Millage rate hike is bad for residents, worse for seniors
Every year around this time, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners faces a critical decision: setting the millage rate that ultimately determines how much residents pay in property taxes. Let me be clear.
At the June 18, 2025, County Commission meeting, I voted against raising the millage rate from the current 8.87 mils to up to 9.87 mils. This proposed increase is excessive and places an unfair burden on all residents, especially our seniors.
Even if the county maintains the millage rate at 8.87, many property owners will see a tax increase, because property values have risen over the past year. Raising the millage rate on top of that would be a double whammy — higher values and higher rates — compounding the financial pressure on many households.
Raising taxes in today’s economic climate is both unwise and unjust. Inflation and global factors like tariffs are already driving up the cost of essentials — food, housing, healthcare and more – forcing people to watch every dollar they spend.
See PITTS, Page 21
Camp instills confidence
Joyful Soles tailors program to enrich youths’ experience
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — Camp Joyful Soles is more than a summer day camp. It’s a place to make meaningful connections and build confidence.
For more than a decade, Camp Joyful Soles has provided participants with a comfortable environment to thrive and grow during the summer. The summer day camp is put on each year by Milton Parks and
Recreation for 13 to 22-year-olds with special needs.
No day is the same. Each features special guests ranging from therapy dogs to drama therapy, a practice involving drama and theater techniques to help individuals resolve conflicts and problems. Even the Milton Fire Department and Police Department join in on the fun. Campers are also taken on field trips to go swimming or visit the zoo.
See CAMP, Page 21
I just feel like it changes your perspective on life, and also just what you know about these kids.”
BROOKE NOLAN
Camp manager
SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA
Jason Evans, right, with Shenanigans, a program offering life scenario engagement, leads an improv at Camp Joyful Soles.
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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.
City Finance Department reports fraudulent checks
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Master Police Officers spoke with the City of Johns Creek finance department June 24 in reference to fraudulent checks created on behalf of the city.
The first report on June 24 at approximately 7:55 a.m. was in reference to five checks. The finance worker told officers that JP Morgan Bank notified him that the five checks did not match with records and appeared to be fraudulent. The checks were stopped, and no money was reported lost.
Someone had attempted to cash all five checks that carried the same city account number and were created to imitate an official city-issued check. The checks had fraudulent numbers and copies of signatures from the city manager and finance director. Each check was made out to a person with an address in South Carolina.
The checks were posted June 20 and rejected by the bank on behalf of the City of Johns Creek June 23. The five checks totaled approximately $2,476.
While the report was being made, the finance worker told the officers that someone else with a South Carolina address attempted to cash fraudulent checks on behalf of the city in May.
According to the finance worker, someone tried to cash two altered checks from a City of Johns Creek bank account May 5.
Both checks, again, carried the same city account number and had altered recipient information. The finance department employee said it appeared the checks were legitimate and had been sent to a vendor by mail, then altered. The two checks were posted May 5 and rejected by the bank on behalf of the city the same day.
The first check, originally made out to a utility contractor for $24,912, was altered
to name a recipient with an address in Simpsonville, South Carolina. The second check was originally made out to another utility contractor for $8,400. This time, the recipient was altered to the name of a man in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Officers collected screenshots and images of the checks and bank statements for evidence.
— Sarah Coyne
Valuables totaling $125,000 stolen in daytime burglary
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek woman reported a burglary of almost $125,000 in missing cash and jewelry from her home June 24.
Officers responded to the home on Spotted Pony Trail in reference to the burglary that occurred earlier that day.
The woman told police that at around 9 a.m., she and her husband left the home to run errands. When she returned at 4 p.m., she realized someone had entered the home.
She told police that when she opened the garage door, she noticed the door leading into the home was open. She also observed a large hole in the ceiling, which appeared to have been created by someone falling through the ceiling from the attic.
The woman said the home had been ransacked. The cash and jewelry she had in the bedroom was missing.
