral medicine, Sotyktu (2022), improved on some of those issues, but Sotyktu still doesn’t quite match the best biologics in efficacy.
That brings us to Icotyde, a newly approved oral medication targeting IL-23, a key driver of inflammation in psoriasis. In head-to-head trials versus Sotyktu, it has shown greater efficacy, with low rates of side effects. Early data suggest it may approach biologic-level effectiveness in a pill form—a long-sought goal in psoriasis treatment.
What makes Icotyde especially interesting is how it was designed.
The challenge with biologics is simple: they are proteins, and our digestive system is built to break proteins down. When you eat chicken, or take a collagen supplement, stomach acid and digestive enzymes reduce those proteins into amino acids and small peptides, which the body then reuses as building blocks. The same thing hap-
pens to most protein-based drugs if you try to swallow them—they are broken down before they can work.
For a long time, making an effective oral peptide drug was considered extremely difficult. Icotyde represents a different approach. It is a small peptide—just 13 amino acids—but carefully engineered to resist breakdown long enough to be absorbed.
One key feature is that it is cyclic. Most peptides are linear chains with exposed ends, which enzymes can easily attack. Icotyde is chemically “closed” into a loop, which makes it much harder for many enzymes to degrade it. It also contains structural features—such as steric bulk (imagine big lumps of atoms) and internal “bridges”—that further protect vulnerable bonds and resist digestion.
Its chemical properties are also balanced so it can function in the gut. It can dissolve in the watery environment of the digestive tract while still interacting with lipid membranes, allowing some of the drug to cross the intestinal barrier. This doesn’t mean it completely avoids digestion—some of it is still broken down—but enough survives and is absorbed to have a therapeutic effect.
Another important point is potency. Icotyde binds very effectively to the IL-23 receptor. Because of this, even a relatively small amount reaching the bloodstream can be enough to produce meaningful clinical benefit.
Working in concert, these design elements make Icotyde succeed where other peptides couldn’t. Icotyde is not “immune” to digestion, but it is engineered to resist it, survive long enough, and be absorbed in sufficient quantities to work. That combination—molecular stability, absorption, and potency—is what allows an oral peptide drug to succeed. And the decision to push forward with designing a protein that could survive our digestive process was surprising, creative, and incorporated solutions that are truly ingenious.
Multiple companies are now working on similar strategies, trying to design peptidebased drugs that can be taken by mouth rather than injected for multiple different diseases. Icotyde accomplished proof of principle and led the way.
We may be at the beginning of a broader shift—one where some medications that once required injections can instead be taken as pills. If that trend continues, Icotyde could end up being an early example of a new class of therapies rather than a one-off breakthrough.
Dr. Brent Taylor
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology
How can dementia affect mobility?
According to a 2023 study by the NIH (National Institutes of Health) each year, 40%-60% of individuals with advanced dementia fall. These falls further limit independence, participation in meaningful activities with friends and family, and general wellbeing. Read more to learn about the specific relationship between mobility and dementia.
Exercise Benefits: Research shows that exercise slows cognitive decline and improves emotional health. Maintaining physical strength can also prevent bedsores and limit pneumonia risk which both occur at higher rates in those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. Guided group activities like Tai Chi can strengthen fine muscle groups and improve balance while also calming the mind.
Increased Independence: A 2022 study of 1,400 Medicare beneficiaries with dementia showed that regular movement and exercise improved ease of completing ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living).
Proper Mobility and Assistive Equipment: Cognitive function must be considered when purchasing assistive items such as lift recliners, rollators, power wheelchairs and mobility scooters. For example, lift recliners range in size and complexity. Someone living with cognitive impairment needs a simple remote control that limits choices. Additionally, the lift recliner must be properly sized
to mitigate fall risk. Because brain changes can impact gross motor skills and coordination, an improperly fitted chair can increase fall risk.
This same principle applies to powered mobility items. A trained mobility expert can assess the user to determine their ability to understand the joystick or paddle-style controls of the powerchair or scooter. Certain scooter and power wheelchair models can be re-programmed (by an authorized dealer) to limit speed. This adjustment can keep your loved one safe...but still mobile!
