Forsyth Herald - April 3, 2025 by Appen Media Group

‘Dog Dayz’ ‘Dog Dayz’ ‘Dog Dayz’ ‘Dog Dayz’

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

Cumming City Center unleashes excitement for family pets

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Even dogs can appreciate the joy of shopping. Dozens of four-legged friends turned out to Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, for the Dog Dayz! market March 29. The pups and their owners filled the center’s amphitheater,

perusing at least a dozen vendors selling everything from gourmet kibble to dog bandanas to services like boarding and grooming.

And like any good market, there were plenty of free samples like whippedcream cups and other treats.

Buford resident Jennifer O’Connell attended Dog Dayz! with Betty, her 15-year-old Parson Russell Terrier.

“When I gave her the pup cup, I could tell she was having a good time,” O’Connell said.

Betty, who is blind, sat contentedly taking in the sounds and smells from a carriage as O’Connell pushed and sipped a treat of her own, a craft wheat beer.

See DOG, Page 13

Courtrooms may receive major upgrades

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Amid rising caseloads, Forsyth County is considering spending millions to modernize its courtrooms.

The Board of Commissioners gave preliminary approval to a $2.1 million contract with Jericho Design Group March 25 to design renovations for five courtrooms – three at the Forsyth County Superior Courthouse just off Main Street in Cumming. A state courtroom on the fourth floor of the courthouse and two magistrate courtrooms on the third floor will be renovated.

Two probate courtrooms and support spaces on the second floor of the Forsyth County Juvenile Court, 875 Lanier 400 Parkway, also would be updated.

Under terms of the contract, Jericho also would conduct administrative services, such as reviewing contractor pay applications and verifying whether construction is performed correctly.

The $2.1 million contract does not include construction, but Jericho would work with potential contractors to incorporate cost-saving measures into the design. It would also oversee the project from start to finish.

Chief Judge T. Russell McClelland and Judge James A. Dunn told commissioners in February their caseloads have increased substantially in line with the

See COUNTY, Page 12

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K-9s sweep Walmart following bomb threat

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A Walmart in southern Forsyth County was evacuated after receiving a bomb threat March 25.

Deputies were dispatched to the store at 5455 Atlanta Highway about 6 p.m., according to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.

A woman phoned the pharmacy reporting a bomb in a bathroom around 5:45 p.m. The call came six minutes after a woman anonymously called, saying two men were trying to shoot her in the parking lot.

After the evacuation, four K-9s searched the building, but no bomb was found. No evidence of a shooter was found in the parking lot.

— Jon Wilcox

Blairsville man arrested as possible gang member

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Sheriff’s deputies arrested a suspected gang member on a drug trafficking charge March 13.

Deputies stopped a car on McGinnis Ferry Road about 10:45 p.m. for failing to maintain its lane and illegally using blue lights, according to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office report.

A 41-year-old Blairsville man was driving.

Deputies searched the car after smelling marijuana while speaking with the man.

A search of the vehicle turned up about 78.3 grams of methamphetamine, 8.7 grams of marijuana, $2,486, a digital scale, packaging materials, measuring spoon and two metal containers.

According to the report, the man is a Ghostface gang member with an extensive criminal history.

He was arrested on charges of felony trafficking in methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug-related objects, failure to maintain lane and illegal use of blue lights.

Deputies shared their evidence with the Lanier Regional Drug Task Force. — Jon Wilcox

GOOGLE/PROVIDED

K-9s were called to a south Forsyth County Walmart March 25 after the pharmacy received a bomb threat. No bomb was found.

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.

Store reports receiving counterfeit $100 bills

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated a report of counterfeit currency at a Peachtree Parkway store March 15.

A cashier told deputies a man paid for merchandise with two fake $100 bills, according to a Forsyth Sheriff’s Office report.

The suspect purchased clothing in two transactions.

The cashier returned the customer $67.03 in change.

