Johns Creek Herald - January 11, 2024

North metro apartments out of reach for new grads ► PAGE 4

J a n u a r y 1 1 , 2 0 2 4 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 8 , N o . 2

Appen Media schedules public ‘Listening Tour’ ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Appen Media’s staff reporters are going on tour for the next several months, and they will be all ears to the public at each stop.

The Listening Tour will allow the community a forum to provide suggestions to the news team on coverage — whether they be stories you wish to see more of, or if there are specific issues you wish to be addressed.

Each of Appen Media’s seven coverage areas will be on the schedule.

The first stop is at Dunwoody Tavern Thursday, Jan. 18. The open-house style event will begin at 4 p.m. and last around an hour.

So, come have a drink, a quick bite, and let’s talk local news.

Listening Tour schedule

1/18 - Dunwoody Tavern, Dunwoody 2/15 - From the Earth Brewing Company, Roswell 3/21 - Sugo, Johns Creek 5/16 - Six Bridges Brewing, Milton ADDITIONAL DATES AND LOCATIONS ARE FORTHCOMING. LISTENING TOUR EVENTS ARE COME-AND-GO, BUT IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RSVP FOR PLANNING PURPOSES, YOU CAN DO SO AT APPENMEDIA.COM/JOIN.

Judge issues ruling against newspaper in open records case ► PAGE 3

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Johns Creek Assistant to the City Manager Olivia Gazda presents a text amendment at the City Council work session Jan. 2 that would accommodate murals on private businesses. Following consensus, the item is slated for the consent agenda at the next regular City Council meeting scheduled for Jan. 22.

Public art poised to make splash among Johns Creek businesses

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — In an effort to promote the arts, the Johns Creek City Council agreed to accommodate murals on private businesses through a policy update.

At the City Council work session

Jan. 2, Johns Creek Assistant to the City Manager Olivia Gazda said the city’s current sign ordinance renders murals an “impossible” installation due to all the constraints.

But, there were initial concerns about the city giving businesses free rein.

Councilman Larry DiBiase asked about the guardrails in place that would

allow the council to deny offensive mural ideas, proposing that there be a set of criteria that pairs with the policy. “... There’s so much subjectivity in art that who’s to say I’m right or wrong, or the artist is right or wrong?” DiBiase asked.

See ART, Page 22

2 | January 11, 2024 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

POLICE BLOTTER All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

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Car reported stolen from apartment lot

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man reported to police Dec. 29 that his yellow 2017 Dodge Charger had been stolen from his apartment parking lot on State Bridge Road.

The man told police the vehicle had distinctive markings, like black “392 Hemi” emblems on the front left and right as well as a missing Scat Pack emblem from the front of the vehicle. He also told police there was a scrape on the front left lower fender area.

Police checked the Flock system, which revealed that the vehicle passed through Brookhaven on Executive Park Drive at around 4:30 p.m. that day, and requested that Brookhaven Police check the area.

Man defrauded of funds by phony VFW official JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man reported to police Dec. 31 that he had been scammed out of more than $6,100 by an alleged coworker and commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The man, 84, told police that he had received an email from someone claiming to be the commander of the VFW, an organization he had been involved with.

The man said the emails requested that he obtain several gift cards in various amounts for VFW because the sender was “attending a meeting” and “was not able to take phone calls,” according to the incident report.

The man agreed to assist and obtained gift cards from CVS, Walgreens and other locations, totaling more than $6,100, the report states.

PUBLIC SAFETY The man told police he was promised a check for the amount of the cards and was instructed to send photographs of the front and backs of the cards to corresponding email addresses, which he did.

The man was later told the real commander was unaware of the request, the report states, and that he had been fooled because the emails had the VFW seal in the heading.

Tennessee teen arrested for speeding, no license JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested an 18-year-old Murfreesboro, Tennessee, man for speeding at 61 mph in a 45 mph zone on State Bridge Road Dec. 31.

When police conducted a traffic stop on the driver at around 7 p.m., they discovered he did not have a valid driver’s license and placed him under arrest, the incident report states.

The passenger, who was the registered owner of the vehicle, told police he was not aware the driver was unlicensed.

Police transported the driver to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta on charges of speeding and driving without a valid driver’s license.

Orlando couple charged with theft at Home Depot ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested a couple from Orlando Jan. 3 after a Home Depot employee reported they took merchandise without paying.

The employee provided officers with photos of the suspects and their vehicle when they arrived at the Home Depot on Woodstock Road around 2 p.m.

Officers said they were able to locate the pair in their vehicle on Woodstock Road near Roswell Area Park.

While officers spoke with both suspects, they noticed merchandise they believed to have been stolen from Home Depot in the rear of the vehicle.

Both suspects were identified, officers said.

After the vehicle was transported to

ASK APPEN

the Police Department, officers obtained a search warrant.

Inside the vehicle, officers found $1,252 worth of merchandise from Home Depot.

A small amount of marijuana was found inside the female suspect’s purse.

Officers said warrants were obtained for the arrest of both suspects, who were transported to North Fulton County Jail.

Records from Fulton County show the suspects were charged with felony theft by taking.

The female suspect was released Jan. 4.

Police find illegal drugs following traffic stop ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested a 27-year-old Marietta man Jan. 4 after a traffic stop for tinted windows turned up controlled substances in his car.

An officer said he conducted a traffic stop on a Chevy Malibu traveling west on Old Holcomb Bridge Road.

The suspect was informed his window tint was the reason for the stop, the officer said.

While speaking with the suspect, officers smelled an odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. After calling for backup, police then conducted a search of the vehicle.

Officers found 4.6 grams of methamphetamine, 1.16 grams of cocaine and 3 grams of marijuana in the suspect’s vehicle.

Because of the packaging of the meth, an officer said he believed it was intended for distribution.

A field test of the cocaine and meth returned positive results, an officer said.

The suspect was transported to North Fulton County Jail, where he was medically cleared and placed in a holding cell.

Officers said warrants were obtained for window tint violation, possession of meth with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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NEWS

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | January 11, 2024 | 3

Judge rules against newspaper in records case

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmedia.com ATLANTA — A Fulton County Superior Court judge has ruled that the Sandy Springs Police Department is not violating the Georgia Open Records Act by providing – for the most part – onesentence narratives on its initial crime incident reports it makes available to the public.

Judge Kimberly Adams ruled Dec. 22 that Appen Media had failed to prove that it is unlawful for the department to withhold supplemental information about a crime that police file in a subsequent report, often on the same day and gleaned from the same initial visit to the scene.

Appen Publisher Hans Appen said he plans to appeal the ruling.

“Judge Adams correctly cites state Supreme Court precedent that initial incident reports should be disclosed to the public, but fails to address the loophole that Sandy Springs creates for itself by writing multiple reports,” Appen said. “Common sense is that any information gathered by a responding officer to a scene is the initial incident report, regardless of when that officer actually writes his report or the number of reports he writes. We are confident the appeals court will recognize this tactic for what it is and reverse.”

The Georgia Open Records Act maintains that all public records are open for public inspection, but it does make exceptions. Medical information, Social Security numbers, the names of confidential police informants and a host of other privileged material is protected from disclosure. The law also provides some latitude for materials surrounding ongoing police investigations. However, initial police crime and incident reports are required to be made available to the public.

Appen Media, which publishes six weekly newspapers including the Sandy Springs Crier, filed suit in May arguing that the Sandy Springs Police Department is in violation of state law by not providing full initial incident reports to the public and the press when requested.

For over a year, the paper has pushed the department for more details about calls its police officers have been dispatched to investigate.

In most cases, the agency has returned the requests with one-sentence narratives stating when and where police were dispatched to and, usually, for what reason. Unlike incident reports provided by police agencies in surrounding jurisdictions, the Sandy Springs reports lack details on the

nature of the crime, an accounting of reports are handled separately.

Editor’s note: Patrick Fox is managproperty damage, injuries associated Sandy Springs has maintained ing editor for Appen Media. He has with a crime, whether any arrests were that the detailed, supplemental poplayed no role, offered no testimony, made, and whether any suspects have lice reports contain information used in the litigation of Appen Media’s been identified. for investigative purposes and would, case against the City of Sandy Appen Media’s suit alleges Sandy therefore, be exempt from disclosure so Springs up to the time of the Dec. Springs prepares this information in a as not to compromise investigation and 22 ruling. separate document which the city then prosecution of a crime. withholds from release.

In a statement issued Dec. 27, SanAs part of its court case, Appen correct in its assertion that [the Sandy dy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul praised Media cited guidance from the current Springs Police Department’s] practice the court ruling.

“A Law Enforcement Officer’s Guide to violates the spirit of the Open Records “The court determined the City Open Records in Georgia,” prepared Act.” of Sandy Springs fully complies with and endorsed by the Georgia Attorney Even so, Adams wrote that testithe law,” Paul stated. “We believe our General in conjunction with the Geormony in a deposition by Sandy Springs policy balances the right of citizens gia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Police Capt. Norm Vik, explained that, to access essential public information Sheriff’s Association, Georgia Assowhile the short-form report and morewith the need to preserve the integrity ciation of Chiefs of Police, Prosecutdetailed supplemental report may be of criminal investigations. We are gratiing Attorneys’ Council of Georgia and completed at the same time, the two fied the court agreed with us.”

