County OKs contract totaling $45 million for inmate healthcare
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — The Fulton County Commission approved a $45.1 million contract renewal for inmate healthcare next year, a routine step to comply with a federal consent decree.
Fulton County has the option to renew the contract with NaphCare LLC for a ninth and final year in 2027. The Dec. 3 vote was unanimous.
Purchasing Director Felicia Strong-Whitaker said her team will begin developing a request for new proposals next year for a revamped inmate medical services contract at the start of 2028.
“We do need some assistance,” Strong-Whitaker said, referencing a consultant to help with the rebid process. “I know there’s some things in the consent decree around medical healthcare, and our [contract] has not really been updated or revised since I started at the county in 2004.”
Strong-Whitaker said the county must ensure its contract for inmate medical services meets the requirements of the federal consent decree.
There are long-standing problems at the Rice Street jail requiring a lengthy and costly process with a federal consent decree monitor reviewing conditions to ensure the rights of incarcerated citizens are not violated.
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Women find tracker on their rental vehicle
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police investigated a report of unlawful surveillance Nov. 12 after a 47-year-old Hanson, Ky., woman and 24-year-old Tampa, Fla., woman found a global positioning system tracker on their rental car. The women were in Alpharetta on a business trip.
The women discovered the tracker after noticing it on their phones. It was located near the rear driver-side tire.
The car rental company said their company uses no external trackers on vehicles.
The women said they suspect the tracker was placed on their vehicle while it was parked at their Deerfield Parkway hotel. Neither woman said they knew of anyone who would want to track them.
The incident was classified as a felony unlawful surveillance.
— Jon Wilcox
Police link New Yorker to drug overdose death
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested a 30-year-old New York man living in Alpharetta Nov. 23 citing him for aggravated involuntary manslaughter related to the fatal overdose of a 22-year-old Dunwoody woman.
The incident leading to the man’s arrest occurred in early July. Officers said they responded to a residence for recovering addicts off Woodcreek Drive and found a woman unconscious on her bed.
The woman was pronounced deceased at the Wellstar North Fulton medical Center after receiving multiple doses of Narcan, a drug that reverses the effects of a fentanyl overdose.
Through conversations with the woman’s roommates, officers said they learned her drug of choice was fentanyl and that she had been asking a friend for “candy” the day before.
The July report stated that a detective had taken over the investigation.
On Nov. 22, Roswell police arrested the New York man in connection with the case. He was an employee of the Westside Parkway Top Golf.
Officers said he was arrested without incident and remains in the Fulton County Jail.
— Hayden Sumlin
Driver reports incident of road rage on Ga. 400
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 25-year-old woman reported a driver pointed a gun at her during a road rage incident Nov. 17.
Alpharetta police said the woman reported a driver brake checked her while traveling southbound on Ga. 400.
The woman allegedly passed the vehicle and brake checked it. The other driver then allegedly pulled up beside her and pointed a gun at her.
The woman said she was unable to identify the driver because of the vehicle’s dark window tint. She provided a license plate number to police.
The incident was classified as a misdemeanor pointing a gun at another.
— Jon Wilcox
Sandy Springs, Roswell reports conflict on arrest
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell and Sandy Springs officers arrested a 35-year-old Jonesboro man Nov. 24 on charges involving auto theft, but jurisdiction on the arrest is cloudy.
Police were alerted after getting a license plate hit on a stolen vehicle at Ga. 400 and Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell.
A Roswell officer said dispatch notified him that the Nissan Murano had been reported stolen out of Gwinnett County and began to search the area for the vehicle.
While the Roswell officer was enroute, he said dispatch told him that Sandy Springs officers had found the vehicle in a gas station parking lot at Holcomb Bridge and Old Alabama roads in Roswell.
Eventually, Roswell and Sandy Springs officers met up at 1465 Holcomb Bridge Road and used their patrol cars to block the Nissan’s exit.
After finding the vehicle empty, a Roswell officer reported Sandy Springs officers immediately ran inside the gas station and detained the driver.
Roswell officers said Sandy Springs personnel took over the investigation from there.
The Sandy Springs Police Department’s report says the incident occurred at Ga. 400 northbound and Northridge Parkway, inside Sandy Springs.
The Roswell report indicates the car was spotted inside its city limits and the arrest occurred there.
— Hayden Sumlin
Main Street restaurant reports overnight burglary
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Officers investigated a reported burglary at a North Main Street restaurant Nov. 16.
Alpharetta police said officers cleared the building after an alarm sounded about 1:30 a.m.
No one was found inside, but police viewed a video showing three people entering the restaurant with tools and flashlights.
The three people allegedly pried open a door and stole a cash drawer. About $800 was reported stolen, and a door valued at $500 was damaged.
The incident was classified as a felony forced burglary of a business.
— Hayden Sumlin
Career hub links job seekers, employers
By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
DULUTH, Ga. — The Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board celebrated the opening of its relocated career resource center Dec. 3 in Duluth that offers training and assistance with job-seeking to Gwinnett County residents.
The Workforce Development Board includes members of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and oversees the six career centers serving seven Metro Atlanta counties: Gwinnett, Cherokee, Clayton, Douglas, Fayette, Henry and Rockdale.
The Gwinnett County career resource center is open at its new location, 3805
Crestwood Parkway NW, Suite 200 in Duluth.
The career resource center is a collaboration between Gwinnett Technical College and WorkSource Atlanta Regional, a federally funded program working to connect employers with job candidates.
“When you provide individuals with a skill set, you provide them with a lifechanging opportunity to earn a viable wage, and therefore, increase their quality of life,” said Lauren Dodson, vice president of Economic Development for Gwinnett Tech. “We are thrilled to have this new facility in our backyard.”