After the man left, the cashier noticed the serial numbers on the bills were the same and notified the manager.

Deputies handled the counterfeit bills, noting they did not feel like legitimate currency.

The bills, which felt rougher, also had no built-in security features. The text was blurry.

Deputies reviewed the store’s security camera footage and identified the suspect as a 29-year-old man from Indianapolis, Ind.

The incident was classified as a misdemeanor theft by taking and felony first-degree forgery.

— Jon Wilcox

Car reported stolen from home driveway

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man woke up March 18 and discovered his car had been stolen from his driveway on Long Pointe.

The man reported to police that when he woke around 8 a.m. and went outside to leave for work he noticed the car was gone.

He said he had left his car unlocked with the key fob inside but had nothing of value inside. He told police he was not aware of any person or group that would have targeted him.

Police spoke with a neighbor who got a Ring camera notification of an unknown vehicle entering the neighborhood around 1 a.m. The image, however, was not sharp enough to identify the car.

— Sarah Coyne

Lionheart staff and supporters gather March 12 to mark the groundbreaking of a woodworking shed. The structure will be used for Lionheart’s vocational programs.

Lionheart Life Center breaks ground on shed

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Lionheart Life Center celebrated the groundbreaking of a woodworking shed March 12.

The Lionheart Cottage Woodworking Shed will enhance and expand vocational training opportunities by providing handson experiences for participants, according to the center.

Participants, staff, families and supporters gathered to commemorate the project, which will serve Lionheart WORKS participants and the school’s Heart Reach students.

The shed will be a vital resource for Lionheart’s vocational programs, allowing young adults to learn skills in a structured and supportive environment, according to the center. By engaging in woodworking projects, participants will develop technical, teamwork and problem-solving skills to prepare them for future employment and community engagement.

Patsy Trimboli, Lionheart WORKS Cottage co-manager, said the shed will significantly enhance the storing and organization of supplies and tools.

For more information about The Lionheart Life Center and its initiatives, visit lionheartlifecenter.com.

“Not only will it create a safer environment, but it will also free up much-needed space within the Cottage,” Trimboli said. “By creating a dedicated space for woodworking and craftsmanship, we are not only expanding skill-building opportunities but also fostering confidence, creativity, and independence among our participants.”

The school thanked the City of Alpharetta for its encouragement and partnership and Alpharetta Presbyterian Church for its support of Lionheart’s mission.

The church’s involvement was instrumental in fostering growth, accessibility and meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities, according to the center.

— Jon Wilcox

Trump taps Beach as U.S. Treasurer

By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat

ATLANTA — President Donald Trump has nominated another Georgian to join his administration, selecting state Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta, for U.S. Treasurer.

The role is a senior leadership position within the U.S. Treasury Department, led by Secretary Scott Bessent. The Treasurer oversees the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the United States Mint.

Beach has been a steadfast Trump supporter, questioning the outcome of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia and the conduct of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in her criminal case against Trump and his allies.

Beach’s background makes him uniquely qualified for the Treasury post, said Georgia Chamber President and CEO Chris Clark, who called Beach an expert on monetary and economic policy.

“Senator Beach will bring his strong business mindset to the Treasury Department, ensuring it remains an efficient government agency,” Clark said.

Beach was among a group of Republican state lawmakers who called for a special session of the General Assembly to consider changes to Georgia’s voter ID laws after Joe Biden’s presidential win in 2020.

He also backed a Senate GOP push to investigate Willis and her conduct of the investigation into Trump and his supporters amid allegations that Willis had improper involvement with the special prosecutor on the case.

Beach chairs the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee, and he works as executive director of True North 400, previously known as the North Fulton Community Improvement District.

He is a former president of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and served as a board member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

Trump has often turned to Georgia for leaders. Former U.S. Rep. Doug Collins was recently sworn in as Secretary of Veterans Affairs and former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler was sworn in to lead the Small Business Administration.

