Police to join North Fulton SWAT
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek Police Department is planning to break away from the North Metro Special Weapons and Tactics team to join a squad consisting of its North Fulton sister cities.
Founded in 2009, North Metro SWAT is a multi-jurisdictional tactical team that consists of the Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Dunwoody,
Chamblee and Brookhaven police departments.
Because Sandy Springs is looking to form its own SWAT team, Johns Creek Police Chief Mark Mitchell said it made “business sense” to change memberships to North Fulton SWAT.
The unit is made up of the Roswell, Alpharetta and Milton police departments. As an incoming member, Mitchell said proximity is a big benefit.
“We face a lot of the same crimes and type of call outs and things like that,” Mitchell said. “We’re already partnered with them on other ventures and things that we do.”
In June, Johns Creek entered a contract with the other North Fulton cities for ambulance services provided by American Medical Response.
Mitchell said Johns Creek’s participation in North Metro SWAT ends Jan. 8.
See SWAT, Page 22
The Johns Creek Police Department is planning to break away from the North Metro Special Weapons
Tactics team to join the North Fulton SWAT unit, consisting of the Roswell, Alpharetta and Milton police departments.
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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.
Cash totaling $1,500 removed from wallet
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police investigated a reported theft of $1,500 from a wallet at a North Point Parkway department store Nov. 16.
After exiting the store, a 31-yearold El Paso, Texas, woman said she realized she had left her wallet in a shopping cart, according to an Alpharetta police report. The woman met with a store employee, who returned it.
The woman said her wallet was missing the cash she had entered with.
An employee told officers she found the wallet and placed it in her pocket before using the restroom, entering the break room and then leaving the wallet on a bench. The employee said she did not open the wallet.
Other employees found and recovered the wallet from the bench.
Police searched the restroom and break room but did not find the cash. Officers lacked evidence to make an arrest, according to the report.
Jon
Wilcox
Japanese church residents report theft of belongings
ROSWELL, Ga. — Police are investigating a residential burglary at the Westminster Japanese Church Nov. 18 after residents reported thieves took more than $3,000 of their personal belongings.
The victims, a 50-year-old Roswell woman and her 57-year-old husband, said someone snuck into their home, which is attached to the church.
The woman said she thought she heard someone closing the door to
her home while she was sitting in the church around 11:50 a.m.
When her husband returned to the home around 2 p.m., he said things in their bedroom were out of place and called police.
The couple told officers that a $2,500 pearl jewelry set, $300, 200 yen (1.29 U.S.) were stolen and a pair of $50 cufflinks.
Officers said they noticed several ransacked areas of the home during a sweep, but several valuable electronics were left untouched. They also said very few drawers were rummaged through, and one of the windows was slightly opened.
One witness, a 43-year-old resident and member of the church choir, said she thinks she saw someone walking away from the house around 11:50 a.m.
Officers said she was unable to give and description.
There is no identified suspect.
Hayden
Sumlin
Police charge driver for driving intoxicated
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 44-year-old Sandy Springs man was arrested on a driving under the influence charge Nov. 18.
Officers stopped a black Saturn Vue about 3 a.m. on Mansell Road, according to an Alpharetta police report. While interviewing the driver, officers smelled alcohol and noticed his eyes were bloodshot and glassy.
The man, speaking through a Spanish interpreter, said he had three beers before driving. Officers conducted a field sobriety test and determined the man was unsafe to drive.
A search of the vehicle found two half-empty bottles of liquor.
The man was charged with driving under the influence, open container violation while operating a motor vehicle and driving while unlicensed.
Jon Wilcox
Officers arrest woman on Cobb County warrant
ROSWELL, Ga. — Police transported a 28-year-old pregnant woman to Cobb County Jail Dec. 18 after officers discovered she had an active warrant during a trespassing incident.
Officers said they spoke with the manager of the Holiday Inn Express off Mansell Road around 12 p.m. about a couple found squatting in one of the rooms.
The manager said a maintenance worker found them in the room, questioned the couple and went to the front desk to check if they had paid.
By the time he returned, the employee said the couple was walking out of the room and down the stairs.
After confirming the pair had not rented the room, the hotel manager said she called police.
Officers said there were no signs of forced entry to the hotel room. They also said the door could not close all the way on its own and could be opened with a slight push.
Around 12:22, officers said they spotted the couple next door at Waffle House and eventually detained them back at the hotel.
The male suspect, who was only identified by name in the report, said he and his girlfriend were staying in a room with another friend.
After the officer accused him of lying, the female suspect said the couple was homeless and they went inside to sleep. She also said she was pregnant.
While filling out trespass warnings for the couple, officers discovered the pregnant woman was wanted on a probation violation out of Cobb County.
An officer said he handcuffed the suspect in front of her body because of the pregnancy.
Officers released the male suspect with a warning and transported the female suspect to Cobb County Jail.
— Hayden Sumlin
Sandy Springs Police look to form own SWAT team
Departure from North Metro alliance may cause shuffle among members
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Police Department is looking to leave the North Metro Special Weapons and Tactics team to form its own squad.
Founded in 2009, North Metro SWAT is a multi-jurisdictional tactical team that consists of the Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Dunwoody, Chamblee and Brookhaven police departments.
Member officers who have gone through specialized training cross jurisdictional lines to respond to hostage situations, barricaded suspects, heavily armed criminal engagement, counter-terrorism, active assailants and dignitary protection.
Sandy Springs Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Leon Millholland said the department will stay on North Metro SWAT until Dec. 31, and then stand up on its own team Jan. 1.
“The decision was made to have our own SWAT team dedicated to the citizens and businesses of Sandy Springs,” Millholland said.
Moving forward, he said Sandy Springs SWAT will be there to support its neighboring agencies if needed.