See CAREER, Page 21
Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson and Co-Chair of the Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board Trey Ragsdale are joined by fellow members Dec. 3 as they celebrate the new Gwinnett County career resource center at 3805 Crestwood Parkway NW, Suite 200 in Duluth.
HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA
Bird supply store nurtures nature lovers
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — David Peterson was leaving his favorite bird supply store with $100-worth of seeds when an idea popped into his head.
“I'm walking to the car, and I'm like ‘Should I just buy one of these stores?’” he said. “And so, I made the call immediately.”
About 13 years later, the former salesman remains the proud owner of Outdoor Bird Supply, 3651 Peachtree Parkway in Johns Creek, where he sells all things birdrelated. Tucked into an unassuming strip mall, the shop’s walls and floors are lined with everything one need to attract birds to their yards.
Most days, Peterson can be found eagerly greeting customers, often with his two well-behaved poodles, Teddy and Bear, in tow.
Pallets of large, modestly priced bags of bird food sit at the center of the store. Bird food may be the main attraction, but the shop also carries a dizzying variety of supplementary products, from cameras to live mealworms to houses and baths to feeders and lawn ornaments.
After more than a decade in business, Peterson’s brain is just as well stocked. He has come across just about every question from how much sugar to use in hummingbird nectar to what kinds of seed attract specific species.
Fair prices, a bounty of avian knowledge and genuine love for the hobby have served Peterson well, building a base of repeat customers in the hundreds.
The joy of working in a hobby as simple and delightful as feeding birds is contagious, he said.
“A lot of people say it’s their happy place,” he said.
With more than a half dozen feeders at his own home, Peterson said he has developed an addiction to watching his feathered friends. It’s a delight that is simultaneously simple and deceptively deep. Feeding birds naturally leads to researching them, and many, Peterson included, have found themselves wandering down rabbit holes of avian research and ecology.
“When you're looking out of your kitchen window and you see a new bird, that moment is exciting,” he said.
With more than 400 different songbirds in Georgia, suburban Atlanta is surprisingly well-suited for feeding birds. Woodpeckers, gold finches, bluejays, which are Peterson’s favorite, ruby-throated hummingbirds, cardinals, robins, chickadees, sparrows, doves, nuthatches and many more are all around and ready to grace yards with their presence.
“You've probably got a segment of 40 solid birds that are around,” he said.
It’s all about choosing the right food, Peterson said.
“You can bring over a giant segment of birds just by offering the right food,” he said.
Bird feed is available online, but Outdoor Bird Supply is able to offer cheaper prices because shipping the giant bags of seed, nuts and worms gets expensive fast.
Rookie bird enthusiasts also will quickly discover that the tiny birds in the yards are surprisingly hungry.
“This time of year, you might get three weeks out of it,” Peterson said, motioning toward a 20-pound bag of bird feed. “In May, customers will be back every week.”
It may seem unbelievable that a tiny songbird can consume so much food, but Peterson said there’s another fact to consider.
“There’s not just one bird. There’s lots of little birds,” he said, smirking.
The store stocks all sorts of food from shelled and unshelled peanuts to sunflower seeds to spicy mixes to keep squirrels away. Live mealworms remain one of his most popular items because they allow the chance of witnessing the jackpot moment of a mother feeding its baby.
“They want the little blue bird coming to the mama, and you need the worms to do that,” Peterson said.
Feeding birds is a hobby best shared. Peterson said his 4-year-old grandson has come to love visits to his home because he gets to feed birds.
Employee David Linde said it’s also a great hobby for older adults.
“A lot of customers who have parents who maybe are housebound get a lot of joy watching the birds at the feeder out the window,” Linde said.
Despite all the varieties of bird food and feeders at the store, it’s easy to forget that birds have no trouble feeding themselves. Deciding to create a bird sanctuary in your yard really boils down to one thing.
“The point of the hobby is to bring joy to you and your family,” Peterson said.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
David Peterson, owner of Outdoor Bird Supply, holds a bag of bird food he sells in his shop Dec. 3.
DAVID PETERSON/PROVIDED
A bluejay takes a peanut from a bird feeder in David Peterson’s yard. Peterson is the owner and founder of Outdoor Bird Supply.
DAVID PETERSON/PROVIDED
A cardinal sits on a fence in David Peterson’s yard.
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Crabapple Crossing students learn to share with needy
By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — The cafeteria at Crabapple Crossing Elementary School overflowed with 130 students Nov. 12, filling boxes and tote bags with donated food.
Over the past four years, the elementary school has partnered with STAR House Foundation for the twoweek Raise Craze fundraiser that provides underprivileged kids with meals over Thanksgiving break.
“These families are having any number of struggles, be it food insecurity or childcare or a sustainable house,” Foundation Executive Director Stephanie Christiansen Butler said. “It really puts another layer on…because it really is a lot of the time that kid is home by themselves.”
STAR House Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides after-school tutoring and mentoring to children throughout North Fulton County. Currently, there are STAR House programs at Esther Jackson, Mimosa and Vickery Mill elementary schools.
Students grabbed a list, and parents helped fill bags with ramen, canned vegetables, granola bars and other nonperishable items donated by families at Crabapple Crossing. More than 70 meal bags were packed for students in the STAR House program at Esther Jackson Elementary School to take home for Thanksgiving break. Volunteers filled an additional 20 meal boxes for families at Crabapple Crossing, Northwestern Middle School and Milton High School.
“My favorite part of partnering with STAR House is that this goes right back to Fulton County students,” Crabapple Crossing Principal Laura Butler said. “We’re all in this together.”
Crissy Garner, mother of two students at the school, spoke with her daughters the night before volunteering about the impact they’re making. She said the event is a good way to present to kids that not everyone always has cereal in the pantry or parents to make them snacks after school.
“Now I know that sometimes people need help,” Garner’s 9-year-old daughter said after volunteering, “and it made me happy that I can help them.”
