Partners of The Pippin Project stand together after a day of collecting electronics in November 2022, the nonprofit’s last recycling event. Yvonne David, founder of The Pippin Project, worked with Alpharetta-based Green Cell, HaulDash and eCloud Recycle for a series of technology drives.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — When students were forced to learn remotely amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Yvonne David realized that some students would lose what has become necessary to succeed in the world — computers.
While her two sons used school-issued devices, she and her husband worked from home on their computers. But, in other households, she knew the situation was more precarious.
“It became so crystal clear to me that this is something that maybe we can do something about,” David said.
So, David founded The Pippin Project, a nonprofit that refurbishes old computers and gifts them to those who can’t otherwise afford them — even in Johns Creek, an affluent city with a
To donate to The Pippin Project, visit thepippinproject.org
median household income of more than $153,000, according to 2022 U.S. Census data.
After forming connections with school social workers, David has provided around two dozen computers to students at Chattahoochee High School each year since 2021 and close to 30 to students at Decatur High School in her first year.
David is originally from the Netherlands, where she earned her master’s degree in sociology of developing nations. The education system is much different there, she said, with cheaper tuition and easier inroads to obtain an advanced degree.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Mount Pisgah Christian School, along Nesbit Ferry Road, plans to add more than 20 acres to its existing campus, and its neighbors say they’re concerned about how the build-out will affect their quality of life.
Civil engineer Kenneth Wood described details of the project to a small crowd at the April 4 Zoning Public Participation Meeting at City Hall. The audience included homeowners in neighboring subdivisions, like Chartwell and St. Regis, as well as parents of students at Mount Pisgah.
The 123,662-square-foot proposal includes a performing arts center, a swimming facility, a curriculum enhancement building, two new academic buildings, an existing house to be renovated and six outdoor tennis courts. Plans also call for additional parking, increasing spaces from 274 to 574.
“Looking at the campus in general that’s there today, it's totally maxed out,” Wood said.
Like the existing campus, Wood said the expansion would not change the existing agricultural zoning. Rather, the property would require a special-use permit.
Chris Harmon, head of school at Mount Pisgah Christian School, explains plans to mitigate traffic to accommodate the school’s proposed 123,662-square-foot expansion at the April 4 Zoning Public Participation Meeting at Johns Creek City Hall.
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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.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man who operates a jewelry business out of his home reported to police March 27 that several valuable pieces had been stolen.
Upon inspection of a $100,000 ring, the man told police he found that someone had replaced it with a counterfeit. He also said diamonds, gold rings and Rolex watches had been stolen, totaling more than $60,000 in value, as well as an $8,000 David Hockney serialized book of art, according to the incident report.
The man identified a possible suspect and provided police with receipts showing where the stolen items had been sold and a book of notes indicating one ring had been pawned somewhere in Atlanta.
The man told police he confronted the suspect, who allegedly responded by asking if he could have a chance to retrieve the stolen property.
The investigation is ongoing, the report says.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested a 43-year-old Athens man for driving under the influence March 27, later found to have damaged a patrol vehicle.
Police pulled over the suspect on State Bridge Road for failing to maintain his lane and driving without his headlights around 11:30 p.m.
While the suspect told police he had not had anything to drink, the incident report says the driver had slurred speech and nearly lost his balance after stepping out of his vehicle.
When police arrested the man for driving under the influence, after he had refused field sobriety evaluations, he started cursing at officers, according to the incident report. Police transported the him to the North Fulton County Jail, but staff refused to admit him for combative behavior, the report says.
When police prepared to transport him to the Fulton County Jail, he struggled against officers, according to the report.
Police later viewed surveillance footage from inside their vehicle and saw the suspect move his handcuffed hands to the front of his body, kick the door and bars on the window multiple times which resulted in a bent door frame, according to the report.
Police also saw the suspect rip the vents out from the backseat and the wiring from the rear-facing car-mounted camera, breaking the device, the report says.
The suspect was charged with driving without headlights on, failure to maintain lane, driving under the influence, obstruction and criminal interference with government property.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested two 20-year-old Johns Creek men March 29 after they found narcotics on their person and in their vehicle during a traffic stop.
When police pulled over the vehicle because it had failed to maintain its lane on State Bridge Road, they saw small plastic baggies throughout the car, according to the incident report.
Police searched the passenger and located two THC inhalation devices and a metal straw with suspected narcotics residue, which the passenger said he found at work, according to the report. Police also found three pieces of aluminum foil with suspected drug residue, black in color, on the passenger, the report says.
Police searched the driver and found a small black bag with 44 pressed pills
that were tested for codeine and a wallet that contained $1,375. The driver told police he did not sell the pills but bought them elsewhere, according to the report.
When searching the vehicle, police found Narcan, a hydrocodone pill and empty THC cartridges.
The passenger was charged with possession of a schedule I substance, and the driver was charged with improper erratic lane change and two counts of possession of a schedule II substance.
Both suspects were transported to the Fulton County Jail.
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police obtained a warrant for the arrest of a 50-year-old Cumming man April 2 after he allegedly punched a neighbor in the face on Myrle Street.
The victim, a 34-year-old Roswell man, said an argument began after a tree fell from the suspect’s property onto his lot. He said he wanted his neighbor to remove the tree.
The suspect, who owns the tree services business next to the victim’s property, was not at the scene when officers arrived.
The victim said the suspect punched him in the face during a verbal disagreement about the fallen tree.
Two witnesses said the men were about 20 feet apart and engaged in an argument when the business owner approached the victim and struck him in the mouth with a closed fist.
Officers said both witnesses provided written statements.
Because the suspect had left the scene, an officer called him on his cellphone.
The suspect said the victim threatened him and approached him in an aggressive manner.
The punch was self-defense, the suspect said.
Because the victim’s account was contrary to statements from witnesses, officers said they obtained a warrant for battery on the suspect and posted it on the Georgia Crime Information Center.
This chart shows the totals from the Fulton County Point in Time Count between 2022 and 2024. The annual survey is meant to provide a snapshot of homelessness in the area, but it is not comprehensive.
METRO ATLANTA — Fulton County’s annual survey of homelessness counted 312 people this January, a 7 percent decrease from its 2023 total.
Each year, the county solicits volunteers to survey its unsheltered population for the Fulton County Continuum of Care Point in Time Count. The canvassing does not include sites within the city limits of Atlanta.
Point in Time counts provide lawmakers and funding organizations with information on the number, demographics and characteristics of people experiencing homelessness.
In Fulton County, the Continuum of Care promotes funding and programs to combat homelessness in Fulton cities. Atlanta has its own Continuum of Care.
Data is then sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which uses the results to determine federal funding to address homelessness.
But, the Point in Time Count is not comprehensive. It is meant to provide a “snapshot” of homelessness in the county on two nights of the year. The weather is often cold during the canvassing, and those living in hotels or motels, transitional housing, emergency shelters, hospitals and jails are not tallied in the street count.
The organized count covered the cities of Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, Milton, Alpharetta and Roswell Jan. 23. South Fulton County was canvassed Jan. 24, and Mountain Park was surveyed through Jan. 30.