Sandy Springs Communications and Public Relations Director Carter Long said the item was to go before the City Council Dec. 3, but later confirmed that it was not on the agenda.
It’s unclear whether the change must be done through a formal City Council vote. Millholland said the city sent out a 90-day notice to the other North Metro SWAT agencies and that he thinks it’s the only requirement needed.
“I don't think it's coming up for a vote because it's already a done deal,” he said.
The City of Sandy Springs’ dedicated webpage has already been updated to reflect the department’s decision to go it alone.
Millholland said there would be no additional cost to the measure.
“The personnel, the equipment is already in place,” he said.
Sandy Springs Police has a SWAT team of around 30 officers, Millholland said, which covers the entry team, perimeter team, sniper team and crisis negotiation team.
Sandy Springs SWAT would have the same capabilities as the North Metro SWAT, he said, to serve the city of more than 105,000 residents.
Millholland said there’s about five to
six incidents a year in Sandy Springs that require a SWAT presence and that they are mostly search warrants that need to be executed or domestic incidents that have gone “really bad.”
“Now that could change,” he said. “It's one of the things that's unpredictable. It may happen, it may not. So, we just want to make sure that we've got a team to be able to respond in Sandy Springs if those situations do come up.”
Because of the change in membership, the Johns Creek Police Department is now looking to join the North Fulton SWAT team, which consists of the Roswell, Alpharetta and Milton police departments.
The contract, detailing a new cost sharing ratio, went before the Roswell City Council at its Nov. 26 committee meeting.
Johns Creek Police Chief Mark Mitchell said the move made “business sense” as the department would be the only North Fulton city left on the SWAT team. He said the end of Johns Creek’s participation is Jan. 8.
“Now, granted, like I said, we had a very wonderful relationship with them,” Mitchell said.
He added that there’s the benefit of proximity as an incoming member of North Fulton SWAT.
“We face a lot of the same crimes and type of call outs and things like that,” Mitchell said. “We’re already partnered with them on other ventures and things that we do.”
The departure of Johns Creek Police leaves North Metro SWAT with the Dunwoody, Brookhaven and Chamblee police departments.
Dunwoody Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Michael Cheek said the group is in the preliminary stages of discussion with the City of Doraville regarding a potential partnership with its agency.
“While there may be some personnel and equipment costs associated with this transition, the impact on the North Metro S.W.A.T. Team will be minimal,” Cheek said. “The team will maintain its full operational capabilities and remain consistent in its performance.”
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LIVING
Athletes with special needs take talent to state playoffs
VALDOSTA, Ga. — Athletes with Special K’s, a Johns Creek nonprofit and one of some 200 local agencies of Special Olympics Georgia, tested their abilities over the Nov. 23 weekend, competing in the Fall Games in Valdosta.
Special K’s gives athletes aged 8 and older a space to train and compete in a variety of Olympic sports. Its athletes train in Johns Creek, Alpharetta and Roswell, depending on the sport.
While the fall competition is special to bocce, cycling and golf, the nonprofit also offers training and competition in other sports, including flag football, basketball and soccer.
To support Special K’s, the Sugar Mill Residential Association will host its third annual Jingle Bell Dash Dec. 14. The benefit 5K walk/run will be held at 7095 Sweet Creek Road in Johns Creek. Registration is $25. Check-in is at 7:45 a.m., and the race begins at 8:30 a.m.
Donations are welcome. All proceeds will go to Special K’s to cover uniform and equipment costs, practice facility rentals as well as games registration fees.
To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ SK2024JingleBellDash. — Amber Perry
GARAGE SALES
See more garage sales in the classifieds
CHRIST THE SHEPHERD CHURCH, 4655 Webb Bridge Road 30005. Saturday 12/7, 8am-12pm. HUGE! Used electronics: Computers, laptops, monitors, PS4, game systems, speakers, household appliances, power tools, etc.
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To place garage sale ads: Thursday by 4 p.m. Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@appenmediagroup.com
ERIN CHUN/PROVIDED Special K's athlete Joseph Chun readies himself for the cycling competition during the Special Olympic Georgia State Fall Games Nov. 23. Chun brought home gold in both of his cycling events at the competition in Valdosta.
PHOTOS BY: AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Members of the Martha Stewart Bulloch Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Sue Gilbert, Amy Rudd, Ginger Wiggs and Regent Cynthia Waskowsky showcase their French country decorations in Bulloch Hall’s main bedroom as part of the theme, “An Old-Fashioned European Christmas.” Each year, clubs and organizations around Roswell participate in the annual effort, coordinated by the nonprofit Friends of Bulloch.
Bulloch Hall incorporates European holiday theme
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Through December, visitors to Bulloch Hall are in for a vibrant holiday experience.
The interior of the historic Greek Revival mansion, the childhood home of Martha Stewart “Mittie” Roosevelt, mother of President Theodore Roosevelt, has a European flair.
For around three decades, clubs, organizations and individuals have been responsible for holiday decorations in each room, under a theme chosen by Friends of Bulloch, a nonprofit that supports the City of Roswell in operations of the home.
This year, Friends of Bulloch Treasurer Karen Schwank said the theme is “An Old-Fashioned European Christmas,” with each room representing a country of choice.
Longtime participant Martha Stewart Bulloch Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution decorated the main bedroom in a French country style — simple, elegant, cozy. A realistic stuffed dog lays on the bed quilt, an owl is perched on a dresser, a kitten curls up by the fireplace next to a line of small shoes. In France, Christmas celebrants don’t hang stockings.
The adjacent library, decorated by the Roswell Woman’s Club, represents
Spain. A “Feliz Navidad” banner hangs from the mantle, and Spanish flags are poking out from the tree as the topper.
The morning room, or nursery, is Finnish, and the parlor is Norwegian. The pantry and dining room are inspired by England. German traditions are displayed in Mittie’s bedroom upstairs.