In addition to food, families donated 82 sweatshirts and sweaters for STAR House students at Mimosa Elementary School. Each student in the program will
receive a clothing item to help them keep warm throughout the winter. Donations include coloring books and bags of candy as well.
“You have all shown that you are kind kids and kind neighbors because you are kids helping kids,” Butler told students.
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Parents help their kids fill food bags at Crabapple Crossing Elementary School’s fourth-annual Raise Craze fundraising event Nov. 12.
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Alpharettans take issue with planned mixed-use project
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Residents have concerns that a mixed-use project at one of Alpharetta’s busiest intersections could add traffic and harm long-standing businesses.
Alpharetta District Places, proposed just southwest of downtown’s City Center, would include 120 for-sale units and 30,000 square feet of ground-level retail space. It also would incorporate up to 18,000 square feet of outdoor amenity space and potentially 25,000 square feet of offices. Its buildings could reach a height of four stories.
The project would be built on 3 acres bounded by Old Milton Parkway, Marietta Street and South Main Street. The site is now occupied by a strip mall that includes an Italian restaurant, salon, dry cleaner, exercise studio and other businesses. Its design would feature historically inspired architecture and mimic a project that grows over time rather than one that springs as a large new urban development.
The Alpharetta City Council will consider a rezoning request, conditional use permit and variances for the project at its Dec. 8 meeting.
In a letter to the Planning Commission, Steven Rowe, vice president of land development firm AEC, said the project promotes quality architecture, connectivity and active street-level uses. It proposes improving the area’s walkability by providing connectivity with the Alpha Loop and downtown.
“We believe this proposal reflects a thoughtful, urban-minded approach to infill development and aligns with the city’s strategic goals for downtown Alpharetta,” he said.
Some residents say they worry the project could have a detrimental effect on the area.
Francene Taylor, who has lived in the city since 1992, said she worries the development could contribute to traffic, detracting from the city’s mission of becoming a more walkable and bikeable place.
Taylor said she particularly worries about the effect on smaller nearby roadways.
“Marietta Street and Roswell Street will become even more dangerous than they are currently,” she said.
Georgia Department of Transportation data shows about 46,000 vehicles pass daily on a nearby stretch of Old Milton Parkway.
Taylor, who lives nearby, also said she thinks the project’s businesses could result in noise, especially during late hours.
“The sheer size of Alpharetta District Places will ramp up the noise level considerably,” Taylor said. “I’m not just talking about random
restaurant music, but … there could be 4 a.m. grease trap cleanouts and 5 a.m. dumpster pickups.”
Finally, Taylor said she and other community members are concerned the businesses already at the property could be displaced by the construction. It’s a concern that is made worse by the city’s rising property values, she said.
See BUSINESS, Page 9
CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED
Alpharetta District Places is a proposed mixed-use project to be located on a block bound by Old Milton Parkway, Marietta Street and South Main Street.
Business:
“I don’t want to lose the restaurants and retail that I patronize, and I am concerned because I don’t believe they will find any place in the Alpharetta area that’s affordable,” she said. “We are concerned about what’s next for them.”
During a recent visit to one of the existing businesses, she said she was greeted by the owner who was crying because of fears they might be displaced. Volk said she envisions Alpharetta as a community that makes room for small business owners instead of casting them aside for newer development.
“It’s a shame. This is their livelihood,” Volk said. “They work really, really hard.” Continued from Page 8
Alpharetta resident Teresa Volk agrees.
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
A row of assorted businesses occupies a site on Main Street near downtown where the Alpharetta District Places project is planned.
CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED
The proposed Alpharetta District Places has some Alpharetta residents concerned about increased traffic in and near downtown.
Find expert epilepsy care at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center
Brought to you by – Wellstar
Neurologist Dr. Ericka Bennett
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent seizures and affects millions of people worldwide. These seizures result from sudden abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can cause temporary disturbances in movement, behavior, sensation or awareness. Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center provides expert, specialized care for epilepsy.
The new The Epilepsy and Seizures Program at Wellstar, one of only a few programs of its kind in Georgia, provides comprehensive care to help people manage several types of seizures, including absence, tonic, atonic, clonic, myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures. The expert team surrounds patients with support throughout their entire care journey, providing specialized outpatient and inpatient treatment.
Which types of doctors diagnose and treat epilepsy?
Diagnosing epilepsy requires the expertise of a multidisciplinary medical team. Each specialist brings a different perspective and skill set to ensure the most accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan:
• Neurologist: Performs initial assessments, orders imaging and begins treatment
• Epileptologist: This is a neurologist with specialized training in epilepsy. They lead the diagnostic process and manage complex cases.
• Neuropsychologist: They conduct cognitive and behavioral evaluations, especially in preparation for epilepsy surgery.
• Neurosurgeon: They assess whether surgical treatment is a viable and safe option for epilepsy that isn't helped by medications.
• Nurse Coordinator: They are here to help you navigate through your diagnosis and treatment. They can help with scheduling, educating you about your diagnosis and connecting you with community resources.
What is the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) and how can the EMU at Wellstar North Fulton help with management of your epilepsy?
An epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) is a specialized inpatient facility designed to diagnose and evaluate seizure disorders. Patients are voluntarily admitted, on average between three to five days, for continuous video electroencephalogram monitoring. This comprehensive assessment helps differentiate epilepsy from other conditions that mimic seizures, such as movement disorders, fainting spells or psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.
Why is an EMU hospitalization essential for epilepsy diagnosis and treatment?
1. Accurate diagnosis: The EMU provides high-precision monitoring, ensuring that patients receive the correct diagnosis and, consequently, the right treatment.
2. Personalized treatment plans: By analyzing seizure patterns, neurologists can tailor a treatment plan specific to the patient and their diagnosis.