In North Fulton, the first shift of volunteers ran from 8 to 11 p.m., followed by a second, smaller shift from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Fulton County Department of Community Development Health and Human Services Division Manager Dawn Butler said 16 volunteers performed the South Fulton count, and 63 volunteers set out in North Fulton.
Butler said the 2024 canvassing found 154 unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as 158 who were sheltered.
In the 2023 count, the Continuum of Care recorded 337 homeless individuals. Of that total, 209 were sheltered and 128 unsheltered. In 2022, 273 people were tallied in the homeless count, with 172 sheltered and 101 unsheltered.
Accessibility to affordable housing in Fulton County continues to be a strain. The average cost of a home in the county in 2023 was $508,384, while the median household income was a little more than $87,000.
North Fulton cities like Alpharetta and Roswell have restrictions on the amount of apartments they allow as a percentage of overall housing.
In 2022, the Roswell City Council passed a Unified Development Code amendment that banned the construction of new standalone apartments, and in its 2040 comprehensive plan, Alpharetta aims for apartments to make up 35 percent of its housing stock, though that is not a rigid number.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — This year’s Daffodil Days celebration in Johns Creek will be centered around a market with more than 100 vendors run entirely by children, ages 5 to 17.
The Children’s Entrepreneur Market is an award-winning program that teaches young people about the power of entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership through experiential learning, challenging kids to decide what to sell, create a booth, talk to customers and handle money.
Daffodil Days, held from 11 a.m. to
2:30 p.m. at Johns Creek City Hall, is a celebration of hope and community, ushering in spring.
Its inception comes from Daffodils 4 Hope, a planting campaign sponsored by the nonprofit Johns Creek Beautification which raises awareness for CanCare Atlanta — an organization that provides counseling support to cancer patients and caregivers in the community.
In addition to the market, the free event will feature food trucks, a live DJ and kids activities.
See more garage sales in the classifieds
ROSWELL - HORSESHOE BEND NEIGHBORHOOD, Huge multi home sale!
Saturday 4/13, 8am-2pm. Holcomb Bridge Road, 3 miles east of GA-400. Info & maps at: www.HorseshoeBendGarageSale.com. Organized by Mitch Falkin, RE/MAX Around Atlanta 770-330-2374
SOUTH FORSYTH/SUWANEE, Dig for treasures in Olde Atlanta Club in COMMUNITY-WIDE SALE! 5750 Olde Atlanta Parkway 30024. Saturday 4/20, 8am-1pm. Children’s clothes and toys, collectibles, sports equipment, electronics, household, furniture!
ESTATE SALE (ALPHARETTA), collectibles, antiques, pictures and tools
Fri-Sun 4/12-4/14 10-4; 337 Lynne Circle, Alpharetta 30009
To place garage sale ads: Noon Friday. Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@appenmediagroup.com
This “still head over heels” moment made possible by Emory Heart & Vascular Center.
The di erence? Emory Healthcare performs more heart procedures annually than anyone else in Georgia, which means better outcomes for our patients. And we o er advanced and personalized treatments, developed by our top specialists, that others don’t. Go to Emory fi rst. Because where you start your heart care matters.
Next day appointments available at emoryhealthcare.org/heart_moments
Point Pulmonary Associates provides board certified physicians to diagnose and treat patients with pulmonary disorders.
We offer state-of-the-art testing such as pulmonary function testing, digital chest radiography, robotic bronchoscopy, and lung cancer screening programs to treat an array of lung conditions.
From left, Christo Lamprecht and Nick Dunlap present watches they received for competing at the 2024 Georgia Cup at the Golf Club of Georgia April 7. Lamprecht, reigning British amateur champion, won the 2024 Georgia competition.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — South African amateur golfer Christo Lamprecht was named 2024 Georgia Cup champion at the Golf Club of Georgia April 7.
Reigning British amateur champion Lamprecht faced off against U.S. amateur champion Nick Dunlap in an 18-hole match play event.
This year, Dunlap became a professional player for the Professional Golfers'
Association of America, marking the first time a professional faced an amateur for the Georgia Cup.
Lamprecht and Dunlap were tied at the 18th hole, but Lamprecht secured a oneup win with a 15-foot putt.
Both men were invited to compete at the 2024 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club April 11-14.
— Shelby Israel
This “good to know” moment made possible by Emory Women’s Center.
The di erence? Emory Women’s Center at Johns Creek uses research and innovation in health to provide exceptional care, close to home. From routine gynecology and menopause management, to high-risk pregnancies and specialty care, our team is here for your journey no matter where it takes you.
Emory pregnancy and specialty care, our team is here for your journey no matter where it takes you.
Visit emoryhealthcare.org/women to schedule an appointment.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Staff reporters with Appen Media will be all ears at its open forum at Cherry Street Brewing in Forsyth County April 18.
The forum provides visitors the chance to offer suggestions and feedback on coverage.
Beginning at 4 p.m., staff will be on-hand for around an hour or so for one-on-one conversations and a Q&A session.
This is the fourth stop on the newsroom’s “Listening Tour,” a seven-month series touching base in each of Appen Media’s coverage areas. So far, staff have made rounds in Dunwoody, Roswell and Johns Creek, gaining valuable insight from residents on how to strengthen reporting.
All stops are open to the public and free to attend.
An RSVP is not required but appreciated. Visit appenmedia.com/join to let us know you are coming.
Schedule
May 16 – Six Bridges Brewing, Milton
June 20 – July Moon Bakery and Café, Alpharetta
July 18 – Pontoon Brewing Company, Sandy Springs
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Appen Media Publisher Hans Appen leads about two dozen people in a Q&A session for the company’s second stop on its “Listening Tour” at From the Earth Brewery Company in Roswell Feb. 15. The tour’s next stop is in Forsyth County at Cherry Street Brewing on April 18 at 4 p.m.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — North Fulton Community Charities is hosting its first pickleball tournament at the North Park Tennis and Pickleball Center at 9 a.m. April 27-28.
The tournament is a partnership between the Roswellbased nonprofit and the City of Alpharetta. Proceeds will support financial stability and easing hardship for North Fulton families in need.
The first day of the tournament will feature mens and womens doubles, and April 28 will be reserved for mixed doubles.
Entry is priced at $45, and participants can pay an additional $15 for the second day. Registration is available at nfcchelp.org/pickleball.
“Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport, and we are excited to offer our state-of-the-art pickleball courts at North Park for this tournament,” Alpharetta Parks and Recreation Director Morgan Rodgers said. “We hope this event not only promotes healthy and active lifestyles but also raises funds for local families in need.”
NFCC Community Events Manager Janet Dahlstrom said the group is excited to partner with Alpharetta for the tournament, which will support vulnerable families with education, clothing, food, emergency financial aid and seasonal assistance.
Sponsorship opportunities between $1,000 and $5,000 are also available. Those interested can email Dahlstrom at jdahlstrom@nfcchelp.org.
— Shelby Israel
Jimmy Song (NMLS#1218336) 770-454-1871 (Duluth Branch)
Sandy Na (NMLS#983548) 770-454-1861 (Norcross Branch)
Trinh Pham (NMLS#1369150) 678-672-3926 (Norcross Branch)
We have good variety for everybody with all the consignment items, antiques, collectibles and artwork.
