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Johns Creek to send offenders to Forsyth County Jail
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek Police Department has found a solution to its jail dilemma months after the closing of one of North Atlanta’s few jails.
At a June 1 meeting, City Council members gave the department the go ahead to seek an agreement with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office for use of its jail.
The city decided to go with Forsyth County despite the reopening of the former Fulton County North Annex Jail in nearby Alpharetta. In December, Alpharetta reopened the facility as the Alpharetta Detention Center, giving tours to officials from Johns Creek and other cities.
Johns Creek staff said they recommended an agreement with Forsyth County after determining its terms were more advantageous than those offered at the Alpharetta Detention Center.
For use of the Forsyth County Jail, Johns Creek would be assessed an annual fee of $65,000 and charged $195 for an inmate's first day and $140 for subsequent days.
City staff estimate an annual cost of $200,000 based on an average of 22 inmates per month.
The decision comes months after the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office closed the North Annex Jail in the wake of a Department of Justice investigation that found Fulton County jail conditions violated prisoners’ rights.
An agreement with Forsyth County would give Johns Creek a way to house those arrested without making the long drive to Fulton County’s Rice Street Jail in downtown Atlanta.
Johns Creek Police Chief Mark Mitchell said driving inmates to Atlanta cost his officers considerable time, which could be better spent doing police work.
“The traffic going downtown is pretty
rough,” Mitchell said.
Officers can spend up to 90 minutes traveling to and from the Rice Street jail, and processing inmates takes a considerable amount of time.
“They are busy at the jail — busy, busy,” the police chief said.
It also will allow Johns Creek to detain people arrested on municipal charges, which include driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without a license and other potentially serious charges, he said.
Mayor John Bradberry said the Forsyth County Jail will provide a close and safer alternative to the facility in downtown Atlanta.
“If someone is arrested, it’s important we have somewhere to take them, and ideally it would not be Rice Street,” Bradberry said.
Department of Justice investigators began looking into Fulton County’s downtown Atlanta jail after the 2022 death of Lashawn Thompson, who was
arrested on a simple battery charge and was accused of spitting on a Georgia Tech police officer.
The federal investigation found Thompson was malnourished, infested with “an enormous presence of body lice” and “neglected to death” when he was found deceased in his “filthy cell.” It also highlighted a pattern of violence that included more than 300 stabbings there in 2023 on top of homicides and sexual violence.
The Forsyth County Jail sits in the heart of Cumming, about a 20-minute drive from the Johns Creek Police Department. It was the first jail in Georgia to receive national accreditation through the National Institute for Jail Operations.
Chief Mitchell said an agreement with Forsyth County will likely run for a year, after which time the city could reassess the arrangement.
“This gives a local option,” Mitchell said.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Johns Creek Police Chief Mark Mitchell speaks to the City Council June 1 about plans to use the Forsyth County Jail in Cumming to house detainees.
Georgia primary runoff voting will take place June 16
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Several primary elections are in runoffs. Runoff Election Day is Tuesday, June 16.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but sometimes open later if there are technical problems. Anyone in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast their vote. On Election Day, you must vote at the precinct listed on your voter registration.
Races on the ballot include DeKalb County School Board District 4 and County Commission District 3. In Fulton County, there are runoffs for county commission chair and commission District 3. There are several legislative runoff elections on the ballot as well.
There are also statewide runoffs for lieutenant governor and secretary of state for both parties, and Republican candidates for governor, Public Service Commission District 5 and U.S. Senate.
Early voting
Early voting ends Friday, June 12. In DeKalb County, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through June 12. DeKalb and Fulton counties each provided about 20 early voting locations and several absentee ballot drop boxes. Forsyth County also opened a few advance voting locations.
DRIVEWAYS & CONCRETE
To see a list of the early voting locations, visit mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/ advanced-voting-location-information and search for your county of residence.
Absentee voting
Absentee ballots must be returned by Election Day, June 16, to your county elections office.
After early voting ends, absentee
ballots can be returned to the DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections Office during its business hours on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and until 7 p.m. on Election Day.
The DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections Office is located at 4380 Memorial Dr, Suite 500, in Greater Decatur.
The Fulton County elections offices
are located at:
• South Annex: 5600 Stonewell Tell Road, Room 105 in College Park.
• Fulton County Government Center: 130 Peachtree Street SW, Ste 2186, in Atlanta.
• North Annex: 7741 Roswell Road, Room 251, in Sandy Springs.
• Elections Hub & Operations Center: 5600 Campbellton Fairburn Road in Union City.
The Forsyth County office is at 1201 Sawnee Dr. in Cumming.
Sample ballots, polling sites
The Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page will show you your sample ballot and polling location. Visit that page at mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/.
What to bring
DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections said all voters need to bring the following items when they show up to early voting or at the polls on Election Day.
• A valid ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or voter identification card.
• Your absentee ballot, if you want to vote in person instead. If you do not have your absentee ballot, you will need to sign an affidavit stating that you are instead casting your ballot in person.
Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21
5K Run/Walk • 1 Mile Walk • kids4DAD Tot Trot
Peachtree Road Race Official Qualifying Event
Wills Park Pool Parking Lot Start/Finish
1815 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta
Crash Clark, 99X, Emcee
Race website: run4DAD.org
Benefiting ProstAware to help bring
Goizueta Business School sees rise in veteran grads
By LYDIA MAGALLANES decaturish@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — In 2026, Emory University’s Goizueta Business School significantly increased its veteran graduates across its Master in Business for Veterans, full-time MBA and working professional programs.
The number of veteran graduates increased by roughly 47 percent, from about 55 to more than 80.