Georgia Press Association.

The guidance document states that “initial incident and police arrest reports are subject to the Act’s disclosure requirements, regardless of whether they are part of an active investiga2023 2023 tion. Additionally, any report, whether entitled a ‘supplemental report,’ ‘narrative report,’ or similar document name ND NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL WELCOMES that is produced as part of an initial incident report or can be characterized A 2ND LOCATION TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD as such, is likewise to be disclosed.”

Carl Appen, director of Content and WE OFFER A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDING: Development for the publishing comFamily Practice Internal Medicine CRABAPPLE Health and Wellness Care pany, argued that the incident reports provided by Sandy Springs Police • Anxiety • Gynecology • Insomnia • Osteoporosis Department “usually include a one-line • Chronic Fatigue • Heart Disease • Insulin Resistance • Weight Gain sentence stating that the responding • Depression • High Cholesterol • Metabolic Syndrome • Thyroid Disease officer is responding to a call . . . the of Crabapple • Diabetes • Hypertension responding officer will then prepare a ‘supplemental report’ that includes the A Northside Network Provider additional information the responding officer learns while on scene responding to the initial call.”

He said those supplemental reports, Dr. Samantha Benson 875 Mayfield Road often completed the same day as the Kaavya Chivukula, MD Cheryl A. McGowan, MD Hannah Cummings, FNP-C Samantha B. Benson, MD Milton, GA initial report, are not being made availJohns Creek Only Milton Only Johns Creek: Tues.,30004 Thurs.

Johns Creek: Tues., Thurs.

Milton: Mon., Fri. Milton: Mon., Fri. able.

Appen’s suit centered on whether P: 678-474-9633 this second document, typically prepared by the officers using information obtained at the scene, is considered Dr. Cheryl McGowan part of the initial incident report.

In December 2022, Georgia AssisYianna Manolakis, Heather Menees, Michelle Hall, DNP, Samantha Lewis, FNP-C FNP-C FNP-C FNP-C Johns Creek: Tues., Thurs., Fri. tant Attorney General Jennifer ColanMilton Only Johns Creek Only Johns Creek Only Milton: Wed. gelo said it is.

Replying to a request from the media company, Colangelo stated: “A common-sense interpretation of ‘initial incident report’ is that anything written at the same time as the first part of the report is part of the initial incident CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT! report.”

Internal Medicine Associates Internal Medicine Associates Appen Media used the message as of Crabapple of Johns Creek supporting evidence in its suit.

875 Mayfield Road, Building A 3380 Paddocks Parkway But Judge Adams ruled that the Milton, GA 30004 Suwanee, GA 30024 Scan to be directed to the website 678.474.9633 guidance document and Attorney 678.474.9633 General’s assessment Appen cites is www.imacrabapple.com | www.imajohnscreek.com not the law, “although [Appen] may be

COMMUNITY OF CARE A COMMUNITY OFACARE IN CRABAPPLE IN CRABAPPLE

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4 | January 11, 2024 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

St. James UMC to hold annual MLK holiday remembrance ALPHARETTA, Ga. — St. James United Methodist Church in Alpharetta will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. community service and unity walk at 10 a.m.

Jan. 15.

The service will feature Fulton County Probate Court Chief Judge Kenya Johnson, who will speak on the theme “Leaving Your Legacy” inspired by Proverbs 13:22.

Following the service, guests are invited to join in a unity walk from the church at 3000 Webb Bridge Road to Alpharetta City Center.

Church staff said the annual fellowship event brings the community together to celebrate the principles of equality, justice and service that King represented.

— Shelby Israel

More online For more community news and events visit appenmedia.com.

NEWS

North Metro Atlanta apartments cost big for new grads

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — If you’re a fresh college graduate, finding an affordable apartment in north Metro Atlanta might just feel like a wild goose chase.

Let’s say you just got a job in Alpharetta. It’s your first professional job, and you’re excited. You ideally want to live there for a quick commute because you’ve heard about the traffic in and around Atlanta — it could take 45 minutes just to drive a dozen miles.

So, you begin looking for one-bedrooms in Alpharetta, because you’re an adult and you’re tired of living in college housing where roommates have too many people over, live in a pigsty and don’t pay their rent on time.

But, after searching, you start sweating. The price ranges are a little too high for your new salary — way better than working retail but not really good enough to afford living on your own in Alpharetta.

A search on Apartments.com yields a one-bedroom in Alpharetta for $1,300, but you realize it’s for people ages 55 and over. Okay, okay,

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there’s another with no age requirement for the same price, but you keep looking anyway — you probably need something less than $1,100.

Like other Georgians under 25 years old, you make around $40,000 a year in your entry level job, and that’s about $20,000 less than the median income of residents of Alpharetta, a city that was ranked the most expensive city to live in Georgia, according to Zumper’s “Atlanta Metro Report.”

You’re not the only one facing this conundrum — Metro Atlanta’s 20-34 age cohort by population ranks seventh in the nation, according to the Atlanta Regional Commission.

Cities in a 10-mile radius are a little cheaper — still not within a realistic price range, but eating ramen every day is worth the peace to you, and your parents don’t mind cosigning for a place that requires you to make triple the cost of rent a month.

There’s a “newly renovated” onebedroom in Roswell for just over $1,200. The area also doesn’t look all that great, after getting a Google Street View, but you have a lot of trust in the world, and you read the reviews anyway. They’re mixed — “awesome” customer service, but

some of the units are infested with bugs and mice, with complimentary pictures.

Next.

You search Sandy Springs, a little bit farther down the road but not bad. You find a one-bedroom for the same price as the one in Roswell, and you’re jazzed about the inunit washer and dryer. Again, more positive reviews, but the black mold catches your eye.

A last ditch effort is North Fulton is Johns Creek, but the cheapest one-bedroom is $1,400 — impossible to afford even with a ramen diet, your older brother tells you.

You conclude you need a roommate or two, because you have to consider your other expenses – power, internet, water, health insurance, gas and groceries, and you want to live in a place where you won’t regret a 12-month lease. Having a life would be nice, too — maybe you want to go see a movie or a performance every now and then.

So, the roommate search is on with a new Roomies account and memberships to six different Metro Atlanta housing Facebook groups, to find a suitable stranger to live with amid all the scammers.

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | January 11, 2024 | 5

Appen Press Club presents

Listening Tour 2024

Reporter-Led Event Series Seeking Story Feedback and Ideas

Dunwoody – Thurs. Jan. 18, 4–5pm Open to the public and FREE to attend!

YE OLDE DUNWOODY TAVERN OTHER UPCOMING LISTENING TOUR 2024 DATES & LOCATIONS: February 14th

From the Earth Brewing Company (Roswell)

5488 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. Dunwoody, GA 30338 DunwoodyTavern.com | (770) 394-4164

TO RSVP

RSVP is not required but appreciated.

Visit appenmedia.com/join to let us know you are coming.

March 21st

Sugo (Johns Creek)

April 18th TBD

May 16th

Six Bridges Brewing (Milton)

June 20st TBD

July 18th TBD

TO JOIN

To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level.

Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

6 | January 11, 2024 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

NEWS

Truist Bank plans to close 8 branches in Georgia

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Truist Bank customers in Georgia may have to find a new brick-and-mortar branch by March 2024.

There are six branches closing throughout Metro Atlanta, including the Dunwoody Place Publix branch in Sandy Springs. The other shuttering branches are in Dalton and Macon.

Appen Media reached out to the Truist Newsroom and its media relations team for comment.

A spokeswoman for Truist, Stephanie Leney, said clients were sent a letter in mid-December announcing the financial corporations’ decision to shutter eight branches in the state.

Truist Bank will keep over 200 retail locations throughout Georgia.

The letter also notified clients where they can bank at the next nearest location.

On average, clients across the United States will have access to a branch about 2.5 miles away from ones that are closing. In Georgia, clients will have access to a branch less than 2 miles away, Leney said.

In case a client missed the letter, shuttering branches have posted notices and teammates have been trained to assist with questions.

“Except for clients who have a safe deposit box, clients won’t experience any changes with their accounts through this transition,” Leney said.

The 15 million Truist clients across 17 states and the District of Columbia will still have access to more than 1,900 branches and 2,900 ATMs after March 2024.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist Financial Corporation was formed after the merger of SunTrust and BB&T in December 2019.

Truist is the largest bank in Georgia by total deposits.

“As more clients choose to bank with us digitally,” Leney said. “We’re closing 4 percent of our branches across our retail footprint in March 2024 based on several factors including client behavior, branch traffic, and transaction volume.”

While some clients prefer in-person service, Truist has chalked up the decision to close branches nationwide as a response to client’s evolving preferences.

After a vast majority of banking services became available digitally during the COVID-19 pandemic, many clients have preferred to bank online.

“These decisions create additional opportunities for investment in our digital capabilities,” Leney said.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

The Truist Bank branch at the Dunwoody Place Shopping Center will continue to operate until March 2024. The branch will close along with seven other locations in Georgia as a part of Truist Financial Corporation’s effort to close 4 percent of its branches across its retail footprint.

