County extends rezoning pause
► PAGE 4
Voters approve education tax, select Cumming City Council member
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County voters continued an education sales tax and selected members to the Cumming City Council Nov. 4.
The Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax is a 1-cent tax for capital improvements such as new schools, expanding and improv -
ing facilities, purchasing buses and technology and ensuring safe, modern learning environments. It cannot be used for salaries or daily operating expenses.
More than 62 percent of voters voted in support of the tax.
The tax reduces the school dis -
trict’s reliance on local taxpayers, shifting the tax burden onto nonresidents shopping, dining or doing business in the county, the school district said.
Voters have supported the tax each time it has appeared on the ballot.
Cumming voters saw one contested city race on ballots.
Mayor Troy Brumbalow and Post 1 Councilman Chad Crane were unchallenged.
Incumbent Councilman Jason L. Evans won about 73 percent of the vote, beating challenger George Notel II.
Furrowed browsing
Forsyth County tractor show digs up agriculture’s history
By JON WILCOX | jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Jessi Melton’s daughters couldn’t get enough of the tractor show.
After attending the first day, Nashtyn and Hattie Belle begged their mother to leave school early so they could return for a second visit.
“We came last night, and they couldn't wait to come back today,” Melton said.
Melton, her two daughters and thousands of others attended the Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Expo at the Cumming Fairgrounds Nov. 7 and 8.
Perfect fall weather helped attract a steady stream of visitors the final day of the showcase where people mingled, rode on the machines and learned what made them once so integral to Forsyth County’s historically agricultural economy.
Alan Sutton and his grandson Asher Sutton ride a Farmall Super A during the Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Expo at the Cumming Fairgrounds Nov. 8. See TRACTOR, Page 15
— Jon Wilcox
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
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POLICE BLOTTER
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Woman allegedly obtains prescription fraudulently
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated a report of a 41-year-old Cumming woman fraudulently obtaining prescription drugs.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said a Cumming doctor told deputies Oct. 25 a former employee was fraudulently obtaining Ambien from a Freedom Parkway grocery store.
The doctor told deputies the woman recently sent her son to obtain the drug from the grocery store, the sheriff’s office said.
The doctor said she suspects the woman is using the drug for sex trafficking, the sheriff’s office said.
The doctor said she wished to pursue criminal charges.
The incident was classified as a misdemeanor obtaining dangerous drugs by fraud, forgery.
— Jon Wilcox
Chainsaw reported stolen from Cumming home
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated a reported burglary of a Cumming home.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said a 50-year-old Ball Ground man told deputies Oct. 25 he suspected his home was burglarized. The man noticed a broken basement window and a window was pried open.
The man was last at the home Oct. 10.
Deputies cleared the home to ensure no dangerous person was inside.
The man reported a $500 Stihl chainsaw was missing. He could not
provide a serial number.
The incident was classified as a felony forced burglary of a home.
— Jon Wilcox
Pokemon cards worth thousands reported stolen
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Thousands of dollars in Pokemon cards were stolen during a burglary Oct. 18.
Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to a North Main Street trading card shop about 11 a.m. after a burglary was reported there.
A shop representative said they arrived at the shop to find the front door and several display cases shattered.
A surveillance camera recording showed a person break in about 5:40 a.m., break display cases and steal Pokemon cards, police said.
The stolen cards are estimated to be valued at a total of $5,000.
The store representative said the shop’s most expensive cards were untouched, likely because they can be tracked with identification numbers.
The incident was classified as a felony smash-and-grab burglary.
— Jon Wilcox
Nearly $20,000 in meth seized after traffic stop
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested two men Oct. 24 after a traffic stop along Alpharetta Highway (Ga. 9) turned up nearly an ounce of methamphetamine and a firearm in their vehicle.
An officer said he spotted a white Toyota Tundra with a damaged taillight turn off Holcomb Bridge Road and initiated a traffic stop.