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The shift is part of Emory’s continued investment in the veteran community. Goizueta began offering an alternative 12-month program, the Master in Business for Veterans (MBV), in 2024. The specialized track is designed for “active-duty military, veterans, National Guard, and Reserve personnel to leverage their military leadership expertise and pair it with business knowledge for a successful career in the business world.”
The 2026 school year also marks the first time Emory has named an executive director of veterans initiatives for the entire campus. Retired Maj. Gen. Matt Smith is the first to fill the position, building on the legacy of retired Lt. Gen. Ken Keen, who is now an associate professor emeritus.
Smith said the year-to-year increase in veteran enrollment at Goizueta was “a little bit of a halo effect” of promoting the MBV program.
The only other MBV available in the country is at the University of Southern California. Retired Air Force Combat Systems Officer Grant Kimmel, a 2026 MBV graduate, said he came to Emory to translate decades of military leadership to the private sector.
“When you were in the military, you were either in a position of authority or you had a rank that equals some level of authority,” explains Kimmel. “But then when you go into the private sector, you know that that doesn’t necessarily exist, and so now you have to figure out ways to earn trust, or, how do you influence people without having direct authority over someone else?”
Kimmel, originally from North Carolina, is living with his family in Smyrna. The Goizueta MBV helped him translate his experience in Air Force Special Operations to a remote government position at Viasat, a California-based satellite communications company.
LYDIA MAGALLANES/APPEN MEDIA Dan Heckman (left) and Sean Titus (far left), are part of a group of 19 veterans who graduated with a full-time MBA from Emory on May 10.
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Floor Tile, Wall Tile
Plumbing Fixtures
Kids enjoy a wild time at Autrey Mill summer camps
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Kids at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve’s summer camps learn about everything from snakes and streams to time travel and fairies, but one lesson is especially persistent.
“If you don’t take care of the environment, there would be no environment for us,” said camper Leah Greer.
On June 5, Leah and four other girls were returning from a creek on the preserve’s pristine 46 acres, proudly carrying a black garbage bag filled with trash they had collected. Their haul included a Coors Light can, old tennis ball and other refuse.
“We’re helping the animals, and we are helping the environment,” Amelia Sanchez said.
The girls were among the dozens who attend the nearly dozen summer camps the nonprofit holds each year. All summer long, children from across North Atlanta descend on the preserve to learn about nature and have fun while giving their parents a break until school returns.
Executive Director Lizen Hayes said the children learn a few important lessons. First, they learn to appreciate the natural wonder, some -
thing she hopes they take with them into adulthood.
“You’re gonna foster that curios -
we always prioritize the kids learning and having fun and connecting with nature,” she said.
For example, kids hiking on the property’s expansive trails are given trash bags to clean up as they learn about the numerous plants and animals. Another activity asks them to write down ideas they can later do to preserve the environment. A history lesson invited campers to see who could wash a rag fastest on a washboard.
But Brown admits some of the activities like a make-believe time machine are just plain fun. Kids are invited to take turns walking through a booth-sized box studded with dials and LED lights that transport them to any point in the past or future.
During one time travel voyage, camper Catherine Proctor said she made her own tie-dye shirt. She proudly wore the shirt later at camp.
“Yesterday, we traveled to the 1970s,” she said, adding the shirt was her favorite part of camp so far.
ity and inspire them to want to learn more, … those are ways kids can get plugged into activities, community stuff later in life,” Hayes said.
And, second, they learn to take care of it.
“We want to make sure that we are respecting our environment, we’re not throwing our trash and litter everywhere,” she said.
Jordan Brown, conservation educator, said she tries to instill those ideals in the many activities she programs.
“It’s a trial-and-error system, but
Mary O’Connor, another camper, said her favorite part was seeing the many animals that make their home there. Aside from wildlife, the property is home to numerous rescued creatures, including a boa, box turtles, fish, goats, green tree frog and one cat named Sabrina.
Mary said she particularly remembers holding Sabrina’s kittens while attending camp last year, a moment she will never forget.
“Yesterday, we learned about birds, and one day we’ll learn about amphibians and reptiles and small mammals,” she said.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
A group of girls proudly display a bag of garbage they removed from a creek at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve June 5.
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Treatment Best Urgent Care
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RECREATION: Best Art Lessons/Studio
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Best Date Night Hotspot Best Day Spa / Massage Best Farmers Market
Golf Course Best Group/Corporate Activity Best Gym / Fitness Facility Best
Thousand plus rugs are available in all sizes, colors, and styles new and antiques from all over the world with unbelievable prices. All rug DEALERS are welcome as well while stocks last. No one will sell their products below cost unless they are CLOSING.
Hundreds fill downtown streets for Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest
By STANLEY LEARY newsroom@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Alpharetta on Saturday evening, June 6, for the 15th annual Brew Moon Fest, enjoying craft beer, live music, and fellowship while helping raise funds for several local community projects.
The annual festival has become a hallmark event for the city, bringing together neighbors, businesses and nonprofit organizations in a shared effort to strengthen the community.
The event brought together local businesses, community leaders, and residents for one of Alpharetta’s signature fundraising events.
Guests sampled craft beers, enjoyed food from local vendors and listened to the Chuck Martin Band throughout the evening as organizers worked to support projects benefiting the Alpharetta community.
"The weather was great, and we do this for the community,” event coordinator Paula Fine said. “This year we are raising funds for the Alpharetta VFW and Lights on the Loop.”
Proceeds from Brew Moon Fest support local initiatives, including renovations to Wills Park’s Wacky World Playground, Old Rucker Farm, the Alpharetta Public Safety K-9 Maverick program, Alpha Loop “Find Your Way” signage, Patriot Pen programs through the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Alpharetta Public Safety.
The festival's appeal extended beyond the fundraising mission.