Truist Bank branches closing in Georgia

• Gresham Road Branch: 2434 Gresham Road, Suite B Atlanta, GA • Dalton Eastside Branch: 2500 East Walnut Avenue Dalton, GA • Dunwoody Place Publix Branch: 8725 Roswell Rd, Suite G Sandy Springs, GA • Atlanta Financial Center Branch: 3353 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA • Centennial Place Branch: 523 Luckie St NW Atlanta, GA • Camp Creek Branch: 3790 Princeton Lakes Parkway SW Atlanta, GA • Riverdale Crossing Branch: 7575 Highway 85 Riverdale, GA • Pio Nono Branch: 3625 Pio Nono Ave Macon, GA One priority after the merger of SunTrust and BB&T was to address largescale branch overlap and achieve $1.6 billion in annual net savings by early 2022, bank executives said in 2019.

The bank said it eventually hit its goal in January 2023.

During the Barclays Global Financial Services Conference in early September, Truist CEO Bill Rodgers said the bank’s cost-savings program will reduce its workforce and aims to cut $750 million over the next 12 to 18 months.

Truist has not announced the extent to which it will cut jobs at the shuttering locations throughout Georgia.

Rodgers also said the cost-savings program is a response to Truist’s lackluster financial performance postpandemic.

At the same time Truist is closing locations in Metro Atlanta, Fifth Third Bank was granted a conditional use permit for a drive-thru facility at 6420 Roswell Road Dec. 19.

Jeffrey Wagner, vice president and regional real estate director of Fifth Third Bank, said the company has selected downtown Sandy Springs as a target area for their expansion into Metro Atlanta.

NEWS

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | January 11, 2024 | 7

Swatting’ call targets state official after fake Capitol threat

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Georgia Secretary of State Chief Operating Officer Gabriel Sterling said his family was targeted by a phony 911 call Jan. 3, only hours after a bomb threat hoax at the State Capitol.

The alleged incident follows numerous reports nationwide of “swatting,” the practice of summoning authorities to a person’s home with false reports of a crime.

“My family has now joined the ranks of those who have had their home ‘swatted,’” Sterling posted on X around 7 p.m. Jan. 3. “We should all refuse to allow bomb threats and swatting to be the new normal.

911 got a call saying a drug deal gone bad, resulted in shooting, at our home. Everyone is OK. But this is wrong.”

Sandy Springs Police Department

did not provide the initial incident report, which is a public record. A spokesman for the department provided the case number for the incident and said he had nothing further to add. Nor did the department confirm any details.

But, Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Leon Millholland said there was no SWAT involvement.

Sterling’s post follows similar reports of swatting from elected officials nationwide.

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s ex-husband Perry Greene, a Milton resident, reported someone called police to his residence Dec. 27 under false claims of an armed suspect.

Marjorie Taylor Greene reported multiple swatting calls at the end of December.

Around 8:30 a.m. Jan. 3, Sterling also posted about the bomb threat at the Capitol, which caused a delayed opening.

The Georgia Department of Pub-

lic Safety confirmed the Capitol hoax threat originated from an email that was sent to an employee.

“A search was conducted, and an all-clear was given,” Public Information Officer Courtney Floyd wrote in an email to Appen Media. “It is our understanding that this was sent to multiple states.”

Floyd said the all-clear was given at 8:57 a.m.

The Associated Press reported other states, including Connecticut, Montana, Mississippi, Minnesota, Kentucky, Michigan, Maine and Hawaii, saw similar threats at state offices.

Attempts to reach Sterling for comment were unsuccessful.

Support Local News appenmedia.com/join

7506 Wilderness Parkway Big Canoe, GA 30143

bigcanoeanimalrescue.org 706-268-1346

This is Dunkin!

Facts About Me Breed: Italian Greyhound Mix Color: Tan & White Age: 3 1/2 years old Weight: (Current) 17 Lbs Sex: Male My Info Prefers a household with no cats or dogs Shots current/Healthy Chipped & Neutered House Trained My Story Hi - My name is Dunkin!

I’m a 3 ½ -year-old Italian Greyhound mix, Tan & White, short haired male, weighing 17 lbs. who is looking for love and human companionship!

How would I describe myself – I luv to play ball, cuddle, watch TV and I’m always up for a belly rub. I’m a little shy at first but I warm up fast and I luv my humans. I would make a great buddy.

Dunkin is looking for a home where he can be King of the Castle! He does well with kids and adults but likes a peaceful home as an only child!

This is a courtesy post through BCAR. Please contact Gene Pennington @ giantsfan0330@gmail.com or bigcanoeanimalrescue@gmail.com for further information.

No electric fences, please. All pets are placed as indoor pets only.

You can visit our residents every Saturday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (706-268-1346) or by appointment. Thank You .

Just opened?

Appen Media publishes New Business Spotlights to highlight local businesses as they get started. Submit yours for free at appenmedia.com/newbusiness.

8 | Johns Creek Herald | January 11, 2024

Brewery will pour efforts into Sandy Springs facility

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Pontoon Brewing is set to reopen its Sandy Springs taproom this week after two months of closure.

In a Dec. 31 Instagram post, the company said it would permanently close its Tucker location to focus on its original operation at 8601 Dunwoody Place in Sandy Springs with more limited and selective distribution.

In October, Pontoon co-founders Sean O’Keefe and Marcus Powers announced the brewery was temporarily closing because of distribution troubles. “… Due to one of our main distribution partners not paying us for our product, we are faced with a dire situation and are forced to temporarily close our doors while we find a new partner or buyer for the business,” O’Keefe and Powers said in a joint statement. “Our employees mean the world to us and it’s not fair to have them work for us while we are not certain we will be able to pay them.”

Both locations closed Oct. 28 with no definitive word on future plans.

Pontoon Brewing opened in 2018, marking Sandy Springs’ first brewery.

FILE PHOTO

Pontoon Brewing at 8601 Dunwoody Place in Sandy Springs has announced it is reopening this week. The brewery has been closed since October following the loss of its previous distribution partner.

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AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | January 11, 2024 | 9

Calendar

JAN.11 — JAN. 21

POP-UP PERFORMANCE SERIES: LAYLA MUSSELWHITE

What: Layla Musselwhite, a New Orleans-based singer-songwriter and slide guitarist, will perform. Ticket cost includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

When: Thursday, Jan. 11, 7 p.m.

Where: Mimosa Hall, 127 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell Cost: $35 More: roswellartsfund.org/popup

TONY THOMAS: ‘SCENES FROM MY TRAVELS’

What: See original drawings and paintings by local artist Tony Thomas, including of the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Multnomah Falls and Devils Tower National Monument.

When: Until Jan. 12, business hours Where: Community Gallery at City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

MLK JR. ART & FILM CELEBRATION

What: This free, family-friendly event will feature interactive art projects and a film designed to celebrate, educate, and share the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. When: Monday, Jan. 15, 1 p.m.

Where: Studio Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs More info: sandyspringsga.gov/ mlk

MARIO THE MAKER MAGICIAN

What: Mario “the Maker Magician” Marchese, who infuses DIY electronics and robotics into his work, will perform. He has appeared on “Sesame Street,” NBC’s “Universal Kids,” HGTV and on David Blaine’s 2018 North American tour.

When: Saturday, Jan. 13, 11 a.m.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell Cost: $12 More info: roswell365.com

A NIGHT WITH DADS 2: THE DADDENING

What: Comedians from Dad’s Garage, an improv comedy theater, will perform.

When: Saturday, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: $15 to $28 More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

MLK JR. DAY OF SERVICE

What: Join Dunwoody on this eighth annual day of service with projects across the city.

When: Monday, Jan. 15, all day Where: Locations across Dunwoody More info: dunwoodyga.gov

MLK JR. ART & FILM CELEBRATION

What: This free, family-friendly event will feature interactive art projects and a film designed to celebrate, educate, and share the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. When: Monday, Jan. 15, 1 p.m.

Where: Studio Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs More info: sandyspringsga.gov/mlk

JESSE COOK

What: An accomplished guitarist and prolific filmmaker, Jesse Cook composed his first album “Tempest” more than 25 years ago, playing all the instruments. His compositional style mixes flamenco with everything from classical and jazz to zydeco, blues and Brazilian samba.

When: Friday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m.

Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT! It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people, whether online, through our newsletters or in the Crier and Herald newspapers.

Cost: Tickets starting at $47.10 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

TALKING TECH WITH BILL NUSSEY

What: Bill Nussey, partner at Tech Square Ventures and Engage and author of “Freeing Energy,” will speak about clean energy and the history of computers in the Computer Museum of America’s “Talking Tech” speaker series.

When: Saturday, Jan. 20, 2-3 p.m.

Where: Computer Museum of America, 5000 Commerce Parkway, Roswell Cost: $10 to $15, free for museum members More info: computermuseumofamerica.org

PORTRAIT SOCIETY OF ATLANTA EXHIBITION

What: The Portrait Society of Atlanta presents its annual member

To promote your event, follow these easy steps:

1.

2.

3.

4.

exhibition.