STEVE FUNSTEN, business co-owner at 425 Market Place
ROSWELL, Ga. — With classic rock playing in the background and Loco the golden retriever hanging out with customers, 425 Market Place embodies the historic Roswell feel.
It only took Allison Kummerfeldt of Peachtree Corners a few minutes to find a piece of uranium glass she was looking for. Sometimes called Vaseline glass for its pale yellowish-green color, uranium glass fell out of widespread use during the Cold War.
Kummerfeldt said there are only so many places in Metro Atlanta with such treasures available for purchase.
Because it glows under ultraviolet light, the glass is sought after today.
With around 7,000 square feet of retail space filled with collectibles, antiques, jewelry and consignments, Steve Funsten and Greg Lundy have something for everyone.
Lundy warned, because the pieces contain radioactive materials, do not breath in if your uranium glass breaks.
The store at 425 Market Place has three components: dealers who have rented booths and have a permanent presence; artists who re-create old things into new treasures; and consignors who sell items because they are redecorating or no longer have a need for the item.
Blue Ox Trains, which handles over 50 percent of the business at the store, took over half of the first floor after Funsten purchased the business in 2016.
The remainder of the first floor and upstairs features various booths where customers can find anything from a
MEDIA
A look from the parking lot at 425 Market Place shows the loft-style building and active tenants. Steve Funsten said he took over the location in 2016 after a local businessman parted ways with the location.
March 1918 picture of the Atlanta Police Department’s Bicycle Division to handpainted porcelain vases of unknown origins.
Model trains are big Funsten started his journey at 425 Market Place as a vendor with one case at the front of the store with just a few model trains on display.
“Then things spread, and I got a little bit more space and a little bit more space,” Funsten said.
Located in historic Roswell, 425 Market Place is housed in a lodge-looking building that began life as the retail store,
Call of the Wild. Built by the Watford family some 60 years ago, it served the needs of area outdoorsman until it closed in 2005.
Funsten said a Woodstock resident, Jerry Blackledge, took over operations from the Watfords for a few years after the couple took a step back from the business.
Chris and Julia Watford still own the building and lease out space to Funsten and Lundy. Since the pair took over in 2016, Anna Lee’s Café and Swiss Watch & Clock Shop have moved into separated retail space in the wings of the lodge.
“I basically bought over the whole
From left, Greg Lundy and Steve Funsten, operating 425 Market Place since 2016, stand with Loco the golden retriever in front of a model train layout. Funsten said the name of his golden retriever is short for locomotive, referencing the model trains sold at the consignment and antiques store.
business, instead of just being a vendor here with the trains,” Funsten said.
Today, half of the first floor of the antique shop is dedicated to building model railroads and educating customers along their own journey through the complexities of the miniature train hobby.
Blue Ox Trains, owned and operated by Funsten, draws model train enthusiasts from around the Southeast for the store’s extensive selection of HO and N scale locomotives, rolling stock, structures and scenery.
Continued from Page 10
The HO scale, or 3.5 millimeters to 1 foot, is the most popular modeling proportion worldwide.
The HO scale’s middle-of-the-road status provides a balance between the detail of larger model railroads and the smaller space requirements for indoor tracks.
“We do a lot of model train sales,” Funsten said. “We have good variety for everybody with all the consignment items, antiques, collectibles and artwork.”
Funsten said he knows why people from Tennessee and south Georgia drive to his shop.
“In a lot of places, there are not any train stores left,” Funsten. “They’re all closed down and everything has gone online, that’s kinda why I started the business.”
A lot of nearby North Fulton residents, like a New Jersey woman and her 3-year-old Roswell grandson, just like to come in to see the model railroading displays.
“Some folks like to test run things and get advice,” Funsten said. “That is the biggest thing, you order something online, and you can’t get advice.”
It should be no surprise that Funsten named his golden retriever Loco, short for locomotive.
“He’s come to work ever since he was 8 weeks old,” he said. “He’s almost 6 now and has never missed a day of work.”
Besides Funsten’s Blue Ox Trains and his golden retriever, 425 Market Place also draws high-profile customers to peruse its antiques and one-of-a-kind treasurers.
“We get a good bit of movie set designers,” Funsten said. “All the movies going on around Atlanta… buyers will come in here and get the most off-the-
From left, Greg Lundy rings up a customer, Peachtree Corners resident Allison Kummerfeldt, April 2 at 425 Market Place. Lundy said some customers come into the store for very specific items, like the uranium glass that Kummerfeldt bought.
wall stuff.”
He said you can’t predict what set designers are looking for. Typically trying to date a scene, some film productions buy rotary dial phones, while others need a kitchen appliance from the 1960s.
“We still have a few dealers, so we make consignment space available if someone wants to rent a booth,” Funsten said. “If we’ve got an empty booth, we will just fill it with consignment items from individuals.”
The result is an array of treasures you can’t find anywhere else.
Lundy, who works the front register and manages consignments, said some customers come in for baseball cards.
“People collect different things, so it will be random,” Lundy said. “Fortunately for us, we also get the set designers in, so we have provided materials for some of the Netflix shows and some movies.”
He said a production crew came in last week looking for items to fill a 1980s home. Because people rarely have contemporary home décor, the set designers wanted antiques from the 1960s and 1970s.
“They will buy here, as opposed to going out and buying new,” Lundy said. “Because they can find something they like at a fraction of the price.”
I don’t know about you, but I can feel it. I can see everything starting to bloom. Everything is getting greener. These last two weeks the weather has warmed up. I can finally start to spend more time outside. Spring is coming! It’s time to get ready. It’s time to get in shape! I can’t wait to walk and run and spend more time outside. It’s time for Spring Cleaning! Do you need a spring dental cleaning or maybe a Smile Tuneup?
This year, let’s eat healthy, exercise, and address our health proactively and preventively. This includes a visit to the dentist to address those problems that you know are getting worse and to prevent future problems.
• Restoring Your Smile – Repairing your teeth allows you to keep your teeth for a lifetime and look and feel your best.
• Cosmetic Dentistry – It’s more than just Whiter Teeth. Uneven and chipped teeth can be reshaped
painlessly. You can make your smile healthy and vibrant again and create the smile of your dreams.
• Dental Implants – Replacing missing teeth allows you to eat your favorite healthy foods again, smile without fear, and provides support to your face to avoid looking older.
• Invisalign – The metal-free way to straighten your teeth, improve our bite, and have an attractive smile that everyone notices.
• Preventive Tooth Cleaning –Routine cleanings prevent problems and keep your teeth healthy, white, and attractive.
• Don’t Forget that these things can be accomplished comfortably while you rest… with Sedation Dentistry!
“Preventive Dentistry can add 10
years to human life.” -Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic
A healthy mouth is part of a healthy body. Our wish for you is that you look and feel your best in 2024!
Dr. Bradley Hepler, and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the most modern advances in cosmetic dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover which of these options is best for you, please call us at 770-992-2236. Dr. Hepler is highly trained and certified to provide you with the latest and best techniques to allow you to achieve your cosmetic and restorative goals.