The woman told police that the cash, some $100,000, had been recently withdrawn to apply toward a new home and repairs.
A neighbor provided surveillance footage to officers that showed what appeared to be a Nissan sedan pull into the garage at approximately 11:31 a.m. The vehicle sat inside of the garage until 1:45 p.m.
The couple told police that no one had been given access to the garage, and they were not sure how anyone was able to open the door.
The woman told police that in addition to the cash, a jade jewelry set including a rose gold necklace, earrings and a matching ring worth $5,000, a
$15,000 gold Rolex and a 24-carat gold necklace and bracelet worth $5,000 were stolen from the home.
Detectives were assigned the case. — Sarah Coyne
Officers arrest two men after fight at restaurant
ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested two 45-year-old men, one Roswell resident and a California native, after they got into a fight June 27 at a Canton Street restaurant.
An officer said he arrived at the restaurant after the two men were separated by employees shortly after midnight June 28 and reviewed security footage of the altercation.
The officer said the Roswell man is seen on camera with his group of companions, including two women from Cumming.
The women said the California man approached them several times and harassed them throughout the evening.
The officer also said footage showed the California man approach different women in the group.
At one point in the night, the Roswell man, the Cumming woman and the California man were sitting at the bar close to one another.
The officer said the Cumming woman began arguing with the California man after he pushed into her shoulder. The next moment, the Roswell man stepped in between them and punched the California man in the face.
Eventually, the officer said the men were separated after exchanging a couple of punches.
After transporting both men to the Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, the officer said he obtained warrants for misdemeanor affray, or fighting and disturbing the peace.
The Roswell man was released from Fulton County Jail June 28, but there is no record of the California man’s arrest.
The officer said the California man was still awaiting clearance from the hospital when he wrote the report around 5 p.m. June 28.
Hayden Sumlin
—
Roswell advances regional plan to pursue transportation strategy
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenemedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Committees of Council gave tentative approval June 24 to sign an agreement between four neighboring cities to initiate an update on the North Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
Members of the City Council unanimously passed the agreement at the regular Committees of Council meeting – a council work session presided over by Deputy City Administrator and Senior Vice President for Infrastructure Sharon Izzo.
Roswell, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton and Alpharetta have requested for the Atlanta Regional Commission to oversee the North Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan process.
The ARC will manage and update the project as part of its Transportation Plan Assistance Program, which coordinated and funded the North Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan in 2010 and 2018.
This program allows local governments to take elements of their own roadway master plans, have them evaluated, then select projects within their city.
Typically, the plan is managed at a county level, but because nearly all of Fulton County is unincorporated, the Atlanta Regional Commission will oversee the project.
City representation
One staff member from each city will guide the process. The Atlanta Regional Commission will secure federal funding through the Georgia Department of Transportation and will handle contracts and subcontracts.
“The City of Johns Creek will serve as the administrative city collecting the local matching funds from the other four municipalities,” Roswell interim Director of Transportation Greg Nicholas said.
Economic Development Director Darryl
presents the introduction of the Roswell Development Finance Program at the June 24 Committees of Council meeting. See PLAN, Page 20
SCREENSHOT
Connelly
Residential project to occupy location on Upper Hembree
You may have noticed a certain tab on Appen Media’s website titled “Ask a Question.” At Appen, community engagement is essential, and we want to answer your questions. Here are a few recent inquiries we can answer for you.
What will replace the old Whole Foods on Upper Hembree Road in Alpharetta?
A 149-home subdivision is planned at the site that once hosted a Whole Foods office.
Empire Communities is developing the project on 19.32 acres at 1180 Upper Hembree Road near Harris Road. Plans call for multilevel homes and recreational amenities.
The property was used as a corporate office and distribution center for Whole Foods.
It once featured a 145,000-square-foot building and 588-stall parking lot.
Until 2014, it was a Harry’s Farmers Market.
Offices and neighborhoods now sur round the site.