The driver of the vehicle, a 27-year-old Lawrenceville man, told the officer that he was driving a work vehicle and handed over his license.
The Toyota truck also had a front seat passenger, a 37-year-old Roswell man, who owns a tree company where
the driver works.
The officer said the driver had two outstanding warrants, one for probation violation out of the Sandy Springs Police Department and another for failure to appear in court for a DUI charge in Fulton County.
Later, the officer said the Lawrenceville man had a suspended license for failing to appear in court Sept. 24.
Once backup arrived at the scene, the officer said he searched the driver outside of the vehicle and found two burnt glass pipes, which are commonly used to consume narcotics.
Officers said they found a loaded black Springfield Armory pistol in the center console with several unloaded magazines inside the vehicle.
While searching, officers said the front seat passenger told them the driver stuffed something under the front seats before the traffic stop.
After finding two baggies containing a white substance, officers said they transported both men to headquarters and placed them in individual cells.
The white substance later tested positive for methamphetamine. With an approximate weight of 27.5 grams, the meth has a street value of nearly $20,000.
Officers said the drug paraphernalia, meth and firearm were placed into evidence.
Officers secured arrest warrants for the driver, including a lighting equipment violation, possession of drug-related objects, possession of a schedule II controlled substance, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
The front seat passenger was charged with possession of drug-related objects and possession of a schedule II controlled substance.
Both men were booked at Fulton County Jail.
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GBI arrests 3 with alleged cartel ties
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest of three men Oct. 31 allegedly trafficking firearms and narcotics in Metro Atlanta for the Cartel Jalisco New Generation in central Mexico.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says the arrests were the result of a lengthy investigation into the criminal drug trafficking organization.
The GBI says its Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad, the Atlanta Police
Department Narcotics Unit, the Sandy Springs Police Department and the Homeland Security Investigations Violent Gang Task Force contributed to the investigation.
Law enforcement arrested and charged Jubenal Farfan Arellano, 52, of Mexico; Omar Flores Mena, 33, of Mexico; and Jose Radilla Maldonado, 29, of Sandy Springs, with racketeering and attempt or conspiracy to violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.
Flores is also charged with Possession of Cocaine and Methamphetamine.
On Wednesday, Oct. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 30, agents and officers executed five
search warrants in Woodstock, Sandy Springs and Atlanta.
Law enforcement seized more than 500 pounds of marijuana packaged for distribution. Nine firearms were also seized.
The investigation alleges that associates of Cartel Jalisco New Generation were working with Metro Atlanta contacts to traffic firearms, marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine.
All three arrestees were booked into the Cherokee County Jail. More charges are expected. Warrants are pending for additional suspects.
See GBI, Page 13
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced arrests and the seizure of more than 500 pounds of marijuana Oct. 31. One suspect is a Sandy Springs resident.
GEORGIA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION/PROVIDED
Forsyth County extends residential rezoning pause
Some claim moratorium damages sale prospects
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Commission approved an extension Nov. 6 of its pause on receiving residential rezoning requests as part of an effort to amend the county’s zoning rules.
The 180-day extension runs from Nov. 6 to May 5.
The decision marks the second continuation of the moratorium first approved in April.
Commissioners enacted the freeze after alarm calls from the Forsyth County School District, which called on the county to control the influx of highdensity residential developments.
School Board Chairman Mike Valdes said in April that Forsyth County continues to add 1,200 students a year — roughly the enrollment of a middle school. This kind of unchecked growth, he said, could force the school district raise property taxes.
Commissioners also have said they
are working to address residents’ concerns about rampant growth and the resulting strain on roadways, infrastructure and services.
During the Nov. 6 meeting, commissioners reviewed changes to the Unified Development Code in residential zoning districts.
The changes include widening landscaping buffers and increasing minimum lot sizes.
Forsyth County landowner Aron Hendrix spoke during the meeting to ask commissioners to reconsider. He said he has had trouble liquidating a property he owns because of the freeze.