3. Identifying surgical candidates: For patients whose seizures are not well-controlled with medication,
an EMU evaluation can determine if epilepsy surgery is a viable option.
What are the next steps after spending time in the EMU?
Once the EMU hospitalization is complete, your epileptologist will review important data collected from the hospitalization, confirm the diagnosis, discuss if you are a surgical candidate and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Learn more about neuro care at Wellstar at wellstar.org/neurocare. To schedule an appointment with Wellstar Neurologist Dr. Ericka Bennett in Roswell, call (770) 663-4649.
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epilepsy care means more advanced support for you.
At Wellstar, our epilepsy and seizure program, one of only a few of its kind in Georgia, provides multidisciplinary care to help people manage these neurological conditions with specialized treatment plans including advanced functional brain surgery options for those with severe seizure conditions. Our in-hospital epilepsy monitoring units use advanced technology to diagnose and treat seizures.
With Wellstar’s Neuro Care services your health is in the right hands with more than 200 neurosurgeons, neurologists, pain medicine specialists and advanced practice providers to deliver expert neuro care and surround you with support throughout your care journey. wellstar.org/epilepsy
From Symptom to Surgery: The Value of Comprehensive Heart Care Teams
Brought to you by – Emory Heart & Vascular
The signs of heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the United States, are not always straightforward and symptoms can vary.
To have a comprehensive care team engaged from first symptoms to post-op appointment can greatly enhance your cardiac care and give you a better chance of surviving and thriving after a cardiac event.
How comprehensive heart care works
When every second counts, having a team that works as one can make all the difference.
• A primary care physician who listens carefully to all symptoms — even those that seem unrelated — and quickly connects patients with a heart specialist when needed.
• Cardiologists who act fast to order advanced diagnostics like stress tests, imaging and lab work to pinpoint the problem.
• Surgeons and interventional specialists on standby for urgent cases, ensuring no time is lost when surgery or a procedure is required.
• Advanced practice providers, dietitians and rehab teams who guide recovery and help patients adopt heart-healthy habits post-surgery.
• Seamless communication across every step, so patients never feel like they’re navigating care alone.
A real-life example: seamless care in action
Matthew Topel, MD, a cardiologist at Emory Healthcare, had a recent patient encounter that illustrates the benefits of comprehensive care at Emory. A patient went to their Emory primary care physician for symptoms they thought were gastric reflux, which got worse with exercise. Their doctor was concerned these symptoms could indicate heart disease and referred the patient to Dr. Topel.
After evaluating their health history and worsening symptoms, Dr. Topel ordered a treadmill stress test. The results prompted a heart catheterization at Emory Decatur Hospital, which confirmed severe blockages in multiple heart arteries. The patient was then transferred to Emory University Hospital, where they underwent emergency quadruple bypass surgery.
In under a month, Emory’s coordinated care team guided the patient from a primary care visit to life-saving open-heart surgery.
“The timeliness from first symptom to surgery really highlights the benefits of having an integrated care team providing care each step of the way in a highly collaborative environment,” Dr. Topel says. “We spend a lot of time communicating with our primary care physicians. Our team recognized the need and got our patient on the path to diagnosis and treatment immediately.”
Collaboration that improves outcomes
A comprehensive care team ensures patients receive coordinated, personalized care at every stage. Collaboration among primary care physicians, cardiologists and surgeons reduces delays and improves patient outcomes. Patients also benefit from having a single, integrated team guiding them through complex decisions and treatments.
“Heart health doesn’t always wait,” says Dr. Topel. “Integrated care is a benefit of being in a large, integrated health system like Emory Healthcare with experts in so many fields and high-volume surgical centers.”
He also asks that people take their symptoms seriously. “If someone has symptoms of heart disease and typical risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, he or she should be evaluated by a cardiologist.”
Heart care is most effective when it spans the entire continuum — from initial symptoms and diagnosis in the primary care setting, through advanced diagnostics and interventions, to surgical management and
post-operative follow-up. “Every step involves intensive communication,” says Dr. Topel. “The goal is to make the whole process as seamless as possible.”
Ready to transform your heart treatment?
If you are concerned about your heart health, turn to doctors at the top of their field. Emory Heart & Vascular brings together more than 150 physicians and 18 specialized programs in cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and vascular surgery.
Next-day new patient cardiology appointments are available at one of our 24 locations.
Visit emoryhealthcare.org/transform to learn more and schedule an appointment.
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I’m dreaming of a White Christmas…
“Just like the ones I used to know.” I love the sound of Bing Crosby singing White Christmas. It’s getting colder and I’m getting excited for the holidays this year. I look forward to all of it. The lights, the decorations, the cookies, the food, the drinks, the special times with those you love. I could go on and on.
During the holidays, everyone is happy and smiling and thankful. An important part of that is a healthy, white smile. Your dentist can help you get a healthy, white smile for the holidays. Let’s talk about the best ways to get your smile as white as possible.
The first step is making sure that your teeth are clean. And I do mean professionally cleaned. Over time, your teeth build up surface stains and tartar. This needs to be removed with the special instruments that your dental hygienist uses. Afterwards, your gums will be healthier, and you won’t have anything in the way of getting your teeth as white as possible. You can’t whiten tartar and stains. You must remove them.
There are three ways to whiten your teeth: Whitening strips, Whitening trays, and Professional Whitening . Whitening strips are the quickest, easiest way to whiten your teeth. These are plastic strips with whitening gel on them. After cleaning your teeth, you place the whitening strips on your front teeth and adapt it as well as possible to your
teeth. Whitening trays are custom trays for placing the whitening gel precisely on your teeth. Your dentist can make these for you and provide you with strong, prescription strength whiten gel for you to whiten your teeth with a series of home treatments. The best and fastest way to whiten your teeth is Professional Whitening at a dental office. In about an hour, your dentist can place a protective barrier on your gums and place powerful whitening gel on your teeth to get your teeth super white. People love this option because your teeth are as white as they can get in about an hour and you do not have to do multiple treatments at home.