What is the location of the proposed Johns Creek Performing Arts Center?
The City of Johns Creek plans to build
DIONNA WILLIAMS/APPEN MEDIA
Community engagement is an essential part of Appen Media’s newsroom strategy. That’s why reporters for the Herald and Crier newspapers seek out all sorts of reader questions. Want to learn more about something in the area? Send questions to newsroom@appenmedia.com or go to appenmedia.com/ask.
City officials have described the center as a recreational and cultural game changer. It is intended to serve as a home for the arts and a destination for residents.
The City Council approved a resolution calling for a November referendum asking voters to consider a $40 million bond to help fund the center’s creation.
Are there any plans to widen Kelly Mill Road in 2025?
Forsyth County engineers are looking into traffic along Kelly Mill Road, but officials have no plans yet to improve the roadway.
Kelly Mill Road stretches more than 4 miles just outside Cumming.
The road runs past an elementary school, which can contribute to traffic, Commissioner Todd Levent said.
A widening project is underway at nearby Post Road, with construction expected to begin in 2026.
The project will add two lanes through about 3.6 miles and build sidewalks, a multiuse trail and me -
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City of Johns Creek Notice of Property Tax Hearings (Millage Rate)
The City of Johns Creek is currently in the process of adopting the 2025 Millage Rate. The City has published the Five-Year History of the Tax Digest and Levy as required by O.C.G.A. § 48-5-32.
Before the City of Johns Creek adopts the 2025 Millage Rate, Georgia law requires Public Hearings to be held to allow the public an opportunity to be heard. The City has scheduled three Public Hearings. All members of the public are invited to attend and participate in the hearings. The first Public Hearing will be held on July 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., and a second Public Hearing will be held on that same day, July 14, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. The third Public Hearing will be held during the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on July 28, 2025. All public hearings are held in the Council Chambers in City Hall located at 11360 Lakefield Drive in Johns Creek, GA 30097.
City Clerk Allison Tarpley
Steel fabrication company to bring 90 jobs to county
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — FICEP
Corporation, a subsidiary of an Italian steel fabrication company, will establish a North American headquarters in Forsyth County.
The $38 million investment is expected to bring 90 new jobs to the county, the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce said. The company is described as a global leader in structural steel and plate fabrication equipment and an industry game-changer.
“It’s a powerful example of what can happen when a global leader in innovation finds a home in a community committed to business success,” the chamber said.
The chamber celebrated the headquarter’s groundbreaking June 24. The facility, which will be developed by Foundry Development, will be located at 5510 EcoPark Drive.
Chamber President and CEO Alex Warner said the headquarters is a reflection of the county’s economic
resources that make it attractive for businesses.
“Their decision to expand here is a powerful endorsement of our thriving business climate, talented workforce and unmatched community support,” Warner said. “We’re thrilled to see what the future holds and honored that FICEP now calls Forsyth County home.”
The Forsyth County Commission has identified attracting new business as a priority, saying as new companies arrive they offset the tax burden of residential property owners.
As growth continues to increase, the county is increasingly looking for options to reduce the strain on services.
Increasing the number of businesses means adding taxpaying entities that demand fewer services, Commissioner Laura Semanson has said.
Businesses also are not eligible for homestead exemptions, she said.
“They pay full freight, and they don’t consume services,” Semanson said, “That’s why it’s so critical.”
FORSYTH COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/PROVIDED Forsyth County Chamber President and CEO Alex Warner, second from left; representatives of project developer Foundry Development, middle; and representatives of FICEP, right; shovel a first scoop of dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony for FICEP’s headquarters, 5510 EcoPark Drive, June 24
The Gathering draws support from county, school leaders
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Gathering at South Forsyth has received a big stamp of approval.
Now, all it needs is a professional hockey team.
At a special June 11 meeting, the Forsyth County Commission, the County Development Authority and the Forsyth County School Board signed off on agreements to help fund the $3 billion development that will include office, retail, residential, a hotel and sports arena.