French country
For the French country main bedroom, Martha Stewart Bulloch Chapter member and lead decorator Ginger Wiggs said the lace curtains were a must. She has been a professional interior designer for 40 years.
“The lace curtains — we were allowed to do that,” Wiggs said. “We do have a lot of restrictions because it’s actually a museum, but you can’t have French country without lace curtains,” she said.
Wiggs began planning the decorations in August, picking up the decor from a Kennesaw-based nonprofit Mostly Mutts.
“You should have seen my garage,” she said.
The work was delegated and carefully done, using backing for the decor to prevent surface scratches. Wiggs said some took trees to decorate and some wrapped the packages, laid at the foot of the bed. They were stamped with French stickers and garnished with bows of twine.
Northern Ridge announces new group of Eagle Scouts
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District (Cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, John’s Creek, Milton) is proud to announce a new round Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Board of Review Oct. 24 at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.
Top row, from left;
Noah Diamond, of Troop 1818 North Metro office of the Marcus Jewish Community Center, whose project was refurbishment and transformation of an old pergola into a transformable Sukkah (a shelter set up during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot), for Berman Commons.
Dylan Craig, of Troop 370, sponsored by St. James United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of a gaga pit and tetherball game pole for Holy Spirit Preparatory School, in Atlanta.
Luke Craig, of Troop 370, sponsored by St. James United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of 14 wooden benches for Holy Spirit Preparatory School in Atlanta.
Middle row, from left:
Alex Grigorian, of Troop 143, sponsored by Greenleaf Capital Partners, whose project was the design and construction of three wooden housing units for AEDs and posted on the school property, at Lambert
High School. Alex also led a training session for the coaches.
Will Brennan, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta Methodist Church, whose project was the collection of over 2,300 food items for North Fulton Community Charities.
Benjamin Beck, of Troop 1818 North Metro office of the Marcus Jewish Community Center, whose project was the design and construction of two garden beds and the collection and creating 31 personal toilet kits for the residents of Balser Tower, a center for seniors.
Camilo Forcucci , of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of three wooden park
benches for Ocee Park.
Jaxton Barnard, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of an arbor swing at Old Rucker Farm.
Alexander Brill, of Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of two planter boxes, a bench, and a deck for the Alpharetta Senior Services Center.
Bottom row, from left:
Sri Dhanabalan, of Troop 143, sponsored by Greenleaf Capital Partners, whose project was the design and construction of a Turfstone concrete paver path connect-
ing the garden to the storage shed at the Special Needs School of Gwinnett.
Hunter Birdwell, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta Methodist Church, whose project was the design and construction of two high top tables and a ladder golf set for the youth center at Alpharetta Methodist Church
Ja'Far Mujahid-Alexander, of Troop 12, sponsored by Muslim American Society Youth Center, whose project was the design and construction of five wooden park benches using the Aldo Leopold design for the American Legion/VFW Post 12002.
Karthik Mahakala, of Troop 2143, sponsored by The American Legion Post 25, whose project was the design and construction of two separate compost wooden bins with a latch, two trellises for the raised garden beds and two shoe racks for use within classrooms for the Chinmaya Mission.
Avignesh Jagavkar, of Troop 2143, sponsored by The American Legion Post 25, whose project was the collection of over 1,200 school items for the North Fulton Charities.
Camille Ceniza, of Troop 1857G, sponsored by Christ the Shepard Lutheran Church, whose project was the design and construction of a new three-bin, wooden compost container for the community gar
den at Newtown Park.
Name: Sutton Total Tennis
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Opened: July 2024
Address: 12050 Etris Road, Roswell, GA, Phone: 470-5501264
Web: suttontotaltennis.com
Name: Chewy Vet Care
Owner: Chewy, Inc
Description: Chewy Vet Care is a veterinary practice that offers a wide array of services, from routine wellness care to urgent care and surgeries. Our passionate, friendly care team provides the highestquality medical care, backed by Chewy’s
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Opened: May 2024
Phone: 404-205-8001
Address: 4531 Olde Perimeter Way, Suite 150, Atlanta, GA 30346
Website: chewy.com/vet-care/clinics/ dunwoody-ga/perimeter
At Newtown Hearing Center, we provide personalized service for all your hearing healthcare needs including hearing evaluations, tinnitus management (ringing in the ears), cognition screenings and more.
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FlameTree Glass helps students enjoy artistic process
Key element of class is to overcome fear
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Maureen Buckley McRorie and her husband Lance McRorie take great care in their craft and dedicate much of their business to sharing it with others.
They specialize in glass blowing at the torch, rather than the older technique of the furnace, and have built their lives around it for more than two decades.
The McRories’ shop FlameTree Glass, Inc. off Warsaw Road in Roswell is part gallery and part workshop space. They also sell glass supplies, but on a small scale, for mostly locals. Competition became nearly impossible when glass supply warehouses, equipped with forklifts, entered the scene.
Maureen said glass blowing is a meditative and therapeutic process. Working
with a hot flame requires a certain level of attention.
“It puts you in the moment, and you just start melting, and then two hours have gone by like that,” she said, snapping her fingers. “So that's why people get real addicted to it.”
Lance called the process a “Zen space,” so long as everything is going to plan.
“Glass is moving, right, and it keeps you present because you have to move with it,” he said. “And, when you're in that state, time is not linear anymore. All the problems of the world are gone. You're relaxed, and you're immersed in this.”
They took up the craft in 1999.
Maureen was into beading, buying her supplies from Beads by Design in Marietta, and found out she could make her own. So, she and Lance signed up for a bead-class, and from there, their beads started selling, and people began asking to take classes.
See GLASS, Page 9
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Maureen Buckley McRorie and her husband Lance McRorie, owners of FlameTree Glass, Inc. off Warsaw Road, specialize in glass blowing at the torch. They sell finished pieces, do commissions within any budget, and offer a variety of classes at all levels.