“I bought a piece 36 years ago as an investment, and now I’ve got down to where I … trying to liquidate it,” Hendrix said previously. “This is going to shut me down.”
Owners sometimes seek a rezoning to increase their property’s value with prospective buyers who would purchase the parcel for a business, home subdivision or another purpose. Sometimes a sale is contingent on rezoning.
Hendrix said the rezoning pause has made it difficult to sell his property. He asked commissioners to consider lifting the pause on some areas of the county.
“A lot of the local people are really frustrated. They want to cut off a piece of a grandchild,” he said.
Susan Verlander, land developer, said she understands the reasons for the moratorium but added it is having a real effect on development.
Verlander, who is working to develop a 100-acre property into a luxury mixeduse center, said plans have been delayed because of the pause.
The land is currently zoned for lake residential but will need a variety of rezonings to move forward.
“Everything has stopped because high density developers have gotten in numerous times,” she said.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Forsyth County commissioners hear a presentation on changes to the Unified Development Code during a Nov. 6 meeting in Cumming.
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6 | Forsyth Herald | November 13, 2025
Milton teen decorates her own path to success
By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — Art became a healing outlet for Savannah Murray when she was 13 years old. After being bullied by her teacher, she started drawing without ever taking an art class and has since gained recognition as a published, award-winning artist. Now, at 19, Savannah is a business owner, combining her passion for art with the outdoors through her porch-decorating business, Pumpkinful Porch Designs.
“I’ve always been kind of artistic,” Savannah said, “and I always liked the fall and colors of trees. I thought, what can I do with art and something outdoors?”
The inspiration to start her own business sparked from frustration. As a young adult with autism, Savannah struggled to find a job despite her success as an artist and nature photographer. After months of interviews, Savannah’s mother, Theresa Murray, said it was difficult to see her daughter rejected for jobs she was qualified for. She recounted a time when Savannah was turned down for a dog sitting job despite volunteering with horses and being a certified raptor handler.
“It’s been an awakening for her, and she is just so full of pride in herself, knowing that she has the ability,” Theresa said. “She just needed to hire herself because nobody else believed in her.”
No matter where an individual lies on the spectrum, it’s difficult for autistic adults to get a job, Theresa said. Recent estimates from the Autism Society of America found that 85 percent of individuals with autism who have a college degree
are unemployed or underemployed. With those statistics in mind, Savannah set out on a mission to make her business a place where people on the spectrum can feel confident in the workplace.
“I know it’s hard to get a job being autistic,” Savannah said. “I think it would be cool to help other people get a job that
they can do without being judged or having to be perfect at it … and help other people get hired.”
Decorating the porches of five or six homes in a day adds up, and Savannah wants help managing the 8,000 pounds of pumpkins she’s used so far this year. Savannah started preparing for her first year taking clients in June and has decorated more than 50 porches across the metro Atlanta area in 2025, even going as far as Athens to bring fall to customers’ front doors. Each house sparks new inspiration for Savannah as she balances the pump-
kins’ color scheme to make the design flow across the porch.
“It can take her about an hour to do 20-30 pumpkins on a step,” Theresa said. “It takes practice for her and she’s getting better as she goes along with it.”
Savannah hopes to hire teenagers who are on the spectrum to help her transfer materials and coordinate with customers as her business expands. With pumpkin season winding down, she envisions building a brand that will encompass Hollyful – bringing Christmas-themed porch decoration – and Porchful Artistry that will decorate porches year-round.
Theresa said it’s really inspiring to see Savannah’s personal growth, and even more so when they receive messages of how her ambition has inspired children on the spectrum. Theresa said they receive phone calls and emails sharing how Savannah’s story has inspired others and allowed them to recognize that autistic individuals can do anything.
“It’s been really great for Savannah,” Theresa said, “but it’s also heartwarming to know that other people are being inspired by this.”