The multi-government agreement calls for servicing debt on a $225 million project bond tied to securing a National Hockey League team. The bond will be issued through the Development Authority and is contingent upon The Gathering securing a National Hockey League team for its 18,500-seat arena.
“No NHL, no bond,” County Manager David McKee said in his presentation at the meeting.
Among the funding mechanisms approved June 11 was formation of a tax allocation district for the 100-acre site near Ronald Reagan Parkway and Ga. 400. Under terms of the TAD, the county and school district will still collect their share of property tax assessments on the site at the current
level. Taxes from any future appreciation in the property’s value will be channeled into a separate account to pay off the bond.
“Tonight’s joint meeting allowed for the county boards to review and jointly approve the agreements with the developer that will shape the future for the development,” Commission Chairman Alfred John said. “The development has the potential to be one of not only metro-Atlanta’s largest economic catalysts but perhaps the Southeast.”
Voters approved formation of the tax allocation district in a November 2024 referendum.
The three governmental entities also signed off on another source of bond repayments called a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement. Under a PILOT program, The Gathering’s developers would make payments to the Development Authority, which would then contribute the funds to the bond debt.
County officials say the funding structure for the bonds is formulated to have The Gathering pay for itself through ticket sales and other income sources, leaving residents with a venue they can take pride in and that will broaden the tax base.
In addition to the sports arena and hotel, The Gathering is projected to include 1.6 million square feet of of -
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fice and retail space, 1,800 multifamily units, 150 single family detached homes and Greenway connectivity.
The Forsyth County agreements are the result of years of preparation, County Manager McKee said.
“What you’re going to see is the culmination of probably more than three years’ worth of work (and) three years’ worth of grit and grind to get us to this point,” he said.
While the June 11 action eases a
path for The Gathering and its bid to lure an NHL team, the City of Alpharetta is pursuing a parallel plan to capture the hockey franchise.
In early June, Alpharetta officials retained a law firm to provide advice on a potential arena-based project, likely in the North Point area. About a month earlier, the city commissioned an economic feasibility study to examine the viability of a project anchored by a pro hockey team.
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE
Presentation of Fiscal Year 2026 Budget PUBLIC HEARING
The proposed FY2026 Budget will be presented to the Council during their Monday, July 14th, 2025 5:00pm Work Session. PUBLIC HEARINGS regarding the proposed FY2026 Budget will be held on Monday, July 28th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. and Monday, September 8, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in conjunction with the regular Council Meetings. Both the Work Session and Public Hearings will be held at 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, GA 30097. The proposed budget will be available on the City website and a copy will be placed at City Hall for review.
Allison Tarpley City Clerk
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Business draws on nature to formulate skin products
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Nestled in a triangleshaped store at the corner of Alpharetta and Frazier streets in Roswell, Carol McEwin combines science and art to create skincare products.
Lilly Sage Apothecary crafts self-care rituals made of all natural, eco-friendly ingredients. McEwin works in her lab, carefully concocting new lotions, lip oils, bubble baths, body oils – even her own skincare line, LS.Topaz.
For most of her adult life, McEwin worked as a real estate agent, but she always carried a little of the hippie from her youth with her.
Growing up, McEwin said she was a true hippie who was always fascinated with oils, plants and mother nature, growing even more inspired thanks to her father who was a surgeon.
“The kind of thing that a hippie would be influenced by, and so that was really what started it,” she said.
She applied her fascination for oils and botanicals to create products to treat her and her daughter’s eczema after becoming frustrated with dermatologists.
“It scared me,” McEwin said.
Her fascination continued throughout her life, even while in the corporate world. She would draw inspiration from the remote places she lived, like Alaska, to create products that matched her lifestyle.
“I would look at one oil and play with it and see what it did and how it felt,” McEwin said. “And so, I was always doing that my whole life.”
