Johns Creek Herald - April 3, 2025 by Appen Media Group

for

of intersections, parking, greenspace and

Officials approve upgrades to activity corridor

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek is infusing nearly $4 million in transportation improvements in the heart of the city to attract visitors to Creekside Park and the planned 43-acre Medley mixeduse community.

At its March 24 meeting, the City Council unanimously approved almost $3.8 million in contracts for construction of a roundabout, trail and parking. About 40 percent of the project’s $5.5-million cost will be paid by Medley’s developer.

The city’s portion will be covered by Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax II funds.

The improvements aim to ease traffic and promote pedestrian use at a corridor that sits between Creekside Park and Medley.

The project includes the construction of a roundabout at Johns Creek Parkway and Lakefield Drive and signalized intersection at Johns Creek Parkway and East Johns Crossing.

Plans also call for on-street parking along the existing southbound lanes between the intersections. Greenspace and a trail will border northbound lanes.

The traffic and pedestrian construction complements city goals to promote recreational, community and mixed-use spaces.

See CORRIDOR, Page 21

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK/PROVIDED

A signalized intersection and roundabout are planned for Johns Creek Parkway with a trail and on-street parking along the roadway in between.

Legislation to ban personal devices for K-8 students awaits signature

By MEIMEI XU WABE

ATLANTA — A Georgia bill headed to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk for final approval would ban personal devices during the day for kindergarten, elementary and middle school students.

The Georgia Senate passed House Bill 340 by a vote of 54-2 on Tuesday. It would require public schools and school systems to establish protocols for restricting access to and storing devices like smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, e-readers, Bluetooth headphones and more. Schools would also create their own policies for device usage during extracurricular and off-campus activities. Schools would need to adopt policies by Jan. 1, 2026, and implement the ban by July 1, 2026.

The bill does not apply to schoolissued devices. HB 340 also has carveouts for students who need to access personal devices for official medical or educational reasons.

Schools in Georgia and metro Atlanta have already implemented some form of a personal device ban to reduce distractions in the classroom.

State Rep. Scott Hilton, R-Peachtree Corners, the lead sponsor of the Distraction-Free Schools Act, praised its passage in the Senate.

See DEVICES, Page 23

SCREENSHOT

Johns Creek City Council members vote to approve contracts

the construction

a trail along Johns Creek Parkway. The roadway sits between Creekside Park and the Medley development.

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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.

Car reported stolen from home driveway

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man woke up March 18 and discovered his car had been stolen from his driveway on Long Pointe.

The man reported to police that when he woke around 8 a.m. and went outside to leave for work he noticed the car was gone.

He said he had left his car unlocked with the key fob inside but had nothing of value inside. He told police he was not aware of any person or group that would have targeted him.

Police spoke with a neighbor who got a Ring camera notification of an unknown vehicle entering the neighborhood around 1 a.m. The image, however, was not sharp enough to identify the car.

— Sarah Coyne

Man reports car dent in road rage incident

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man is pressing charges after sustaining damage to his car while driving.

The man told police that after he turned right onto McGinnis Ferry Road and proceeded to merge into the left straight lane, another vehicle sped up behind him and merged into the right lane beside him.

The driver in the right lane rolled down his window and threw a brown medicine bottle at the other’s rear right quarter panel, creating a small dent. The man also stated that the driver yelled at him and his passenger.

Police ran the suspect’s plate but were unable to view Flock footage due to technical problems at the time.

Sarah Coyne

Robber pulls weapon on couple at gas station

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek police responded to an armed robbery call at a gas station on Medlock Bridge Road around 11 p.m. March 19.

A man and woman were leaving the BP station when they were met with a man at their vehicle. The man approached the two with a pistol in his right hand and told them: “Whatever you have on you, give it to me.”

Confused and surprised, the male victim responded “what?” The armed man then punched him in the face with his right hand holding the pistol.

The male victim surrendered his wallet, containing $1,600, to the suspect. The robber then took the woman’s purse off her shoulder and fled north on Medlock Bridge Road. Her purse contained $700 and a Bank of America credit card.

BP gas station staff provided video of the incident to police.

Officers found no evidence in the surrounding area that would help in the investigation.

The two victims declined medical assistance and were released from the scene — Sarah Coyn e

Man reports choking outside restaurant

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police investigated an aggravated assault reported by a 22-year-old Roswell man March 16.

The man said the assault occurred about midnight at a South Main Street restaurant, according to an Alpharetta police report.

The man said he felt himself get hit on the side of the head while sitting on a bench outside the restaurant. He was then placed in a chokehold with an arm and elbow across his neck.

The man feared for his life and said he was strangled so badly his nose

bled. Officers observed a large bruise on his neck.

The man said he did not know the suspect but had seen him around the downtown area and heard him called “Mikey.” He described the suspect as a man about 5’9” tall, 200 pounds and 30 years of age.

An owner of the restaurant told officers he would not provide surveillance camera recordings without the order of a subpoena.

— Jon Wilcox

Officers seek suspect in mini-mart burglary

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police are searching for a man suspected of throwing a rock through the window of a Norcross Street mini-mart March 19 and stealing cash from the register.

An officer said he and a recruit noticed a shattered window on the northside of the building when they arrived around 7 a.m.

The report identifies the reporting party as a 27-year-old Marietta man but does not say whether he is an employee or the owner.

The man said an unidentified suspect broke into the store through the window and stole around $95 in cash from the register.