Savannah’s entrepreneurship has received a nomination for the Star Award at the annual Star Shine Gala hosted by Spectrum, a company providing autism support, education and resources. The award celebrates businesses that employ individuals with autism in metro Atlanta.
“People really do not understand the difficulties of autism,” Theresa said. “I think the world should be a little bit more accommodating to the autistic community because they have so many abilities and it’s being overlooked right now.”
To get in contact with Savannah Murray and add a seasonal surprise to your porch, visit https://pumpkinful.com/ or reach out to 678-706-7897.
THERESA MURRAY/SPECIAL
Goat rental firm turns kids loose at pumpkin contest
By ADAM DARBY newsroom@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Get Your Goat
Rentals held their first annual Goat Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 2-3 p.m. at Dunwoody’s Brook Run Park.
Spectators and attendees were invited to donate any carved or uncarved pumpkins from home to provide the competing goats with their next meal. Roughly one hundred visitors showed their support by attending the first-time competition.
“Everybody seems to be enjoying it, and it is a lot of fun interacting with the community that supports our business so much,” owner Chad Hudgins said. “This is the first annual Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest, and hopefully it grows every year.”
The one-hour event promptly began with a pumpkin-eating contest between the three goats, followed by an opportunity for petting and taking photos with the competitors.
Contrary to the event’s title, the goats were fed actual pumpkins rather than baked pumpkin pie. The first goat to finish eating the inside of their respective pumpkin was declared the Pumpkin Champ.
“[The contest] was a lot of fun,” Hudgins said. “I think next year, we will bring a stage so that everybody can watch them eat a little bit more easily. Hopefully, we can keep growing it from here…I would love to do it year after year.”
Since 2011, Get Your Goat Rentals has provided goat rentals throughout the Metro Atlanta area. Hudgins has served as the business owner for the last five years.
The organization offers residents goat rentals for entertainment purposes during special events, as well as clearing out any unwanted vegetation from their respective properties.
“We rent the goats all over the city of Atlanta and all the surrounding areas,” Hudgins said. “We do all of Dunwoody’s retention ponds. There are 18 ponds total, with three being inside Brook Run Park.”
Hudgins said he hopes to continue growing the business while keeping the pumpkin pie eating contest an annual mainstay within the community.
For more information or to book an initial goat rental, visit their website at www.GetYourGoatRentals.com, call 404-981-8585, or email any inquiries to Info@getyourgoatrentals.com.
Sawnee EMC foundation aids hungry during crisis
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation announced additional financial support to local food banks amid the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds.
The foundation’s board of trustees approved $200,000, the organization said Nov. 6.
Federal food assistance funds were suspended for November with a government shutdown. A Senate agreement Nov. 10 revived funding, but the path from Washington to the dinner table may be sluggish. Since 2003, the foundation has provided money to communities within its service area.
Sylvia
Lundberg, Sawnee Foundation
chairman, said the organization’s mission is to act as a positive force in local communities by helping as many people as possible.
“By assisting local food banks, we can do our part to help bridge the gap for families who are struggling to put food on the table at this time,” she said.
The $200,000 comes from the Operation Round Up program and are not from customers’ energy bills.
Each year, thousands of Sawnee EMC members participate in the voluntary program, which allows them to round up their electric bills to the next highest dollar to fund grants and local nonprofits.
— Jon Wilcox
ADAM DARBY/APPEN MEDIA
Goats compete during the first annual Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest at Brook Run Park Nov. 2, hosted by Get Your Goat Rentals. Young families in Dunwoody came out to watch the goats in action.
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.
The Brilliance of Poison Ivy
If you are one of the 85% of the population allergic to poison ivy, you might feel some resentment, indignation or even dare I say animosity toward this plant. However, the scientist in you might take a moment to marvel at just how effectively it has managed to discourage us from touching it – let alone eating it.
Urushiol is the reason you won’t find poison ivy for sale at the local grocery store or in your Caesar salad. Urushiol is an oil found within poison ivy, and it makes one’s immune system go haywire.