In 2012, she moved to Roswell. When she retired in 2015, she realized it was time to return to her hippie roots. McEwin enrolled into Formula Botanica, where she took rigorous coursework online. There, she learned that she would go down the facial, skin and body care route.
“Mother Nature brings us lots of lovely things,” she said.
McEwin discovered her quaint triangle store after facing the reality of high rent on Roswell’s popular Canton Street. The building was practically abandoned and dirty, so she started from the ground up.
SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA
Owner of Lilly Sage Apothecary Carol McEwin, holds a new sugar scrub inside her lab at the shop 1097 Alpharetta St.
Apothecary:
Continued from Page 8
Researching store renovation, she realized most pampering places were almost all pastels, so she went the opposite route.
“I wanted men to feel warm and comfortable, so I went with powerful blues,” McEwin said.
The apothecary is filled with warm and cozy décor, with nods to her mother and father. Hidden in the store, visitors can find her mother’s teapot and her father’s medical bag.
McEwin noted that the store functions as two parts, a place to manufacture products and another to get feedback on her products.
“The store has always been about the production and the testing and selling of my products,” she said.
In the left corner of the apothecary, guests can find McEwin and her staff cooking up new recipes. She creates scents such as Georgia, which features notes of Kudzu paired with peaches and gardenia.
“It’s definitely an art,” she said. “Scent is so important in our lives.”
McEwin noted that she gets some of her inspiration from her dreams.
“I go to sleep with the thing on my mind and in my dreams, it sorts of cooks, and then I wake up and go,” McEwin said.
She carefully layers notes of scents to get the perfect product, which can take months – sometimes years – to create.
In addition to marketing her two different lines in the store, she also features other small businesses and collaborates with other local stores to create soap scents.
She currently sells two soaps that feature two local businesses, Gate City Brewery and Oli+Ve.
McEwin said she finds it critical to feature other small businesses, especially in the wake of tariffs.
“We need to help each other and recognize that the talent that that person has brought to the table and risk and investment they brought to the table to try and create this thing they're working on,” she said.
Tarriff, she said, have absolutely affected her, likening it to a domino effect.
“I may be buying from an American company, but I don't know how much of their supply chain came from probably China,” she said.
But it’s not just China, McEwin sources her pure essential oils from all over the world.
Despite this concern, she is hopeful for the future. McEwin said she is excited to welcome the Chambray Hotel, a $30 million project to create a five-story boutique hotel nearby. Construction of the 125-room hotel is set for completion in 2026.
“It'll bring a lot of foot traffic that we don't currently have,” McEwin said. “We were really on an island.”
She attributes the lower activity and
BUSINESSPOSTS
Lilly Sage Apothecary sells handmade skin, body and
Mother
Nature brings us lots of lovely things.”
CAROL MCEWIN, Owner of Lilly Sage Apothecary
foot traffic to the fact that her store is not on Canton Street.
“Roswell is more than just Canton Street,” McEwin said. “It's so much more, and we need to be able to expand our consciousness.”
McEwin invites guests who want to venture off Canton Street to come play and learn more about her products at the apothecary.
“You can always wash your hands but washing your hands with something that feels really beautiful, like a luxurious experience is just a nice little touch in your day,” she said.
More information is available at lillysageapothecary.com, or you can visit the store at 1097 Alpharetta St.
McEwin hopes her products can add some comfort and calmness to the lives of her customers in a time of chaos.
“If everybody walked out of the store with that feeling, I would have done something,” McEwin said.
SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA
facial care products at its shop on 1097 Alpharetta St.
Environmental nonprofit names executive director
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Keep North Fulton Beautiful Board of Directors announced the appointment of Colleen Sanjurjo June 30 as the nonprofit’s new executive director.
The Sandy Springs-based nonprofit is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, committing to keeping North Fulton clean and beautiful.
The nonprofit is located at 470 Morgan Falls Road in Sandy Springs, where it operates a site formerly known as the Sandy Springs Recycling Center.