Glass:
Continued from Page 8
“We were like, ‘No way,’” Maureen said. They made a couple of moves since then, from Orlando, Florida, to a shopping center off South Atlanta Street. Maureen and Lance found the current location in 2017, opening two years later but closed soon afterward when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
Impact of pandemic
The business hasn’t totally recovered from the pandemic, with only a couple of people stopping by that day. Maureen and Lance also used to hold master classes, but student interest has waned.
“The whole industry after COVID has just really gone down,” Maureen said.
The signatures of all the expert glass craftspeople who led master classes at FlameTree are spread out along the metal hood over the studio table.
Lance said he has always participated in the master classes held at the shop, working to build his skill.
“They're just at such a high level,” he said. “Every time they come back in front of me, I feel like an infant.”
Meanwhile, he said Maureen has only taken two to three official classes but manages to pick up the skill nearinstantly.
She loves sculpting and works mostly in soft glass, as it’s less fussy and stubborn than hard glass, which has a slower heating process and quicker cooling process, forcing you to work, or blow, fast.
Intricate lamps are one of her specialties, building a metal armature frame then attaching glass, made on the wire.
“A lot of this is recycled out of the trash bucket,” she said.
Some can be seen on the walls in the gift shop, along with her watercolor paintings and fabric work, also an abundance of glass jewelry pieces. There’s finished pieces, but they offer commissioned work for any budget.
Hard glass is a medium Lance uses often because of his knack for goblets, forging whimsical stems of different animals and other shapes. Dozens are on display in the shop.
He takes influence from Asian culture, at one point flipping through a book showcasing Chinese folk art. Loren Stump, a master, captivated Lance with his own interest and experiences teaching in Japan.
Joy in teaching
While business isn’t what it used to be, they do have a busy schedule this time of year, teaching students how to blow their own holiday decorations.
In the studio downstairs, Lance was
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Lance McRorie, co-owner of FlameTree Glass, Inc., prepares an icicle project for students the following day.
Learn more
For more information about FlameTree Glass, Inc., visit https://flametreeglass.com.
preparing icicles at his workstation, an organized mess of tools in all shapes and sizes and with different uses at the end of a long table where students approach a series of small torches. Kilns of all sizes are tucked in different places.
Icicle-making was the main event the next day.
Lance demonstrated how traditional ball ornaments are made, another class, focusing the flame on a hard glass stem that he prepared in advance. After a few minutes of even rotations in the flame, the bulbous end softened and was malleable enough to blow out into the spherical shape often seen on Christmas trees.
The stem is then cut, leaving an opening to be topped with a metal ornament cap.
Lance said students have to start with the basics and foundation — there’s a lot to it. He and Maureen mapped out the different styles of glass making on the studio chalkboard, accompanied by a history lesson in the craft.
Lance said it’s a difficult medium to teach.
“Well, most people don’t get it,” Maureen added. “...They're terrified … but then they realize, if you just listen and follow safety instructions, it's fine … As seasoned veterans, we still have to pay attention because we can still get hurt.”
Maureen and Lance, collectively, have a lot of cuts and burns.
“Sometimes you get a cut, and then you cauterize it with the burn on top,” she said, laughing.
Maureen said she enjoys getting students over the fear but also frustration, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
“They get into that space, and it's healing,” Lance added. “Because in this frenetic world that we live in, right — fast, frenetic, flashing pictures on an iPad, cars driving — they learn how to be calm…”
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Why a turnkey, one-stop shop is essential for your bath or kitchen remodel
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When it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, the process can quickly become overwhelming. From creating ideas and solutions, and selecting materials to finding contractors for plumbing, electrical work, and installation, managing multiple vendors and services can be stressful.
Remodeling projects start with a vision but bringing that vision to life requires expertise. An in-house design team needs to work closely with you to create a customized plan that reflects your personal style, and preferences, and stays within your budget—offering services like 3D renderings, so you can visualize your space before any work begins. With expert guidance every step of the way, you can be confident your project is set up for success.
Coordinating multiple contractors— plumbers, electricians, tile installers, and more—can be time-consuming and frustrating. With a turnkey remodeler, you get full-service project management, to handle every aspect of the renovation. Having a team to ensure that the design, material selection, scheduling, and installation are all aligned to create a smooth, stress-free experience is key. You don’t have to worry about chasing contractors or keeping up with timelines—it will be done all for you.
One of the biggest advantages of working with a one-stop shop is the convenience of having everything you need in one place. A great showroom should be filled with an extensive selection of cabinetry in a variety of styles and finishes, plumbing fixtures from top brands, countertops including granite, quartz, marble, and more, tile for floors and backsplashes, and hardware to complete your design.
Rather than running around town searching for materials, you can explore all your options under one roof, with our team guiding you through each choice.
Choosing a turnkey, one-stop-shop remodeler like Bath & Kitchen Galleria means more than just convenience—it means a smoother, more enjoyable remodeling experience with expert guidance, seamless coordination, and a wide selection of top-quality products to choose from while staying in your budget.
Whether you're transforming your bathroom or remodeling your kitchen, Bath & Kitchen Galleria is here to handle every detail, so you can sit back and enjoy the results! For more information visit Bath & Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) M-F, 9-5 and Saturday, 10-4, or call them at 678-459-2292 or visit BathandKitchenGalleria.com to schedule an appointment online.
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm, re-imagining how bath & kitchen remodels are done.
Complete Remodeling Design and Installation Services. We even remove walls!
Guiding you through the whole design process. Ask about our 3D Renderings.
Making bath & kitchen remodeling fun, easy and affordable.
North Atlanta’s best gets a new address
Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad
Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty is transforming the ‘live-workplay’ dynamic into something truly innovative for agents and clients with its upcoming move to Avalon. Set to open in January 2025, the new North Atlanta office will offer an unparalleled location in the heart of Alpharetta’s premier destination for luxury, innovation and connection.