The officer said security footage showed a male suspect, around 6 foot, 4 inches, wearing a black hoodie, sweatpants, black slides and white socks climb through the broken window, grab the cash and flee westbound on Norcross Street.

Additional security footage showed the suspect looking through and trying to open other windows of the mini mart before the burglary occurred around 5 a.m., the officer said.

Detectives from the Roswell Police Criminal Investigations Division have taken over the investigation.

The case remains active.

— Hayden Sumlin

Trump taps Alpharettan Beach as U.S. Treasurer

By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat

ATLANTA — President Donald Trump has nominated another Georgian to join his administration, selecting state Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta, for U.S. Treasurer.

The role is a senior leadership position within the U.S. Treasury Department, led by Secretary Scott Bessent. The Treasurer oversees the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the United States Mint.

Beach has been a steadfast Trump supporter, questioning the outcome of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia and the conduct of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in her

criminal case against Trump and his allies.

Beach chairs the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee, and he works as executive director of True North 400, previously known as the North Fulton Community Improvement District.

He is a former president of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and served as a board member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

Beach’s background makes him uniquely qualified for the Treasury post, said Georgia Chamber President

and CEO Chris Clark, who called Beach an expert on monetary and economic policy.

“Senator Beach will bring his strong business mindset to the Treasury Department, ensuring it remains an efficient government agency,” Clark said.

Beach was among a group of Republican state lawmakers who called for a special session of the General Assembly to consider changes to Georgia’s voter ID laws after Joe Biden’s presidential win in 2020.

He also backed a Senate GOP push to investigate Willis and her conduct of the investigation into Trump and his supporters amid allegations that Willis had improper involvement with the

special prosecutor on the case.

Trump has often turned to Georgia for leaders. Former U.S. Rep. Doug Collins was recently sworn in as Secretary of Veterans Affairs and former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler was sworn in to lead the Small Business Administration.

In Trump’s first term, he picked former Gov. Sonny Perdue, now chancellor of the University System of Georgia, to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Rep. Tom Price to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

BEACH

Vindicated prisoner relives life journey

Author relates false murder conviction

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Amanda Knox told the crowd at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta that she wants to keep visiting Italy during an author’s talk about her new book, “Free: My Search for Meaning.”

More than a decade after her life changed forever, Knox spends her time advocating for criminal justice reform, cohosting the podcast “Labyrinths” with her husband Chris Robinson and raising her two children.

Knox gained world attention in 2007 after her roommate, 21-year-old English exchange student Meredith Kercher, was found dead in their shared cottage overlooking the Italian city of Perugia.

Despite shaky evidence linking Knox and her boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito to the murder, she was convicted twice, spent four years in prison and a total of eight on trial.

Her 2013 memoir, “Waiting to be Heard,” recounted her experiences during her interrogation, detailing her wrongful

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

From left, author and activist Amanda Knox discusses her new book, “Free: My Search for Meaning,” with Scripps News anchor Holly Firfer March 25 at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

conviction and imprisonment while setting the record straight in her own words.

“In a way, it was a very reactionary memoir,” Knox said. “There was already a story out there, and I was trying to correct some misconceptions.”

Her second memoir, “Free: My Search for Meaning,” reflects on her return to

American life after spending four years in an Italian prison for a murder she didn’t commit.

“This book is a very different book because it’s not the story of the worst experience of my life,” Knox said. “I’ve had the worst experience of my life, now what?” Knox described her return to Italy,

meeting the judge who sent her to prison and what her life is like with a husband and two kids.

The 2025 follow-up is about her journey through the challenges and complexities of everyday life with an emphasis on her personal search for meaning, inspired by her reading of Victor Frankl in Italian prison.

“It’s not like we have the worst experiences of our lives and then they just stop becoming a part of our lives,” she said. “We carry with us that trauma for the rest of our lives, and how we encounter life is always going to be framed through that.”

One of the more remarkable parts of “Free” tells the story of the relationship between Knox and Italian prosecutor Giuliano Mignini, who portrayed her as a murderer.

While Knox says Mignini refuses to explicitly apologize, she said he has a funny way of expressing regret over his handling of the case.

For example, instead of saying how he felt about the case, Knox said the prosecutor had her watch a movie about a detective who realized he put an innocent person in prison.

“We would have these moments where

See KNOX, Page 5

Continued from Page 4

I was like “what are you trying to say?” Knox said. “I thought my well-being was sort of in his hands, [but] I walked away with his beating heart in my hand, and all of a sudden I was carrying all of this responsibility of absolving him, which I was not expecting.”

Pam Morton, director of arts and authors at the MJCCA, said bringing the thought-provoking discussions to the community exemplifies the mission of the nonprofit’s Arts & Authors series.

“These events exemplify the mission of our Arts & Authors series, bringing powerful and relevant discussions to our community,” said. “Each author brings a unique perspective on justice, history and contemporary global challenges, providing audiences with an incredible opportunity to learn and engage.”

While she is twice exonerated, happily married with children and committed to her work on the board of directors of the Innocence Project, Knox said she still sees chatter about her in the media.

Sometimes jokes are funny, but poorly constructed ones are cheap and often hurtful.

Knox said one of her favorites was from the TV show “Veep,” where a character remarks that anyone can be famous because she is for “not” murdering someone.

One guest at the lecture drew a comparison of Knox’s situation to the infamous Steve Bartman incident, where a Chicago Cubs fan tried to catch a fly ball down the foul line, interfering with a player and received blame from the media.