Everyone has a biologic limit to how white they can get their teeth with these whitening procedures. Porcelain veneers and cosmetic bonding can get your smile even whiter and more perfect. Modern
dentistry gives you so many options to improve your smile with the advances in materials and technology. Tooth Whitening removes years of stain and discoloration. Cosmetic recontouring is a simple process of re-shaping your teeth to make them look more attractive, healthier, and straighter. Clear, nearly Invisible Aligners can straighten your teeth quickly and easily without metal braces. Cosmetic Bonding repairs chips and cracks to make your teeth look beautiful, natural, and vibrant again. Porcelain Veneers is like adding new enamel to your teeth to make them whiter, straighter, and change the shape to the perfect length and proportions.
“May your days be merry and bright. And may all your Christmases be white.”
Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide all the modern advances that contemporary esthetic dentistry offers. You will realize immediate results with non-invasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile restoring options, please call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health at 770-992-2236. Dr. Bradley Hepler has spent many hours dedicated to perfecting and updating the latest and best techniques in dentistry. It is with this breadth of knowledge that they provide each patient with the perfect solution to their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.
9 out of 10 dentists disagree…. with insurance
Most people expect dental insurance to work like medical insurance: pay monthly premiums and be protected from large, unexpected bills. In reality, dental insurance is built very differently. It isn’t a catastrophe safety net—it’s essentially a prepaid discount plan with a small, set annual benefit. That’s why many people are surprised when significant treatment isn’t “covered.”
A cap on benefits—not on expenses
Most dental plans limit what they’ll pay each year, typically between $1,000 and $2,000. Once you reach that number, the plan stops paying regardless of what care you still need. Medical insurance usually flips that model: after you meet your outof-pocket maximum, coverage expands. With dental insurance, the ceiling is on the insurer’s payout, not on your costs.
Cost-sharing that erodes coverage
Many policies haven’t changed their reimbursement fee structure since the 1960’s and still follow an old 100/80/50 schedule—preventive care at 100%, basic care at 80%, and major care at 50%—only until the annual maximum is hit. Deductibles, waiting periods, frequency limits, “missing tooth” clauses, and downgrades (for example, paying at the rate of a silver filling instead of a tooth-colored composite) further reduce the contribution.
A quick example
If you need a root canal and crown totaling $3,000, 50% coverage suggests $1,500 from insurance. In practice, after deductibles, downgrades, and earlier hygiene visits count toward your annual max, the plan often hits its $1,000–$2,000 cap quickly, leaving the rest to you. Your oral health needs don’t pause at the cap—only the plan’s payments do.
So, is it really “insurance”?
True insurance pools risk for rare, highcost events. Dental conditions are common and largely preventable, so dental plans are designed to emphasize maintenance— cleanings, exams, and X-rays—rather than absorb the full cost of complex care. Think of dental insurance as a coupon with rules, not a blank check for treatment.
Where dental insurance helps
Most plans reward prevention. Two “healthy-mouth” cleanings, exams, and routine X-rays are often covered at or near 100%. Using these benefits consistently helps catch issues early, when they’re simpler and less expensive to treat.
A simpler, more predictable choice: our in-house Wellness Plan
If you prefer transparency over fine print, our Wellness Plan replaces uncertainty with clear value:
• Professional cleanings included
• All X-rays included
• Doctor exams included
• Plus 15% off any needed restorative treatment
Because it’s our plan, not a thirdparty policy, your care isn’t dictated by exclusions or downgrades. There are no rejected claims, no enrollment windows, no waiting periods, no racing the calendar, and no shrinking annual maximum. You and your dentist decide what’s best; the Wellness Plan makes it more affordable.
Tips to maximize value either way
• Know your numbers: annual maximum, deductible, waiting periods, frequency limits, and coverage percentages.
• Time your care: for larger cases, phasing across benefit years can stretch limited dollars.
• Use tax-advantaged funds: Use HSAs/ FSAs to lower your net cost.
• Choose quality, not just “in-network”: materials, precision, and durability matter.
Bottom line: dental “insurance” is a small yearly benefit with limits. Our Wellness Plan makes preventive care simple and takes 15% off restorative treatment so your decisions are guided by health—not caps and clauses.
At Roswell Dental Care, we offer the best of both worlds: we’re fee-for-service and will file out-of-network claims to help you maximize any insurance benefits if you choose that instead of the Wellness Plan. Dr. Hood and her team personalize care, ensure you feel confident before treatment begins, and for added comfort we offer FREE nitrous oxide. Call 770998-6736 or visit www.roswelldentalcare. com to start your path to comfortable, confident oral health.
Dr. Destinee Hood
Brought to you by - Dr. Destinee Hood at Roswell Dental Care
Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist
Insist on the
BEST
Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.
He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.
Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 23 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.
Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.
A pilot dies of Alpha Gal syndrome
Alpha gal syndrome, also known as “red meat allergy,” is a disease on the rise. Sadly, a November 2025 publication describes the first well-documented death resulting from alpha gal syndrome.
In the summer of 2024, a New Jerseybased airline pilot went camping with his family and suffered multiple bites believed to be either lone star tick larvae or nymphs which the family identified as “chiggers.” He and his family typically ate chicken. However, two weeks after camping, he ate a steak. Four hours later, he developed diarrhea, vomiting and such severe abdominal pain that he told his family “I thought I was going to die.” Symptoms lasted two hours, but the next day he felt so good that he saw no reason to seek medical attention.