This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

BEACH

LIONHEART LIFE CENTER/PROVIDED

Johns Creek officials approve upgrades to activity corridor

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek is infusing nearly $4 million in transportation improvements in the heart of the city to attract visitors to Creekside Park and the planned 43-acre Medley mixed-use community.

At its March 24 meeting, the City Council unanimously approved almost $3.8 million in contracts for construction of a roundabout, trail and parking. About 40 percent of the project’s $5.5-million cost will be paid by Medley’s developer.

The city’s portion will be covered by Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax II funds.

The improvements aim to ease traffic and promote pedestrian use at a corridor that sits between Creekside Park and Medley.

The project includes the construction of a roundabout at Johns Creek Parkway and Lakefield Drive and signalized intersection at Johns Creek Parkway and East Johns Crossing.

Plans also call for on-street parking along the existing southbound lanes between the intersections. Greenspace and a trail will border northbound lanes.

The traffic and pedestrian construction

Johns Creek City Council members vote to approve contracts for the construction of intersections, parking, greenspace and a trail along Johns Creek Parkway. The roadway sits between Creekside Park and the Medley development.

complements city goals to promote recreational, community and mixed-use spaces.

Johns Creek officials hosted a groundbreaking for Creekside Park last August.

The space’s 21 acres are integral to the city’s nearby Town Center, a shopping destination located across McGinnis Ferry Road.

The city proposes the park project to

serve as a community hub and event venue with an amphitheater, terraced seating areas for concert viewing, 15-foot-wide trails, pedestrian plazas and pond overlooks.

Completion of the park is expected in the summer of 2026.

On the opposite side of Johns Creek Parkway, Toro Development is planning a $560-million mixed-use center.

The complex will feature 150,000

square feet of walkable retail, restaurant and entertainment space, a 175-key boutique hotel, 110,000 square feet of lifestyle office, 750 multifamily residences, 133 townhomes and an activated 25,000-square-foot plaza.

Toro Development is led by Avalon developer Mark Toro.

Medley is planning to hold a grand opening in late 2026.

HELP IS HERE

If you live in Georgia, you can still get help with recovery from Helene or Debby through housing assistance, loans, resources and more. Stay in touch and check your application for updates.

Ways FEMA Can Help

Housing: FEMA may call for more information from an unfamiliar number. Be sure to answer, as FEMA may be able to help with immediate housing, additional support and information on housing opportunities.

Home Inspection: Inspectors will make an appointment before they visit and will show your application number and their photo ID.

SBA Centers: FEMA staff is available to assist at Small Business Administration centers in Coffee, Jeff Davis, Lowndes, Richmond, Screven, Telfair and Toombs counties.

Center for Rural Entrepreneurship:

208 E. 1st St., Vidalia, GA 30474

Jeff Davis Rec Dept: 83 Buford Rd., Hazlehurst, GA 31539

McDuffie Woods CC: 3431 Old McDuffie Rd., Augusta, GA 30906

Satilla Library:

200 S. Madison Ave., Douglas, GA 31533

Satilla Library: 200 S. Madison Ave., Douglas, GA 31533

Screven County Library:

106 South Community Dr., Sylvania, GA 30467

Screven County Library: 106 South Community Dr., Sylvania, GA 30467

Telfair CSC: 91 Telfair Ave., #D, McRae-Helena, GA 31055

VSU Foundation: 901 N. Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31601

Keep Your Recovery On Track

Read your FEMA letter carefully. If you’ve applied for FEMA disaster assistance and were not approved, you may need to send additional documentation.

Scan the QR code or go to fema.gov/HelpIsHere and select “check your status” to upload documents, track your application, update contact information, get directions or get help.

fema.gov/HelpIsHere

Stay in Touch

ONLINE: fema.gov/HelpIsHere

DOWNLOAD: The FEMA App CALL: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

DOWNLOAD: The FEMA App CALL: 1-800-621-FEMA

Vindicated prisoner relives life journey

Author relates false murder conviction

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Amanda Knox told the crowd at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta that she wants to keep visiting Italy during an author’s talk about her new book, “Free: My Search for Meaning.”