While the media’s treatment of Knox and Bartman is comparable, there’s one significant difference.

Bartman deflected the foul ball, leading Cubs outfielder Moisés Alou to miss it

with his glove. Knox simply didn’t kill her roommate.

While some Cubs players stuck up for Bartman, Knox is still missing her complete vindication.

The Italian Supreme Court upheld her slander conviction Jan. 23, 2025.

“The irony is that while being wrongly convicted of slander, I’m the most slandered person in this whole saga,” Knox said in a post on X. “The police, prosecutor, media, courts and the killer Rudy Guede have all slandered me to no end.”

Rick Goldstein, a high school teacher at the Paideia School in Atlanta, said he’s known Knox for a few years and regularly takes a group of his students to Innocence Project conferences.

Goldstein said Knox is a wonderful human being who forges connections with students and takes an interest in their journeys.

Dunwoody resident Essie Lazarus said she was a huge Amanda Knox fan as a high schooler and enjoyed the intimate environment for the author’s talk and book signing. It was an interesting and enlightening discussion, Lazarus said.

Knox’s husband, Christopher Robinson, said he thinks the media’s coverage of Amanda may be different today.

“I’ll tell you what Amanda would say, the media is not one thing, there’s good actors and bad ones,” Robinson said. “Even today right now, there are tabloids in the United Kingdom vilifying her for having written this book.”

Robinson and Knox’s “Labyrinths” podcast delves into topics like resilience and personal growth, philosophy, true crime and today’s media.

“It’s sort of been steadily getting better. That isn’t to say misogyny disappeared from the world, it hasn’t,” he said. “On the whole, it’s better.”

Amanda Knox’ new memoir “Free: My Search for Meaning” is available for purchase on Amazon and local bookstores throughout Metro Atlanta.

North Fulton County charity plans pickleball tournament

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — North Fulton Community Charities will hold its second annual Play for Good pickleball fundraiser tournament April 26 and 27.

Proceeds will support the organization’s food pantry, emergency assistance and education and enrichment programs for north Fulton County residents.

Founded in 1983, North Fulton Community Charities is a nonprofit dedicated to easing hardship and fostering financial stability for the residents of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park and Roswell.

“We are excited to bring back the Play for Good tournament for a second year,” said Janet Dahlstrom, community engagement manager. “This event not only promotes an active and connected community but also directly supports those in need throughout north Fulton.”

The tournament will follow a partner round-robin format, offering participants multiple games and opportunities to engage in

Play for Good

When: April 26-27, 2025

Where: North Park Tennis & Pickleball Center, 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta.

Cost: $45 per player

Registration: Visit nfcchelp.org/ pickleball.

Registration closes April 21.

friendly competition. The fundraiser kicks off with a beginner’s clinic on the morning of April 26.

This year’s tournament is held in memory of John Sheffield, honoring his impact and contributions in the north Fulton County community. Northside Hospital is the presenting sponsor.

"Pickleball brings people together, and this tournament is a chance to enjoy the game, share some friendly competition and make a real difference in the community,” said Jit Saha, vice chair of the Alpharetta Recreation Commission. “Every point played is a win for everyone.” — Jon Wilcox

GIRLS LACROSSE

Northview girls outpace Centennial, 12-9

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga — The Northview High girls lacrosse team improved to 7-3 this season after a 12-9 win at Centennial High School March 25.

Centennial falls to 6-3.

The Titans held the lead throughout the match, reaching a six-goal advantage at the end of the third quarter.

Northview scored all but one of its goals in the first three periods, displaying offensive execution that impressed head coach Teresa Roy.

“I’m so proud of them, they’re putting in the hard work,” she said. “We lost to Centennial last year and I’m so proud we didn’t fold this time around. When we play as a team, we really are fantastic.”

Titans senior Nikki Hwang said the team’s mindset has changed from last year.

“The biggest factor in our team success this year has been our drive,” she said. “There’s not much of a difference in skill, but how much we want it has drastically changed.”

The Titans shredded Centennial’s zone defense, scoring 11 goals in 36 minutes. The Knights notched only five goals in the first three quarters.

Once Northview had extended its lead to six in the third quarter, the Knights went on a run of four goals in the final period. The Titans scored once in the final frame at the hands of junior Claire McLaughlin.

Centennial’s Lauren Weidle went on a tear in the fourth quarter, scoring two of the team’s four goals in the period. She finished with four total goals. The Knights cut the lead to its lowest point since the beginning of the second half but failed to complete the comeback.

Northview junior Brynn McCullough said playing together sealed the win for the Titans.

“We had a lot of intensity and played as a team tonight,” she said. “Some teams that we’ve lost to in the past underestimate us, and I think that has really been in our favor. We’re building and we’re only gonna go up from here.”

HELP IS HERE

If you live in Georgia, you can still get help with recovery from Helene or Debby through housing assistance, loans, resources and more. Stay in touch and check your application for updates.

Ways FEMA Can Help

Housing: FEMA may call for more information from an unfamiliar number. Be sure to answer, as FEMA may be able to help with immediate housing, additional support and information on housing opportunities.

Home Inspection: Inspectors will make an appointment before they visit and will show your application number and their photo ID.

SBA Centers: FEMA staff is available to assist at Small Business Administration centers in Coffee, Jeff Davis, Lowndes, Richmond, Screven, Telfair and Toombs counties.