Surgery of Atlanta
At a recent conference, an outstanding lecture by Dr. Scott Lester of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, provided insight into the question of why tumors exhibit “perineural invasion” – the behavior of tumors wrapping around and travelling along nerves. The answer is another example of how nature and biology never cease to surprise.
In medical school, one of my favorite professors loved to say, “50% of what you are going to learn during these four years will ultimately be proved wrong.” As I sat in my hard wooden chair taking notes on apparently error-ridden knowledge, I hoped that the 50% that was misinformation was at least not the half that mattered.
As it turns out, one of the pieces of misinformation apparently concerned perineural invasion. In medical school, I was taught that some tumors track along nerves because nerves are convenient highways to other parts of the body. This was the “path of least resistance idea.” Professors also posited that some of the vessels and lymphatics running along with the nerve are an additional reason for tumor growth along nerves – essentially the idea that tumors spreading along nerves is really just tumors spreading along the surrounding lymphatics and blood vessels – “business as usual.”
Several recent studies presented by Dr. Lester have provided data that sheds new light on this subject:
In one experiment, scientists placed a nerve next to but well apart from a tumor growing in a petri dish. The tumor extended a strand of cells in the direction of the nerve and grew toward the nerve. This challenges the idea that perineural tumor growth in patients is simply cancer extension along nerves already touching a tumor. Then, the scientists tested proteins found in the nerve and found that the entire nerve did not have to be present in the dish to attract tumor growth. When scientists put a small amount of a nerve protein called GDNF (glial derived neurotrophic factor) in the dish, the tumor grew towards the GDNF. Apparently, proteins in the nerve attract tumor growth. So nerves are not just highways: some tumors seek out nerves by growing towards proteins that nerves produce.
In another experiment, scientists placed pancreatic cancer cells next to the sciatic nerve inside of a live rat. Predictably, the cancer grew and invaded the sciatic nerve. The muscles relying on the sciatic nerve were unable to function which caused partial paralysis. However, when the scientists delivered radiation to the rat’s sciatic nerve
BEFORE implanting the pancreatic cancer, the tumor grew but paralysis did not occur upon tumor implantation against the nerve. Nerves that had received radiation produced less GDNF.
We have long thought of radiation as primarily working by killing cancerous cells because radiation is known to cause breaks in cancer cell DNA resulting in cell death. But these studies led Dr. Lester, a radiation oncologist, to ask if radiation therapy’s effect on healthy tissue is just as important to its success as its effect on cancer cells themselves. Perhaps in some cases, radiation’s effect on growth factors in healthy nerve tissue is critical to preventing cancer recurrence.
As many questions as answers are raised by these studies. Will we one day have medicines that treat perineural tumors by inhibiting neurotrophic factors? For tumors that do not track along nerves but that invade muscle, bone or other tissue, will medicines increasingly target growth factors in these tissues to prevent spread? Already, medicine that targets “vascular endothelial growth factor” is being used to treat certain cancers. Perhaps one day a local injection of a medicine that blocks neurotrophic factors will be used to help treat perineural tumors.
As a Mohs surgeon, I took interest in these studies because many skin cancers track along nerves and because identifying perineural invasion under the microscope is an important part of my job. When I find significant perineural invasion, radiation therapy after surgery is an option I discuss. I hope that I might one day be able to offer a targeted pill or injection as an alternative to radiation.
However, I thought that these studies are of broad general interest because they are an intriguing example of how the obvious or intuitive answer so often is not the correct answer when biology is involved. Tumor growing along nerves is not just a case of taking the path of least resistance. So much of what we assume or are taught does not turn out to be the whole story. Nature is always more complex than we imagine, and new discoveries provide opportunities for medical advancement.
If you or a loved one struggles with skin cancer or any dermatologic complaint, consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor and Kathryn Filipek, PA-C are delighted to help you achieve your skin health goals. Dr. Taylor is a Harvard-graduate, a board certified dermatologist and vein care expert, and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. Kathryn Filipek has greater than 15 years of dermatology experience with expertise in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology including fillers, Botox®, and sclerotherapy.
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.
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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. Kathryn Filipek,
April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. So, what are head and neck cancers?
The term includes several different types of malignant tumors affecting parts of the head and neck, including the nose and sinus cavities, mouth, throat, voice box and salivary glands. Head and neck cancers typically involve the mucosa, or the tissues lining these areas, and represent about 4% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States each year.
Well-known risk factors for the development of head and neck cancers include heavy alcohol and tobacco use, especially if someone uses alcohol and tobacco together. Men are three times more likely to be diagnosed with oral and throat cancer compared to women, according to the American Cancer Society.
An additional risk factor is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which
is related to the development of oropharyngeal cancer specifically. The oropharynx is the midsection of the throat and includes the tonsils and the root of the tongue or tongue base where many of these tumors originate. HPVrelated oropharyngeal cancer is more prevalent now than HPV-related cervical cancer in women. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer has been increasing in the United States over the last three to four decades, while the incidence of tobacco and alcoholrelated tumors has been declining. More than 22,500 people are diagnosed with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer each year.
You can act against these risk factors by decreasing tobacco and alcohol use and getting the HPV vaccine.
If you are diagnosed with cancer, Wellstar provides expert care here in North Fulton. Oropharyngeal cancers are typically treated with surgery (with or without radiation therapy) or radiation therapy (with or without chemotherapy) at equivalent cure rates. Goals of treatment are to remove the cancer, prevent its return and limit side effects.
Wellstar providers work with patients to tailor care to their needs—based on effectiveness of the treatment, tumor location and stage, accessibility of the tumor to a surgical approach, risk of side effects and patient choice.
At Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, the multidisciplinary head and neck cancers tumor board takes each of these factors into consideration while selecting the most appropriate treatment regimen for every individual patient. At the Head and Neck STAT Clinic, the patient can meet with the entire
treatment team in a single visit during treatment planning and may start treatment sooner.
Transoral robotic surgery, offered at Wellstar North Fulton, has changed the way oropharyngeal cancers are treated surgically. In this procedure, the surgeon accesses the cancer by passing tools through the mouth rather than making an incision. For those patients with early-stage tumors and limited disease in the neck, the surgery offers the patient a cure at a single intervention without the need for tracheostomy or abdominal feeding tube, faster return to taking food orally, improved outcomes and faster recovery. This is preferred over traditional surgical methods, which required splitting the jaw and/or the tongue or gaining access to the throat via neck incision.
Learn more about cancer care at Wellstar North Fulton at wellstar.org/ northfultoncancercare.
A network of advanced cancer specialists means more holistic care for you.
At Wellstar, you’ll find a multidisciplinary team of cancer care experts built around your needs and dedicated to comprehensive, personalized treatment.
We are a leader in cancer care, embracing innovation to improve patient outcomes. Our surgeons perform a variety of minimally invasive procedures—providing patients with smoother recoveries and less pain. We also support patients during their cancer journeys with STAT Clinics, which bring cancer care providers together and put people at the center of their treatment. With this multidisciplinary approach, patients start care sooner, optimizing treatment and outcomes.wellstar.org/cancercare
Why
question
frequently hear from
patients, “Why do I get so many cavities? I brush my teeth every day!” We understand the frustration that comes from putting the work in to maintain your teeth and still ending up with cavities, we are here to help break those reasons down for you.