Many plants attack us with thorns, stinging appendages, a hail of coconuts or verbal insults. Not poison ivy. Poison ivy uses our own immune systems against us to pack a delayed but far more powerful punch. The oil of poison ivy is a relatively simple and small ringshaped molecule that can easily penetrate our skin. The oil is so small that it can slip in easily and undetected. Once in our skin, urushiol chemically reacts with and attaches to our own cell’s proteins. In so doing, the oil stealthily plants a flag on our cells that tells our immune system that our own cells are enemies.
Our bodies have a type of white blood cell called a T cell whose job is to circulate and look for viruses, bacteria and other foreign invaders. T cells have proteins on their surface that detect whether what they contact is “self” or “non-self.” In general, T cells assume that “non-self” needs to be attacked. The T-cell doesn’t recognize your own healthy cells as “self” when those cells have reacted with urushiol. Your own T cells start attacking your otherwise healthy skin. Itching, blisters and misery result.
The brilliance of poison ivy’s strategy is that the oil doesn’t depend on a certain protein or certain molecule
being present in our bodies. If that were the case, our bodies might have easily learned how to avoid a poison ivy reaction. Instead, poison ivy oil can theoretically react with just about any protein that your cells contain, and every one of these combinations is going to look different and dangerous to the T cell. It’s a strategy that has defied effective solutions. Once the oil has had time to be absorbed into your skin, your goose is cooked.
When a small molecule can attach to a larger molecule and result in a combination that elicits an immune response, the small molecule is called a “hapten.” So poison ivy oil is a “hapten.” Most examples of haptens are accidental haptens. For example, penicillin is made by certain mold species to help them fight off bacteria. When we use penicillin as an antibiotic, a small number of people will develop an allergy. Rarely, when penicillin breaks down, it reacts with some of our proteins and creates a hapten-self protein combination similar to that of urushiol and a self-protein. But this is not penicillin’s purpose. In contrast, poison ivy oil is a hapten by design. The plant developed a chemical that flags our own cells for destruction and turns our immune system against us.
Scientists are working on a vaccine to poison ivy. A compound similar to urushiol is being studied by researchers at the University of Mississippi and by a company called “Hapten Sciences.” Perhaps one day people can frolic through poison ivy without the next day regret. Until a vaccine comes to fruition, avoidance is your best bet. Learn to identify poison ivy and poison oak. Wash with soap and water immediately and change your clothes if you think you have accidentally had contact with these plants. And if you do develop a rash, your dermatologist is at the ready with effective treatments.
Dr. Brent Taylor
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Recognizing the need for in-home care over the holidays
Brought to You by - Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs
The approaching holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and joy. It can also bring unique challenges for older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those recovering from medical procedures.
Over the holidays we all experience increased social demands, but the hustle and bustle of holiday activities can be overwhelming for those with limited mobility or health concerns. Winter weather and shorter daylight hours may increase fall risks or make transportation difficult for seniors. Disruptions to regular schedules can affect medication management, nutrition, and emotional health. Feelings of loneliness or isolation can intensify as holiday stressors mount, especially for those living alone or far from family.
Here are some signs that can help you understand when support with the activities of daily living is needed to ensure the safety, well-being and happiness of your older loved one.
• Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks: Trouble with cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, or getting dressed may signal the need for assistance.
• Health and Medication Issues: Missed doses, confusion about prescriptions, or noticeable decline in health could mean support is necessary.
• Mobility Challenges: Difficulty moving around the house, using stairs, or increased risk of falls.
• Changes in Behavior: Withdrawal from social activities, mood changes, or increased anxiety and depression.
• Neglected Home Environment: Unkempt living spaces, spoiled food, or piles of unopened mail might indicate that help is needed.
Discussing the need for in-home care can be sensitive. Approach the topic with empathy, focusing on the benefits rather than limitations. Use holiday plans as an opportunity to observe your loved one's needs and gently suggest extra help to make celebrations more enjoyable for everyone.