Center for Rural Entrepreneurship:

208 E. 1st St., Vidalia, GA 30474

Jeff Davis Rec Dept: 83 Buford Rd., Hazlehurst, GA 31539

McDuffie Woods CC: 3431 Old McDuffie Rd., Augusta, GA 30906

Satilla Library:

200 S. Madison Ave., Douglas, GA 31533

Screven County Library:

106 South Community Dr., Sylvania, GA 30467

Screven County Library: 106 South Community Dr., Sylvania, GA 30467

Telfair CSC: 91 Telfair Ave., #D, McRae-Helena, GA 31055

VSU Foundation: 901 N. Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31601

Keep Your Recovery On Track

Read your FEMA letter carefully. If you’ve applied for FEMA disaster assistance and were not approved, you may need to send additional documentation.

Scan the QR code or go to fema.gov/HelpIsHere and select “check your status” to upload documents, track your application, update contact information, get directions or get help.

fema.gov/HelpIsHere

Stay in Touch

ONLINE: fema.gov/HelpIsHere

DOWNLOAD: The FEMA App CALL: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

DOWNLOAD: The FEMA App CALL: 1-800-621-FEMA

ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA

Northview junior Brynn McCullough assists on a fast-break at Centennial High School March 25. McCullough had one goal in the Titans’ 12-9 win over the Knights.

Lionheart Life Center breaks ground on shed

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Lionheart Life Center celebrated the groundbreaking of a woodworking shed March 12.

The Lionheart Cottage Woodworking Shed will enhance and expand vocational training opportunities by providing handson experiences for participants, according to the center.

Participants, staff, families and supporters gathered to commemorate the project, which will serve Lionheart WORKS participants and the school’s Heart Reach students.

The shed will be a vital resource for Lionheart’s vocational programs, allowing young adults to learn skills in a structured and supportive environment, according to the center. By engaging in woodworking projects, participants will develop technical, teamwork and problemsolving skills to prepare them for future employment and community engagement.

Patsy Trimboli, Lionheart WORKS Cottage co-manager, said the shed will significantly

For more information about The Lionheart Life Center and its initiatives, visit lionheartlifecenter.com.

enhance the storing and organization of supplies and tools.

“Not only will it create a safer environment, but it will also free up much-needed space within the Cottage,” Trimboli said. “By creating a dedicated space for woodworking and craftsmanship, we are not only expanding skillbuilding opportunities but also fostering confidence, creativity, and independence among our participants.”

The school thanked the City of Alpharetta for its encouragement and partnership and Alpharetta Presbyterian Church for its support of Lionheart’s mission.

The church’s involvement was instrumental in fostering growth, accessibility and meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities, according to the center.

— Jon Wilcox

Bradberry to deliver State of Johns Creek

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Mayor John Bradberry will deliver the annual State of the City address at Johns Creek High School 5575 State Bridge April 3. A reception will take place at 6 p.m., followed by the presentation at 7 p.m.

The event provides updates on what is happening in the city and what lies ahead for the future.

To attend the free event RSVP by emailing RSVP@JohnsCreekGA.gov.

— Sarah Coyne

LIONHEART LIFE CENTER/PROVIDED

Lionheart staff and supporters gather March 12 to mark the groundbreaking of a woodworking shed. The structure will be used for Lionheart’s vocational programs.

Just opened?

Milton bookstore tailors itself to suit those who love to read

By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — To Poe and Company, the creation of relationships within the community is more important than the sales.

The independent bookstore began its journey in late Nov. 2022 and has garnered a devoted community of customers.

As an author, Kate Seng always wanted to open her own bookstore, but it was never the right time with her focus on her three children. Seng still wrote the whole time, something she’s been doing for a “long time.”

Seng has written three children’s books, one scheduled to come out this spring along with a mystery novel later this year.

In 2022, her dream of opening her own bookstore came true.

“Some doors started opening, and this new space and this Milton community opened up,” Seng said. “I just love this community and thought this would be a great place for a bookstore.”

When all the pieces fell into place, she knew she wanted to get in touch with her community.

“I really feel like, whereas a big store is great, the independent bookseller really gets in touch with their community,” Seng said.

On theme with her family and community-oriented store, Seng chose to name her business after her late father’s favorite author, Edgar Allen Poe.

In contrast to Poe’s dark stories, the store offers a warm, comforting space for guests to pick out their new favorite book, with the occasional raven watching over.

Sun pours through the windows of the bright new area featuring cozy couches, tables and of course a slew of more books.

Paintings and stuffed animals of one of Seng’s main characters from her book, “Doodle Noodle,” Noodle the dog, invites visitors to find their next read.

“Book tok,” the newest trend hitting TikTok, has been getting more and more readers back into the hobby and serves as a “big driver.” Every third Monday of the

See BOOKSTORE, Page 9

SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA

Owner Kate Seng holds a cookbook against a bookshelf at Poe & Company in Milton. The independent bookstore began its journey in late Nov. 2022 with the mission to create relationships within the community of those who love to read.

Bookstore:

Continued from Page 8

month, the store hosts the Shadows & Starlight Readers’ Society which features fantasy and romance books that have gone viral through the trend.

The store hosts a number of book clubs, including the Poe & Company Book Club for women on the first Thursdays of each month and a middle grade kids club during the summer. Bible studies, author meet-and-greets and even crotchet groups also can use the store as a meeting space. Parents can get out of the house and bring their little ones to story time every Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 a.m.

“We just want to be a space where people can come together,” Seng said.

Poe and Company will expand its space April 1, after knocking down a wall into a neighboring unit. Seng said she hopes the added space will allow for more community involvement through a selection of more book genres and meeting spaces.