With a cutting-edge design, a multimillion-dollar renovation and a collaborative workspace concept, this state-of-the-art experience center is poised to set a new standard for excellence and usher in a bold new chapter.
Here's what you can expect:
1. A prime location in Alpharetta’s hottest hub.
Avalon’s emphasis on lifestyle dovetails effortlessly with our company’s goal to support our clients in the pursuit of exceptional homes and lives. Nestled in Alpharetta, our new space embodies the area’s reputation for being at the heart of progress and connectivity, with unrivaled access right off GA-400.
2. An innovative design for a collaborative future.
Our multimillion-dollar renovation transforms the prime spot directly above Apple into a cutting-edge experience
center. Designed with a modern industrial aesthetic, the office breaks away from traditional layouts, featuring open clusters and collaborative workspaces tailored for creativity and client engagement. This forward-thinking approach mirrors the trends in commercial spaces, creating an environment that feels as welcoming and functional as home.
3. A new year with a bold new chapter.
Leading the market with recordsetting momentum heading into 2025, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty saw its highest closing sales volume to date in 2024. The new Avalon location represents the pinnacle of luxury and innovation in real estate while paving the way for one-of-a-kind opportunities in the year ahead.
The move to Avalon marks more than just a new address for Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty; it’s a bold step forward into the future of luxury real estate, connecting our new beginning to yours. For nine consecutive years, Appen Papers readers have recognized our company as the best residential real estate brokerage in North Atlanta. This state-of-the-art headquarters reinforces our company’s commitment to excellence as a leader in the North Atlanta market. We can’t wait to provide a warm welcome in a place where location, luxury and innovation converge to create one-ofa-kind experiences and lasting memories for agents and clients alike. Reach out to Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300 for all your real estate needs. We would be happy to assist you!
Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/Copyeditor
What truly defines a legacy?
While many of us focus on passing down tangible assets, there’s a profound yet often overlooked aspect of estate planning: the ethical will. Unlike a traditional will that outlines the distribution of your possessions, an ethical will is a heartfelt document that conveys your values, life lessons, and personal reflections to your loved ones. Imagine crafting a letter filled with your hopes, dreams, and the wisdom you’ve gained throughout your life—an opportunity to share stories that shaped you, the values you hold dear, and the advice you wish to pass down. It’s not just about what you leave behind, but how you want to be remembered. In a world where material possessions can easily fade, the messages of love, resilience, and purpose carry lasting
weight. An ethical will invites your family and friends to connect with the essence of who you are, offering guidance and inspiration long after you're gone. Whether it’s sharing your triumphs, acknowledging challenges, or imparting lessons learned from mistakes, this document allows you to weave a narrative that transcends generations. So, why not take the time to explore this meaningful practice? Your legacy could be richer than you ever imagined. What stories or lessons would you want to share with your loved ones? Interested in learning more about wills and estate planning?
• Does my Will protect my “stuff”? (It does not.)
• Should I upgrade my Will to a Trust?
• What do I need to know about Revocable Living Trusts?
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• How do I remain in control?
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Please tip your delivery person during holiday season of giving
HANS APPEN Publisher
The holiday season is a time for giving, gratitude and spreading cheer. As we gather with loved ones and reflect on the year gone by, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to recognize the hard work of those who make our everyday lives a little brighter. Among them are the dedicated individuals who deliver your free community newspaper each week.
Our newspaper delivery people work tirelessly to ensure you receive your paper promptly, no matter the weather. Whether it’s a crisp autumn morning, a snowy winter dawn or a rainy day, they are up early, making sure you have the latest news and stories delivered right to your driveway. Their efforts keep our community connected, informed and engaged.
Given their dedication and the extra challenges they often face — especially during the colder months — now is the perfect time to show your appreciation with a holiday tip. A small gesture of thanks can go a long way in making their season a little brighter.
Ways to tip your carrier
If you’d like to express your gratitude this holiday season, there are two simple ways you can do so:
To tip your newspaper delivery driver, go to appenmedia.com/deliverytip now through the end of the year.
1. Give online Visit appenmedia.com/deliverytip to give any amount. Many people choose to give anywhere from $10 to $50. Any amount is appreciated.
2. Mail a check
You can also mail a check made out to Appen Media Group and mail it to:
Newspaper Delivery Tip C/O Appen Media Group 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009
For many delivery people, this work is more than just a job, it’s a commitment to serving their community. Many of them work long hours and face challenging weather conditions, especially during the winter months. Your tip is not only a way to say "thank you" but also an acknowledgment of their consistent effort to keep you informed and connected to your community. This holiday season, let's come together as a community to show our appreciation for those who make our lives a little easier. A small gesture can have a big impact, reminding us all of the joy and kindness that the holidays are all about.
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OPINION
PRESERVING
Sgt. Maj. Paul Hershey – a U.S. Marine, Part 1
BOB MEYERS Columnist
Sgt. Maj. Paul Hershey served in the Marine Corps for 29 years in a variety of hot spots throughout the world before retiring in 1994. His father served in the Army in World War II, and his brother flew the A-10 Thunderbolt (commonly known as the Warthog) and the F-15 fighter during wars in Vietnam and The Middle East. So, in a sense Paul Hershey was destined to serve his country.
He was a student at East Carolina University where he played football and baseball when his student deferment was due to expire in 1965. Rather than be drafted, he chose to enlist in the Marine Corps in Hampton, Virginia, where he grew up. Paul now lives in Milton and is a sought-after public speaker. In May 2023 he was the keynote speaker at Milton’s Memorial Day ceremony.