1. How deep your grooves are: How your teeth are shaped, including the grooves of your teeth, are inherited. These grooves are too small for your toothbrush bristles to get in and clean properly. Some teeth have deeper grooves, which increases the risk of biting surface cavities. We can prevent these types by placing sealants (plastic) over the grooves of the teeth.
2. Your oral bacteria:
Did you know, you inherit the genetic layout of your oral bacteria from your mom? The types of oral bacteria can impact your oral health, including your likelihood of cavities and developing periodontal disease. Staying on a cleaning schedule with your dental hygienist will help reduce the number of bacteria you have in your mouth.
3. Your frequency of sugar intake:
Your habits also play a significant role in your oral health. Your frequency of sugar intake has a direct tie into the frequency of the occurrence of cavities. The more times you consume sugar, the more opportunities for cavities to take hold.
4. Your flossing habits: Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from the sides of your teeth, so not flossing on a consistent basis increases your risk of developing cavities between your teeth.
5. Your medications:
When you eat or drink anything other than water, the pH of your mouth becomes acidic. Saliva’s job is to neutralize the acidic environment. Some medications cause xerostomia (or dry mouth). If your saliva is reduced or becomes thicker, your teeth have an increased risk of developing decay, especially along the gumline. Products containing xylitol are “mouth wetters,” and xylitol prevents bacteria from adhering to tooth structure, helping to prevent the effects of a dry mouth.
The above reasons are just a few of the many complex factors that go into why cavities develop. As dental professionals, we strive to keep our patients educated in their oral hygiene. Good or bad oral hygiene plays a role in overall health, and we are here to get your oral health in excellent condition so that your overall health can be too. Drs. Hood and Remaley 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!
Brought to you by – Charles Smith, MS, LAPC, NCC | Summit Counseling Center
A child’s self-esteem begins with a positive self-identity, which is critical for building a foundation for confidence, happiness, and emotional well-being. When children have a positive self-identity, they can navigate through life with a sense of purpose and feel like they belong. These children gain confidence and can persevere when facing challenges in school and all areas of their lives. A strong sense of selfidentity and self-worth also drives children to confidently pursue their passions without giving into self-doubt, which can hinder personal and academic growth. The mission for parents and mental health professionals is to help nurture and develop a child’s positive self-identity; so they can reach their full potential and lead meaningful and productive lives.
The How and Whys:
Step 1: Encourage your child to embrace their unique qualities (i.e., race, culture, spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, talents, etc.). By embracing what makes them unique, children can fully appreciate themselves and feel a sense of inclusion.
Step 2: Celebrate your child’s accomplishments often, using positive affirmations. Their accomplishments are a great way to increase their sense of selfworth and ensure that they feel valued.
Step 3: Teach your child healthy coping skills (i.e., mindfulness, deep breathing, positive self-talk, guided imagery, etc.). These skills provide the foundation for children to manage their stress levels and regulate their emotions.
Step 4: Expose your child to various extracurricular activities. These activities encourage children to find opportunities to be successful and build self-confidence and self-esteem.
Step 5: Provide your child with a safe and supportive environment. Ensuring that your child feels safe and supportive
creates a non-judgmental environment where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Step 6: Help your child to develop healthy relationships with their peers and family members by utilizing assertive communication skills and reinforcing the use of “I” statements. Providing children with appropriate communication skills provides them with the foundation to stand up for their own needs and wants, while also considering the needs and wants of others.
Step 7: Teach your children the S.M.A.R.T. goal setting strategy by encouraging them to set specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely goals for themselves. This strategy provides children with the skills needed to improve their confidence and self-esteem, after achieving success.
Step 8: Teach your child to use a strength-based approach to problemsolving. Reminding children to focus on their strengths and achievements rather than dwelling on their self-perceived limitations which can hinder their overall growth and development.
Step 9: Help your child to recognize their negative thoughts and inner dialogue. Once recognized, children can be encouraged to replace negative self-talk with their own positive affirmations (i.e., reading scriptures, inspirational quotes, positive messages, etc.) aloud.
Step 10: Provide your child with positive modeling of self-esteem and expose them to positive mentors. This exposure enables children to demonstrate how to meet challenges with confidence and resilience.
The Summit is offering a wide range of summer groups for elementary, middle, and high school students. Registration closes on May 10th. Financial assistance is available, and groups are FREE for students that attend any of our partner schools. Visit our website at summitcounseling.org to learn about summer groups, our school partnerships, and other services available for children, teens, and adults.
Brought to you by – Thrive Wellness and Hydration Lounge
Thrive Wellness and Hydration Lounge is John’s Creek’s newest and most luxurious wellness spa. Thrive provides a wide array IV hydration therapies, which are known to improve hydration status, alleviate fatigue, replenish nutrients, and much more. Ill and looking to relieve symptoms quickly? The Defender (immunity booster), The Cure (hangover remedy), and The Tension Tamer (migraine relief) are a few options. Looking to add to your health regimen? Choose from the Myers Cocktail (Superdrip), Level Up (performance and recovery), and others.
Thrive also offers B12 and fat loss injections, several IV therapy add-ons, and the popular weight loss injections known as Ozempic that are highly sought after. Hundreds of clients have relied on Thrive to assist and guide them in their weight loss journey.
Located at 5945 State Bridge Rd, you will find a relaxing retreat and caring professionals. With over 30
years of combined nursing experience, rest assured that you will be provided with the best service possible. We care about your health and are available to assist by answering questions, booking, etc. Contact us today so that we can assist you in your health journey. We look forward to serving you!
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Perhaps the two most famous Cherokee sons are Jim Thorpe (1887-1953), an outstanding athlete and Olympic Gold Medal winner, and Will Rogers (1879 -1935), a cowboy, humorist, author, actor and entertainer. They were both born in Indian Country, now Oklahoma. They knew each other and led fascinating lives. Today’s column will feature Will Rogers because of his Georgia roots.
Will Rogers was proud of his Cherokee heritage.
He would often joke, “My ancestors didn’t come over on the Mayflower, but they met the boat.” His father, Clement Vann Rogers (1839-1911) was a widely respected Cherokee senator and judge who helped draft the Oklahoma state constitution. Rogers’ mother was Mary America Schrimsher Rogers (1839-1890), daughter of a judge. Will was raised on his father’s 60,000-acre ranch in Oklahoma where he learned his cowboy skills from the ranch hands. Like thousands of Cherokees, many of Will’s ancestors had migrated from Georgia to Indian Country following the lndian Treaty of 1835.
Will Rogers died tragically on Aug. 15, 1935, in a plane crash near Point Barrow, Alaska. He and his pilot friend, the famous pioneering aviator Wiley Post, were in a modified Lockheed Orion when it stalled just after takeoff, causing the plane to nose-dive and crash into a lagoon. The two were enroute from Seattle via Alaska to the Soviet Union to chart a possible transSiberian airline route. Never a pilot himself, Will loved to fly and traveled to many countries by air.
Rogers’ death caused global shockwaves. In Atlanta, the Peachtree Christian church chimes chanted a requiem service simultaneously with Will’s funeral in Glendale, Calif., one of more than 400 such simultaneous tributes throughout the country. In Los Angeles, flags on all buildings were lowered to halfstaff.