“The thought behind the space was we were really just bursting over there. It's a small space,” Seng said. “We have a lot of shelves, and when authors were coming in, we just didn't have anywhere to put people.”

Shelves are full of books hand-picked

BUSINESSPOSTS

by Seng, which she gets from “a lot of different channels of information.” She chooses books from recommendations on the New York Times Bestseller list and book club recommendations from celebrities like Jenna Bush Hager, Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon.

“I belong to the Southern Independent Booksellers Association and the American Booksellers Association,” Seng said. “They are constantly sending us information about new releases.” Seng said.

Her current recommendation is “The Kite Runner.”

“There's a lot of depth to it, and sort of eye-opening information just about how things happen,” Seng said.

In the digital age, Seng stresses the importance of books, having the physical copy in your hand.

“I think that we are exposed to so much, a whole new world when you get into books,” Seng said.

The passion for reading runs through store employees, who provide a hometown feel by guiding guests to their next favorite book.

“I'd like it to be a place where people are exposed to things that they haven't been exposed to before, be that through an author or through a book, or even through one of the events,” Seng said.

Poe & Company is at 1890 Heritage Walk Suite P101, Milton, Ga., 30004.

SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA

Five ways to design a resort-style backyard

Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

You can create a resort-style backyard that’s both luxurious and functional, whether you’re preparing to sell your home or simply enjoy it more. Ready to give your backyard a makeover that has you feeling like every day is a weekend in Bora Bora? Let’s dive in.

1. Emphasize seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

Homebuyers are increasingly looking for fluid transitions between their living areas. Imagine living in a home with a traditional back door leading to a cramped patio, barely used because it feels like a disconnected space. Compare that with a home where glass walls open to an expansive patio, leading directly to a luxury pool and lounge area. The latter not only enhances daily living but also makes the property more desirable when you list it for sale.

2. Incorporate resort-worthy pool and water features.

Features like an infinity pool, waterfalls or a built-in spa elevate the atmosphere. Consider a home with a dull, traditional pool versus one with a stunning infinity pool that overlooks a scenic landscape. One feels like a standard backyard; the other feels like an exclusive resort experience that will definitely stand out to

buyers who want that vacation-at-home vibe.

3. Provide luxe lounge and dining areas.

Creating comfortable lounge and dining areas is key. Think about a backyard with mismatched, low-quality furniture versus one that features plush seating, an outdoor kitchen and an elegant dining space. The second option makes your space much more functional and appealing.

4. Prioritize high-end landscaping and lighting.

Thoughtful landscaping enhances and defines your space, while lighting creates a magical atmosphere after dark. Contrast a backyard with overgrown grass and a few scattered plants with one where the landscape is carefully articulated and outlined. The well-designed backyard not only looks more polished but also feels like a luxurious, low-maintenance paradise that potential buyers will adore.

5. Don’t Forget Smart Home Integration.

Integrating smart systems for lighting, security and entertainment can make your space more efficient and user-friendly. While manually adjusting the lights or heating is nostalgic, being able to control everything from your phone or voice commands appeals to tech-savvy buyers who value seamless integration.

By embracing these design tips, you’ll create an environment that you can enjoy for years while also increasing your home’s value. 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

Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad

PEXELS

Find your homestead in the hills of Milton

Brought to you by - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division

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The Homestead at Milton offers 3 to10- acre homesites within a gated community, providing residents with privacy and tranquility. The opportunity to own a home in this rare collection is limited, with only 9 opportunities remaining. These prime homesites range in price from the $900s to over $1 million, while custom homes are available from $4 million to $11 million. Each home is a blend of inspiration and tradition and defines the new southern

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Located just a short distance from downtown Crabapple and only three miles from Historic Downtown Alpharetta, The Homestead at Milton combines rural charm with urban convenience. Homeowners enjoy easy access to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The Avalon and GA 400 are also within close reach, making commuting and travel convenient. The community is part of a top-rated school district, and children will attend Cambridge High School, Hopewell Middle School, and

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MADDUX PATH

New Home on 2+ Acres in Cumming Final Opportunity $ 829,000 Move-In Ready Home 6350 Bannister Rd. Cumming, GA 30028 | 404-821-9807 DavidPattersonHomes.com

HOMESTEAD AT

3-10 Acre Homesites from $ 900’s to $ 1M+ Only 9 Opportunities Remain 15135 Hopewell Rd. Milton, GA 30004 | 678-578-6740 TheHomesteadatMilton.com

Lori Lane, President | New Homes Division, Luxury Collection and Global Contact us at 404.801.7180 | visit BHHSGANewHomes.com | follow Lori@the_lorilane Buckhead Office, 3744 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342

Luxury Active Adult Living in Canton

Homesite 5 -The Scarlett

Summer is quickly approaching, and you might be wondering if now the perfect time is to add a pool to your backyard oasis. Many homeowners long for a charming outdoor retreat complete with a pool, which symbolizes a slice of luxury and is often expected in upscale, multimillion-dollar homes. Whether you’re looking to buy a home that already has a pool, contemplating adding one to your current property or selling a house with a pool, the impact on resale value is a frequent topic of discussion.