Easy Ways to Move More: Join a group class specifically for those experiencing cognitive impairment! Here are a few choices for in-person classes in the Atlanta area as well as some virtual options:
• The Center for Movement Challenges
• JF&CS Brain Health Boot Camp
• The Alzheimer's Foundation Online Virtual Activities
• University of Wisconsin Alzheimer's Research Center Online
At Mobility Plus Alpharetta, we sell and install a variety of mobility and fall prevention devices such as grab bars, scooters, wheelchairs, rollators, lift recliners, shower chairs and more! Call us today at 470-5451827 to schedule your in-home grab bar evaluation, or visit us Mon-Fri 10- 5pm and Sat. 9-1pm in our Alpharetta showroom!
The tale of two paths
Brought to you by – Senior Source Medicare Solutions
Path 1: Traditional Medicare + Medicare Supplement + Drug Plan
Path 2: Medicare Advantage (with built-in Drug Plan)
It’s important to become educated on the two different paths for your Medicare insurance coverage. I see so many people go with a plan because someone tells them their plan is the “best” or simply because a family member went with XYZ company.
This will very likely lead to disappointment and frustration, because there was not a full understanding of both paths.
Every client I sit down with, whether over the phone or in-person, will receive a review of how BOTH paths will play out.
If you know what to expect when you use your Medicare insurance, it brings a level of clarity and confidence to your ultimate plan decision.
I speak to so many Medicare consumers who are confused about their coverage options. What doesn’t help is that Medicare Insurance Call Centers are calling millions of Medicare consumers, trying to sell them a new Medicare plan. Many times a “Full Review”, like the one I referenced earlier, is not taking place. Instead it’s the “quick sale” without explaining the ins and outs of these two different paths.
Build up your Medicare insurance knowledge.
A great place to start building a strong foundation of Medicare insurance knowledge is on our website at SeniorSourceMedicare.com. Here, we give a complete breakdown of what to expect with each of the paths.
Having enrolled thousands of clients over the last 17 years, I’ve seen satisfied clients, with both of these paths.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to your Medicare insurance. Medicare Supplements costs more per month than Medicare Advantage, yet Medicare Advantage comes with copays and could get costly as you use the coverage. Consider your healthcare needs, what you are willing to pay on a monthly basis, and most importantly what your expectations are from your Medicare insurance plan when you do need medical services. Time should be spent studying these two paths and working with your insurance broker on getting answers to your questions and understanding the coverage differences.
If you’d like personalized help understanding your Medicare insurance options, reach out to us by calling (770) 315-8145 or send a message on our website at SeniorSourceMedicare.com/ contact-seniorsource.
Paige Gorman
Each line in the puzzle below has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
PLAYING AROUND
1. Play participant. Domestic. River feature.
2. Glue. Play venue. Lock name.
3. Smooth-talking. Play items. Large flying machine.
4. Garbage hauler. Jezebel’s idol. Play brighteners.
5. Lioness of film. Eagle’s residence. Play’s line to the audience.
6. Play genre. Biting. Shakespeare’s stream.
7. Chess piece. Stumble. Play necessity.
1 Play participant. Domestic. River feature
2. Glue. Play venue. Lock name
How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
3. Smooth-talking. Play items. Large flying machine
4. Garbage hauler. Jezebel’s idol. Play brighteners.
5. Lioness of film. Eagle’s residence. Play’s line to the audience
6. Play genre. Biting. Shakespeare’s stream
7. Chess piece. Stumble. Play necessity
How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
A number below the diagonal line is the sum of the white squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.
Homebuyers still waiting for lower rates Washington promised
If you’ve been waiting for mortgage rates to fall because those on Capitol Hill and the Federal Reserve have signaled potential rate cuts, you’re not alone. You’re also encountering one of the most persistent misunderstandings in modern economics.
The logic seems straightforward: the Fed lowers interest rates, borrowing becomes cheaper, and mortgage rates follow. In reality, mortgage rates are influenced by a different part of the financial system altogether.
The Fed directly controls shortterm interest rates, specifically the federal funds rate — the rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. Mortgage rates, by contrast, are longterm instruments and are more closely tied to the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. That yield is not set
by the Fed, but by financial markets attempting to forecast the future path of inflation, economic growth and risk. At the moment, those forecasts remain uncertain.