At Home Helpers we know that inhome care is not just about meeting immediate needs, it’s about creating peace of mind. Aging in the warmth and comfort of home is the preference of most seniors, and care that makes a difference is based on a wonderful match of a skilled, heart centered caregiver and the hands-on attention of a dedicated team with depth and skill. Your caregiver can assist with all personal care, help around the house, accompany you on doctor’s visits and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc.
When home is in an assisted living community, in-home care provides a bridge with immediate response to your care needs if you experience an increased fall risk, changing health condition or need to recuperate from a procedure. Your caregiver can help you remain in the setting and with the friends and lifestyle you want.
We’re here to help, from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 care. For a free consultation, please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.
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Acceptance and compliance
Navigating relationship differences
– Will Goodwin, M.A, Summit Counseling Center
Every relationship encounters moments where one partner’s preferences, habits, or traits don’t perfectly align with the other’s. In these moments, partners often face a choice: Should I foster acceptance for this characteristic, or should I comply with their desire for change? Both paths have benefits—and drawbacks.
The Power of Acceptance
Acceptance means embracing a partner’s differences without trying to change them. Research from the Gottman Institute shows that many relationship conflicts are “perpetual,” meaning they stem from core personality differences that are unlikely to change. In these cases, fostering acceptance promotes emotional safety, reduces resentment, and builds longterm respect.
Pros:
• Reduces unnecessary conflict
• Builds emotional closeness and understanding
• Encourages authenticity
Cons:
• Unmet needs may fester
• Some behaviors (e.g., poor communication, unhealthy habits) may harm the relationship if left unaddressed
The Role of Compliance or Adjustment
Compliance—adjusting your behavior to meet your partner’s preference—can be an act of love and
compromise. It’s often necessary in areas like household responsibilities, intimacy, or shared values.
Pros:
• Shows care and commitment
• Helps meet your partner’s needs
• Can resolve solvable problems
Cons:
• If done at the expense of your authentic self, it may breed resentment
• Over-compliance can create imbalance or loss of personal boundaries
• May inhibit the development of deeper understanding for your partner’s needs
Finding the Middle Ground
Healthy relationships often require both acceptance and adjustment. The key is knowing which differences are core to your partner’s identity—and worthy of acceptance— and which are flexible enough to navigate through compromise. Choosing wisely fosters connection without losing yourself along the way.
Advance directives
Why every adult should have one
Advance directives aren’t just for the elderly or the seriously ill. They’re for anyone who values autonomy, clarity and peace of mind. These legal documents, which include a living will and a healthcare power of attorney, ensure your medical preferences are honored if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself.
Why does this matter for younger adults? Emergencies don’t discriminate by age. A car accident, sudden illness or unexpected surgery could leave anyone temporarily incapacitated. Without an advance directive, loved ones may be forced to make difficult decisions without knowing your wishes—often under immense emotional stress.
Advance directives do more than protect your voice—they protect your family. They eliminate guesswork, reduce conflict and provide a clear roadmap for care. Whether you prefer aggressive treatment or comfort-focused care, documenting your choices means they will be respected.
Anyone you trust to make decisions on your behalf can be your designated healthcare proxy. This person becomes your advocate, aware of your values and
instructions. It’s a role that requires clarity and trust, and it’s best chosen before a crisis arises.
Importantly, advance directives are flexible. You can revise them as your life, relationships and medical views evolve. They’re not just about end-of-life scenarios— they’re about any moment when your voice might be silent.
To get started, talk with your primary care clinician. They can help you understand your options, guide you through the process and ensure your choices are documented properly. It’s a simple conversation that can make a profound difference.
Having an advance directive is not just responsible—it’s empowering. Whether you’re 25 or 75, healthy or managing a condition, now is the time to start the conversation. The best time to make your wishes known is before you need them.
Visit wellstar.org/acp to learn more about advance care planning. To schedule a primary care appointment with Dr. Jignesh Dholaria, visit wellstar.org or call (470) 956-4540.