Before describing Hershey’s amazing military career, a few words are in order about the important rank of sergeant major in the Marine Corps where it is the
ninth and highest rank for enlisted personnel. Some other military services also have sergeant majors, with slightly different names and different responsibilities.
In the Marine Corps, the rank is part
of the command structure, meaning the sergeant major reports to the commanding officer (CO) of a unit such as a battalion, division or military base. The SgtMajMC advises the CO on matters concerning enlisted personnel from training to discipline to morale. He accompanies the CO when he goes to the battle front. Sergeant majors are senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) who are highly respected and who help guide and mentor younger members of the military whether male or female.
Upon enlistment, Hershey underwent rigorous basic training at Parris Island in South Carolina, where Marine recruits have been trained since 1915. Today, some 17,000 recruits are trained there every year.
Following basic training, Hershey was deployed to Vietnam. He says “Vietnam was just as bad as everyone says it was.”
During his tour he participated in numerous enemy encounters, including Operation Dewey Canyon, Operation Hastings and Helicopter Valley, Battles of Que Son Valley, Battle of A Shau Valley, Battle of Hue during the Tet Offensive, and other fierce battles.
It is probably safe to say that Marines were shot at almost every day of their Vietnam tours of duty. Unlike other wars, only teachers were given occupational deferments during the Vietnam War. Sadly, returning troops were often ostracized when they came home.
Hershey was wounded four times and spent a total of 11 months in the Dallas, Texas, VA Medical Center and the Balboa Medical Complex in San Diego, which during the Vietnam War, was the largest military hospital in the world. Following his last hospital stay, he became a drill instructor on Paris Island. He arrived on Paris Island as a staff sergeant and while there was meritoriously promoted to gunnery sergeant, which advanced his career by six or seven years.
In late 1974 as Saigon was falling, Hershey went to Okinawa to link up with the 3rd Marine Division and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing for the Saigon “pullout” of American embassy employees, some South Vietnamese soldiers who had fought with the Americans and some civilians.
See MEYERS, Page 22
SGTMAJ HERSHEY
This portrait of Sergeant Major Paul Hershey was taken in 1992 following his tour in Vietnam when he was serving in Hawaii.
100 most influential people #41 - #50
People and things that have impacted our world
RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
Here’s another batch of names in my continuing series exploring the most influential people and topics in history
No. 41 Money
The pursuit of money as the end goal is toxic, and it makes the list. Pure capitalism without intervention can be just as destructive as it can be productive. There needs to be balance. Of course, much of the struggle between the two political parties centers upon the responsibility of society to provide for its citizens – who, how much, why, when. Observation: When the primary common denominator in a system, society, or organization becomes money, it will inevitably fail and implode upon itself. We are way down that road already.
No. 42: The “New Coke” (April 1985 to July 2002)
Loyalty to the “old Coke” – the emotional attachment – was generally given as one of the primary reasons for the failure of “New Coke.” That is, Coke underestimated the brand loyalty to the “old” Coke. Points go to then Coke CEO Roberto Goizueta who had the guts to change the formula for Coke after 99 years of use. You don’t get to be CEO if you are afraid to roll the dice.
No. 43: Brands (see #42)
What do all these products have in common: Crest, Cascade, Comet, Zest, Pampers, Gillette, Tide, Febreze, Vicks, Charmin, Tampax, Head & Shoulders, Old Spice, Bounty, Scope, Pantene, Dawn, Ivory, Gain, Pepto Bismol, Mr. Clean? If you guessed that they are all Procter & Gamble brands you would be correct. Procter & Gamble has historically spent more money “brand advertising” than any other retailer worldwide. Brand advertising/consistency is a massively wise investment.
Ask someone to sit with you and write down the first thing that comes to mind as you read this list to them: “a toothpaste, a dishwasher detergent, a laundry detergent, a brand of toilet paper, a tampon brand, a brand of razor, a shampoo, something for upset stomach, a general-purpose cleaner.” See if 80 percent (or more) of the products they name are these - after decades and decades!
No. 44: “Apocalypse Now”
Francis Fords Coppola’s movie makes the list. It is arguably the “greatest” war movie of all time. What script writers come up with lines like these: “You’re an errand boy sent by grocery clerks to collect a bill”, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning,” “Who is the commanding officer here?” Soldier: “Ain’t you?” and my favorite, “Charlie don’t surf.”
The scene, complete with go-go dancers and CCR’s Susie Q blasting in the background – about “75 klicks above the Do Luong bridge” – Coppola’s rendition of Dante’s hell – is just one of many scenes that allowed “Apocalypse Now” to check more boxes than almost all other contemporary movies. Incidentally, while the movie
was inspired by Joseph Conrad’s 1899 novella “Heart of Darkness,” it is safe to say that the bulk of the script for Apocalypse Now was “borrowed” from Michael Herr’s seminal journal/book on Vietnam, “Dispatches.”
No. 45: Cast of “Apocalypse Now” What can you say. I just want to see more movies with casts composed of acting gods. Coppola’s cast: Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, Dennis Hopper, Laurence Fishburne, Harrison Ford, Robert Duval, Charlie Sheen and more.
No. 46: The Odds Online gambling is now legal. It is reported that one online betting platform has
already – one week prior to November 5 –taken in over $100 million in election bets. Another platform reports taking in $2.5 billion so far. From casinos to government lotteries, to now online betting, we seem to be increasingly allowing something that is inherently toxic into our humanity. Surely this won’t end well. All for the almighty buck.
No. 47: Pop-tops
The pull-top can, also called “ring-top,” was invented by Ermal Fraze in the early 1960s and discontinued in 1975 because too many people swallowed them or cut their fingers on them. Someone else figured out how to modify the tab so that it stayed on the can. So, it makes the list because it represents the good ole American “can-do” attitude.