Although inflation has eased from its peak, it has not fully returned to levels that inspire confidence among investors. When markets buy longterm bonds, they are effectively locking in returns over a decade or more. If inflation turns out to be higher than expected, those returns are eroded. To compensate for that risk, investors demand higher yields — and mortgage rates rise alongside them.
Compounding this dynamic is the unusually wide spread between mortgage rates and Treasury yields. Under typical conditions, mortgage rates sit only modestly above the 10year Treasury yield. Today, that gap is significantly larger. This reflects a range of factors, including market volatility, uncertainty around borrower behavior and reduced appetite for mortgage-backed securities among investors.
Appen Media Group publishes 7 award winning publications, home-delivered, with a combined circulation of 114,000 every week* and is the #1 source for hyper-local news in the areas we serve.
Are you a business owner/manager looking to increase sales & gain new customers/clients?
Learn how to reach this attentive and affluent audience with a customized marketing plan just for you!
Call 770-442-3278 or email: advertising@appenmedia.com to get started!
*Decaturish Ink currently publishes on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of every month. All other publications publish every Thursday.
In practical terms, this means that even if Treasury yields decline, mortgage rates may not fall proportionally. The transmission from monetary policy to consumer borrowing costs is neither immediate nor precise. Instead, it is filtered through layers of expectations, risk assessments and market structure.
For prospective homebuyers, the consequences are tangible. Monthly payments remain elevated, not only because of home prices but because of the cost of financing. Even modest changes in interest rates can translate into substantial differences in affordability over the life of a loan.
Meanwhile, existing homeowners who secured historically low mortgage rates in previous years have little incentive to refinance or sell. This contributes to constrained housing supply, which in turn supports home prices despite reduced demand.
So, what would need to change for mortgage rates to decline meaningfully? Signals from the Fed alone are not sufficient. Markets require sustained
evidence that inflation is firmly under control and that long-term economic conditions are stable. Just as importantly, the additional risk premiums embedded in mortgage markets would need to normalize.
In other words, mortgage rates are not waiting for policy announcements — they are waiting for confidence. Until investors are convinced that inflation risks have truly subsided and that the economic outlook is predictable, borrowing costs will remain elevated.
For now, the gap between expectation and reality persists. The promise of lower rates may be on the horizon, but mortgage markets are not yet ready to believe it.
DC Aiken is Senior Vice President of Lending for CrossCountry Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com.
The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC or its affiliates.
D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist
Symphony:
Continued from Page 1
The concert opened with “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, followed by “Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius and “Bacchanale” from “Samson and Delilah” by Camille Saint-Saëns. The first half concluded with “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss II and the fourth movement of Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” by Antonín Dvořák.
After intermission, the orchestra continued with one of the most recognizable motifs in classical music, Symphony No. 5 by Ludwig van Beethoven. Additional selections included the “Romeo and Juliet Overture” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the fourth movement of Symphony No. 1 by Johannes Brahms, and the finale of the “William Tell Overture” by Gioachino Rossini.
The Forsyth Symphony Orchestra, a volunteerbased community ensemble, is dedicated to making orchestral music accessible to residents of Forsyth County and the surrounding area. According to its website, the organization brings together musicians of varying backgrounds and experience levels, united by a shared commitment to performance and community engagement. Concerts are designed to be both educational and entertaining, often incorporating narration or thematic programming to help audiences connect more deeply with the music.
Sunday’s performance reflected that mission, blending familiar melodies with storytelling to bridge the gap between classical tradition and contemporary listening experiences. By pairing iconic works with accessible explanations, the orchestra created an inviting atmosphere for longtime patrons and first-time attendees alike.
The program featured orchestral works ranging from classical symphonies to familiar favorites performed for a community audience.
Musicians perform with the Forsyth Symphony Orchestra during a spring concert April 19 at Sexton Hall Enrichment Center in Cumming, Ga.
PHOTOS BY: STANLEY LEARY/APPEN MEDIA
Mark Wood conducts the Forsyth Symphony Orchestra during a spring concert performance, showcasing the ensemble of local volunteer musicians dedicated to sharing orchestral music with the community.
Center:
Continued from Page 1
Several spoke to commissioners about their concerns during a public comment period, reiterating a mantra that has now become a routine at meetings.