"I love country music. I love downtown Alpharetta," said Jesse Milwood, who attended the event.
Longtime resident Sean Woods said Brew Moon Fest reflects the strong sense of community that has drawn people to Alpharetta for decades.
"I have lived here for 30 years," Woods said. "I live close by and love these events."
As the evening continued, attendees filled the streets, creating an atmosphere that blended entertainment with community service. Organizers and volunteers said the event's continued success demonstrates Alpharetta residents' commitment to supporting local causes while celebrating together.
STANLEY LEARY/APPEN MEDIA Paula and Steve Smith dance to Chuck Martin’s band at the Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest.
Roswell Reads plans talk from bestselling author
By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Roswell Reads, in partnership with the City of Roswell and Bookmiser, will feature Lisa See, the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women,” “The Island of Sea Women,” “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” and 10 other titles, June 20 in Dunwoody.
See will be discussing and signing her new novel, “Daughters of the Sun and Moon.” Named a Most Anticipated Book of the Year by Today.com, the book will be released just 11 days before her Roswell Reads appearance.
The event will be at 5 p.m. at Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody. Two ticket prices (including fees) are offered: $23.50 for the presentation only, or $49.25 for premium single tickets that include general admission seating and an autographed and/ or personalized hardback copy of the book, "Daughters of the Sun and Moon."
After working as a freelance journalist as well as 13 years
as Publishers Weekly’s West Coast correspondent, See penned her first book in 1995, “On Gold Mountain,” which tells the story of her Chinese American family’s settlement in Los Angeles.
That is also when her research began for the historical event around which her latest novel revolves – the L.A. Chinese massacre of 1871. Set amid the vibrancy and turmoil of that forgotten piece of American history, “Daughters of the Sun and Moon” tells the story of three women, based on real Chinese women living in L.A. at the time, who managed to survive and eventually thrive, despite all odds.
To order tickets, go to roswellcac. showare.com/eventperformances. asp?evt=246, call 770-594-6232, or go to Roswell Cultural Arts Center box office.
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For more information, go to RoswellReads.com, Facebook at Roswell Reads or Instagram at RoswellGaReads.
Find comprehensive breast care with Wellstar in North Fulton
Breast health is an important part of every woman’s overall wellness. Routine breast cancer screening and timely evaluation of breast concerns can lead to earlier detection, more treatment options and improved outcomes. At Wellstar, we are committed to helping women feel informed and empowered throughout every stage of their breast health journey.
Catch cancer early
Regular screening mammograms remain one of the most effective tools for detecting breast cancer early, often before symptoms develop. If you’re at average risk of developing breast cancer, you should start annual mammograms at age 40. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your care team may recommend starting earlier and will help you create a screening plan.
In addition to annual screening, our team helps women understand their individual breast cancer risk and personal screening recommendations. Whether you are coming in for a routine screening, evaluation of a breast symptom or guidance regarding elevated cancer risk, our goal is to provide compassionate, expert care.
Care for benign conditions and cancer
Our breast health specialists provide evaluation and treatment for a range of breast conditions, from common benign concerns to newly diagnosed breast cancer. We understand that any breast abnormality can create anxiety, and we work closely with you to provide clear communication and individualized care plans.
We treat many benign breast conditions, including:
• Breast cysts
• Fibroadenomas
• Breast pain
• Dense breasts
• Nipple discharge
• Breast infections and abscesses
• High-risk and atypical breast lesions
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, we provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care and guide you through each step of diagnosis, treatment and beyond. We also care for women who are considered high-risk for breast cancer, including those with significant family histories, prior high-risk breast lesions or inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes. Our team works closely with you to develop personalized surveillance and risk-reduction strategies tailored to your individual needs.
Advanced breast surgical care
At Wellstar, women have access to advanced breast surgical care delivered with a focus on precision, safety and cosmetic outcomes whenever possible. We offer procedures to diagnose and treat breast conditions using evidence-
based surgical techniques. Our surgical services include:
• In-office ultrasound-guided breast biopsies
• Excisional breast biopsies
• Duct excisions
• Partial mastectomies (lumpectomies)
• Sentinel lymph node biopsies and targeted axillary dissections
• Mastectomies with flat aesthetic closures
• Skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomies
• Breast reconstruction in collaboration with plastic surgery specialists
We aim to streamline care and reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. If you require breast cancer surgery, our surgeons utilize best-in-class techniques designed to achieve excellent oncologic outcomes while also preserving
appearance and quality of life.
Patient-centered approach to breast care
We believe exceptional breast care goes beyond medical treatment alone. Everyone deserves compassionate, personalized care in a supportive environment where questions are encouraged and concerns are heard.
From the first consultation through follow-up care, our team is dedicated to helping you feel comfortable, informed and confident in your care plan. We recognize that navigating breast concerns or a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. We strive to make the process as seamless as possible through coordinated care, patient education and ongoing support. Call (470) 956-4270 to schedule an appointment with a breast surgeon in Roswell.
Brought to you by - Dr. Jessica Bilz, Wellstar breast surgeon
DR. JESSICA BILZ
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.
Efudex exhibitionism
Recently, patients have brought to my attention that people are posting startlingly graphic videos on social media of their experiences using creams like Efudex® to treat precancerous sun damage. Efudex® is a prescription-only cream that can help treat certain skin cancers and precancerous lesions. These “influencers” often discuss how many times they have gone through Efudex® treatments and continue to apply medicine long after their skin has become severely irritated. I fear that these individuals are causing themselves suffering and likely damage for dramatic effect, “clicks,” or “likes.” Because social media platforms can financially reward high view counts, there is an incentive for self-treatment to be intentionally extreme.