More than a decade after her life changed forever, Knox spends her time advocating for criminal justice reform, cohosting the podcast “Labyrinths” with her husband Chris Robinson and raising her two children.

Knox gained world attention in 2007 after her roommate, 21-year-old English exchange student Meredith Kercher, was found dead in their shared cottage overlooking the Italian city of Perugia.

Despite shaky evidence linking Knox and her boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito to the murder, she was convicted twice, spent four years in prison and a total of eight on trial.

Her 2013 memoir, “Waiting to be Heard,” recounted her experiences during her interrogation, detailing her wrongful

From left, author and activist Amanda Knox discusses her new book, “Free: My Search for Meaning,” with Scripps News anchor Holly Firfer March 25 at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

conviction and imprisonment while setting the record straight in her own words.

“In a way, it was a very reactionary memoir,” Knox said. “There was already a story out there, and I was trying to correct some misconceptions.”

Her second memoir, “Free: My Search for Meaning,” reflects on her return to

American life after spending four years in an Italian prison for a murder she didn’t commit.

“This book is a very different book because it’s not the story of the worst experience of my life,” Knox said. “I’ve had the worst experience of my life, now what?”

Knox described her return to Italy, meeting the judge who sent her to prison and what her life is like with a husband and two kids. The 2025 follow-up is about her journey through the challenges and complexities of everyday life with an emphasis on her personal search for meaning, inspired by her reading of Victor Frankl in Italian prison.

“It’s not like we have the worst experiences of our lives and then they just stop becoming a part of our lives,” she said. “We carry with us that trauma for the rest of our lives, and how we encounter life is always going to be framed through that.”

One of the more remarkable parts of “Free” tells the story of the relationship between Knox and Italian prosecutor Giuliano Mignini, who portrayed her as a murderer.

While Knox says Mignini refuses to explicitly apologize, she said he has a funny way of expressing regret over his handling of the case.

For example, instead of saying how he

felt about the case, Knox said the prosecutor had her watch a movie about a detective who realized he put an innocent person in prison.

“We would have these moments where I was like “what are you trying to say?” Knox said. “I thought my well-being was sort of in his hands, [but] I walked away with his beating heart in my hand, and all of a sudden I was carrying all of this responsibility of absolving him, which I was not expecting.”

Pam Morton, director of arts and authors at the MJCCA, said bringing the thought-provoking discussions to the community exemplifies the mission of the nonprofit’s Arts & Authors series.

“These events exemplify the mission of our Arts & Authors series, bringing powerful and relevant discussions to our community,” said. “Each author brings a unique perspective on justice, history and contemporary global challenges, providing audiences with an incredible opportunity to learn and engage.”

While she is twice exonerated, happily married with children and committed to her work on the board of directors of the Innocence Project, Knox said she still sees chatter about her in the media.

See KNOX, Page 15

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Just opened?

Milton bookstore tailors itself to suit those who love to read

By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — To Poe and Company, the creation of relationships within the community is more important than the sales.

The independent bookstore began its journey in late Nov. 2022 and has garnered a devoted community of customers.

As an author, Kate Seng always wanted to open her own bookstore, but it was never the right time with her focus on her three children. Seng still wrote the whole time, something she’s been doing for a “long time.”

Seng has written three children’s books, one scheduled to come out this spring along with a mystery novel later this year.

In 2022, her dream of opening her own bookstore came true.

“Some doors started opening, and this new space and this Milton community opened up,” Seng said. “I just love this community and thought this would be a great place for a bookstore.”

When all the pieces fell into place, she knew she wanted to get in touch with her community.

“I really feel like, whereas a big store is great, the independent bookseller really gets in touch with their community,” Seng said.

On theme with her family and community-oriented store, Seng chose to name her business after her late father’s favorite author, Edgar Allen Poe.