When: Until Jan. 20, business hours Where: Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street, Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

LYRICS AND LAUGHS

What: Join this comedy show, featuring award-winning comedian Rita Brent as the co-host, along with Griff from the “Get Up! Morning with Erica Campbell” morning show. There will be performances by comedian Rodney Perry, seen in “Coming 2 America” and Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” comedian Cocoa Brown from BET’s “Comic View,” as well as musical guests.

When: Sunday, Jan. 21, 6 p.m.

Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: Tickets starting at $65 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

Visit AppenMedia.com/Calendar Provide the details for your event including title, description, location and date Click the red button that reads “Create event” That’s it! Submissions are free, though there are paid opportunities to promote your event in print and online.

10 | January 11, 2024 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

Sponsored Section 10 | Johns Creek Herald | January 11, 2024

Make health your habit in 2024 Brought to you by- Wellstar The start of a new year is a great time to focus on your health. While many people like to reset their health goals in January, Wellstar providers partner with patients year-round to help them feel their best.

Partner with a Wellstar provider When it comes to your wellness goals, staying healthy starts with a visit to your Wellstar primary care provider.

“Your primary care provider will collaborate with you to create a customized care plan and recommend screenings based on factors such as your age, gender and family history,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Cristina Dasoveanu. “Regular screenings can help you stay ahead of issues and catch any health concerns early.”

Find a primary care provider near you at wellstar.org/primarycare.

Know Your Foundational 4 Your provider will take your Foundational 4 numbers, a few screenings that identify risk factors for some health conditions such as heart disease.

• Blood pressure. A blood pressure test helps diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.

• Blood glucose level. The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood can indicate the onset of diabetes or risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

• Blood cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, can indicate clogged arteries, which may lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

• Body mass index (BMI). A higher level of body fat may indicate an increased risk for heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.

Get moving to stay well If you’re focused on improving your fitness routine, put a plan in place to be more active.

“Begin to incorporate a little more exercise into your daily routine,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Jeremy Boyd. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a suggestion of 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week. I like to break that down to a good 40 minutes four times a week.”

Set a sleep routine Decide on a specific time to go to sleep—and stick to it. Make sure you reserve at least seven to nine hours per night for sleep.

Limit your screen time before getting in bed. Bright screens from a phone, computer or TV can keep your brain awake and make it harder to fall asleep.

Eat a balanced diet Nutrition plans that restrict or eliminate food groups and those with extreme calorie deficits are difficult to maintain and can often produce more weight gain or undesired results.

A healthy nutrition plan is balanced and emphasizes whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, nuts and seeds, and whole grains. Focus on starting with small changes like filling half your plate with vegetables or trying new recipes.

Take care of your mental health Self-care is an important aspect of your mental well-being and should be made a consistent part of each day.

If you feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, Wellstar behavioral health specialists are here for you. Find a provider at wellstar.org/behavioralhealth.

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 11, 2024 | 11

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

12 | January 11, 2024 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

Thank You for Voting for Us 9 Years in a Row! WINNER

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As the new year approaches and many are looking at what insurance coverage to select, you may be wondering if you should add dental benefits to your plan and which company to choose. Every person begins the search for a new dental healthcare provider for various reasons. Perhaps you moved to a new area or even your dentist moved, or maybe you had a bad experience and no longer trusted your dentist or felt valued as a patient. Whatever the reason for the search, once someone begins looking for a new dental healthcare provider, they will find a wide selection of practices.

But not every practice is the same. This will help shed some light on some key differences in “insurance-driven” dental practices versus fee-for-services dental practices.

An Insurance-Driven practice is a dental practice that is “in-network” with many different dental insurance companies. While there are many kinds of Insurance-Driven companies, there is one central pilar upon which they are all built on: their contract with the insurance company dictates what procedures will be covered (ex. you want a white filling, but your insurance will only pay for a silver filling) and how much they will get reimbursed (or paid) for those procedures. Many insurance companies have not increased the amount they will pay towards a procedure in years, regardless of inflation of the economy. To make up for these lowered reimbursements from insurance companies, Insurance-Driven practices often are forced to see a higher volume of patients. This usually comes

at the expense of the patient, whether it be their time, comfort, or relationship with their dental provider. The high-volume demand for these practices unfortunately affects the quality of dental work received by patients.

A Fee-for-service practice differs from an Insurance-Driven practice in that it is often either in-network with select few insurance companies or no insurance companies. This allows the dental practice to set their own fees, which means those providers have the luxury of building a relationship with their patients and the time to perform well-done procedures that a patient needs, not dictated by a third party.

How does this affect YOU? Bottom Line: Whoever sets the fees will ultimately contribute the quality of care and amount of time allotted for each patient.

Here at Roswell Dental Care, incorporate the best parts of both practice models. We are a fee-for-service practice but file and make the most out of your out-of-network insurance benefits. This allows us to set our own fees and make the time in our schedule to properly care for our patients.

Drs. Hood and Urvi at Roswell Dental Care understand and customize treatment for each person. We assure you will feel confident in the solution you choose before beginning any treatment.

For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE nitrous oxide. You can rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding on many levels. Give our office a call at 770.998.6736, or visit us at www.roswelldentalcare.com, to begin your journey to happy and pain-free oral healthcare!

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 11, 2024 | 13

Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery • Medical Dermatology Vein Care • Cosmetic Services

Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist

Insist on the BEST

Graffiti microbes strike again Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta Microbes like bacteria and fungus are increasingly brazen in announcing their presence. Gone are the days when you could count on bacteria to behave and exist silently in nooks and caves like one’s nose or colon. Instead, bacteria and fungi are increasingly loud, proud, and making their presence known.

Take pseudomonas, for example.

This bacteria is a frequent colonizer of the toes. When pseudomonas gets in the toenails, it produces a pigment called pyocyanin that can stain one’s toenails green. Pyocyanin acts as a form of chemical warfare. It can kill other bacteria and help ensure that pseudomonas is the top dog at the tips of your toes. Zwitterions are molecules that have positive and negatively charged regions. Such bipolar molecules can often cross cell membranes easily and wreak havoc on the competing bacteria or cells that they enter. Green and mean, pyocyanin is the Incredible Hulk of our list.

Next in our lineup of graffiti artists is Hortaea werneckii. Nobody knows how to pronounce this. If they claim that they do, they are both lying and showing off.

H. werneckii is famous in the dermatology world because it can mimic melanoma. This fungus is a black or brown mold that infects the surface of the skin.

It likes sweaty cool places and usually infects the palms or soles. It begins as a small black or brown spot that gradually enlarges forming an increasingly large

brown or black patch. When a dark spot keeps getting bigger, one’s first instinct is to worry about melanoma, but this fungus can often be painlessly scraped away easily with the edge of a scalpel blade without ever cutting the skin. In contrast, the pigment of melanoma cannot simply be scraped away.

Other bacteria are staining the world pink. Serratia is a common bacteria that can cause a pink ring around a bathtub or shower drain but can, in rare instances, colonize one’s armpits or groin.

Towels and clothing can become stained pink when they contact affected skin.

According to a case report in a reputable medical journal, a man infected with Serratia sought treatment at a dermatology clinic because his wife disliked the effect that he was having on their towels.

He only chose to seek treatment after his wife locked him out of their bathroom.

Amazingly, these examples are just the tip of the iceberg. Bacillus cereus can cause your sweat to be blue. Yet corynebacterium might be the wildest of the bunch. This bacteria can infect people’s skin as patches that are otherwise nearly invisible but that fluoresce coral-red under a type of black light called a Wood’s lamp: a sort of UV patchwork quilt.

If you have a new or changing (perhaps colorful) spot, consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs and Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor, Kathryn Filipek, PA-C and our wonderful team are honored to take care of you and your family.

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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 18 years experience as a Dermatology PA. We are excited to welcome her, as she brings with her experience in general dermatology 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.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

14 | January 11, 2024 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

Dental membership programs Brought to you by – Dr. Bradley Hepler, Atlanta Center for Dental Health Just like the American Express commercials, “Membership Has Its Privileges.” Dental membership programs are a subscription service where patients pay an annual or monthly fee and receive complimentary preventive hygiene services and discounted pricing on additional services. If you don’t have employer paid dental benefits, a dental membership plan is often the most cost-effective way of receiving the preventive services that you need each year to maintain a healthy, disease-free mouth.

A dental membership program, like Plan for Health at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health, includes: • No Deductibles • No Yearly Maximums • No Claim Forms • No Pre-Authorizations • No Exclusions • Immediate Eligibility • Simplicity More than dental insurance, Plan for Health is a yearly membership program

with lots of benefits designed to meet your individual needs. The Plan for Health includes 3-4 professional dental cleanings per year, comprehensive, periodic, and emergency dental exams, all dental radiographs as needed, fluoride treatments, and discounts on dental treatment. Call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health for more information. We

are devoted to helping as many people as possible.

The Atlanta Center for Dental Health is a team of exceptionally talented professionals dedicated to providing comprehensive oral healthcare for the health and happiness of our patients, their families, and our community. We are committed to providing a lifetime of

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Prevention is key. Much of dental disease is preventable. Do you have a Plan for Health?

Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide all the modern advances that contemporary aesthetic dentistry offers. You will realize immediate results with non-invasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile restoring options, please call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health at 770-992-2236. Dr. Bradley Hepler has spent many hours dedicated to perfecting and updating the latest and best techniques in dentistry. It is with this breadth of knowledge that we provide each patient with the perfect solution to their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

Read Local, Shop Local Read at appenmedia.com/business

AppenMedia.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 11, 2024 | 15

It’s time to rest: 5 types of rest to add into your routine Brought to you by - Bailey Little, M.Ed., Licensed Professional Counselor at Summit Counseling Center Whenever we are facing a season that can bring with it times of busyness and activity, it can also be a great time to prioritize rest. We all may think of different things when we think about rest. Rest can look different for different people depending on their personality, their stage of life, and even their mood in the moment.

Let’s take a look at 5 different types of rest that we can consider incorporating into our lives.

Physical Physical rest is probably the type most of us call to mind first. Whether it looks like setting aside an afternoon for a nap, going to bed a little earlier, or sleeping in because there are no school or work obligations to tend to, physical rest can help rejuvenate the body. You may benefit from physical rest if you notice yourself feeling fatigued throughout the day.

Mental Mental rest means taking a break from the constant mental stimulation that bombards us in our modern world. Resting mentally could look like taking a technology break, practicing mindfulness activities such as meditation or breathing exercises, or watching a light, fluffy tv show or movie.

You may benefit from mental rest if you find yourself feeling stressed out or overwhelmed.

Emotional Although it may sound counterintuitive, emotional rest can include various ways of expressing and pro-

cessing our emotions, such as journaling, talking with a close friend or family member, or listening to music that relates to our mood. You may benefit from emotional rest if you find yourself experiencing emotions that don’t fit the situation or feeling burnt out.

Social How we rest socially depends heavily on our personality type, with a particular emphasis on introversion and extraversion. For some, resting socially means taking some time alone, while for others it may look like spending quality time with close friends or family. You may benefit from social rest if you find yourself dreading your typical social patterns or feeling disconnected from your closest relationships.

Spiritual Resting spiritually can include a variety of personal spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, or time in nature, as well as corporate spiritual practices such as attending a worship service or volunteering for a cause that is meaningful to you. You may benefit from spiritual rest if you find yourself feeling uninspired or lacking purpose and meaning in your life.

After reading this list, take a moment to pause and reflect on what type of rest you most need to incorporate in your routine this week, this month, and during this season.

Embrace a healthier you this year!

Visit summitcounseling.org to schedule an appointment, attend an event, or explore other ways to get involved.

Together, we can make a difference!

16 | January 11, 2024 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

OPINION

PRESERVING THE PAST

Cowbells are part of U.S. and world history Archeological evidence of bells dates back some 5,000 years when pottery bells were used in China and Africa to track goats, sheep and cattle. Bells have long had spiritual meaning. Tolling of BOB MEYERS bells for the deceased Columnist is an ancient custom.

Since church bells were located closer to heaven, they were thought to have special powers.

Cowbells are generally associated with Switzerland. The largest Swiss bells can weigh more than 10 pounds and can exceed 113 decibels. The constant ringing discourages predators, such as bears, and helps locate cows. However, there is some concern about the negative effect of heavy, loud bells on cows’ wellbeing and research is being done in this area.

Bells, and cowbells in particular, were once big business in the United States. At one time, 30 bell manufacturers thrived in the small town of East Hampton, Connecticut. Founded in 1832, Bevin Bells is the last remaining company exclusively making bells in the United States.

The family-owned enterprise makes most of the bells that Salvation Army bell ringers use. A Bevin bell opened and closed the New York Stock Exchange for seven decades before the exchange switched to an electronic bell. Children jumped with joy when they heard the friendly bell of the Good Humor Man, and many prize fighters have been relieved to hear a Bevin bell announce the end of a round.

CiCi Bevin, great, great, great granddaughter of Philo Bevin who co-founded the company with his three brothers is the firm’s Chief Operating Officer. She says that cowbells are “hugely important to the company.” They are the third most important product Bevin Bells makes today. Cici says that in Atlanta the Southern Territory of the Salvation Army is one of her company’s largest customers and notes that Bevin Bells attends the American Mart Gift Show in Atlanta every year.

Cowbells and music Cowbells have played an important role in music. Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss used modified cowbells in some of their compositions. The modern cowbell is hand-held or mounted on a drum and is used in Latin American and rock music. Its shape differs from traditional cowbells, and it has no clapper.

half of which have cowbells mounted on their drum sets.

Cowbells and Sports The practice of making noise with cowbells at sporting events may have originated in 19th century baseball games which were often played in cow pastures. Cowbells were easy to obtain from grazing animals. Today they are common at football stadiums. Mississippi State University has a long tradition of fans using cowbells. Foot races such as New York and Boston Marathons, ski racing and mountain bike racing are known for fans’ enthusiastic use of cowbells.,

PHOTOS BY BEVIN BELLS

This is an old Bevin cowbell that has been on display at the factory for many decades.

It was probably created as a marketing tool. It is made of steel as are all Bevin bells.

A wagon takes a shipment of bells from the Bevin Bells factory in East Hampton, Connecticut, to the local railroad depot in 1915.

Philo Bevin, together with his three brothers, founded Bevin Bells Company in 1832 in East Hampton, Connecticut.

Today it is the only bell-making company remaining in the United States.

Cuban musicians mounted bells on timbales, small, shallow drums joined together as a pair. Dizzy Gillespie began popularizing the instrument in the U.S. the 1940s, but it was Tito Puente (19232000) who really brought Latin music to America. Puente was a flamboyant New York born percussionist who was known

as the King of the Timbales.

The 1960s and 1970s were the heydays for cowbells and rock music. Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re an American Band” in 1973, the Chambers Brothers’ “Time Has Come Today” in 1966 and earlier Dale Hawkins’ “Susie-Q” in 1957 are examples.

Today percussionists such as Tommy Lee from Mötley Crüe, Alex Gonzalez with Maná, Carl Perazzo with Santanna, Lenny Castro with Toto and Sheila E. who played with Prince, use cowbells. Listen on YouTube and see if you can hear the bells. According to Joe Hofer of LP Music, one of the largest manufacturers of percussion equipment in the United States, there are more than 500,000 percussionists in the U.S. from high schools to rock bands, about

Local situation Cowbells have not been used much with cattle since the advent of global positioning system (GPS) tracking collars, but some folks have memories of the past. Barry Mansell, who lives on a farm in Alpharetta, put a cowbell on a horse named Cappy a few years ago so her blind companion horse Nell could always locate her and avoid running into trees and fences. Both lived long retired lives well into their 30s.

Billy Martin, retired long-time president of the North Georgia Cattleman’s Association, remembers that as a young boy growing up on a large cattle farm in Arkansas the lead milk cow wore a cowbell so other cows would stay near her.

That made milking much easier. Over the years as commercial dairies developed, the practice by farmers of producing their own milk for personal and local consumption gradually faded away.

Oksana Solovei of Milton recalls as a child growing up in Moldova spending her summer school holidays visiting her grandfather in Ukraine. He had three cows, one of which tended to wander.

Oksana remembers hearing the cowbell that her grandfather put on the wandering cow to keep track of her when he brought the cows home from pasture every afternoon.

Dr. Lee Jones, retired veterinarian from the University of Georgia Extension, says that local cows do not wander in large pastures during the summer like they used to. Due to the effect of summer heat, large operations keep dairy cows comfortable in tunnel ventilation barns. Smaller operations use fencing to contain their cows.

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | January 11, 2024 | 17

Casting long shadows over the generations One of the favorite columns that I have written was about H.V. Appen, my grandfather. I wrote it in 2005. Without getting into the column too much, what instigated my writing it was a call RAY APPEN I got from a stranger Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com one day who – on a chance – saw my name in the phone book (they used to publish phone directories prior to cell phones – remember?) and called me to see if I possibly could be related to H.V. Appen. I said yes, and he told me he wanted to thank me for the kindness that my grandfather had shown him just after the end of WW II – around 1946 or 47 – in Poland. Grandfather was there, serving as an engineer as part of the Marshall Plan reconstruction effort. So, the person who called me was thanking me for something that H.V. had done to help him almost 75 years ago.

Now, speed up to 2023, another 30 years or so after I got that call. My son Hans (named after H.V.) forwarded to me a short note from a reader who lives in Roswell:

“Your grandfather, H.V. Appen, and my grandfather, Sam, worked together on Wolf Creek Dam in Jamestown, KY, and remained lifelong friends through their retirement. I do recall him mentioning Mr. Appen and he wrote about him in his memoir, that my mom keeps meaning to publish.”

Wolf Creek Dam was built between 1941 and 1950. Wow. I guess I should stop being surprised when these reminders and anecdotes keep popping up about my grandfather – other people’s memories about a time and a man from so many years ago. I know that after I am gone, outside of my children and grandchildren, no one is going to remember me, much less talk about me like this. They just aren’t. And I am OK with that, I guess. But what is it about a person – what characteristics about a person is it that so endears one to others?