Pools can be constructed using various materials such as vinyl liners, fiberglass inserts, or concrete. While vinyl tends to be the most budgetfriendly option, concrete pools, though more expensive, are renowned for their durability, longevity, and customizable design options, and they typically contribute the highest resale value. The overall installation cost depends on several factors, including the pool’s

size, shape, and additional features. Reaves Newsom, owner of RCS Pool & Spa, notes that a typical concrete pool starts at around $90,000, with most homeowners spending between $110,000 and $120,000, although prices can escalate well beyond this range.

In 2024, FMLS homes listed with inground pools in the Alpharetta, Milton, and Roswell areas ranged in

sold prices between $575,000 and $9,000,000, with many properties fetching prices above their initial listing value. One silver lining emerging from the Covid era has been the growing emphasis on outdoor living spaces where families and household members can gather, entertain, and unwind together. In Georgia, where the warm weather stretches on for much of the year, pools are becoming increasingly popular, and

their contribution to property value is more significant than ever.

According to a 2023 report by the National Association of Realtors, homes with pools tend to see an average value increase of about 8% and an impressive return on investment of around 56%. Alan Daniel, a local appraiser, and owner of Daniel Appraisal Services, says the return on investment of a pool can range from 25% to 50% on properties priced between $500,000 and $1,000,000 and up to 100% ROI for homes valued at $2,000,000 and above. Factors influencing this value include the commonality of pools in a neighborhood, the availability of community HOA pools, and the pool’s finishes and amenities in line with comparable properties.

If you’re ready to dive into installing the pool of your dreams this season, it’s essential to consider your long-term goals, the reasons behind your desire for a pool, and how long you plan to remain in your home. Ultimately, a pool is all about enjoyment—a personal retreat where you can relax, entertain, and revitalize your spirit.

Curious about the real estate market? Contact me at David@HOMEgeorgia.com or 404.285.0929.”

PEXELS

SANDERS

What NOT to include in your estate plan

When creating your estate plan, certain details should be left out to protect your privacy and prevent complications.

Avoid including

• Social Security Numbers –Helps prevent identity theft and unauthorized access.

• Account Numbers – Avoid financial exposure by keeping this information separate.

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•

in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

COMPUTERS

1. Oration station. It hosts other computers. Stick together.

2. Arm or leg. It gets you around the monitor. Art supporter.

3. Command to Fido. Stand-offish. They hold data.

4. It’s a computer bane. Like a tortoise. Fishing spot.

5. Boredom. They are clickable. Citrus fruit.

6. In-box contents. It’s active in Sicily. Pigeon’s perch.

7. Wine label designation. One of its jobs is data storage. Chowder morsel.

1 Oration station. It hosts other computers. Stick together

2. Arm or leg. It gets you around the monitor. Art supporter

How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

3. Command to Fido. Stand-offish. They hold data

4. It’s a computer bane. Like a tortoise. Fishing spot

5. Boredom. They are clickable. Citrus fruit

6. In-box contents. It’s active in Sicily. Pigeon’s perch.

7. Wine label designation. One of its jobs is data storage. Chowder morsel

OPINION

Everything you need to know about Garden Faire 2025

Spring is here, and if you are a gardening enthusiast you will not want to miss the 24th annual Garden Faire, presented by the North Fulton Master Gardeners.

This free event will be at The Grove at Wills Park Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We are thrilled to once again be partnering with Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program, the Georgia Native Plant Society-North Metro Atlanta chapter and the City of Alpharetta. We anticipate this year’s Garden Faire to be the best one yet. Garden Faire 2025 will provide one-stop shopping for gardeners with a huge selection of annuals and perennials, native plants and culinary plants, as well as education and children’s activities.

Plant selections for sale include ornamental annuals grown by Master Gardeners at the Fulton County Schools Teaching Museum greenhouse. You can find many colors of coleus, hanging ferns, geraniums, begonias, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and a large variety of other annuals. Our big sellers are our passalong plants from the Master Gardeners’ own personal gardens. Passalong plants typically include a variety of ground covers, perennials, hostas, irises and daylilies, along with some select shrubs and trees. Make sure you look for the Master Gardeners wearing UGA Extension aprons or name tags. They will be on hand to answer your gardening questions and provide advice on which plants will meet your needs.

New this year

• A special booth featuring information on native plants and pollinator plants

• More garden-related vendors offering rare plants, tropical indoor plants, succulents, pottery, gardening gifts, birdhouses and more

• Seed giveaways

• Live bluegrass from the Cedar Hill Band

• Fantastic talks on topical gardening issues

• Unique container gardens

• Food vendors to help satisfy your hunger or thirst

• More plants than you can imagine

The North Fulton Master Gardener volunteers also collect vintage treasures for the ever-popular Fleatique market, where you can spot that interesting pot, gadget or garden tool or other unique item for your home or garden at bargain prices.

If you bring young ones to the Faire, look for the Children’s Corner at the back by the new dinosaur playground. Children will be doing a gardening craft activity and learning about worm composting from one of our partners. These free activities are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This year’s Garden Faire will have educational garden talks and demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., including some well-known gardening experts.