It also provides educational programs to local schools, youth field trips to the recycling center, hazard -
ous material recycling events, various cleanups including around the Chattahoochee River, an adopt-ahighway program and many other activities throughout the year.
The nonprofit says Sanjurjo takes the place of outgoing Executive Director Ryder Leary, who is leaving for a position as director of annual giving at the National Wild Turkey Federation, which he says is a “personal and professional dream opportunity.”
Board Chair Mark Thomas said the organization received more than 50
applications for the position and interviewed five candidates.
“[Leary] personally recommended Colleen. [He] got a fairly disorganized recycling center back into pre-COVID shape and grew it in the wider Sandy Springs community to help position us for growth, grants and donations,” Thomas said. “I’m thrilled to share that the organization is in excellent hands with our incoming director, Colleen Sanjurjo, whose leadership and passion will continue to move KNFB forward.”
Sanjurjo is no stranger to the Keep North Fulton Beautiful recycling center in Sandy Springs.
“I’ve been going to the center forever and know the huge difference Ryder
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
has made,” she said. “I don’t want to break things. I want to expand them slowly — with more education, fundraising and community engagement.”
Sanjurjo, a graduate of the University of Georgia, has held previous positions, including an office manager and paralegal at the Mulholland Law Firm and an assistant to the owner of a local marketing firm.
“One of my top three issues is the environment,” she said. “I want to leave my boys the world better than I found it. I can’t change the world, but I can change my neighborhood, my community and my kids.”
For more information about Keep North Fulton Beautiful, visit keepnorthfultonbeautiful.org.
The City of Johns Creek has tentatively adopted a millage rate, which will require an increase in property taxes by 4.41 percent. All concerned citizens are invited to the Public Hearing on this tax increase to be held at the Johns Creek City Hall, Council Chambers located at 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, Georgia on July 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Times and places of additional Public Hearings on this tax increase are at Johns Creek City Hall, Council Chambers on July 14, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. and on July 28, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 3.646 mills, an increase of 0.154 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate would be no more than 3.492 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $525,000 is approximately $31.42 and the proposed tax increase for a non-homestead property with a fair market value of $525,000 is approximately $32.34.
Pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 48-5-32, the City does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year’s tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.
Residents are invited to e-mail comments to public.comment@johnscreekga.gov
SANJURJ0
Sponsored Section July 10, 2025 | Johns Creek Herald | 11
Healing with light
How Photobiomodulation is changing dental care
Brought to You by - Dr.
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy, uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. PBM works by enhancing mitochondrial ATP production, cell signaling, and growth factor synthesis, while also reducing oxidative stress. This therapy is used for a variety of conditions, and dentists are using PBM lasers in many ways to make your treatment experience easier and your recovery faster. If you experience dentin hypersensitivity, TMJ pain, cold sores, lichen planus, or going through cancer treatment, PBM laser therapy can help!
1. Pain relief
After tooth extractions, root canals, or dental implants, this therapy can reduce discomfort- sometimes even better than pain medication, but without the side effects.
2. Faster healing
Whether you’ve had gum surgery or a sore spot from your denture, photobiomodulation helps tissues heal more quickly and naturally. Red or swollen gums? This therapy helps calm inflammation, making it great for patients with gum disease or other oral infections
3. Cold sore prevention and treatment
If you tend to get cold sores, you know how one can come on at inopportune times. Whether you’re feeling the first tingle or you have an active lesion, PBM drastically reduces severity and duration of cold sore. You can also receive treatments to help prevent developing cold sores in the first place!
4. Orthodontic comfort
Braces adjustments can be painful. Photobiomodulation soothes soreness and may even help teeth move faster, making your treatment shorter.
5. Cancer care support
Patients going through cancer
treatments often get painful mouth sores (called mucositis). PBM lasers can reduce that pain and help those sores heal faster.
What to expect
• Quick and Easy: Treatments usually take just a few minutes.
• Painless: No discomfort during or after.