In contrast to Poe’s dark stories, the store offers a warm, comforting space for guests to pick out their new favorite book, with the occasional raven watching over.

“The thought behind the space was we were really just bursting over there. It’s a small space,” Seng said. “We have a lot of shelves, and when authors were coming in, we just didn’t have anywhere to put people.”

Shelves are full of books handpicked by Seng, which she gets from “a lot of different channels of information.” She chooses books from recommendations on the New York Times Bestseller list and book club recommendations from celebrities like Jenna Bush Hager, Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon.

“I belong to the Southern Independent Booksellers Association and the American Booksellers Association,” Seng said. “They are constantly sending us information about new releases.” Seng said.

Her current recommendation is “The Kite Runner.”

“There’s a lot of depth to it, and sort of eye-opening information just about how things happen,” Seng said.

Sun pours through the windows of the bright new area featuring cozy couches, tables and of course a slew of more books.

Paintings and stuffed animals of one of Seng’s main characters from her book, “Doodle Noodle,” Noodle the dog, invites visitors to find their next read.

“Book tok,” the newest trend hitting TikTok, has been getting more and more readers back into the hobby and serves as a “big driver.” Every third Monday of the month, the store hosts the Shadows & Starlight Readers’ Society which features fantasy and romance books that have gone viral through the trend.

The store hosts a number of book clubs, including the Poe & Company

Book Club for women on the first Thursdays of each month and a middle grade kids club during the summer. Bible studies, author meet-and-greets and even crotchet groups also can use the store as a meeting space. Parents can get out of the house and bring their little ones to story time every Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 a.m.

“We just want to be a space where people can come together,” Seng said.

Poe and Company will expand its space April 1, after knocking down a wall into a neighboring unit. Seng said she hopes the added space will allow for more community involvement through a selection of more book genres and meeting spaces.

In the digital age, Seng stresses the importance of books, having the physical copy in your hand.

“I think that we are exposed to so much, a whole new world when you get into books,” Seng said.

The passion for reading runs through store employees, who provide a hometown feel by guiding guests to their next favorite book.

“I’d like it to be a place where people are exposed to things that they haven’t been exposed to before, be that through an author or through a book, or even through one of the events,” Seng said.

Poe & Company is at 1890 Heritage Walk Suite P101, Milton, Ga., 30004.

SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA

Owner Kate Seng holds a cookbook against a bookshelf at Poe & Company in Milton. The independent bookstore began its journey in late Nov. 2022 with the mission to create relationships within the community of those who love to read.

Five ways to design a resort-style backyard

Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

You can create a resort-style backyard that’s both luxurious and functional, whether you’re preparing to sell your home or simply enjoy it more. Ready to give your backyard a makeover that has you feeling like every day is a weekend in Bora Bora? Let’s dive in.

1. Emphasize seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

Homebuyers are increasingly looking for fluid transitions between their living areas. Imagine living in a home with a traditional back door leading to a cramped patio, barely used because it feels like a disconnected space. Compare that with a home where glass walls open to an expansive patio, leading directly to a luxury pool and lounge area. The latter not only enhances daily living but also makes the property more desirable when you list it for sale.

2. Incorporate resort-worthy pool and water features.

Features like an infinity pool, waterfalls or a built-in spa elevate the atmosphere. Consider a home with a dull, traditional pool versus one with a stunning infinity pool that overlooks a scenic landscape. One feels like a standard backyard; the other feels like an exclusive resort experience that will definitely stand out to

buyers who want that vacation-at-home vibe.

3. Provide luxe lounge and dining areas.

Creating comfortable lounge and dining areas is key. Think about a backyard with mismatched, low-quality furniture versus one that features plush seating, an outdoor kitchen and an elegant dining space. The second option makes your space much more functional and appealing.