These talks include

• 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. “Composting 101” Speaker: Chloe Weathington, Urban Agriculture project manager with Food Well Alliance

• 11 a.m.– 11:45 a.m. “De-Mystifying Hydrangeas” Speaker: Jennifer Petritz, horticulturist and president of the American Hydrangea Society

• 1 p.m.–1:45 p.m. “What we plant matters” Speaker: Connie Gray, president of Athens-East Piedmont Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society

• 2 p.m.- 2:45 p.m. “How to Create a Garden in Containers of all Shapes and Sizes” Speaker: Judy Peacock, North Fulton Extension Volunteer and Master Gardener

The Grove at Wills Park is located at 175 Roswell Street, Alpharetta. We recommend that you either park at the parking lot at the Alpharetta Community Center at The Grove or follow the signs from the Community Center to the overflow parking lot at Amana Academy, 285 S Main St, Alpharetta. There, you can hop on the free shuttle to take attendees to and from Garden Faire, running continuously from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a short lunch break from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Bring your wagons to assist in shopping for and carrying away all the great plants and garden goodies you will find. There will be some carts and wagons available in case you forget. If you park in the overflow lot, we will hold your purchases in a secure spot in the Alpharetta Community Center parking lot while you go get your car.

This event is a major fundraiser for all the participating partners. Proceeds from Garden Faire support educational activities for children and adults, as well as community outreach.

Garden Faire supports North Fulton Master Gardeners’ mission of educating the community by sharing our gardening knowledge with you and answering your gardening questions. This is your opportunity to pick our brains, and we look forward to it!

For more details on Garden Faire, check out the Garden Faire Website nfmg.net/wp/publicevents/ and the Garden Faire Facebook page facebook. com/northfultonmastergardeners.

See you on Saturday, April 12 at Garden Faire at The Grove in Wills Park, Alpharetta!

Happy gardening!

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.

Save the dates for NFMG’s other 2025 signature event: Garden Tour on June 7. Learn more at nfmg.net/wp/ publicevents/

About the authors

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnists are Donna Heldman and Christine Williams, co-chairs of the 2025 Garden Faire.

A Master Gardener since 2007, Donna grew up in New Jersey, “the Garden State,” but spent most of her life in Ohio before recently moving to Roswell to be closer to family. Donna worked in health care before following her passion for plants. She has experience working with plants in garden centers, in addition to having her own landscaping business.

A lifelong nature lover, Christine relishes getting dirty. From a young age she loved exploring in any nearby woods, meadows or open fields she could find near Chamblee where she was born and grew up. Christine has been a Master Gardener Extension volunteer with Fulton County since 2011 and received her Certificate of Native Plants from the UGA/ State Botanical Garden of Georgia in February 2024.

DONNA HELDMAN Guest Columnist

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Corridor:

Creek Parkway, Toro Development is planning a $560-million mixed-use center.

The complex will feature 150,000 square feet of walkable retail, restaurant and entertainment space, a 175key boutique hotel, 110,000 square feet of lifestyle office, 750 multifamily residences, 133 townhomes and an activated 25,000-square-foot plaza. Toro Development is led by Avalon developer Mark Toro. Medley is planning to hold a grand opening in late 2026. Continued from Page 1

Johns Creek officials hosted a groundbreaking for Creekside Park last August. The space’s 21 acres are integral to the city’s nearby Town Center, a shopping destination located across McGinnis Ferry Road.

The city proposes the park project to serve as a community hub and event venue with an amphitheater, terraced seating areas for concert viewing, 15-foot-wide trails, pedestrian plazas and pond overlooks.

Completion of the park is expected in the summer of 2026.

On the opposite side of Johns

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK

PUBLIC NOTICE

PURPOSE

An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City March 24, 2025, for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage, Wine and Distilled Spirits

BUSINESS NAME

Charcoal N Chill LLC

Dba

Charcoal N Chill

11950 Jones Bridge Rd Suite 103

Johns Creek, GA 30005

OWNER/OFFICERS

Charcoal N Chill LLC

Dba

Charcoal N Chill

11950 Jones Bridge Rd Suite 103 Johns Creek, GA 30005

Owners, Arun Karthik, Premkumar Gocvindarajulu, Senthil Baru, Sekaran Vijay

DEATH NOTICES

Frances Benoit, age 95, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 24, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Franklyn Dailey, Jr., age 104, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 19, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK

PUBLIC NOTICE

PURPOSE

An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on March 27, 2025, For Package of Malt Beverage, Wine and Distilled Spirits

BUSINESS NAME

Safal LLC

Dba The Wine Store 8455 Holcomb Bridge Rd Alpharetta, GA 30022

OWNER/OFFICERS

Safal LLC

Dba The Wine Store 8455 Holcomb Bridge Rd Alpharetta, GA 30022

Owner, Miralkumar Patel

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK

PUBLIC NOTICE

PURPOSE

An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to City for Consumption/Package of Wine on Premises

BUSINESS NAME

Shridhar LLC

Dba Bin 75

8455 Holcomb Bridge Rd Suite B

Johns Creek, GA 30022

OWNER/OFFICERS

Shridhar LLC

Dba Bin 75

8455 Holcomb Bridge Rd Suite B Johns Creek, GA 30022

Owner, Miralkumar Patel

Margaret Dimsdale, age 97, of Milton, GA passed away on March 13, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Katherine Frye, age 78, of Roswell, GA passed away on March 15, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Barbara Jagrowski, age 91, of Roswell, GA passed away on March 23, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Carolyn Palmer, age 87, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 23, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Margaret Pierce, age 84, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on March 19, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Infor (US), LLC has an opening for a Senior Software Engineer in Alpharetta, GA. Design and develop software components; Work with the Support and Automation teams to deploy solutions in production; Provide technical support to the Cloud Operations and Development Support teams. How to apply: E-mail resume, referencing IN1050, including job history, to careers@infor.com. EOE.