I do not know whether these individuals are misguided themselves, but what is certain is that they are misleading their viewers. Many of these creators highlight their severe skin reactions, holding themselves up as models for how treatment should be carried out. They report performing multiple rounds of treatment back to back, continuing treatments for weeks after skin is severely inflamed and are likely crafting their own regimens, presumably against medical advice. Contrary to what the influencers imply, “no pain, no gain” doesn’t mean the higher the pain, the higher the gain.
To understand the proper way to use Efudex® (also known as 5-fluorouracil), it helps to understand its mechanism of action. Cells use building blocks called nucleotides to replicate DNA and RNA. Think of these blocks like individual cars in a model train set. Efudex® acts as a counterfeit part that gums up the assembly of the train and then often causes the completed train to break into pieces. Unable to function, the damaged cell is essentially sent to a cellular scrap yard.
Dosing is key. Precancerous cells divide and manufacture proteins much faster than healthy, resting skin cells. But even healthy “resting” skin cells exhibit some degree of growth and division. The strategy
with Efudex® is to exploit cancerous cells’ hyperactive metabolism—targeting the abnormal cells while sparing the healthy ones.
Achieving this balance requires aiming for a "Goldilocks zone." In general, the goal is to apply just enough cream to cause severely sun-damaged areas to become inflamed, pink, and mildly scabby, but not enough to turn the entire application area into a raw field of broken skin.
If the skin seems barely pink or completely unaffected, then the patient is likely under-dosing the medicine, and precancers are not being eliminated. If the entire skin surface is painful and severely inflamed, then both the precancers and the healthy skin are likely being damaged. Very rarely, a patient’s burden of disease may be so severe that a “harsh” result is advised by their dermatologist, but this is generally the exception to the rule.
Severe Efudex® reactions can lead skin to breakdown to such an extent that skin infections and scarring can occur. Many times, the whole point of using a cream like Efudex® is to try to eliminate precancerous lesions and avoid surgery. If the cream itself is overdosed and leads to scarring, then the entire enterprise of using a cream can prove counterproductive, and influencers’ digital martyrdom ultimately hurts our common cause.
Undergoing this treatment under the guidance of a caring and competent dermatologist is vital. A spot of concern might actually be a skin cancer requiring a biopsy rather than a cream. Other spots might be purely cosmetic, requiring entirely different therapies tailored to aesthetic sun damage. Before starting Efudex®, risks, benefits, and alternatives all need to be discussed.
If you have concerns about sun damage, a non-healing spot, or any other skin condition, a consultation with a qualified dermatology provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment options. If you are in the Atlanta area, we would be honored to help.
At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, Dr. Brent Taylor, Kathryn Filipek, PA-C, and our staff are privileged to care for patients and families throughout our community.
Dr. Brent Taylor
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology
Travel smart with mobility devices: tips from the pros!
Brought to you by – Mobility Plus Alpharetta
Think traveling with a mobility device will slow you down? Think again! Read on to find out how to travel safer and smarter:
Accommodations – There are so many accessible destinations in the world! Make sure that your accommodations have doorways that are at least 24” wide, and an access ramp that is 30”-34” wide if you will be riding a mobility scooter or powerchair into your rental unit. Check the specs of your hotel entrances, exits, and bathroom doorways! Older hotels abroad may not be as easy to navigate so research carefully before you book. A blog like this one, dedicated to accessible travel can save you time online: www.wheeltheworld.com
Renting vs. purchasing – Our customers love zipping through the airport with their own devices, skipping to the front of security, and checking their scooters and powerchairs at the gate of the plane. Purchasing a device can save money in the long run, make keeping up with extended family at home much easier, and can allow for more independence from the very start of the trip to the finish. Consider how you will manage long treks through airports, cruise ports or train stations if you choose to rent your mobility device at your destination instead of taking
it with you. Not sure you are ready to invest in a mobility device just yet? Rent lightweight, folding scooters and powerchairs from us to take on your trip! This allows you to “try before you buy” and have the device with you from the moment you leave the house.
Travel features - Travel-ready mobility devices often fold flat, weigh 27-45 lbs. And have FAA and cruising approved lithium batteries. The max weight capacity on travel equipment is usually 250-300lbs. Additionally, they can travel 7 to 18 miles on one charge. Choosing to purchase from a local mobility equipment dealer at home will ensure that you get a proper fit, and the features that matter most to you. Buying a high-quality, namebrand product with a global network of authorized dealers will ensure peace of mind should you have a service and repair need abroad. Your local dealer can often provide you with a referral to an authorized service provider near your travel destination, so you are prepared in advance! Additionally, they can prep and laminate wheelchair forms in advance with an easy-to-read format for baggage handlers. This can significantly reduce risk of device damage!
Ready to start exploring? Visit Mobility Plus Alpharetta Monday-Friday 10am-5pm or Saturdays 9am-1pm. We look forward to helping you “go where you want to go!”
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Knowing the signs of trauma in children
Brought to you by – Maddie McGarrah, M.Ed., Summit Counseling
Recognizing signs of trauma in children is an important but challenging task for parents, caregivers, and educators. Traumatic experiences can deeply affect a child’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Since children often lack the language or coping skills to express their feelings, trauma may manifest in both subtle and obvious ways. In some cases, trauma can even lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Understanding these signs is crucial for providing appropriate support and creating a safe environment for healing.
The DSM-5-TR defines trauma as exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. This can occur through direct experience, witnessing, or learning about an event involving a close family member or friend. Trauma can also result from repeated or extreme exposure to disturbing details of such events. Signs that a child may be struggling with trauma include:
• Increased or obsessive thoughts about death or safety. Sometimes a hyper-focus on mortality.
• Sleep or eating disturbances, such as too little or too much sleep, or changes in appetite.