Two weeks later, he had an additional exposure to red meat. At a barbecue, he ate a hamburger. Four hours later, he became ill again. Within minutes, he was dead. Post-mortem blood testing revealed extremely high tryptase levels – consistent with an anaphylactic reaction, a severe type of allergic reaction in which difficulty breathing or a sudden drop in blood pressure can result in death.
Alpha gal syndrome was first discovered around 2007 when a physician in Virginia identified that lone star tick bites could cause red meat allergy. A sugar called galactose-alpha 1,3-galactose (aka “alpha-gal”) is found in many types of mammal meat and dairy but not in humans, so humans can become allergic to this sugar if they are exposed in the right circumstance. A tick bite is just such a circumstance.
Lone star ticks are on the rise. Expanding deer populations and tick populations are likely resulting in an increase in tick bites and disease in humans. Increased testing certainly plays a factor, but between
2013 and 2024, a 100-fold increase in positive test results for alpha-gal occurred, and the CDC estimates as many as half a million people may be affected by this disease.
What makes the death of the New Jersey pilot so startling is the nature of the alpha gal allergic reaction. Most of the time, when we think of allergic reactions, we think of hives and rashes. If we think of death, we usually think of reactions such as those to peanuts which often involve difficulty breathing. The symptoms of the pilot would normally make someone worried for food poisoning or a severe stomach bug – not an allergy.
But diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain can be signs of an allergy. With alpha gal on the rise, severe abdominal pain following red meat or dairy ingestion should raise concern for alpha gal syndrome, which we now know can be fatal. In the right context – a recent hike, camping trip or other potential exposure to ticks, someone with severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea should consider getting tested for alpha gal before ingesting red meat, dairy or other cross-reacting substances a second time.
Reportedly, numerous individuals on Martha’s Vineyard are now unwillingly having to live essentially a vegan lifestyle due to the number of meat and dairy products that they now must avoid. Deer, ticks and alpha gal are on the rise and apparently here to stay.
As a Mohs surgeon and dermatologist, I have learned that the beach-goer has more to fear from the Sun in the sky than from a shark in the water. As someone who loves the great outdoors, I would add that I am more afraid of the tick on the leaf than the bear in the woods. If you, like me, have ever been sun-kissed or tick-bitten and are concerned about tick-born illness, Premier Dermatology is here to help.
Dr. Brent Taylor
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology
Geriatrics in primary care: Meeting the unique health care needs of older adults
Brought to you by – Comprehensive Internal Medicine
Geriatrics in primary care is the specialized approach used to care for people as they age. Geriatric primary care recognizes that older adults often experience multiple chronic conditions, functional limitations, and changing social circumstances.
Through this, there is an emphasis on maintaining health, independence, and quality of life.
To achieve best health, the care plan begins with a comprehensive assessment, in which a healthcare provider evaluates medical conditions, medications, cognitive function, emotional well-being, mobility, nutrition, and social support. Another essential component is medication management, since older adults often take several prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, increasing the risk of side effects or interactions. Geriatric care also includes prevention and early detection of common age-related issues such as falls, memory decline, osteoporosis, and sensory impairments. Additionally, providers coordinate care among specialists, caregivers, and community resources, ensuring
that the patient’s needs are addressed in a holistic and organized way. Advanced care planning—discussing preferences regarding future medical treatments—is also a valuable part of geriatric primary care.
The benefits of incorporating geriatrics into primary care are significant. First, it leads to better health outcomes, because problems are identified early and managed proactively. Second, geriatric-focused care improves patient safety, particularly by reducing medication-related complications and preventing avoidable hospitalizations. Third, it enhances quality of life by supporting independence, promoting mental and emotional well-being, and helping patients stay active and engaged. For families and caregivers, geriatric primary care offers guidance, reassurance, and support in navigating complex health decisions.
Overall, geriatrics in primary care ensures that older adults receive thoughtful, personalized, and coordinated care that promotes healthy aging and preserves dignity throughout life’s later stages. If you have multiple medical issues, a geriatric specialist may be the right choice to achieve your best health.
Trusted Geriatric Experts
Sudeshna Nandi M.D.
Dr. Nandi has practiced medicine in north Atlanta for over a decade and brings expertise to her patient base in the areas of elder care, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Her approach is rooted in connection—using her clinical expertise to create trust, foster meaningful relationships, and elevate the patient’s experience. she blends exceptional clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the aging journey. She builds long term relationships with her patients and coordinates care with consulting physicians. She is fluent in Hindi and Bengali.
Shruti Patel, M.D.
Dr. Patel is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. She has a special interest in geriatric care, hypertension, and diabetes management. She is passionate about providing comprehensive, patient-centered care with a focus on chronic disease management and preventive health. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Patel is eager to help patients achieve healthier and more fulfilling lives through evidence-based practices and compassionate guidance.
Kellie Kozma - is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner in family medicine with a post-master’s in geriatric medicine and more than 20 years of clinical experience. She offers a level of clinical insight that brings clarity, confidence, and comfort to her patients. Her care philosophy blends expertise with genuine human connection, creating relationships that feel both supportive and truly transformative. She specializes in both acute and chronic disease management, using an evidence-based approach that emphasizes individualized patient needs.
Rethinking what counseling means for children
When most people hear the word therapy, they often picture trauma, or a problem that needs to be fixed. But for children, therapy is so much more than that. It’s not just about healing, it’s about learning, growing, and building skills that help them in everyday life.
In counseling, children learn tools that don’t always get taught in the classroom. They practice handling frustration without shutting down, expressing feelings in a healthy and respectful way, making and keeping friends, and building confidence after mistakes or failures. Therapy gives kids the chance to practice these skills in a safe and supportive space. They get to experiment, learn about themselves, and feel proud of their growth along the way.