4. Prioritize high-end landscaping and lighting.

Thoughtful landscaping enhances and defines your space, while lighting creates a magical atmosphere after dark. Contrast a backyard with overgrown grass and a few scattered plants with one where the landscape is carefully articulated and outlined. The well-designed backyard not only looks more polished but also feels like a luxurious, low-maintenance paradise that potential buyers will adore.

5. Don’t Forget Smart Home Integration.

Integrating smart systems for lighting, security and entertainment can make your space more efficient and user-friendly. While manually adjusting the lights or heating is nostalgic, being able to control everything from your phone or voice commands appeals to tech-savvy buyers who value seamless integration.

By embracing these design tips, you’ll create an environment that you can enjoy for years while also increasing your home’s value. Reach out to Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300 for all your real estate needs. We would be happy to assist you!

Compiled and edited by Angela

Valente, Marketing Copywriter/Copyeditor

| Forsyth Herald | April 3, 2025

Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad

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What NOT to include in your estate plan

When creating your estate plan, certain details should be left out to protect your privacy and prevent complications.

Avoid including

• Social Security Numbers –Helps prevent identity theft and unauthorized access.

• Account Numbers – Avoid financial exposure by keeping this information separate.

• Disparaging Remarks – Maintain professionalism to prevent unnecessary disputes.

Join our free webinars to learn how you can take control of your future today!

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Thurs.,

April Workshops:

Tues., April 29 - 4pm Thurs., May 1 - 12pm (Lunch and Learn)

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assets for my family and legacy?

• How do I remain in control?

• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?

• How can my family avoid probate?

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!

COMPUTERS

1. Oration station. It hosts other computers. Stick together.

2. Arm or leg. It gets you around the monitor. Art supporter.

3. Command to Fido. Stand-offish. They hold data.

4. It’s a computer bane. Like a tortoise. Fishing spot.

5. Boredom. They are clickable. Citrus fruit.

6. In-box contents. It’s active in Sicily. Pigeon’s perch.

7. Wine label designation. One of its jobs is data storage. Chowder morsel.

1 Oration station. It hosts other computers. Stick together

2. Arm or leg. It gets you around the monitor. Art supporter

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. Command to Fido. Stand-offish. They hold data

4. It’s a computer bane. Like a tortoise. Fishing spot

5. Boredom. They are clickable. Citrus fruit

6. In-box contents. It’s active in Sicily. Pigeon’s perch.

7. Wine label designation. One of its jobs is data storage. Chowder morsel

County:

Continued from Page 1

county’s growing population. The judges are seeking funding for a third state judge to offset their workload.

From 2021 to 2023, state court filings in Forsyth County increased by about 13 percent, according to the Administrative Office of the Courts. During that same timeframe, magistrate court filings increased by almost 9 percent. Probate filings increased by about 4.5 percent from 2021 to 2022.

The renovations call for providing the courtrooms with the “latest technology,” said Amanda Roper, assistant director for the county’s Department of Communications. The audio-visual systems in particular are outdated in the current courtrooms, she said.

Roper provided no additional details about what kind of improvements the courtrooms would receive.

“The probate court and magistrate courts are both located in outdated facilities that do not function well,” Roper said. “These new spaces will allow both courts to function more efficiently.”

Dog:

Continued from Page 1

“I work from home, so I’m with her all the time — literally,” O’Connell said. “It's only natural to spend the weekend with her.”

The market was held at Cumming City Center, a mixed-use development with 117,000 square feet of retail space, pocket parks, fountains and an amphitheater.

Each year, the development draws locals and visitors by featuring hundreds of events that range from concerts to movie nights to exercise classes to festivals.

With such a variety of events, it makes sense to host a market for dogs, said Amy Henderson, owner of Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming in Cumming.

Henderson said she thinks the canine industry is increasing as owners become more sophisticated about the products they give their pets.

According to the American Pet Products Association, the pet industry is growing rapidly with a 16 percent increase since 2022.

In the U.S., the industry earned $151.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $157 billion this year. At least 68 million U.S. households have a dog.