Distributed Database Consultant (Alpharetta, GA): Exp w/ d/b replication techs for high availability & disaster recovery. Exp bldg & maintaining cmplx, mission-critical prod d/b sys. Profic in Python & Groovy for automation & scripting. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Assoc Director, HR Risk & Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus GA 31901. #HC417752

Full-Time Vice President of Community Engagement

NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Vice President of Community Engagement position. The Vice President of Community Engagement (VPCE) is a senior leadership role responsible for developing and implementing strategies to build meaningful relationships with the community, donors, and stakeholders.

The VPCE will lead initiatives to increase awareness, partnerships, and financial support for the organization’s mission. This position oversees community engagement, marketing, public relations, and volunteer programs to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

Software Engineer Senior (Alpharetta, GA):

Dvlps moderately cmplx code using front and/or back-end prgmng langs within mltpl pltfrms as needed in collaboration w/ biz & tech teams for internal & external client s/w solutions. Dsgns, creates, & delivers routine to moderately cmplx prgm specs for code dvlpmt & spprt on mltpl projects/issues w/ a wide understanding of the application/database to better align interactions & techs. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Assoc Director, HR Risk & Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus GA 31901. #RT430195

Software Engineer Senior (Alpharetta, GA): Dvlps basic to moderately cmplx code using front and/or back-end prgmng langs within mltpl pltfrms as needed in collaboration w/ biz & tech teams for internal & external client s/w solutions. Dsgns, creates, & delivers routine to moderately cmplx prgm specs for code dvlpmt & spprt on mltpl projects/ issues w/ a wide understanding of the application/ database to better align interactions & techs. Conducts & provides basic billable hours & rsrce estimates on initiatives, projs & issues. Resumes to:

Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Associate Director, HR Risk and Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus GA 31901. #BP401472

Software Engineer II (Alpharetta, GA):

Dvlp basic to moderately cmplx code using a front or back-end prgmng lang within a platform as needed in collaboration w/ biz & tech teams for internal & external client s/w solutions. Prfrm corrective measures for basic to moderately cmplx code deficiencies & escalate alt proposals. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Associate Director, HR Risk and Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus GA 31901. #AS638633

NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the part-time Thrift Shop Associate position. One of the primary responsibilities of this role is to provide a high level of customer service in the Thrift Shop. The associate is responsible for all cash register and client clothing program transactions and keeping the merchandise in the store neat, clean, and organized. The role requires a friendly and customer-focused demeanor where all shoppers are treated with dignity and compassion.

If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

Home Improvements

Devices:

Continued from Page 1

“With cell phone use among children at an all-time high, we must take action to protect the integrity of our classrooms,” he said in a press release after the vote. “Studies overwhelmingly show that limiting phone access significantly increases students’ focus, reduces distractions and fosters a more effective learning environment.”

Republican state Sen. Jason Anavitarte, the bill’s sponsor in the Senate, said it will also help students’ mental health. Last year, former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for warning labels on social media platforms that emphasize the link between social media use and poor adolescent mental health.

“This bill isn’t just about academics, it’s about students’ well-being. Studies link excessive phone use to mental health issues, decrease in social skills, and increase in bullying,” he said Tuesday. “We want students engaged in school, socializing with friends during lunch and focusing in the classroom.”

Margaret Ciccarelli, director of legislative services of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, GeorgiaCAN executive director Michael O’Sullivan and Southeast legislative director for ExcelinEd in Action Miranda Williams spoke in support of the bill last week in committee.

Though the Republican-sponsored bill has enjoyed broad support from lawmakers of both parties and education advocates, it did not pass without some discussion.

Midtown High School student support program specialist Cheryl Nahmias watches a student unlock their device pouch at the end of the school day. Some Georgia schools have already implemented personal device bans. (Juma Sei/WABE)

Republican state Sen. Randy Robertson responded to concerns that students wouldn’t be able to contact their

JUMA SEI/WABE

parents in the event of an emergency, saying that students should be focused on safety instructions given by the school if something happens.

“From a public safety standpoint, I don’t think anybody really appreciates the chaos around an incident that happens at a school,” he said. “If you’re looking at a large school, you’ve got about 600 children texting 911 or calling their parents. You have about 1,200 parents calling 911 or calling the school during these incidents, and you have

people texting rumors galore about where the bad guy is or where the storm hit, and you have first responders trying to get there and they’re being fed a lot of misinformation because it’s coming from all different directions.”

“This is a huge first step in clearing up the communication lines,” he added.

Democratic state Sen. RaShaun Kemp, who voted in favor of the bill, said he understands parents feeling worried about not being able to contact their children, especially in the case of a school shooting like the one that occurred last September at Apalachee High School in Georgia.

“I implore, I beg my colleagues for the sake of our children and educators to do something about guns,” he said. “Do something so that we no longer put ourselves in this position where we make sound policy decisions but neglect what our students are really asking for: to be safe in their classrooms.”

Kemp added that he believed the ban should also apply to high schoolers. Similarly, Democratic state Sen. Jason Esteves also discussed the detrimental effects of excessive social media use on high school students and called upon local schools to implement a cell phone ban now, even without a statewide mandate yet.

Democratic state Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes filed a minority report arguing that individual schools and teachers should have the power to dictate device use. She ultimately voted to pass the bill.

Islam Parkes said in a statement, “I supported an amendment on HB 340 that would have expanded the education friendly technology that students can access in the classroom. While that amendment was voted down, I ultimately supported HB 340 and believe this legislation will help our students focus and thrive in Georgia’s classrooms.”

WABE’s Rahul Bali contributed reporting to this story. This story was provided by Appen Media media partner WABE.

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