I often compare therapy to exercising, it’s about maintenance, not just repair. When children learn emotional regulation early, they develop the tools to handle life’s challenges before they start to feel too overwhelming. By building that emotional foundation early on therapy helps prevent behavioral issues, anxiety, and low self-esteem from taking place later in life. It’s about giving kids the skills and confidence to manage their big feelings.
Therapy also supports healthy relationships with family, friends, and teachers. When kids understand themselves better they are able to communicate more clearly and feel more confident in social settings. Parents often notice their child becoming more flexible, empathetic, and calm in situations that used to feel difficult or triggering.
Ultimately, therapy isn’t a sign that something is wrong or broken, it’s a way to help your child grow stronger. Whether a child is struggling, shy, or simply learning to navigate a busy world, therapy can help them build resilience, confidence, and self-awareness that they’ll carry throughout their lives.
Brought to you by – Caroline Buttrey, M.S.W
BUTTREY
BEING KIND
1. Knight fight. Speech impediment. Kind of butter.
2. Up and down toy. Kind of order. Way too weighty.
3. Kind of race. Tableland. Plaster of Paris.
4. Burger topper. Kind of stick. Sag.
5. Rapids runner. Chess piece. Kind of shot.
6. Long-tailed parrot. Kind of attack. Stinger.
12/11/25 Sudoku PuzzleJunction.com
7. Chinese tea leaves. Golfer’s cry. Kind of chamber.
1 Knight fight. Speech Impediment. Kind of butter
2. Up and down toy. Kind of order. Wa
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. Kind of race. Tableland. Plaster of Paris
4. Burger topper. Kind of stick. Sag
5. Rapids runner. Chess piece. Kind of shot.
To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9. 86 9
6. Long-tailed parrot. Kind of attack. Stinger.
7. Chinese tea leaves. Golfer’s cry. Kind of chamber.
5 4 5 3 1 7 85 6
How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
Back of the boat Artist Bonheur
Standing still Knitting stitch Job for a body shop Block house? Pottery fragment
Balancing pro Swimming with a Blood-related Ballpark figures
How to Solve: Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum of the white squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.
Attracting birds and pollinators to your winter garden
As temperatures drop and many plants go dormant, it is easy to assume that your garden enters a quiet, lifeless phase. But winter can be a time of surprising vibrancy and ecological value, especially if you intentionally create a haven for birds and pollinators. In Georgia’s relatively mild climate, it’s possible to support local wildlife year-round with just a few strategic choices.
Attracting birds and pollinators to your winter garden doesn’t just benefit the environment, it also adds life, movement, and interest to the garden during what might otherwise be a dull season. Here's how to make your outdoor space a welcoming winter habitat.
Why Attract Wildlife in Winter?
Winter is a critical time for many species. Birds and pollinators face food shortages, fewer water sources and the loss of natural habitat due to development and tidy landscaping. By offering food, shelter and water, your garden becomes a vital sanctuary, and in return it’s possible to enjoy bird song, pollinator activity on warmer days, and a deeper connection with the natural world.
Plant with Purpose: Winter Food Sources
Native plants are the most important building blocks for supporting Georgia’s wildlife. While flowers may be fewer in winter, native seed heads, berries and evergreen plants offer much-needed sustenance.
Plant Winter-Blooming Flowers
Select plants with blooms or berries in the winter to provide a much-needed food source for pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Some non-native winter-blooming options for Atlanta gardens include:
• Camellias: These evergreen shrubs produce vibrant flowers in shades of pink, red and white from fall to spring. They attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.
• Hellebores (lenten roses): Evergreen foliage and winter blooms in shades of white, pink and purple make hellebores an excellent choice for attracting early bees and buzz pollinators like bumblebees.
• Juniper: This evergreen shrub provides both nectar for pollinators and berries that feed birds throughout the winter.
Use Native Plants
Choosing native plants not only supports local wildlife but also helps maintain the ecosystem's balance. Native
plants have co-evolved with local wildlife, providing the best possible food and habitat. Some Georgia native plants that attract birds and pollinators include:
• Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria): Yaupon supports pollinators and provides year-round shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds, protecting them from predators and harsh weather conditions. Its red berries continue through winter, providing a crucial food source for birds. Robins, mockingbirds, thrashers, wrens and more feed on these berries.
• Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum rufidulum): This plant produces clusters of dark blue berries that persist into winter, providing an essential food source for birds when other food is scarce. Birds, like mockingbirds, thrashers, catbirds and waxwings, are known to feed on these berries.
• Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis): Wild indigo produces seed pods that provide food for goldfinches and pine siskins in winter.
• Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata): This legume produces small, peanut-like seeds that are a valuable food source for mourning doves, quails and sparrows.
Other Great Plants for Winter
Wildlife in Georgia
• Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana): With vibrant purple berries, this native shrub is a magnet for cardinals and mockingbirds.
• Hollies (Ilex spp.): Both evergreen and deciduous varieties provide dense cover and berries for food.
• Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): Offers winter berries loved by cedar waxwings.
• Coneflowers and Black-eyed Susans (Echinacea and Rudbeckia): Leave seed heads standing; finches will thank you.
• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Even after blooming, goldenrod stems and seeds feed small birds and provide overwintering shelter for beneficial insects.
Provide Shelter and
Nesting Spots
Many pollinators, including native bees, overwinter in leaf litter, hollow stems or soil. Don’t over-clean your garden; a bit of wildness is healthy. Resist the urge to rake everything away, especially in naturalized parts of your garden. Here are a few shelter tips:
• Leave brush piles or stacked logs in a corner of the garden, creating ideal nesting sites.
• Avoid cutting back dried perennials and ornamental grasses, which can house overwintering insects and provide
cover for birds.
• Add birdhouses or roosting boxes, which offer insulation from the cold and safety from predators.