“As pets become more integrated into family life, the demand for high-quality products and services continues to increase,” said Patrick O'Brien, a blogger for the association.

Markets, such as Dog Dayz!, are simply lots of fun for owners and their dogs, Henderson said.

“Owners will let them shop, and whatever they pick out they get to take home,” Henderson said. “Dogs like things, absolutely.”

At Woof Gang’s stall, pup after pup approached tables filled with custom cookies with wagging tails and eyes brimming with excitement. The cookies, which can be eaten by humans but contain less sugar than most prefer, boasted unique shapes and intricate icing. Designs ranged from video game controllers to happy birthday salutations to more traditional bone shapes.

DEATH NOTICES

Frances Benoit, age 95, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 24, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Franklyn Dailey, Jr., age 104, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 19, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA From left, Molly, 9, and Tinkerbell, 4, do a little people-watching while hanging out in front of a booth at Dog Dayz! in Cumming City Center March 29.

Cumming resident Tracy Landes, who was there with Rosie, a 5-year-old Chiweenie, said she was happy to support a local business like Woof Gang.

“We love their treats,” Landes said.

Landes said she also enjoys supporting the Cumming City Center. Attending the event was hardly a chore considering Rosie’s excitement for the market.

“She started whining as soon as we got down that walkway,” Landes said. “She saw all the pups and dragged me down here.”

Cumming residents Victoria Callaway and Bear, a double doodle, agreed the center and its events substantially benefit the city’s economy.

But more importantly they are an opportunity for the residents to gather and celebrate community. Callaway, who moved from Tampa, Fla., said she loves the change of pace in Cumming.

“It brings all the people together,” she said. “We were at the concert last night, and seeing all the kids running around and playing together is really inspiring.”

The outing was an opportunity for Bear, who rarely leaves home, to mix with other dogs and people.

While Callaway and Bear were standing in the center’s musical sensory playground, the large calm dog offered his luxuriously soft curly fur to a child and his parents. The family happily indulged him.

“He’s a big teddy bear,” Callaway said.

Margaret Dimsdale, age 97, of Milton, GA passed away on March 13, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Katherine Frye, age 78, of Roswell, GA passed away on March 15, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Nothing but respect for Foreman

MIKE TASOS Columnist

We’re in sports fan overload as I write this column. It’s a good place to be.

The Braves open the 2025 season in a couple of hours, the men’s basketball Sweet 16 tips off shortly after the Braves play. Best of all, college football spring games are a reminder that we are that much closer to the college football season.

So why am I compelled to not write about any of that right away?

Instead, a recent sports story regarding a personal hero’s passing brought back a torrent of memories that I feel compelled to share.

Certainly, most of you read of George Foreman dying at age 76. Most of you don’t really equate George with being the fierce boxer that he was. To many, George was a preacher, a pitchman, a character. After all, he had five sons who were all named George.

Everyone has heard of the George Foreman Grill. Ol’ George made a ton of money from that invention when he sold the product. I remember Michael Scott burning his foot on one of those grills during a hilarious episode of “The Office.”

My personal connection was born in August 1973, just prior to entering college and a few months after my parents gave me a $400 check for high school graduation that said: “Happy Hawaii.”

I had visions of hula girls, beautiful beaches and an exotic locale. Best friend Klint Schahrer agreed for us to travel alone as 18-year olds. No parents in a big hotel on Waikiki Beach. Better yet, Hawaii, at the time, was perfect since it had enacted making it legal for 18-year-olds to drink alcohol.

Let the party begin, and that’s exactly what Klint and I did. But one fateful morning while having a Mai Tai for breakfast, I read in the paper that the heavyweight champion of the world, fresh off his destruction of the seemingly indestructible Joe Frazier, was in Honolulu.

Barbara Jagrowski, age 91, of Roswell, GA passed away on March 23, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Carolyn Palmer, age 87, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 23, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

He was staying nearby, and I’m sure Klint thought I’d lost my mind when I announced: “I wonder if I could interview George Foreman?” And that’s what prompted me to call Foreman’s trainer, Sandy Saddler.