Brought to you by
GOODWIN
Brought to you by – Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Jignesh Dholaria
DHOLARIA
An
ongoing healthcare partner means more support at every age.
At Wellstar, you’ll find lifelong primary care partners committed to every aspect of your well-being, at every stage of life.
Your primary care team knows your complete health history—with ready access to our integrated system of specialists, imaging facilities, labs and hospitals. We’ll help you get the best treatment, right when you need it. From preventative care and screenings to acute and chronic illness management, the expert clinicians at Wellstar personalize your wellness plan to your unique needs, putting you at the center of your own care. wellstar.org/primarycare
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!
ON THE MENU
1. Icy coating. Low water mark. Squirrel's favorite snack.
2. Panda's dish. Lackluster. Racetrack shape.
3. Spare tire. Beaver's snack. Mountain peaks.
4. Blue whale's dinner. Crayola color. Hawaiian binge.
5. Hot spot. Horse's meal. Extra-large.
6. Pillow covering. Otter's dish. Wall painting.
7. Victory's margin. Bear's feast. Hurl.
1 Icy coating. Low water mark. Squirrel’s favorite snack
2. Panda’s dish. Lackluster. Racetrack shape
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. Spare tire. Beaver’s snack. Mountain peaks
4. Blue whale’s dinner. Crayola color. Hawaiian binge
5. Hot spot. Horse’s meal. Extra-large
A message to college students, part three
We cover politics clinically, not ideologically. So it's not our job or mission to offer policy or political advice.
• But thousands of you asked for thoughts on how college kids — or anyone, really — can truly think differently, or more calmly, about politics in charged moments.
So here are eight clinical, nonideological changes you could make today:
1. Vote. Ya don't get to whine if ya don't get in line — and vote. The presidency, Congress, and many state and local races come down to thousands of votes. So, yes, your vote often matters. Yet outside of presidential elections, most don't even try. The good news: Presidential turnout was roughly 65% of eligible voters in 2024. Not too shabby. But less than half of adults vote in congressional races. Average turnout in state and local races? 15%-30%. A big uprising by like-minded people can literally shape politics at federal, state and local levels.
2. Serve. Less than 1% of Americans
Continued from Page 3
Sandy Springs spokesperson Sgt. Leon Millholland gave Appen Media information about the department’s involvement in the arrests.
“The agencies executing the search warrants were allowed to conduct their briefing the morning of the operation at our headquarters,” Millholland said. “During the execution of the search
go into the military. Our best and brightest aren't choosing government instead. They're going into the private sector, while holding an increasingly sour view of government competence. I can tell you this as someone who started and runs companies: You're only as good as your talent. So unless a lot more talented, well-intentioned people choose service, the country suffers. Somehow, we need to make this prestigious and valiant again. It might take mandatory service programs, but that's not happening anytime soon. So, volunteer.
3. Get informed. I'm horrified by how many people argue about policies or politics without knowing the facts, history or context. Don't Be That Person. Take the time to understand governance based on what you know, not how you feel. Read trustworthy news more regularly, dig a little deeper if you don't understand. Find sources — media, podcasts, friends or family — who routinely demonstrate clinical, fact-based understanding of big issues.
4. Pop your bubble. Take time to understand views or people you oppose — or even loathe. To our liberal readers, watch or listen to hard-core Trumpers like Steve Bannon or Charlie Kirk, and conservatives with more mixed views of
warrants at the residences within Sandy Springs, Sandy Springs Police officers were present to support the executing agencies if needed.”
If someone has information related to drug activity, they are encouraged to call the GBI’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office at (706) 348-7410.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597TIPS(8477), online at gbi.georgia.gov/ submit-tips-online or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Trump like Ben Shapiro or Bari Weiss. To our conservative readers, read or listen to New York Times columnist Ezra Klein, mainstream Democrats like the Pod Save America guys, or proud progressives like Rachel Maddow.