Lory Freeman said she thinks the event center’s size and crowds would be an ill fit for the surrounding area.
“This is not a small, occasional gathering space,” she said. “This is a commercial scale event facility being placed in the middle of agriculture zoning.”
Kathy Fleissner said it would disrupt the peace of an area families have long called home and diminish property values.
“A commercial party venue and a quiet farming and residential area cannot coexist without constant conflict,” Fleissner said, adding, “These are legitimate concerns that will negatively impact our community.”
Forsyth County Voice co-founder Ana Strauss said she and other residents think the event space would pose traffic safety risks, strain infrastructure, create noise and tarnish the area’s charming rural character.
Located about 4 miles east of the unincorporated community of Coal Mountain, the event center would be nestled between rolling pastures, thickets of old growth trees and picturesque farmland. Strauss said she, her two daughters and husband have fallen in love with the natural beauty and quieter way of life. They worry the project will be disruptive.
“You still see farms. You see cows. You see horses,” Strauss said. “We just love the area and the quietness of it.”
The special facility would come with a 9,000 square-foot event space, 600-square-foot outdoor stage and about 150 parking spaces. With that much parking, Strauss and others worry events could draw hundreds of visitors. That’s a problem in part because the area’s rolling hills carry sound for great distances, Strauss said.
“It’s going to cause mayhem, chaos, noise, accidents, and the community is going to be at odds with it the whole time,” Strauss said. “It doesn't matter how beautiful it is … the community needs to benefit from it.”
Since its creation, Forsyth County Voice has swelled with the support of residents living near the project and others from across the county. It now boasts a website, focovo.com, and Facebook group with more than 2,000 members.
Strauss and co-founder Sandy Hubbard Long created the group after hearing a town hall presentation about the space. Strauss said she had never
attended a Forsyth County Commission meeting and rarely followed local news.
The group’s mission later expanded to include advocacy for public participation and greater transparency in local government.
Strauss, who works in sales for a financial company, said she is eager to return to her normal life, but she said the group will continue to assist those who wish to advocate for or against other projects.
The group hopes to publish a playbook explaining how they organized their efforts. Strauss also said she would be happy to advise others on how to make their voices heard.
“When you have a grievance or you're not happy about something happening in your neighborhood, do something about it,” she said. “I know that it is daunting to go and stand in front of the Board of Commissioners, but if I can do it, you can do it.”
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Members of Forsyth County Voice wear red shirts to show solidarity in opposing a planned event space in northern Forsyth County April 16.
Sawnee EMC is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Marketing Representative. Requires: a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communication, or a related field, and a minimum of two (2) years related experience in a marketing, business, or electric utility environment. Responsible for developing and implementing programs, creating print and digital publications, assisting members with energy usage, natural gas, rebates, incentives, and promoting the Cooperative in the community. Seeking individual with excellent organizational, written and creative skills.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, May 1, 2026. Apply online: www.sawnee. coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-8872363 extension 7568.
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Individuals with a disability and protected veterans. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor and Drug Free Workplace.
Pre-Construction Manager (Alpharetta, GA) Oversees all preconstruction activities, incl cost estimating, bid proposals, & proj planning. 10% domestic trvl to proj locations in NC & TN. Reqs Bachelor’s Deg or frgn equiv in Construction Mgmt or rltd field plus 2 yrs exp in job or Proj Estimator, or rltd job & 2 yrs concurrent exp in forecasting construction deadlines, material costs, & labor costs. Special Skills: Utilizing software: B2W Estimate, B2W Track, & OnCenter Takeoff. Send resume to Caitlin O’Neal Heisey at Gibson Landscape Services, 11395 Old Roswell Road, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Agilysys NV, LLC seeks a Lead Software Engineer - Technical Services in Alpharetta, GA to develop code solutions to business needs. 100% telecomm. permitted w/in the US. Apply https://www.jobpostingtoday.com/ Ref #52575.
Factory Automation Director sought by an IT service & solutions co. in Duluth, GA. Reqs a min of a Bach’s deg in Comp Sci, Info Systems, Electronics Engg, or a rltd field, & 5 yrs of exp in factory automation project mgmt. Send resume to: SK AX USA Inc. @ 2055 Sugarloaf Circle, Ste 500, Duluth, GA 30097.