I introduced myself as being from Bakersfield and asked if I could sit down with the greatest fighter in the world. Amazingly, Saddler agreed and said George would meet us in the lobby of the Outrigger Hotel. Klint looked like he’d been afflicted with some neuromuscular condition, constantly shaking his head in disbelief.

Equipped with my pen and trusty notebook, Klint holding his camera, we waited in the lobby. When George Foreman walked off the elevator, dressed head-to-toe in brown leather, if someone offered me money to spit, I couldn’t have done it.

I mustered up the nerve to introduce myself and for the next hour, we were entertained by the guy who knocked Frazier down six times en route to a defining moment in boxing history.

George couldn’t have been more gracious. I tried not to show I was in awe and he treated me with respect, despite my youth. For that, I will always be grateful of spending that time with him. He was respectful to all the fans who interrupted the interview, asking him to sign scraps of paper and pose for pictures. I was amazed when he apologized to me for the interruptions.

I was grateful for the experience, that was a once-in-a-lifetime memory. I reminisced about it with Klint, who has a poster of him and George somewhere in a Bay Area storage facility.

I was sad when I read of George’s death and felt a little guilty at never buying one of his grills. I couldn’t attend his funeral, but I just might head for Costco and see if I could buy one of George’s contraptions. It’s the least I can do to repay him for his kindness.

Mike Tasos has lived in Forsyth County for more than 30 years. He’s an American by birth and considers himself a Southerner by the grace of God. He can be reached at miketasos55@gmail.com.

Margaret Pierce, age 84, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 19, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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Home Improvements

Knox:

Continued from Page 5

Sometimes jokes are funny, but poorly constructed ones are cheap and often hurtful.

Knox said one of her favorites was from the TV show “Veep,” where a character remarks that anyone can be famous because she is for “not” murdering someone.

One guest at the lecture drew a comparison of Knox’s situation to the infamous Steve Bartman incident, where a Chicago Cubs fan tried to catch a fly ball down the foul line, interfering with a player and received blame from the media.

While the media’s treatment of Knox and Bartman is comparable, there’s one significant difference.

Bartman deflected the foul ball, leading Cubs outfielder Moisés Alou to miss it with his glove. Knox simply didn’t kill her roommate.

While some Cubs players stuck up for Bartman, Knox is still missing her complete vindication.

The Italian Supreme Court upheld her slander conviction Jan. 23, 2025.

“The irony is that while being wrongly convicted of slander, I’m the most slandered person in this whole saga,” Knox said in a post on X. “The police, prosecutor, media, courts and the killer Rudy Guede have all slandered me to no end.”

Rick Goldstein, a high school teacher at the Paideia School in Atlanta, said he’s known Knox for a few years and regularly takes a group of his students to Innocence Project conferences.

Goldstein said Knox is a wonderful human being who forges connections with students and takes an interest in their journeys.

Dunwoody resident Essie Lazarus said she was a huge Amanda Knox fan as a high schooler and enjoyed the intimate environment for the author’s talk and book signing. It was an interesting and enlightening discussion, Lazarus said.

Knox’s husband, Christopher Robinson, said he thinks the media’s coverage of Amanda may be different today.

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“I’ll tell you what Amanda would say, the media is not one thing, there’s good actors and bad ones,” Robinson said. “Even today right now, there are tabloids in the United Kingdom vilifying her for having written this book.”

Robinson and Knox’s “Labyrinths” podcast delves into topics like resilience and personal growth, philosophy, true crime and today’s media.

“It’s sort of been steadily getting better. That isn’t to say misogyny disappeared from the world, it hasn’t,” he said. “On the whole, it’s better.”

Amanda Knox’ new memoir “Free: My Search for Meaning” is available for purchase on Amazon and local bookstores throughout Metro Atlanta.