• Increased times of unexplained irritability or anger outbursts.
• Difficulty concentrating and staying focused during tasks or conversations, which may resemble ADHD but is a response to the trauma.
• Hypervigilance such as being easily startled or reacting strongly to stimuli.
• Symptoms resembling an anxiety disorder, like excessive worry or difficulty separating from parents.
• Symptoms resembling a depressive disorder such as difficulty experiencing positive emotions, like happiness, satis faction, or love.
Maddie McGarrah, M.Ed.
• Intrusive symptoms, such as nightmares, flashbacks, or unexpected memories of the traumatic event.
• Increased symptoms triggered by reminders of the event, such as anniversaries, visual or auditory cues, and even smells.
• Negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world.
• Lastly, stress and trauma can manifest differently in girls and boys. Although this can vary, boys often react more quickly and with more irritation and anger, while girls can have delayed reactions that are more internal.
Recognizing these signs early is essential for providing timely support and helping children begin the healing process. If you have observed your child experiencing some of these after a
*Decaturish Ink currently publishes on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of every month. All other publications publish every Thursday.
OPINION
The old man and the vampire romantasy
APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
Life sometimes both amazes and humbles me. And lately, it keeps teaching me lessons that broaden my horizons and make "day to day" simply more fun. I offer this example.
I am a sentimental old fool. It is just who I am. I cling to connections to the past — especially old friends and "childhood." I go to class reunions. I write Christmas cards. I pick up the phone and call. I help out the children of old friends when I have the opportunity. I go to funerals; I always show up for funerals, no matter how far away — usually the parents of my childhood friends, but increasingly, my childhood friends themselves.
So, when one of my childhood friends called me recently and told me that her younger adult daughter, Natalie, had written a book and asked if I would consider editing it for her, I responded, "Of course."
"It's kind of long," she said, to which I replied, "That's OK."
So, I thought to myself, "Just be-
cause you publish newspapers, people think you can edit."
Well, I can, sort of. I am not sure, however, I would rely on myself to edit a book I wrote, but what the heck, she asked, so I will do my best.
So, I emailed Natalie. In hindsight, I should have called. I am determined to stop emailing and texting people instead of calling or visiting face-to-face, but that is another story.
"It's a long book," she said.
OK, the second time I have heard that. Little alarms should have started ringing but didn't. "That's OK, Natalie."
"It's about vampires," she said.
More alarm bells; I don't think I have ever read a book about vampires and generally don't read fantasy (except for "Harry Potter," "Dune," and "Lord of the Rings," but they don't count; those aren't about vampires, sort of).
"That's OK," I replied again.
What was I thinking?
"How do you want me to send it to you?" Natalie asked. "I can put it on Google Drive. Would that work for you?"
Now, everyone knows that newspaper people know about Google Drive and how to use it to edit novels, right? Of course. So, I naturally replied with — you guessed it — "of course." But not
that "of course" — the "of course" that means "No, I have no idea how Google Drive works, and I am too embarrassed to admit it, much less suggest that 'editing' is not necessarily a skill that I was born with or formally trained to do."
And, yes, of course, if the book is only around 350 pages, sure, why not?
So, we set up Google Drive, but first, Natalie asks how much I charge to edit. I did appreciate the question, but I growled at her in response.
"Natalie, you are family and family doesn't charge family — for anything."
That would never enter my mind, although what did go through my mind was how long — how much of my precious time — I just committed. Gzzzeezz.
"What about sex?" she asked next.
"OK," I think, "What?"
"It has sex," Natalie said. "Do you want me to leave those chapters out?"
"Natalie, I'm 71," I said. "This is a book. I can handle it. But thank you for asking. You don't have to leave out the sex."
Fast forward about four weeks.
Natalie has asked me to finish editing by the end of July so she can send the manuscript to potential publishers as soon as possible. So, I double up on my editing timeline.
I now get up early every day — or try to — and spend about an hour on Natalie's book, and I edit twice as many chapters. I am now past the halfway point of the book, through Chapter 50. And, well, wow.
So here is the thing. This book is actually really good — I mean, like it is publishable, I think. And I don't even like vampire novels. Granted, I have no idea what publishers are looking for and what the market is for vampire-romance-fantasy novels, also known as "romantasies."
I am excited because I volunteered to help Natalie, committing to take on a rather substantial body of work. History says that I don't usually finish these types of projects. I start them, then just stop. I know this.
I took the project on because I want to fix myself — fix this character flaw. That's what I am trying to do now, in my 71st year — get better, become more intentional, and be more willing to step outside my comfort zone and engage.
That is, do things that I would have avoided in the past. Because who wants to just fade away? Not me.
And the icing on the cake? Well, how cool would it be to get a mention — one of those dust jacket or "after the last page" thank-yous on a new best seller! "Very," I think to myself. Next?
Be on guard; It’s Bambi time in North Georgia
BOB MEYERS
It is birthing time for white-tailed deer in North Fulton County where most fawns are born in May and June. Unlike the fall breeding or rut season when bucks go crazy with lust and accidents with cars are frequent, the birthing season is relatively calm.
However, when does, female deer, cross roads in May and June in search of food for their fawns, auto accidents also occur. Both seasons are vital for the wellbeing of deer and both cause problems for humans. Just ask a gardener whose carefully planted flower garden has been selected by some whitetails for a picnic lunch.
Adult white-tailed deer range from 70 to 225 pounds, while fawns weigh about 4 pounds at birth. As protection from predators, when born, fawns’ light brown fur has some 300 white spots that begin to fade a few months later when they start to forage for food. For several months after birth, fawns give off little scent which also helps protect them. Adult females spend very little time with their offspring, leaving them alone for hours while the mother doe forages to produce milk for her fawn(s). With this behavior the mother reduces the possibility that she might carry her own scent to a fawn’s hiding place.