YOUTH DIRECTOR (Part-Time) Alpharetta Presbyterian Church — Alpharetta, GA
APC seeks a vibrant, relational leader to serve as Youth Director for middle and high school students. 20–25 hrs/week | Up to $25/hr. Ideal candidates have a passion for youth mentorship and a background in education, coaching, or youth leadership. Retired teachers and ministryminded professionals encouraged to apply. Strong volunteer team and pastoral support in place.
To apply: Submit a brief introduction and resume to jobs@alpharettapres.com.
NFCC is looking for a part-time Bi-lingual (Spanish/ English) Thrift Shop Associate to join our team. In this role, you’ll deliver exceptional customer service while handling cash register transactions, managing our client clothing program, and keeping merchandise neat, clean, and organized. Above all, we’re looking for someone with a warm, welcoming presence who treats every shopper with dignity and compassion.
The schedule is Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:30am–5:30pm, Tuesdays 4:30pm–8:30pm, and one Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm per month.
If you’re passionate about serving your community and connecting with people in both English and Spanish, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org.
HELP
WANTED American Legion Post 201
Part Time Custodian – Needed Saturdays & Sundays start time 6:30 am. General cleaning of building, pick up and discard trash on grounds. Supervise community service workers when available. Must be able to lift 50 lbs., and move around safely and efficiently without aid of mechanical support, accept and sign for deliveries. Approx. 5-7 hours a day.
Part Time Bartender – Flexible schedule afternoon and evening hours, approximately 15-20 hours per week. Previous experience preferred but not necessary. Must be able to qualify for City of Alpharetta Pouring Permit.
If interested in either position please contact DiAna Casale (770) 475-9023 Mon-Thurs 10 am – 2 pm or americanlegionalpharetta@gmail.com. Detail job description for both available upon request.
Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk 1L (Building and Grounds/Custodial/ Maintenance) (part-time position) to perform facility maintenance and grounds keeping duties. Requires some heavy lifting, high school diploma or equivalency and a valid GA driver’s license. Related experience with outdoor maintenance equipment and a valid CDL are preferred. Hours: Availability for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, May 1, 2026. Apply online: www.sawnee. coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-8872363 extension 7568.
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including individuals with a disability and protected veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.
Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398
AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 833-640-4753 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with details! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258
Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 877- 305-1535
Water damage cleanup: A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals dry out wet areas & repair to protect your family & your home value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code!
NATIONAL ADVERTISING
No more cleaning gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter backed by no-clog guarantee & lifetime warranty. Call 1-833-610-1936 to schedule FREE inspection/ estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Military & Seniors get additional 10% off. Limited time. Restrictions apply, see rep for details.
Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189
Wesley Financial Group, LLC timeshare cancellation experts over $50 million timeshare debt/fees cancelled in 2019. Free info package. Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971
DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405
Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234 Health & Fitness
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as 1-day. Limited time, waving all installation costs! Additional terms apply. Subject to change & vary by dealer. Ends soon. 844-501-3208
Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833-399-3595
Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/ day! 833-890-1262
Need cash quickly? We buy houses in any condition. Get a fair cash offer within 24 hours! Call today. Liz Buys Houses: 833-359-4707
MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call 1-888-489-3936
Consumer Cellular - same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees free activation. All plans feature unlimited talk & text, starting at just $20/mo. Call 1-877-751-0866
Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit cards. Medical bills. Car loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: Call 1-844-955-4930
TOP DOLLAR PAID for old vintage guitars! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Grecsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. Call 866-433-8277
Reach millions of homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the ADS Network! For more information www.communitypublishers.com/ category/all-products
Pest control: Protect your home from pests safely. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders & more. Locally owned & affordable. For service or inspection today! 833-860-0657 Have zip code ready!
Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Free quote. Ask about first application special! 833-860-0811
Peace of mind & early detection-Now more than ever, it’s important to get screened for Stroke & Cardiovascular Disease risk. Life LineScreening is simple & painless. 833-970-4172 Own land. YourCheapLand. com. TX NM AZ OK CO. Homestead, tiny home, RV, camp, hunt, invest. ON26 for $100 Off.YourCheapLand.com