No. 48: Bill Gates
I have mixed emotions adding Bill to the list. He now has some questionable history, it seems. On the other hand, he has channeled much of his wealth toward worthy outreaches, from poverty, health, agriculture, education, and more, to the benefit of millions, if not billions, of people worldwide. Another aspect of his impact on our world has been his efforts, along with Warren Buffet, to encourage other billionaires to commit to using their wealth to better the world at large. And no, Gates has not implanted chips in anyone, nor did he fund, plan, or initiate COVID 19. Come on people.
No. 49: Glenn Campbell, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Barbra Streisand, MJ Art, including especially music, surely is the counterbalance to the pursuit of money. Yes, money often ends up ruining those who create the art, but that art is the magic that reminds us who we are, grounds us, makes us remember what is important, and tempers so many of our default responses to the world in which we live. Art/music is our healing magic.
No. 50: COVID 19
What is there to say that we don’t already know? It changed everything. It killed millions. It came close to destroying the world’s economy. But how will we deal with the next pandemic? Vaccines work. Distancing helps stop the spread. But the pandemic became the epicenter of disinformation that is still out there. Perhaps the greatest victim of COVID 19 was the public’s trust in the federal government and especially the CDC. That can’t be, or we won’t survive the next pandemic.
Bulloch:
That day, Wiggs was accompanied by Amy Rudd, her co-chair for the chapter’s Bulloch Hall decoration committee, as well as the chapter Regent Cynthia Waskowsky and former Regent Sue Gilbert. Linda Tartak and Brenda Bartholomew were also on the decorating committee.
The chapter is all about community service.
Each September, members raise community awareness of Constitution Week with displays in schools and libraries. The group also awards medals to distinguished members of area high school Junior ROTCs as well as scholarships.
In November, Waskowsky said the chapter collected more than 80 stockings filled with goodies intended for veterans at the clinic in Marietta, and her regent’s project is helping the Foster Care Support Foundation in Roswell.
“Foster Care Support is near and dear to my heart because they don’t get a lot of money from [the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services] and things like that,” she said.
Friends of Bulloch Board Vice President Pam Billingsley said the Martha Stewart Bulloch DAR chapter was one of the first groups chosen to participate in the annual decorating.
Billingsley’s tenure at Bulloch Hall began in 1989 as a site coordinator. She retired four years ago.
Longtime effort
Before Billingsley, decorations were sparse with wreaths here and there, maybe a Christmas tree.
The home had only been open a week for Christmas, rather than all of December — a premature end for all the decorating trouble. She changed that, too.
“It really wasn’t a show house by
any means, a Christmas show house,” Billingsley said.
Billingsley has a hand each year, now making a two-hour trek from her home in Clayton.
She decorated the open-hearth kitchen in the basement with Icelandic flourishes, such as the Northern Lights and the tradition of 13 Yule Lads, who are known for their mischief, causing trouble for townspeople but leaving gifts for children.
Billingsley said the lads’ mother, a trolllike mannequin with a grandmother’s face, must have scared everybody.
“I just was told that they turned her around…” she said.
Last year’s theme was “A German Christmas,” to complement the first annual Christkindl Market outside Bulloch’s front door. One year, the theme was centered on children’s stories, and for that, Billingsley pulled from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
“I did have some people make comments about it, but it was great,” she said. “The house looked beautiful. It does every year, and everybody always says, ‘Well, I thought last year was the best, but no, it’s this year.’”
Billingsley also created several programs at Bulloch Hall, such the Christmas High Teas. There’s three this year, during the week of Dec. 9. The soldout event features afternoon tea, finger sandwiches, and desserts served by people dressed in period costumes, followed by a tour of the home.
Another Billingsley brainchild was the reenactment of Mittie’s 1853 wedding to Theodore Roosevelt Sr. She would play Mittie, and as the years went on, she took on the role as Mittie’s mother.
The house, the story, the people draw her in. For Billingsley, Bulloch Hall is a love affair.
“It was just all so much fun,” she said. “I’d say it was probably the best thing in my life, other than my kids and my husband that died 10 years ago.”
Tropical lizard
Missouri feeder
Meager
Antiquated
Newcomer, briefly
Recipe amt.
“One of ___” (Willa Cather novel)
38 Stop, for one
Formal orders
Jellied delicacy 45 Move furtively 46 Half an ellipse 49 Fortuneteller
50 Like the Kalahari
51 Spreads grass for drying to make hay 53 Classic car
54 “The Lord of the Rings” figure
56 Outfield surface
58 Slangy denial
60 Grassland
61 Opening for a coin
63 Tweak
67 Hardly wimpy
69 Well known, like Lewis and Clark
72 Winter Olympian
73 Speaker of baseball
74 Buffalo’s lake
75 Puts in stitches
76 Peccadilloes
77 Enormous birds of myth
London district
Half of an old radio duo
“Peter Pan” pooch
Grounds
Lobbying grp.
Dos preceder 7 Short dogs, for short
Pieces
Cain raiser 11 Change your mind 12 Leg joint
Commotion
Oenologist’s interest 22 Requiem Mass word 25 Beetle juice?
26 Weasel relative 29 Pulls 30 “You betcha!” 31 At first sight, legally 33 Straight up 35 Daughter of Geb 37 Cookbook direction
39 Actress Barkin of “The Fan”
SWAT: AAPPEN PRESSCLU
Continued from Page 1
The North Fulton SWAT contract went before the Roswell City Council at its Nov. 26 committee meeting. It details a new cost sharing ratio among North Fulton SWAT members for additional vehicles, robots and other capital purchases, based on city population.
There won’t be a cost difference in joining North Fulton SWAT, Mitchell said. As with North Metro SWAT, each city is responsible for its own budgeted SWAT gear and personnel.
“Right off the bat, we don’t have any huge additional expenses,” he said. “Down the road, as we grow and all the cities grow, I’m sure there’ll be just some different challenges and equipment and things that we would look at purchasing. But I think going in, we’re pretty well off and ready to go.”