Loyalty comes to my mind – and integrity. If H.V. was your friend, you knew that he would be there for you, no matter what. If you needed help, he would help you if he could. He was a man of principle, and you knew that his beliefs and values were not for sale – ever – and that they would not change when circumstance changed; they were

predictable, and they were constant. To him, there was “right” and there was “wrong” and not much – if anything – in between. So, if you were wrong, he would call you on it – no matter who you were. If you were right, you knew you could count on him to have your back.

If you pulled your weight, you had his support. If you didn’t, there would be hell to pay. He took charge and he led. If he had been in a war – which he wasn’t – he would be the guy walking point on patrol or the one who volunteered for a particularly dangerous mission because he knew no one else would. But heaven help you if he was on point and you didn’t hold up your end.

He was generous. After the war, he sent money to support his brother and family living in Chile. When his brother started a shipping company (cargo ships, port services) he offered H.V. half ownership to thank him. H.V. turned it down. When he gave, there were no strings attached. He gave because it was the right thing to do – and only for that reason. Even today, after that shipping company turned into a worldwide conglomerate with over 100 ships and offices all around the world, I doubt he would have given a second thought to have turned down

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!

Into the woods with the threat of rain “So what do we do if it rains?”

We are standing in the driveway, and we’re trying to fit 97 cubic yards of camping technology into 2.5 cubic yards of available cargo space. Isn’t that what the TV ads STEVE HUDSON Columnist call it? “Available cargo space”?

Uh huh. That’s basically a euphemism for oddly shaped pieces of enclosed air.

The secret to packing for a wilderness expedition, I am learning, is pretty much the same as the secret to life. It’s all about mastering the art of fitting things in.

We’re getting better at this packing-forcamping thing too. At this point we are, after all, veterans of two (count ‘em, two) successful live-in-the-tent-for-a few-days excursions, which is to say that we didn’t get eaten by bears.

We ate well, though. I told you about the pan-fried potatoes and onions, and she says that she has elevated things substantially for this, our next foray into the wild.

On the menu, if I am reading the ice chest right, are shrimp scampi and marinated

filet mignon and, for breakfast, homemade sausage gravy over skillet-fried biscuits (and of course more potatoes and onions).

Yes, and for sure: If you think it through even a little bit, life on the frontier can be cozy indeed.

First, though, I’ve got to get this cooler into the car. It’s like a giant 3-D Tetris game, and at stake is no less than some really fine campsite cuisine.

“What if we leave that extra tarp at home?” she asks. “Would that help?”

Well, it might. A little. But not enough.

Besides, there remains that weather report – and that question, which she asks again, gently.

“What will we do if it rains?”

For seasoned campers, rain is just one of those things you have to deal with, like recalcitrant air mattresses or the occasional yellow jacket. But we are not yet fully seasoned in this brave new living-in-theoutdoors world.

Enthusiastic? Yes! But seasoned? Only lightly, with the merest pinch of experience and outdoor wisdom. It’ll come, of that I’m certain. It’s coming as we speak. But it ain’t here yet, and so the forecast is…concerning…

It’s a fair question, and of course there

are only two possible answers: stay dry or get wet.

The makers of our tent have assured us that the former will be the case. “Keeps you dry in floods and deluges, even those of Biblical proportions!” the package proclaimed, or words to that effect, and if you can’t believe the package then can there any truth at all?

So we should feel secure, no matter what, but there’s that matter of meteorology.

“Expect rain,” the TV tells us again.

“Your area may experience showers...”

Eventually, defying the laws of physics only a little bit, I get everything into the car.

Thirty minutes later we’re headed north, and by mid-afternoon we arrive at our chosen place in the untamed wilderness, Happy Holiday Campground in Cherokee, N.C. Our hosts are welcoming and encouraging as they lead us to our site, which is snuggled close against Soco Creek, whose clear waters dance and sing as they splash over rocks and riffle through runs and just generally provide the perfect counterpoint to all that is good and true.

Our tent goes up easily. The cooking

See HUDSON, Page 20

interest in the company.

It puzzles me, though, why people still remember him. These individual values that he lived by are not so uncommon. Perhaps it is the combination of so many values and priorities all wrapped into one person that makes the difference. I have only known a few people like him. Builder Tom Cousins comes to mind. So does Christina’s and my best friend, Dr. Ivan Backerman, who recently died.

Now that I think about it, it is also possible that the reason they are remembered is because they made such an impact on so many people’s lives.

They changed other people’s lives for the better by helping them help themselves and by setting an example of a life well-lived. They played hard; they worked hard; they achieved, and they earned what they got. And they expected those around them to do the same. They made the world a better place than how they found it, and they improved the lives of those around them along the way.

Perhaps the reason that their shadow still lingers is because it is not actually their shadow that we see, but the shadows of the people whose lives they changed and improved.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Rushing around really hit home To the editor, I would just like to thank Ray Appen for his recent article "What's the Rush?" I read his articles all the time, especially when he was doing "The Appalachian Trail." The one this week was so meaningful to me because we are in the midst of downsizing – home, stuff, so many memories! Your article made me realize that with all my rushing around I was not focusing on enjoying these last few months of our beautiful home that we have loved for many years. So, thank you for your wisdom to relish every moment we are given each day. And to let that darn car push in ahead of me!

Joy Ross Alpharetta

Opinions Appen Media aims to present a variety of views in its opinion pages. Send your thoughts, questions and letters to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

18 | January 11, 2024 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

OPINION

THE INVESTMENT COACH

2024: A year of transitions, timelines and future resolve ing around off of a highway in West Virginia. Dan lived in Charlotte, N.C., as did his dad. Dan quickly found out that you don’t drive up and check a loved one into a care home as one might a Holiday Inn. Dan died too young of brain cancer, but his book is still available from Amazon and other book sellers. I told Dan that the CARE Model is excellent in framing a conversation about the rigors of aging, but the conversational construct − Challenges, Alternatives, Resources, Expectations − is appropriate to any life transitions conversation, indeed, the overall planning model! Dan was a good friend, a creative thinker, and I miss him.

Another factor that can derail a resolution is a “fuzzy goal.” If you say things like, “Maybe I’d like to lose weight, or go to Paris, or buy a second home,” you really haven’t decided to do it. Only when you say “I will do such-in-such” and follow it up with a plan for execution, such as saving the money required to meet the goal, a financial plan, or a health plan, or other plan of action, do you have a solid goal.

It’s January, 2024. Did you make the same resolutions in 2023, but failed to follow through? The year 2034 isn’t that far away. What is your “Next Ten” plan?

Lewis Walker, CFP®, is a life centered financial planning strategist with Capital Insight Group (CIG); 770441-3553; lewis@capitalinsightgrp. com. Securities & advisory services offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA), which is otherwise unaffiliated with CIG. Lewis a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).

APPE

for everyone in your family, all of those who depend on you or may do so in the future, everyone you care about. Closely held business owners should draw timelines for partners, key people in your business, potential successors. “Life transitions timelines” are a wakeup call. The older you are, the more you realize how fast time gets past us. Just like yesterday, it was 2014, and “partying like its 1999” even further back.

Prince died in April, 2016, at age 57.

Once you have your timelines, for yourself and those you love and care about, think about the next 10 years and potentially 10 years beyond that.

What challenges do you see, both positive or negative? What challenges do you face currently, or those potentially emerging in the short- or long-run? What must you do to attain a certain goal or to solve a problem?

How do life events for those who depend on you play into challenge scenarios? Getting married, buying a first home, paying for educations for children, career development, skill enhancement, dealing with aging issues for you or loved ones such as parents or grandparents? Janus dealt with endings as well as beginnings.

Divorce, separations, death of a loved one, disability or caregiving needs may be a challenge.

The initial phases of a guided financial planning scenario involve getting your story, understanding how you got to where you are, your current situation and where you wish to go in the future. For every challenge, the next step is to determine what alternatives exist to meet a given challenge. Next, what resources are needed to power the best alternative, perhaps financial capital, or human capital, or some other specialized resource? Lastly, given the challenges, alternatives, and resources brought to the fore, what are your expectations? What would like to experience?

What outcome is desired?

The CARE Model comes from the 2006 book written by a friend of mine, The Parent Care Conversation: “6 Strategies for Dealing With the Emotional and Financial Challenges of Aging Parents,” by Daniel Taylor.

The first inkling Dan had relative to his elderly dad needing care is when the police found his father out of gas, dazed and confused, wander-

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The month of January is named for Janus, the ancient Roman god of beginnings, transitions, gates, time, duality, doorpassages, LEWIS J. WALKER, CFP ways, frames and endColumnist ings. He was deThe Investment Coach picted as having two faces, one looking backward at the past, and one looking forward into the future.

And so it goes. We look back at 2023 and taking stock as to where we are, ponder what took place in our lives and that of loved ones and others, contemplations prelude to resolutions and goal setting for 2024 and beyond.

New Year’s resolutions are a tradition, but researchers indicate that only 9% of Americans actually follow through and complete them. According to the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University, 23% of people quit their resolutions by the end of the first week and 43% quit by the end of January. If the gym is overly crowded, wait until February.

It’ll be back to normal.