5. Share knowledge, not noise. One massive, easy change all of you can make: Stop sharing stuff you didn't read or authenticate. It's wild how many people share things on social media based on a headline or even one word that juiced their dopamine and rage. Stop! And then start sharing fact-based, useful information that might actually help others better understand the inherent complexities of issues. When in doubt, share nothing.
6. Give yourself a reality check. Take to heart our message that politicians and your social media feed are designed to make things feel more hateful and hopeless than they actually are. Then, realize a lot of social media accounts are bots controlled by foreign countries and other scumbags playing to your worst impulses. Social media is not reality. Put down your phone. Clean up your feed (who and what you follow). Stay alert and clear-eyed when scrolling.
7. Fix your politics diet. We cofounded Politico and Axios, where the vast majority of our traffic and money
comes from people reading political and policy coverage. So my advice might shock you (or rattle our bean counters!): Stop reading so much politics. This stuff used to be boring and consumed in small quantities. Our brains (and mental health) aren't built to marinate in politics all day, every day. Everything in moderation, especially politics.
8. Widen your eyes. Everyone is hopped up about political change. But there are three or four tectonic shifts unfolding that might be bigger and more lasting than today's politics: AI, media, China and birth rates. Take time to read up and think about how AI might be more impactful than the internet ... how media is being shattered into scores of ecosystems, shaping realities based on people's age, profession and politics ... how China represents the biggest threat to America's dominance in a century-plus ... and the consequences of people having fewer babies — not just here, but in most advanced nations.
The big picture: There are clear alternatives to disengaging or doom-sharing. You simply need to choose them.
Jim VandeHei is the CEO of Axios. Let him know what you think by emailing jim@axios.com.
JIM VANDEHEI Guest Columnist
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Tractor:
Continued from Page 1
Tractors of all sizes, shapes and uses were arranged in rows. In one corner was a gas-powered engine used to shuck corn. Near the entrance, the show’s largest machines, steam-powered behemoths, idled.
The smell of diesel and a faint haze of exhaust hung in the crisp air as the rumble of motors hummed in the background.
Like Melton and many others there, Jason Turner grew up around tractors.
“My grandfather used to build tractors and steam engines,” Turner said. “We used to ride around in it in the yard. We loved it.”
Turner said he was enjoying sharing his love for the machines with his son Ezra.
Turner, who works in IT, still finds use for their family’s gas-powered tractor. Ezra said they sometimes use it to haul Christmas and Halloween decorations around their home.
Andrew Gravitt, who was showing a 45 horsepower Case steam engine, allowed Ezra to climb atop the giant machine and pull its steam whistle, which sent a shrill blast reverberating across the fairgrounds.
“That was really cool,” Ezra said, grinning.
Gravitt said he too spent his childhood around tractors. His family has at least three generations of machinists.
The Case, an engineering marvel in the early 1900s, is powered by a wood furnace. Next to its piston, valves sprayed excess hot steam into the air.
“It’s a lot of history, and that’s the fun,” Gravitt said.
Some parts of the machine were lov-
Owners show off their machines
ingly restored, but its engine still works much the same way it did when it was new more than 100 years ago.
“People took good care of it,” Gravitt said.
Josh Hubbard, who helped organize the expo, said the appreciation for tractors and engines has hardly waned since it began in 2001.
He said he thinks many are drawn to the event because of the important role the machines played in Forsyth County.
The area may have changed dramatically over the decades from farmlands to suburbs, but he said he hopes the expo will help keep the legacy of tractors alive.
“It’s tradition and heritage,” he said. “If we don't do it, it'll be forgotten about.”
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PHOTOS BY: JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
during the Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Expo at the Cumming Fairgrounds Nov. 8.
The Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Expo at the Cumming Fairgrounds attracted thousands Nov. 7 and 8.
Tractors are lined up for viewing during the Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Expo at the Cumming Fairgrounds Nov. 8.