His initial fame came because of his amazing ability to do rope tricks. It was said that he could throw three lassos simultaneously. He made 71 films in less than 14 years (50 silent films and 21 “talkies”) and was a star in Ziegfeld’s Follies. His movies were sure hits. In 1934, he was number one in the box office ahead of Clark Gable. He wrote more than 4,000 nationally syndicated newspaper columns. Famous for his humor, politicians were
Will Rogers, left, and Wiley Post with their Lockheed Orion at Renton, Washington. The pontoons had just been installed for their 1935 fatal flight to the Soviet Union via Alaska. The two were close friends. In 1931 Wiley Post was the first aviator to fly solo around the world.
among his favorite targets. His weekly Sunday article appeared in the Atlanta Journal magazine section, and a daily observation piece was carried in the newspaper. His Sunday radio program was broadcast over WSB. He was a good friend of John Cohen, president of the Atlanta Journal, who hosted a dinner in Atlanta for Will in 1931. He asked Will for some after-dinner remarks. Will spoke for 2 ½ hours “keeping his listeners doubled up with laughter,” according to a report of the evening in the Journal.
My thanks to Joan Compton, board president of the Johns Creek Historical Society, and to Ed Malowney, board member of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society, for their help with the complex Rogers family history.
Will Rogers was the great, great grandson of Thomas Clark Cordery III (born circa 1763 in St George Parish, Georgia – died circa 1840). He married a full-blooded Cherokee Indian Susannah
Sonicooie (1764-1818).
Their daughter Lucy “Betty” Elizabeth Cordery (circa 1786-circa 1895) married Robert “Bob” Rogers (circa 1785-1842), Will Rogers’ great grandfather. According to the Gwinette Historical Society, Robert and Lucy were forced to sell their land in 1829 and move their family to Oklahoma Indian Territory because the local government considered them to be Indians. That is why Will Rogers was born in Oklahoma, not Georgia.
Lucy and Robert’s son, Robert Jr. (1815-1842), who was Will Rogers’ grandfather, married Sallie (Sarah) Vann Rogers (1818-1882). She was from the Wolf Clan, the largest Cherokee clan known as protectors.
Another Cordery daughter, Sarah Cordery (1786-1842), married John Rogers Jr. (1774-1851). While Robert and John Jr. were brothers-in-law, they were not related by blood. John Jr. was Will Rogers’ great uncle by marriage.
John Rogers Jr. was a wealthy farmer with 640 acres along the Chattahoochee
THE FILM DAILY/PROVIDED Will Rogers caricature in an advertisement for the film “Down to Earth” from The Film Daily, 1932. Rogers made 71 films in less than 14 years and was one of Hollywood’s leading actors.
River. Their two-story house, built in 1804, was constructed of heart-pine timber from John’s land. It was floated across the Chattahoochee to its current location in 1819 where it still stands in the Shakerag community in today’s Johns Creek. John Jr. established a ferry across the Chattahoochee, and during the Creek Indian uprising in 1813 served on Gen. Andrew Jackson’s staff. John Jr. and Sarah had 12 children, all of whom grew to adulthood, a rarity in those days. Sarah and John Jr.’s second son, William Rogers, held leadership positions in the Cherokee Nation. He built a house in 1839 that still stands in Johns Creek.
Robert Jr. and Sarah’s son, Clement (known as Uncle Clem) Rogers (18391911), married Mary America Schrimsher (1839-1890) who was one-quarter Cherokee. They were Will’s parents. Clem owned a cattle-driving business and was one of the wealthiest men in the Indian Territory. They had eight children. The youngest was William (Will) Penn Adair Rogers, who was named after the assistant principal chief of the Cherokee Nation Colonel William Penn Adair.
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.
As summer approaches, do you long to savor homegrown tomatoes and other fresh veggies but don’t have enough sun or anywhere suitable to raise a few crops? Or you do have space but aren’t sure what or when or how to plant?
When we think about agriculture, what often comes to mind are images of a farmer riding an old John Deere tractor through rows of crops on a sunny day. I grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm, and I think of my mother’s garden, which must have been onequarter acre in size! We grew every vegetable, from tomatoes and potatoes to onions, dill and cucumbers. Yet, for those of us living in a suburb or city there are other gardening options.
How about renting a plot at a community garden? Gardening or farming on a small scale in a shared, public space offers fun and fulfillment. Residents have the opportunity to rent garden beds for their own gardening projects, whether it’s growing vegetables, herbs, fruits or perhaps a garden to attract pollinators or a cutting garden. Plus, if you have a question, there’s probably a friendly neighbor who can offer suggestions.
As Master Gardeners, encouraging sustainable practices among consumer horticulturalists is a priority. Proceeds from our annual Garden Faire provide scholarships and benefit community education efforts and project gardens supported by the North Fulton Master Gardeners volunteer organization.
Support for community gardens
At the North Fulton Community Garden in Sandy Springs and the GROWL Garden in College Park, local residents can rent garden plots for growing food and flowers. Here, they have the opportunity to build relationships with other gardeners of all skill levels and attend educational classes offered by UGA Extension faculty, Master Gardener Extension Volunteers and other partners. Through workshops on composting, sustainable pest and disease management, cover cropping, wildlife exclusion, and much more, community gardeners grow their gardening skills along with their plantings.
Education at Farm Chastain
Farm Chastain, situated in the middle of Chastain Park in Atlanta,
is an urban teaching farm where classes are taught hands-on, as well as via online gardening videos. Farm Chastain began in 2013 as a rehabilitation program for veterans with acquired brain injuries. Today the farm has 18 beds (and growing) and offers free classes to individuals, families, scout groups, schools, garden clubs and other groups.
Master Gardeners have been teaching on site at Farm Chastain since 2014. Classes vary from soil testing, composting at home, herb gardens, vegetable planting, container gardening and many other topics. The harvest is used for teaching purposes, and all surplus is donated to local foodbanks.
The Chastain Park Conservancy offers online gardening classes taught through a partnership with the North Fulton Master Gardeners. Orchids, container gardening, step-by-step vegetable gardening, tips for gardening
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Sandra Shave, a Master Gardener since 2018. Sandra grew up on a dairy farm in northern Wisconsin and learned to garden at her mother’s knee. She is a recent transplant to Roswell, moving from Wisconsin in 2014 after retirement to be nearer to her children and most importantly her grandchildren! Sandra was co-president of the North Fulton Master Gardeners in 2022 and is excited to master the art of gardening in Georgia and to help teach others via the NFMG Gardening Lecture Series and the Speakers Bureau.
with kids, composting, soil testing, why microorganisms are important and much more valuable horticultural information can be easily accessed in gardening mini-videos. Check out the “Master Gardeners Educate at Farm Chastain” playlist on our YouTube channel.
Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program
Alpharetta’s Community Agriculture Program launched in 2018 and has been steadily growing every year!
The mission of the Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program (ACAP) is to model and inspire the stewardship of natural resources through sustainable practices, while connecting the community through growing food and nature-based education.