• Trees and shrubs with dense foliage offer excellent shelter.
• Evergreen shrubs and dense hedges are valuable as natural shelter. It would be beneficial if at least 25 percent of the trees and shrubs in your landscape were evergreen.
Don’t
Forget the Water
Water sources can be scarce in winter, especially when temperatures dip below freezing. Birds and insects need clean, accessible water every day.
As far as water sources go, the vessels should be filled no more than two to three inches deep (while changing the water frequently) and elevated in the middle of an open area to minimize predation by cats and other animals. Here are a few suggestions for adding water to your yard:
• Birdbaths: Use a heated birdbath or add warm water daily to keep it from freezing.
• Shallow dishes with stones: These are ideal for small birds or insects on mild days.
• Dripping water sources: Even a slow-dripping container can attract birds.
By incorporating these practices into your Atlanta-area winter garden, you'll create a welcoming haven for birds and pollinators. Enjoy the beauty and satisfaction that comes from supporting local wildlife and preserving biodiversity.
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. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https://appenmedia.com/opinion/columists/garden buzz/.
About the author
This Week’s “Garden Buzz” features Amy Magner, a Master Gardener since 2014. As a member of North Fulton Master Gardeners and Sandy Springs resident, she has taught various classes, including cancer wellness, at Farm Chastain. She is also a certified Health Coach, speaker and creator of the “Changing Aging” program.
AMY MAGNER Guest Columnist
WILL SMITH, MOUNTAIN XPRESS/PROVIDED
Black-throated Blue Warbler on beautyberry
Career:
Continued from Page 3
Brett Lacy, director of the Workforce Development Board, described the career resource centers as the place for job seekers and training providers to connect, leading to further skill development and certifications needed for employment.
“The relocation of our career re -
County:
Continued from Page 1
The probe into the county’s Rice Street facility and three annexes, including one in Alpharetta, began in 2023 after the murder of an unindicted inmate who had been in custody for eight months. Violence at the jail has continued this year.
“I think a review is necessary to make sure that a contract that is going to exceed $45 million a year is up to date and is going to take us through the next 10 years,” StrongWhitaker said.
After County Chairman Robb Pitts asked what a consultant would cost, Strong-Whitaker said it may just involve consulting with the consent decree monitor.
Kathleen Kenney was appointed lead monitor in February, overseeing the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and compliance with specific requirements for the jail system.
In an August report, Kenney wrote that the monitoring team was focused on staffing and supervision, repairing damaged appliances and alarm systems, inmate classification and mental health.
During the Dec. 3 public hearing on the 2026 operating budget, a former Rice Street Jail inmate spoke in detail about her experience with violence in the jail, witnessing a September attack that left a 20-year-old woman fighting for her life at Grady Memorial Hospital.
After her remarks, Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts told the audience that the hearing was for next year’s proposed budget.
source center shows our dedication to meeting job seekers where they are and helping them succeed in the long run,” Lacy said.
Career resource centers throughout the state resulted from WorkSource Georgia, a statewide employment and training system created in 2016 after Congress passed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. When the program launched, the state’s unemployment rate hovered around 5.5 percent, according to the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Georgia’s unemployment rate now stands a full percent point lower than the nation’s average of 4.4 percent.
The ribbon-cutting for the new resource center was one piece of good news shared at the Dec. 3 meeting of the Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board.
By summer 2026, Building Georgia will launch its first training cohort as the program aims to fill the need for an estimated 136,000 jobs
responsible,” Abdur-Rahman said. “We built a jail that when the doors opened, it was already overcrowded. We have an opportunity now …”
created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The program began in 2024 and is a partnership between ARC, the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Transportation. All three are collaborating to complete the curriculum that will focus on entry-level construction skills and basic industry knowledge. Graduates from the program will be paired with participating employers throughout the state.
disabilities and inmates.
The next speaker, LaQuana Alexander, a community advocate in Atlanta known as LA Pink said the discussion of next year’s operating budget revolves around the justice system.
“This is the reason why the budget is all screwed up,” Alexander said. “We can talk about these things … Y’all need to start taking your time and using it toward the things that matter. Y’all got inmates up over here [at the Rice Street jail] dying.”
County Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman said she thinks the county needs a consultant because of the federal consent decree’s requirements and potential penalties for failure to follow them.
“I know that anytime we’re talking about dollars, we must be fiscally
In August, commissioners approved a long-term plan to build a new 1,813-bed jail facility for around $1.1 billion, specifically for people with medical, mental health and special needs. That money also includes repairs at Rice Street.
County Commissioner Bob Ellis, representing the western half of North Fulton, said he thinks it’s important to have the vendor, NaphCare of Fulton County LLC, share performance metrics with county staff.
A county evaluation of the vendor reported “minimal staffing not maintained per contract,” but otherwise positive comments.
Ellis compared the $45.1 million contract for inmate healthcare to the $15.8 million the county contracts for behavioral health services for all county residents, including students, seniors, people with developmental
“Reporting mechanisms … are really important given the size of this contract and the number of people it impacts,” Ellis said. “We just went through a very detailed report back from different contracts we have in the behavioral health area. We have very little insight into this one.”
Lead Software Engineering needed by AT&T Services, Inc. in Alpharetta, GA to lead, mentor, and inspire a team of software engineers by providing technical guidance and support. Apply at http://att.jobs/, select JOB SEARCH and APPLY and select Search by Requisition Number at the left bottom of the page and enter Job Number: R-85871.
Lead Data/AI Engineering needed by AT&T Services, Inc., in Alpharetta, GA to analyze, design, program, debug and modify software enhancements and new products used in distributed, large-scale analytics and visualization solutions. Apply at http://att.jobs/, select JOB SEARCH and APPLY and select Search by Requisition Number at the left bottom of the page and enter Job Number: R-88503.
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