A financial plan is a resolution of a sort but it takes a commitment to move forward and a guided process for plan formulation and actualization. Effective planning requires a monitoring process to track progress, along with periodic course corrections and changes to deal with the vagaries of life. Janus dealt with transitions and life transitions are a fact of being from the moment we came into the world at birth.

Put a dot on a piece of paper, and under the dot write your name and date of birth. Extend the dot slightly upward on the paper to another point, a dot with 2034 written underneath. Mark your age in 2034, 10 short years from now. Extend the line further up to another dot, with 2044 underneath it, marking your age in 20 short years. You have created your personal “life transitions timeline.” In 10 short years, a 24-year-old will be 34, and 10 short years after that, 44.

A 51-year-old will be 61 in 10 years, 71 in 20 years. The 75-year-old will be 85 and then 95, God willing.

Create life transitions timelines

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Dunwoody Crier 1/11/24 Crossword

OPINION

PAST TENSE

Franklin Garrett, Atlanta’s official historian – Part 1 Franklin Garrett, whose life spanned 1907 to 2000, has often been referred to as “Atlanta’s official historian. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and came to Atlanta VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF with his parents Columnist and sister in 1914.

From the time he arrived in Atlanta, the events of his life helped him become an expert on the places and people of the city. (“Atlanta History: A Journal of Georgia and the South,” Spring 2000, “Franklin Garrett, Sept. 25, 1907-March5, 2000, A Tribute”) The Garrett family settled on 13th Street near Piedmont Park, and Franklin attended elementary school at Tenth Street School. He maneuvered around Atlanta on his bicycle and by trolley. He recalled taking the trolley to Oglethorpe University, which he described as “considered on the far urban fringe.” He walked from the trolley stop to Silver Lake.

Garrett attended high school at Tech High, graduating in 1924. While in school, he worked at Marshall’s Drug Store. After graduating, he worked at Western Union.

He began collecting city directories, and one day in 1927 entered the law office of Eugene Mitchell, asking to see the firm’s directories. Mitchell founded the Atlanta Historical Society in 1926 and was the father of Margaret Mitchell who wrote “Gone with the Wind.”

Eugene Mitchell invited Garrett to join the Atlanta Historical Society.

In 1939, he began a 28-year career with Coca-Cola Company, and in 1942 he became president of the Atlanta Historical Society. His career was interrupted by World War II, when he was called to serve at Fort McPherson inducting new recruits.

Garrett wrote two volumes of Atlanta history, titled “Atlanta and Environs, a chronicle of its people and events,” published in 1954. He wrote the text for these two books, which total 2,034 pages, on yellow legal pads with a pencil. Volume I begins with a brief section of Native American history, moving into the 1820s through 1870s. Volume II covers the 1880s through the 1930s. Volume III was published by Harold H. Martin in 1987 and includes the years 1940 through 1970.

Beginning in 1930, Garrett began riding his bicycle all over DeKalb and Fulton County recording the names and details of those buried in cemeteries. Sometimes he was able to identify unmarked graves by talking with local citizens.

This cemetery research is a significant collection of data useful to historians and genealogists, however it is limited by Garrett’s concentration on White males who were buried in the Atlanta area up until Dec. 31, 1931.

Garrett spoke to the Sandy Springs Historic Research Committee and Dunwoody Oral History Committee in 1994. Attendees included Ethel Spruill, Glenn Austin and Bill Wynne, co-chairman of the Sandy Springs committee.

Garrett told the group, “One thing led to another and my interest in Atlanta has never failed or slowed down.” He also gave the group advice on the collection of oral history. (Video recording. Franklin Garrett presents to Sandy Springs and Dunwoody group, 1994, Dunwoody Preservation Trust archives) He told his audience how he rode his bicycle to the Sandy Springs Methodist Cemetery on April 17, 1931, and recorded the names and details of the burials. He said Arlington Cemetery was just one lot adjoining Sandy Springs Methodist Cemetery at that time.

DeKalb County historian and author of “History of DeKalb County, 18221900” Vivian Price knew Franklin Garrett and saw him speak. She recalls, “He personified the phrase ‘walking encyclopedia’ He was a tall, imposing man and had a quiet, courtly bearing, but he was always approachable. I can still hear his rumbling bass voice.”

Marc Hayes of Brookhaven also saw Garrett speak and met him at a book signing in Atlanta. Hayes recalls hearing Garrett on WSB radio with his “Stump Garrett” program, where Atlantans called in with questions about local history with hopes that Garrett might not know the answer. He usually knew not only the answer but plenty of additional details.

More on “Stump Garrett” and Garrett’s love of railroads in the next Past Tense.

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.

PuzzleJunct

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | January 11, 2024 | 19

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1 Actor Kilmer 4 Egg-shaped 17 18 16 8 Skewer 21 22 23 19 20 12 Apiary 25 26 27 28 24 13 Lucy’s mate 14 Unnatural 29 30 31 32 33 16 Celebes dwarf 37 38 34 35 36 buffalo 17 Vipers 40 41 39 18 Coral reef 45 46 42 43 44 19 Fibbing 21 Crease 48 49 47 23 Opposed 50 51 52 53 54 24 Stale 25 Ajar 58 59 60 61 55 56 57 27 Bird of Minerva 64 65 66 63 29 Scientist Sagan 62 30 Hawaiian dish 68 69 67 31 Fmr. Chinese 70 71 72 leader 34 Wagner heroine Copyright ©2023 PuzzleJunction.com 37 Extroverted 10 Golf club 67 Bearberry 40 Behave 39 Extinct bird 68 Terminated 11 Slant 43 Turk. title 40 Insect 12 Nimbus 69 Hawaiian 44 Zero 41 Afr. perennial volcano goddess 15 Samuel’s 45 Male offspring 42 Courtliness teacher 70 Sob story 46 Boundary 45 Tranquil 71 Congers 20 Prod 49 Tree decoration 47 Distress signal 22 Debatable 72 Time zone 50 Drag one’s feet 48 Empty 26 Before (Prefix) 51 Strainer (Abbr.) completely 28 Hairpiece 52 Contests 49 Wool weight 29 Sabot 53 Canted Down units 30 Place 54 Tennis player 50 Paycheck 31 Track event Sampras 1 Floor covering (Abbr.)

32 Soon 2 Circumvent 55 Residue 51 Warble 3 Gaunt 33 S shaped 56 Footwear 52 Breach molding 57 Ms. Fitzgerald 4 Harem room 55 Assist 34 Roman date 59 ___ d'amore 5 Watercraft 58 Cut of meat 35 Aria 6 Poplar tree 61 Slangy negative 60 Maternal 7 Actress Bonet 36 Lyric poems 63 Grain 62 Energy type 37 Singleton 65 Some dads 8 Body of water 64 Writer Truman 38 Paddles (Abbr.)

9 Floral leaf 66 Leave out

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20 | January 11, 2024 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

GARDEN BUZZ

OPINION

Seeking input from our valued Garden Buzz readers Greetings, gardening enthusiasts!

So much has happened since Appen Media initiated the Garden Buzz column in mid-January 2023!

To date, 53 weekly columns have been written by 22 guest columnists, including Master Gardeners and UGA Extension Fulton County staff.

LEE TANENBAUM Guest Columnist It's time for us to turn the spotlight on you, our beloved readers of the Garden Buzz columns. We truly appreciate your continued support and engagement with our content, and we value your opinion greatly. Today, we are reaching out to gather your feedback and insights to further enhance the value and benefit of our columns.

Please take a few minutes to share your input by answering the questions online at https://forms.gle/ z1kMWx8qojHipEkZ6 or emailing northfultonmastergardeners@gmail.com. We are excited to hear from you and look forward to implementing your suggestions to make the Garden Buzz columns even better!

4. Have you noticed any improvements or positive changes in your garden as a result of implementing the suggestions from the Garden Buzz columns?

We are curious to know if our columns have shaped your gardening perspective or if they have encouraged you to explore new ideas and techniques. Your insights will help us measure the impact of our content on our readers.

1. How often do you read the Garden Buzz columns? How do you access the columns?

We would love to know how frequently you engage with our columns as well as how you access the columns. Your response will help us gauge the readership and adapt our content accordingly.

7. Have the Garden Buzz columns helped you troubleshoot and solve any gardening problems or challenges you were facing?

Gardening can be full of unexpected hurdles, and we want to ensure our columns offer effective solutions. Your examples of overcoming challenges with the help of our articles will encourage us to continue providing practical advice.

2. Have you found the Garden Buzz columns to be engaging and enjoyable to read? Have the Garden Buzz columns provided you with valuable information and insights for your own gardening endeavors?

Your input regarding the usefulness of the content is invaluable to us. Understanding how the columns have impacted your gardening journey will guide us in delivering more relevant and beneficial articles.

3. Do you feel that the Garden Buzz columns provide practical and applicable advice that is relevant to your specific gardening needs? Have you successfully implemented any of the tips or suggestions from the Garden Buzz columns in your garden?

We are eager to learn about your experiences in implementing the advice we provide. Your success stories will inspire other readers and motivate us to continue sharing practical and actionable tips.

Hudson: Continued from Page 17 tent does, too. I even manage to assemble our brand-new “Camp Kitchen, Some Assembly Required” with no serious bodily injury and only one or maybe two exclamatory words.