The City of Alpharetta operates The Farm at the city’s Old Rucker Park, a wonderful organic vegetable farm with
resources such as tools, free seeds and seedlings, educational classes and workshops, volunteer opportunities and partnerships. There’s also a community garden where residents can rent one of the 36 raised beds, including seeds and seedlings.
There’s a wide variety of learning opportunities around agricultural topics. For example, monthly classes are offered to the community, ranging from seed starting and container gardening to composting, garden journal making and wreath design.
Old Rucker Farm is located within Old Rucker Park at 900 Rucker Road, Alpharetta, GA 30009. For more information, visit https://alpharettacommunity-agriculture-program. square.site/. New programs are sprouting soon!
There are many studies that have shown the health benefits of being outside, gardening and participating in community service. These community gardening and agriculture programs supported by the North Fulton Master Gardeners and Alpharetta’s Community Agriculture program offer opportunities to do all these things.
The North Fulton Master Gardeners will hold its annual Garden Faire on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in partnership with the City of Alpharetta at The Grove at Wills Park in Alpharetta (175 Roswell St, Alpharetta, GA 30009). This year, the Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program will have unique varieties of organic, heirloom, and non-GMO plants, grown from seed at Old Rucker Farm. Approximately 5000 vegetable, herb, flower seedlings will be available for home gardens. They also have children’s activities.
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 at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/.
Save the Date! Garden Faire 2024 will be held on April 20, 2024, at The Grove at Wills Park. https://www. nfmg.net/garden-faire.html
I have always studied history; it is one of my passions. I studied it in college, and I study it now. Now I find myself in a disturbing place. Everything tells me that “truth” as we have known it, is dead – or at least rapidly disappearing. That is a problem, a really big problem.
It is not so much that “truth” is disappearing. It is more that our access to it and our ability to disseminate it is diminishing. Why? Because of a number of factors.
Our world is now more connected than it has ever been – like in the history of the world. Ease of communication and access to information via the internet has changed everything. Part of that is good. Part is very not good.
The very not good aspect of the
internet is that, in effect, because we now have access to so much information, the information that is “true” is being diluted; it is mixed in with all other information, including information that is false/not factual/ not accurate/not presented in context.
In addition to this “dilution” problem, there is a compounding factor – a multiplier if you will – with the emergence of artificial intelligence, “AI.” Basically, AI will increasingly make it more difficult for us to judge what is true and what is not. Information will be generated by AI, as directed by those people and organizations who wish to advocate for their own agendas, uploaded to the internet and passed off as “true.” Some of it will be, and some of it won’t be.
AI-generated information reminds me of fusion – the merging of different elements to form another element. So, especially with AI, one can take two things that are true, add them together; and in some cases, the result is something that is false. So much depends on context.
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770-645-1414
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During these turbulent times, we would like to highlight the continued courage and commitment of everyone who works in the health care, law enforcement, childcare, food service and utility sectors. We are extremely grateful.
Jimmie Cadenhead, 79, of Alpharetta, passed away on April 1, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Elissa Coalson, 89, of Milton, passed away on March 23, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Dee Dee Cooley, 58, of Milton, passed away on March 31, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Cynda Douglas, 72, of Alpharetta, passed away on March 25, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Increasingly, that AI-generated information will appear to be more and more “true” because that is what AI does. It accesses and processes almost “all information,” and from that universe of data, crafts new “information” that looks more like it must be factual and “the truth.” That is, it is going to get geometrically more difficult for all of us to decide if what we are reading or watching or listening to is “true” – and is in appropriate context.
The magnitude of the “problem” absolutely cannot be underestimated.
“More information” does not necessarily mean better decisions. You would think it should, but it does not – at least those decisions made by humans. We have a limited capacity to process information. Our brains can only deal with a fixed amount. So, between the internet and AI, we are kind of toast, like sailing ships without rudders – at the mercy of weather we do not control.
Compound the internet with AI and add in “natural selection” – arguably the only true constant in any society – and where do we land? Indeed.
Is it any wonder that “democracy” as a form of government has succeeded as long as it has? A democracy based on the will and knowledge of “the people” – a plebiscite – even now as I write, just seems and feels like a remnant of the past, an aberration, an antique of some sort – certainly not an idea or a concept that is in ascent.
I hope I am wrong.
In the meantime, as this information “problem” plays out, we still have our faith to hopefully keep us on some sort of an even keel, and we will keep putting one foot in front of the other and try to make the best of it like we have always done, no? Buckle up.
Sandra Piper, 78, of Roswell, passed away on March 29, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Charlene Shirley, 86, of Alpharetta, passed away on March 30, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Continued from Page 1
A formative experience for David was conducting her thesis research in Trinidad and Tobago. The country has a stable economy due to its oil and gas production, but working through its poorer communities was an eye opener for David.
“That was the first time that I was face to face with it, because in the Netherlands, I wasn’t confronted,” said David, who also serves on the board for The Netherland-America Foundation chapter in Atlanta.
The Pippin Project doesn’t just serve senior graduates, why David has opted out of grant funding — she also provides devices to students who have dropped out. She said grants often require that students seek at least an associate degree, though most require students to seek a bachelor’s.
“I don’t know the circumstances,” David said. “I know that, at the moment, there are two kids who live in a car. So, how am I going to tell them that you have to go to school?”
Hi, I’m Amber Perry and I report on all things in and around Johns Creek and Roswell. If you have any story tips or ideas please contact me at amber@appenmedia.com
Early on, computers were partially collected from technology drives that David would host in collaboration with the Alpharetta-based nonprofit Green Cell. She also worked with HaulDash and eCloud Recycle for the recycling events.
But, because of the high cost associated with the process, the last recycling event was held in November 2022, and David now buys refurbished computers outright.
From the outset of The Pippin Project, David helped another demographic — people who had been incarcerated, through partnerships with the Georgia Justice Project, which serves anyone affected by the justice system including those on probation or awaiting trial, and the Georgia Innocence Project, a nonprofit focusing on people who have been exonerated.
David also works with The Braille Transcribing program out of the Emanuel Women’s Facility, which teaches offenders how to translate textbooks for
ITB #24-116
The City of Johns Creek extends an Invitation to Bid (ITB) to qualified construction firms for the construction of a trail along the east side of Rogers Bridge Road and along the south side of Bell Road in the City of Johns Creek. ITB’s will be received electronically via the City’s bid platform, BidNet no later than 2:00PM on April 25, 2024 . Questions are accepted and answered online only via BidNet. Deadline for questions is April 18, 2024 at 5:00 PM.
Quotes, bids, and RFP’s are electronically managed through the Georgia Purchasing Group by BidNet , our online bidding/vendor registration system, on the City website: https://www.johnscreekga.gov/Residents/Purchasing . To access the ITB document you must register with BidNet. Go to the City website above and click the link “register and view quote/bid/RFP opportunities”.
The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award .
All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting Neil Trust at the City of Johns Creek Procurement Division at purchasing@johnscreekga.gov or (678) 512-3233. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to wave technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek.
visually impaired K-12 students. The Pippin Project comes in when they are released into the halfway house and need their own equipment to continue working.