Johns Creek Police will have four SWAT operators, four SWAT tech recon members and four SWAT medics on the North Fulton team, in
addition to others when the move is completed.
The department also has a quick-reaction vehicle, deployed for the first time last year. It’s fully outfitted with SWAT gear and equipment.
In his three years as chief of the Johns Creek Police Department, Mitchell said there have been two incidents that required a SWAT response. He emphasized the importance of the crisis negotiation team.
“A lot of times on these critical incidents, the crisis negotiating team will negotiate stuff before SWAT is even deployed into a home or anything like that,” he said.
Mitchell said teaming up with other cities is a “force multiplier.”
“It’s a good feeling as a police chief, a good feeling as an agency, knowing that you got those resources that you can call on when something critical or something dangerous happens in the community,” he said.
PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee has changed the meeting start time for their Wednesday, December 18, 2024 meeting. The meeting will now begin at 6:00 pm and be held at City Hall (11360 Lakefield Drive). Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 678-512-3212 should you have any questions.
Allison Tarpley City Clerk
DEATH NOTICES
Mary Clark, 84, of Roswell, passed away on November 16, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Sharon Danville, 69, of Milton, passed away on November 23, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Dwayne Hall, 62, of Roswell, passed away on November 19, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Stephen Ketterer, 94, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 18, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Marines riding on top of an M-48 tank cover their ears as the tank’s 90mm gun fires near Phu Bai, Vietnam.
Meyers:
Continued from Page 19
“We got everybody out in and did the closure of the embassy in April 1975,” Hershey says, “but it was mayhem. We even brought back a C-130 full of babies.”
Refugees were taken to Camp Pendleton for six months where they attended classes on American life and were then released into the United States.
“They were very grateful and patriotic about their adopted country,” says Hershey.
When it was time to leave Vietnam, Hershey boarded a Navy ship to return to Okinawa when the ships received word to turn around and go to Cambodia.
In May 1975, Hershey participated in the U.S. response to the so-called Mayaguez incident when the American freighter Mayaguez and its 39-man crew were captured by gunboats of the Cambodian navy. Cambodia had fallen to the Khmer Rouge communist insurgents in the previous month. The American crew was imprisoned. President Ford sent Marines to attack the island of Koh Tang, where the prison -
Aubrey Lee, 76, of Roswell, passed away on November 16, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Stefan Weis, 77, of Milton, passed away on November 22, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
ers were being held and ordered the bombing of the Cambodian port where the gunboats had come from. The crew was released.
Before leaving the Far East, Hershey spent 18 months training Marines in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and the Japanese Defense Force at Marine Base Camp Fuji in Japan. Training consisted of low intensity combat (guerilla warfare, small unit tactics, suppressive fire, coordination between air and combat troops, etc).
During the Vietnam War, a division consisted of between 25,000 and 40,000 men. a regiment consisted of 11,000 to 18,000 men, and a battalion about 1,900 to 2,500 men.
Hershey left Vietnam in 1976. He was promoted to sergeant major in 1979.
In a future column I will outline some of Paul Hershey’s post-Vietnam assignments.
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.
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Christ the Shepherd Church, 4655 Webb Bridge Road 30005. Saturday 12/7, 8am-12pm. HUGE! Used electronics: Computers, laptops, monitors, PS4, game systems, speakers, household appliances, power tools, etc.
Bilingual Food Pantry
Supervisor
Bilingual Food Pantry Supervisor
Alpharetta law firm looking for part-time witnesses and notary. Must be available in person Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9-5
Alpharetta real estate attorney seeking part-time administrative assistant or paralegal. 2-3 days per week. Flexible schedule. $25 per hour. No experience necessary. Office located on Windward Parkway. Can start immediately. Email resume to jwbell30004@bellsouth.net.
& Fitness
Miscellaneous
The Food Pantry Supervisor supports all aspects of the Food Pantry including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, supervising and managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports and supporting client intake. The Supervisor is the primary backup support to the Food Pantry Manager.
The Food Pantry Supervisor supports all aspects of the Food Pantry including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, supervising and managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports and supporting client intake. The Supervisor is the primary backup support to the Food Pantry Manager.
The Supervisor must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Good interpersonal communications skills are required and MS Office (Excel) experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends, lift up to 42lbs, use a pallet jack, push and pull items, and be on your feet for several hours.
The Supervisor must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Good interpersonal communications skills are required and MS Office (Excel) experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends, lift up to 42lbs, use a pallet jack, push and pull items, and be on your feet for several hours.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
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THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TIP YOUR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON
Your local community newspaper lands in your driveway every week—rain or shine—bringing you the stories, events, and updates that matter most. But did you know that the person delivering it is often a dedicated individual who goes the extra mile (literally) to ensure you stay connected?
Why Tip?
• Show Appreciation: Your delivery person is out there early in the morning or late at night, navigating all kinds of weather, so you can enjoy the news with your morning coffee.
• Support Local Efforts: While the paper might be free, the effort behind it isn’t. Tipping helps reward those who keep this vital community service running smoothly.
• Brighten Their Day: A small tip can make a big difference in someone’s day, showing gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
If you enjoy receiving your free community newspaper, consider giving a small token of appreciation to the person who brings it to your driveway. A little kindness can go a long way!
Thank you for supporting your local delivery heroes!
How to give your delivery person a tip:
Give via the online portal at appenmedia.com/deliverytip or scan this QR Code
If you prefer, you can also mail a check made out to Appen Media Group and mail it to Newspaper Delivery Tip C/O Appen Media Group, 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009
100% of every dollar you contribute will be spread out evenly between the 24 newspaper delivery people that Appen Media employs. Whether you give $5 or $50, they will greatly appreciate it. 1 2