Charlie Killmaster, State Deer Program supervisor at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, says that the range of deer in Georgia varies from 150 to more than 1,200 acres. Smaller ranges occur in areas with high deer populations such as North Fulton County. He notes that the high degree of urbanization in North Fulton and Cherokee County makes a quality deer habitat. Charlie says, “a lot of nutritious food from fertilized gardens coupled with less hunting in urban areas is a recipe for more deer."
Deer population is determined partly by the availability of quality food and the presence or absence of natural enemies such as coyotes and bears. Such factors are difficult to control, so the main regulator of deer populations is hunters. In Georgia, the hunting season takes place in the fall. If the deer population is excessive, the result can be disease, destruction of farm crops, not to mention the effect on local gardens. The ability of white-tailed deer to run up to 30 or 40 miles an hour and leap over fences up to 8 feet high also helps protect them. They also have a keen sense of smell, some 500 to 1,000 times better than humans, and their large ears can rotate independently to isolate sounds.
Alpharetta resident Rick Moore is familiar with deer intrusion in gardens. An
A doe and her fawn. The fawn will stay with its mother for about a year.
TOM KOEMER/U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
A fawn with some 300 spots has an instinct to remain motionless for protection from predators while it’s mother doe forages for hours. The fawn will begin to lose its spots a few months after birth when it begins to forage for food.
avid gardener with plants that are in bloom every month of the year, Rick has taken to fencing in all his gardens.
“I have tried everything but nothing else
works,” he says. Still, he enjoys watching the deer in the woods behind his house.
“I have a love/hate relationship with deer,” he says.
I am indebted to Clay Gridley, owner of Six Bridges Brewing in Johns Creek and Milton, for suggesting this topic. He sees deer in the woods behind his house in Cherokee County almost every day. He once had a fawn hiding up against his garage in some grass.
“I never saw the mother,” he says, “but I enjoy observing and celebrating the miracle of new life coming into the world.”
Clay has given up trying to grow hops and most flowers although he does protect his hostas and hydrangeas.
Living with deer in our suburban and urban environments is a challenge. Deer are herbivores, meaning they feed on plants. Depending on the season, they eat leaves, shrubs, tree saplings, agricultural products and of course flowers. In that process they help control the growth of undesirable plants while aggravating us when they consume desirable plants. Hopefully, our attitudes will be guided by knowledge and compassion as we continue to experience deer’s effect on our environment.
Bob is a member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission, director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and member of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
Columnist
STEVE KYLES/GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Perimeter banking began in cow pasture
Ethel Spruill wrote about the first financial institution to come to the Perimeter Center area in “The Story of Dunwoody,” the book she coauthored with Elizabeth Davis.
Tucker Federal Savings and Loan was located at the corner of Ashford Dunwoody Road and 2 Perimeter Center East. Spruill said the building was “sparkling white” and “stood like an oasis in a cow pasture when it opened for business June 4, 1970.” It was on a tiny piece of the property along Ashford Dunwoody Road once owned by her husband, Stephen Spruill.
Tucker Federal’s decision to build was based on the growing population in the area and the planned Perimeter Mall, which opened Aug. 11, 1971. Trust Company Bank, Citizens and Southern Bank, First National Bank and National Bank of Georgia soon followed Tucker Federal’s lead, building branches at Perimeter Center.
Tucker Federal Savings and Loan began operations in downtown Tucker
in 1957. In 1961 they moved into a new brick building on Main Street in Tucker. Their first branch office was at 4855 Briarcliff Road, opening in 1966, across the road from the future Northlake Mall. (Atlanta Journal ads, 1961 and 1966)
The savings and loan also made an impact on Doraville when they opened their location at the intersection of Buford Highway and Park Avenue on Jan. 2, 1969. The unusual round architecture was described as “…a unique 2,200 square foot structure with a street level lobby cantilevering over a lower terrace level. The exterior is pre-cast panels of concrete with a sparkling white stone finish.” (Atlanta Journal ad, Dec. 30, 1968)
Atlanta architects Cunningham and Forehand designed the Buford Highway and Briarcliff Road offices of Tucker Federal Savings and Loan. Anyone that opened an account with $200 or more at the grand opening of the Doraville Tucker Federal Savings and Loan received an electric serving tray as a gift. The Dunwoody branch offered new account holders a choice of an electric serving tray, red and white checked picnic tablecloth or barbecue tools. Both offices also held drawings for
door prizes. Prizes offered ranged from a minibike to a 12-inch RCA television.
The grand opening advertisement for the Dunwoody office described the building:
“The beautiful semi-contemporary building has 2,500 square feet with indoor and outdoor exposure to open courts. The lobby is enhanced with subdued lighting from a raised ceiling.”
The 1960s and 1970s were a time for interesting bank architecture. Trust Company Bank built their circular branch office, designed by Henry Jova, along Monroe Drive and adjacent to I-85 in the 1960s.
The former Tucker Federal buildings at Perimeter Center and Doraville have had different owners and names over the years. Today, the office at Perimeter Center is Georgia’s Own Credit Union. The Doraville branch on Buford Highway is PNC Bank. The Briarcliff Road office stands empty.
Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist
PHOTO FROM “THE STORY OF DUNWOODY,” BY ETHEL W. SPRUILL AND ELIZABETH L. DAVIS
The 1970 Tucker Federal Savings and Loan at the corner of Ashford Dunwoody Road and 2 Perimeter Center East.
County:
Continued from Page 1
Homeowners 65 and older are eligible for a $16,000 reduction if their household income is below $40,000. They also may be eligible for a full exemption in the school general and school bond taxes.