Returning to her previous line of work, David also provides professional development training. Right now, she is developing a curriculum for the Georgia Innocence Project alongside a professor of entrepreneurship and job training, who is based in New York.
“We try to be very, very careful and mindful, but also very mindful of our ignorance,” David said.
She said a large percentage of those
she works with had been in prison for 15 to 20 years and never finished high school, so redefining what “basic” skills are for the group is kept in focus.
David was reminded of her experience working for a nonprofit in Chicago, where she helped people below the poverty line and those who had been in prison find jobs.
“It always stuck with me because companies don’t hire you because there’s a stigma,” David said, describing common assumptions about people exiting the prison system, like being capable of only lower-level jobs. “... A lot of people have more to offer.”
ITB #24-120
TOWN CENTER STREAM RESTORATION
The City of Johns Creek extends an Invitation to Bid (ITB) to qualified construction firms for the construction of a stream restoration and trail project on a tributary of Johns Creek from East Johns Crossing to McGinnis Ferry Road. Bids will be received electronically via the City’s bid platform, BidNet no later than 2:00PM on April 29, 2024 . Questions are accepted and answered online only via BidNet. A recommended On-site Pre-bid meeting will take place in person on April 9, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Deadline for questions is April 15, 2024 at 5:00 PM.
Quotes, bids, and RFP’s are electronically managed through the Georgia Purchasing Group by BidNet , our online bidding/vendor registration system, on the City website: https://www.johnscreekga.gov/Residents/Purchasing . To access the ITB document you must register with BidNet. Go to the City website above and click the link “register and view quote/bid/RFP opportunities”.
The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award .
All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting Neil Trust at the City of Johns Creek Procurement Division at purchasing@johnscreekga.gov or (678) 512-3233. The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to wave technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek.
Notice is hereby given that Analia Benedetti, residing at 515 Harbour Gate Circle, Johns Creek, GA 30022 has registered the trade name of Paws Pet Love with the Georgia Secretary of State's office . The trade name registration was filed on 03/20/2024 with the Reservation Number 26928918.
Any inquiries regarding this trade name registration should be directed to Analia Benedetti, analia@pawspetlove.com
South Forsyth/Suwanee
Dig for treasures in Olde Atlanta Club in COMMUNITY-WIDE SALE! 5750 Olde Atlanta Parkway 30024. Saturday 4/20, 8am-1pm. Children’s clothes and toys, collectibles, sports equipment, electronics, household, furniture! Estate Sale
Collectibles, antiques, pictures and tools Fri-Sun 4/12 -4/14 10-4 337 Lynne Circle, Alpharetta 30009 Bargains
Washer & Dryer for sale. One year old, $900 or best offer. 847-630-2471
Family First Credit Union in Roswell, Ga. is seeking a full-time teller for the Roswell office. This position provides a variety of services to our members - deposits, withdrawals, transfers and payments on accounts. Applicant should have previous cash handling experience, be detailed oriented, possess strong communication skills and be self-motivated. Previous financial institution experience a plus. The full time teller will report to the Branch Manager. The hours for the full time position are Monday and Friday (8:45- 5:15) and Saturday (8:45-12:15). This position also requires flexibility for vacation schedules and sick days of other employees. The duties of the full time teller may include but are not limited to:
• Greeting members
• Deposits and withdrawals (cash and checks)
• Phone requests
• Safe deposit box entry
• Maintaining member account privacy
• Auditing loans and membership applications
• Visa transaction (payments and cash advances)
• Account closure
• Daily balancing of cash drawer
Assisting employees at other branch(s) The following qualifications are required for the full time position:
• Previous cash handling experience
• Teller experience preferred but not required
• Excellent member service
• Excellent phone etiquette
• Excellent balancing skills
• Excellent attendance
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• Computer experience
• Team player
To apply please send your resume to search@ffcuga. org Only candidates meeting the above qualifications will be considered.
Family First Credit Union in Roswell, Ga. is seeking a full-time Loan Officer/ Members Services Representative for our Roswell office. Opening Accounts, assisting members with account information including credit card issues, Providing lending options to members. Applicant should have previous customer service experience and lending experience, be detailed oriented, possess strong communication skills and be self-motivated. Previous financial institution experience is a plus. The hours for the full-time position are Monday and Friday (8:45- 5:15) and Saturday (8:45-12:15). The following qualifications are required for the full-time position:
• Lending experience
• Excellent member service
• Excellent phone etiquette
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent attendance
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• Computer experience
• Team player
The duties of the full-time Loan Officer/MSR may include but are not limited to:
• Greeting members
• Booking Loans
• Working with credit reports
• Safe deposit box entry
• Maintaining member account privacy
• Auditing loans and membership applications
• Opening Accounts
• Account closure
• Assisting employees at other branch(s)
Please consider joining our team! We offer excellent salary and benefits! To apply please send your resume to search@ffcuga.org. Only candidates meeting the above qualifications will be considered.
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
A rendering of the Mount Pisgah Christian School expansion includes a performing arts center, a swimming facility, a curriculum enhancement building, two new academic buildings, an existing house, which will be renovated, and six outdoor tennis courts. If approved, the campus would span nearly 46 acres.
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Chris Harmon, who became head of school of Mount Pisgah in 2022, could not provide the expected cost for the project, accounting for inflation and phased approach for build-out, which is expected to take at least 20 years.
Harmon said the priority right now is to close out the property, currently under contract for $5.2 million. The owners contacted the school about a year ago, he said.
“They wanted to see us be able to spread out a little bit more and really preserve that from having a bunch of homes or townhomes or apartments there,” Harmon said. “Nobody really thought that was the best use of that property, especially the family who lived on that property for 50 years.”
Harmon said the expansion is intended to capture a pastoral feel, preserving the site’s natural aspects. Site renderings show a significant amount of green space, including student common areas and a nature trail along a lake to the south.
“I think the project gives us a real opportunity to afford [our students] every opportunity to excel,” Harmon said. “As a complete school, they can excel in any area they’re interested in.”
Currently, around 900 students are enrolled at Mount Pisgah Christian School, from preschool to 12th grade. The expansion is expected to increase enrollment by 250 students.
During the meeting, residents adjacent to the campus raised concerns about the resulting traffic. Several said traffic is already a major issue in the area, and one man cautioned that adding a traffic light would not make it any better.
“The volume of people that are there — this is going to be a shutdown every morning and every afternoon,” the man said. “There's no other way around it. It’s going to degrade the quality of life.”
Wood had said the City of Johns Creek is working with the City of Roswell on adding a traffic light for the subdivision across from the site, Nesbit Lakes, which already must hire its own police officer to direct traffic.
One resident in Chartwell was also wary about the light pollution that might come from adding additional facilities by their homes, citing preexisting issues about the wooded buffer lighting up at night.
Wood told him he would be open to a site visit to better understand the area in question and dive into lighting alternatives.
“Living here so long and right from the beginning, Mount Pisgah has been a really good neighbor and listening to the surrounding neighborhoods’ concerns,” said the Chartwell resident, who moved to the area nearly 30 years ago and participated in negotiations for Mount Pisgah’s first expansion.
The proposal is scheduled to come before the Johns Creek Planning Commission on June 4 and before the City Council on June 17.