By golly, the basics are all in place.

This is starting to look pretty good.

“You know,” she says, “I think we need a few things. Could you run get them

5. Have you discovered any new plants, techniques, or tools through the Garden Buzz columns that have enhanced your gardening experience?

We strive to introduce our readers to innovative plants, methods and tools. Your feedback on the specific discoveries you have made through our columns will assist us in curating content that fosters exploration and growth.

6. Do you find the Garden Buzz columns to be wellresearched, with credible sources and references?

We take pride in providing accurate and reliable information. By sharing your thoughts on the reliability of our columns, you will help us maintain the quality and trustworthiness of our content.

Learn more about the North Fulton Master Gardeners

• linktr.ee/NFMG • https://nfmg.net/becomeMG.html • facebook.com/northfultonmastergardeners • twitter.com/NFMGardeners • youtube.com/northfultonmastergardeners • instagram.com/northfultonmastergardeners • https://nextdoor.com/pages/north-fulton master-gardeners-inc-princeton-me/

About the author This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Lee Tanenbaum, a master gardener since 2011. Lee has served as NFMG’s Communications Co-Chair for Publicity and Marketing as well as the Interim Chair of the NFMG Gardening Education Team. Lee is a retired speech-language pathologist and public health professional, a mother of three, and a grandmother of nine. Lee loves to garden and travel, especially with her grandchildren.

10. Overall, how would you rate the value and benefit you derive from reading the Garden Buzz columns on a scale of 1 to 10?

Your overall rating of the Garden Buzz columns will give us a clear understanding of the impact our content has on your gardening journey. We appreciate your honest feedback and suggestions for improvement.

8. Do you feel that the Garden Buzz columns cover a wide range of gardening topics, catering to different levels of gardening expertise?

We strive to cater to the diverse gardening community. Your perspective on the variety of topics covered and the inclusivity of expertise levels addressed will guide us in maintaining a balanced and inclusive approach.

11. Are there any specific topics or areas of gardening that you would like to see covered more extensively in the Garden Buzz columns?

Your feedback will shape the future of the Garden Buzz columns. We are dedicated to creating content that adds value to your gardening endeavors and enriches your connection with nature. Your thoughts, insights and suggestions will guide us in tailoring our articles to meet your needs and preferences.

Happy Gardening!

9. Do you share or discuss the content of the Garden Buzz columns with fellow gardeners or friends who are interested in gardening? Would you recommend the Garden Buzz columns to other gardening enthusiasts?

Your opinion regarding the shareability and discussion potential of our columns is invaluable. It will help us understand the social impact of our content and reach a wider audience.

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified

by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more about NFMG at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/opinion/ columnists/garden_buzz/.

while I finish up the tent?”

Surveying the campsite one more time, and nodding to myself that this is going just fine, I climb into the car and drive into town. I return after an hour or so.

I park and get out and turn toward our campsite – and then I stop in my tracks, speechless.

There is the tent, still orange and white but no longer just a box made from utilitarian outdoor-grade nylon. Instead, it has been transformed into an exotic palace in the woods, with tiny lights strung inside and woven multicolored rugs on the floor.

The air mattress is inflated and all made up, with pillows and a comforter and even two end tables fashioned from the plastic tubs.

There’s a glass of wine on the picnic table, which is set with tablecloth and fancy plates, and a fire is laid in the fire ring.

“I told you I was a nest builder,” she says.

Later, after a little fishing and some supper (the shrimp scampi was delicious, possibly the best she has ever made) we sit by the fire and talk in that easy, effortless way. We talk of life…and of loving

life…and of life lived in love.

About ten o’clock, just as predicted, it starts to rain. At first it’s just a mist, just enough to make a tiny pitter-pat against the rain fly of the tent. Then it picks up.

And then it pours sure enough.

The deluge continues all night – all night long – but we are dry, and warm, and safe, safer than ever before.

After a while I drift off to sleep, wrapped in the music of that rain on the tent, and I rest in the joy of the unexpected fulfillment of dreams I didn’t even know I had.

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | January 11, 2024 | 21

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Art: Continued from Page 1 City Attorney Richard Corothers said it’s more difficult to regulate content, and Councilwoman Erin Elwood, who practices law, later cautioned against suppressing First Amendment rights.

Referencing the City Council’s walking tour of Greenville, South Carolina, last January, Mayor John Bradberry said the city didn’t have a “stringent set of rules” and that there should be trust in the marketplace. “... We saw some really, I think, incredible public art, and those business owners were obviously trying to work in their best interest and have a good curb appeal and good, positive rapport with the public,” Bradberry said.

Following consensus, the text amend-

ment is slated for the consent agenda at the next regular City Council meeting.

Gazda also recommended that city staff develop an internal list of pre-approved locations for future public art that evaluates suitability and the appropriate types of art, like whether to install 3D sculptures, murals, or interactive or kinetic art.

She also suggested the need to continue current initiatives and partnerships that have paved the way for the art gallery at City Hall and the use of Rogers Bridge steel in art installations on public property.

A longer term project, to come back before the council, is a program that would allow businesses to donate to a public art fund upon acquiring a permit. Elwood said Suwanee’s program has a high acceptance rate, and it’s not a tax.

“At least 75 percent of businesses say, ‘Yeah, sure, where do I write a check?’”

Elwood said.

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ONLINE INCLUDED C a l l t o d a y t o p l a c e y o u r a d 4 7 0 . 2 2 2 . 8 4 6 9 o r e m a i l c l a s s i f i e d s @ a p p e n m e d i a g r o u p . c o m • FA X : 7 7 0 - 4 7 5 - 1 2 1 6

Part-time REAL ESTATE ASSISTING: Healthy, hard-working, very tech-savvy lady, good organizing skills. 1-5 or 6pm. 2-3 days/week. My Johns Creek home. Also willing to help with home organization. Salary approx. $15+/hour based on performance & work accomplished. Have own reliable transportation. 678-524-3881 & send resume: realestatetreasure@msn.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY Cemetery GREENLAWN ROSWELL: 2 plots on picturesque lakeview hillside. Market price, $9000 each. Bargain priced at $5000 each! 770-475-7307

Flooring

Tree Services

PHILLIPS FLOORING Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen back-splashes. Re-grouting is also available.

Call 678-887-1868 for free estimate.

Gutters AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS

Installed. Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aaronsgutters.com. Senior citizen discount! 678-508-2432

24 hour emergency service. Licensed, insured. Workers Comp, insurance claims. 25+ years experience. Family business. Free estimates. We Love Challenges!

Pinestraw

Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts 770-512-8733 • www.yellowribbontree.com

PINESTRAW, MULCH Delivery/installation available.

Firewood available. Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch. 770-831-3612

Bargains/Musical DULCIMER: Excellent condition! $120. 678-455-7376

COMPLETE TREE SERVICES Appen-Rated 98 Text or Call us for a FREE quote appointment.

Tree removal, Pruning, Stump grinding, Free mulch. Fully insured. Emergency 24/7.

770-450-8188

Driveway

Roofing

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

ROOF LEAKING?

Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs. A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $4,500.

Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 OFF Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell.

Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123.

Christian Brothers Roofing

Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 4pm

NATIONAL ADVERTISING Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home.

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Health & Fitness

Dental Insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company.

Covers 350 procedures. Real in-surance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit!

1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Miscellaneous

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to re-ceive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote.

Attention oxygen therapy It’s not just a generator. It’s a users! Inogen One G4 is power move. capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! info kit. Call 877-929-9587 LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protec-tion.

Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase.

10% Senior & Military Discounts.

Call 1-833-610-1936 Aging Roof? New Homeowner?

Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work.

Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091

Home Services

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months!

Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service.

Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time!

Fi-nancing available.

1-855-417-1306

MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system.

Whether you’re home or away.

For safety & peace of mind.

No long term contracts! Free HughesNet - Finally, super-fast brochure! 1-888-489-3936 internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Free high speed internet if Unlimited Data is Here. Stream qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free of select pgms incl. Medicaid, Installation. Call 866-499-0141 SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Become a published author. We Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB want to read your book! Dorrance internet. Android tablet free Publishing trusted since 1920. w/one-time $20 copay. Free Consultation, production, promotion shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! & distribution. Call for free author’s 1-833-758-3892 guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation DISH TV $64.99 For 190 ExpertsOver $50,000,000 Channels + $14.95 High Speed in timeshare debt & fees Internet. Free Installation, Smart cancelled in 2019. Get free HD DVR Included, Free Voice info package & learn how Remote.

Some restrictions to get rid of your timeshare! apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24. Free consultations. Over 450 1-866-479-1516 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once.

HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.)

No contract or hidden fees!

Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405 Diagnosed with lung cancer & 65+? You may qualify for a substantial cash award. No obligation!

We’ve recovered millions. Let us help! Call 24/7 1-877-707-5707 !!OLD GUITARS WANTED!!

GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-433-8277 Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available.

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1-833-370-1234

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. Limited time, we’re waiving all installation costs! (Additional terms apply.

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It’s not just a generator.

It’s a power move.™ Receive a free 7-year warranty with qualifying purchase* – valued at $735.

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No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase.

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24 | January 11, 2024 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

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