Jarrard said without the summer session, voters would be required to wait until the 2027 session for lawmakers’ consideration. The Homeownership Opportunity and Market Equalization Act requires local legislation for a county’s voters to consider it on their ballots.
“If everybody's focused on it, let's strike while the iron is hot, if you will,”
Andrews:
With 25 of Andrews' titles in a variety of formats available to check out, Sarah Brubaker, FCPL’s programming manager, called Andrews one of the system’s most in-demand adult fiction authors this year.
Jarrard said. “We are setting the stage for the 2027 referendum earlier rather than later.”
The act currently allows for the tax to go into effect Jan. 1, 2028, at the earliest, although that also could change, he said.
“If it's being looked at under the hood in this special session, … that might allow you to have an earlier collection of the penny tax, as well,” he said.
The consideration comes four years after Forsyth County voters narrowly shot down a Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. About 50.19 percent of voters rejected the measure in 2022.
Forsyth County officials estimated the tax would have brought in about $250 million over five years. A new transporta-
Kathryn Stockett, Shelby Van Pelt and Liz Moore, Brubaker said.
tion sales tax would run six years and would bring in an expected $375 million.
Some Forsyth County homeowners said they are interested in the potential savings, which could provide relief as property values continue to rise.
In 2025, Forsyth County said it saw a slightly more than 6 percent increase in its tax digest from increased property valuations.
Steve Reynolds, Forsyth County homeowner, said his family owns about 5 acres in western Forsyth County. His parents purchased the property for $12,000 in 1973. The half he owns is now valued at about $1 million.
Reynolds said he thinks homeowners are required to disproportionately support county services.
“Everybody is having to pay some
of their – quote, unquote – fair share to keep the county,” he said. “We need the government. We need the roads. We need the schools, things like that. But you know, if somebody's just renting, they're not necessarily paying into that.”
Daniel Martin, another homeowner, said he sees the tax as a way to support younger homeowners who receive fewer tax breaks than older residents. The sales tax could potentially incentivize homeowners like him to stay in the county.
He said he has considered moving to another county because of rising property assessments.
“I understand that the government can't function without taxes,” Martin said. “I just don't want to pay any more than I absolutely have to.”
Since 2012, thanks to grants from the Forsyth County Arts Alliance and support of the Library's Friends & Advocates, the Forsyth Reads Together program has hosted such acclaimed authors as
“Readers come not just from the county, but from around the state to celebrate these authors, listen to them speak and get their books signed,” Brubaker said. “Last year marked the first time that FCPL was able to host a second bestselling author in a single year due to a new partnership with Bookmiser and Arts On The Creek. William Kent Krueger visited the Sharon Forks Library in October 2025 to celebrate the release of ‘Apostle's Cove’ to the delight of 300 attendees.”
bringing Andrews to the Sharon Forks Library. Event registration is free, but for $32 attendees receive an autographed and personalized copy of “Road Trip” and, for the first 50 purchasers, priority seating and a photo with the author. Go to forsythpl.org/event/16208378 for details.
FCPL provides numerous opportunities to meet and interact with acclaimed authors year-round through the Forsyth Reads Together and Forsyth Writes Together programs.
as well at its bookstore at 3822 Roswell Road, Marietta. Bookmiser’s co-hosted events have featured, among many others, Fredrik Backman, Brad Thor, Ann Patchett, Delia Owens and Charles Frazier. For more Bookmiser details, go to bookmiser.net.
Arts On The Creek founded the Johns Creek Literary Fair in 2022, with headliners including Rick Bragg, Kristin Harmel and this year’s keynote speaker, Ariel Lawhon, author of “The Frozen River,” who will appear Nov. 14. For more information about AOTC, go to artsonthecreek.org. Continued from Page 1
Emory:
Continued from Page 4
Smith said veterans are highly sought after by companies because of their tested leadership skills.
“I think senior business leaders in Atlanta and the Southeast understand the non-tangible benefits that veterans bring to a team,” Smith said. “The discipline, the values-based decision making, the ability to operate in ambiguous, friction-filled environments.”
Smith adds that Emory offers something that “can’t be replicated.” The nationally ranked MBA program is a pipeline to heavy-hitting companies with military hiring programs, such as Delta, UPS, and Home Depot, all just a few hours from several large military installations.
Staying in Atlanta
That localized corporate demand is part of why many of the 2026 Goizueta veterans are staying in the area. A closer look at the class of 2026 full-time MBA veteran cohort alone (which is different from the MBV) reveals that three-quarters will be working and living in the Atlanta area, including DeKalb and Fulton counties.
This year, the same partnership is
Atlanta native Dan Heckman, an Army veteran and 2026 full-time MBA graduate, landed a job at an Atlanta Fortune 500 company to work in finance and technology. But attending Emory was also an opportunity to put down roots after a decade of service. His young family is living in Roswell, where his wife is from.
Aside from location, Heckman said Emory was the right fit because of the Yellow Ribbon program, which provides government funding to cover remaining school tuition and fees for eligible veterans after the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Heckman said the university’s veteran network had the most impact on his life. He said secondyear students guided students through the recruiting process. They identified companies that value veteran resumes and offered advice during the interview process.
“Alumni in Atlanta working in finance, consulting, defense, and operations, responded quickly to outreach, often because they had received similar help,” he said.
A safety net
Fellow 2026 full-time MBA graduate Sean Titus, a former Army field artillery officer, is living in Brookhaven with his wife, who is originally from Johns Creek. He secured a job at one of the top three
Since 1998, Bookmiser has hosted author appearances across Metro Atlanta
management consulting firms in the world, Boston Consulting Group. Titus joked he could spot his fellow veterans right away because of the “haircuts and Garmin watches.”
But that network served as a sort of safety net for Titus. Like many of his peers, he had to readjust to civilian life. Despite using various veteran employment resources, working in production at an Atlanta concrete plant and later in the supply chain at Home Depot, Titus said he still had impostor syndrome going into business school. “I remember I barely passed corporate finance in undergrad, and (at Emory) that was the second class we ever sat in. I was like, ‘Oh man, I’m cooked.”
For Titus, the past couple of years offered a welcome change of pace, allowing for personal growth. He’s seeing a therapist to better handle that “impostor syndrome,” and addressing his service-related anxiety and mild depression.
“Whether it was in training or on deployment, some of that stuff comes out of nowhere,” he said. “Nothing I saw was horrific, but it comes back and can put you down for a few days, or not make you feel like yourself.”
As stressful as it is to be in a highstakes environment for years, that experience, like leading troops in combat and
being solely responsible for expensive equipment, gives veterans an edge in the business world.
Tyler Fortenberry, a 2026 full-time MBA graduate and former Army armor officer, said that precision under pressure is a superpower.
“You have tanks, you have a limited amount of ammo, you have a limited amount of miles,” Fortenberry said. “It takes millions of dollars to operate this machine for just a few days. There’s so much more depth and attention to detail.”
Fortenberry is living in Buckhead with his wife and is on track to become a Chick-fil-A franchisee.
Many 2026 Goizueta veterans plan on sharing their experiences with the next class. Kimmel is staying connected to the Goizueta MBV program.
“I just want to pay it back to the program and the people that supported me and allowed me to grow,” he said. “It helped me stay positive, stay engaged, and just overcome some of the adversity with trying to figure out what that next career looked like.”
Titus agreed.
“I hope we keep our group chats alive,” Titus said. “I love spending time with these guys … Emory gave us a whole new set of friends, and I really want to make sure we stay in touch.”
Puzzles
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 5, 5 and 4 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!
DOUBLE FIRSTS
1. Cummerbund. Honshu port. De Mille or Morehead.
2. Wanderer. Martin or Cain. Railroad station.
3. Newman or Giamatti. Psychiatrist. Castle part.
4. Musical notation. Smell bad. Dinklage or Falk.
5. Writing on the wall. Redford or Duvall. Threesome.
6. Truman or Belafonte. Sweater eater. Axiom.
7. Cast of thousands film. Like an old mattress. Burnett or Lynley.
1 Cummerbund. Honshu port. De Mille or Morehead.
2. Wanderer. Martin or Cain. Railroad station
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. Newman or Giamatti. Psychiatrist. Castle part.
4. Musical notation. Smell bad. Dinklage or Falk
5. Writing on the wall. Redford or Duvall. Threesome
6. Truman or Belafonte. Sweater eater. Axiom
7. Cast of thousands film. Like an old mattress. Burnett or Lynley
How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
number above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. 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.
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Regional Manager (position in Alpharetta, GA 30005):
Direct yard management for multi-million dollar distribution of products for over 600 customers in the food, hardware, consumer goods, medical and beverage industry; develop and implement plans for trailer movement within high density logistics hubs at customer facilities, from yard to dock and back ensuring seamless transitions for drivers, incoming volume and warehouse capacity; develop and implement training programs for site management in supply chain management, communications and safety compliance; conduct financial analysis to manage P & L reporting and evaluation, overseeing financial performance for over 20 locations; and optimize supply chain processes, driving operational efficiencies.
Must have a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Supply Chain Management or a related field and one year of experience in yard management of highdensity logistics, including process optimization, key performance indicators, metrics, spending, and financial analysis and financial performance management. Domestic travel required 15% of working time. Employer’s HQ is in Alpharetta, GA; periodic relocation and/or travel may be required to various unanticipated work sites in the U.S.
Please submit in duplicate your resume and cover letter referencing position #0138 to: Lazer Spot, Inc. (d/b/a Lazer Logistics), Attn. Candice Mirasol, Chief People Officer, 6525 Shiloh Road, Suite 900, Alpharetta, GA 30005; or cmirasol@lazerlogistics.com. Lazer Spot, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Sawnee EMC is seeking an Associate Vice President, Power Supply to support the Vice President, Power Supply in the development, evaluation, and execution of the cooperative’s power supply strategy. This role is responsible for supporting key initiatives related to load forecasting, resource planning, wholesale power cost analysis, contract evaluation, and long-range portfolio strategy. The position will also contribute to the assessment of power purchase opportunities, market options, renewable and demand-side resources, and emerging large-load requirements, while providing analytical support for executive decision-making and member-focused outcomes. Requires: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Economics, or a related field is required; advanced degree preferred, with a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility power supply, financial analysis, resource planning, rate support, commodity markets, or related areas.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, June 12, 2026 . Apply online: www. sawnee.coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled 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.
Young 5’s/Prek teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. Contact Beth at beth@midwayumc.org.
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.
LAKE KEOWEE,
SC – For Sale
3 Horizon Pointe Lane located in the gated community of Keowee Key. It’s a magnificent post/ beam construction Lake Home (not contemporary) with dock and 280’ of deep waterfrontage. 25’ high cathedral wood ship lap ceiling in the great room brings an airiness to the open living concept. All rooms have expansive Lake Keowee views. 4 BRs, 3.5 BAs, over 5000 sq ft, heated-cooled with 3 zone Geothermal system. Take a drone video tour and interior virtual tour at: www.3horizonpt.com. Click on the 3 bars then “Virtual Tour” after the video. $2.495M. Owner/ Broker: IsaveRealty. WUMLS # 20292262. Call Wayne 864-710-2214 between 10 AM and 8 PM.
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