• No Recovery Time: You can get back to your day right away.
A brighter future for your mile
Photobiomodulation is one of the most exciting innovations in dental care today, and we are excited to offer it at Roswell Dental Care. It offers a natural, drug-free way to help you feel better faster after dental procedures. If you’re curious about how it might help you, just call and we will be happy to explain how this healing light can brighten more than just your smile.
Dr. Destinee Hood gives your comfort and trust top priority. We assure you feel confident in any dental solution before beginning treatment after a thorough and comprehensive examination. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE conscious sedation, including nitrous oxide. Rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding. Take the first step in feeling great about your oral health. Schedule your oral health screening and give us a call at (770) 998-6736 or visit www. RoswellDentalCare.com.
Dr. Destinee Hood
Destinee Hood, Roswell Dental Care
The gold standard in heart care
How Magnet® Designation makes a difference
Brought to you by -
Emory Heart & Vascular
If you have a cardiac condition, you already know how important it is to find a specialist you can trust to care for you at every stage of your heart-health journey.
But your nursing team is also a vital part of your care, too. Whether you are visiting for a heart check-up, undergoing cardiac rehabilitation or having bypass surgery, nurses play a critical role in ensuring you receive high-quality care.
But how do you find excellent nurses? You can’t connect with them by searching the internet for “great nurses near me.” But you can look for a heart program that makes nursing excellence a high priority. An academic health system like Emory Healthcare is dedicated to achieving the gold standard for nursing excellence: Magnet designation.
What is Magnet Designation?
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) established the Magnet Recognition Program almost 30 years ago. Magnet designation is the ultimate nursing credential. It recognizes quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice.
The application process is thorough and time-consuming. Many organizations strive for Magnet designation but never achieve it.
Earning Magnet designation is proof of a rock-solid commitment to excellent health care. Emory Healthcare is the only health system in Georgia with six Magnetdesignated hospitals and the state’s first and only Magnet-designated ambulatory practice, Emory Clinic.
Our six Magnet-designated hospitals include:
• Emory Johns Creek Hospital
• Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital
• Emory University Hospital
• Emory University Hospital Midtown
• Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital
• Emory Decatur Hospital/Emory LongTerm Acute Care
Magnet designation is a significant professional accomplishment for all of our nurses. But more importantly, it reflects our nursing team’s sincere concern and compassion for every patient who entrusts their care to Emory Healthcare.
Magnet makes a difference in your heart care
Magnet designation tells you that Emory Healthcare creates an environment where nurses in every specialty can thrive. That’s certainly true in cardiac medicine. Throughout the health system, our heart nurses care for patients with expert knowledge and sensitivity, whether helping them manage a chronic condition like heart failure or coordinating their care before or after surgery. Our heart nurses:
• Work with physicians and other health professionals to provide high-quality patient care.
• Educate patients about their condition and treatment.
• Help design new care models.
• Lead quality improvement teams.
• Participate in cardiac research.
• Use the latest technology and patient care practices to help you heal.
Ready to transform your heart health?
If you need heart care, turn to experts 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 23 locations.
Visit emoryhealthcare.org/transform to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Family history of heart disease?
Emory Heart & Vascular can help rewrite it.
MORE TREATMENT OPTIONS
The difference? Emory Women’s Center at Johns Creek uses research and innovation in health to provide exceptional care, close to home.
Our expert heart & vascular team pioneers the most innovative techniques and treatments. Giving you more options and better outcomes than anywhere else. To make more “tickle monster!” moments like this possible.
From routine gynecology and menopause management, to high-risk pregnancies and specialty care, our team is here for your journey no matter where it takes you.
Visit emoryhealthcare.org/history to schedule an appointment.
Visit emoryhealthcare.org/women to schedule an appointment.
Wellstar Achieves elite national recognition in Cardiothoracic Surgery
Cardiothoracic surgery team earns top ratings in all categories, placing it among the nation’s best programs
Brought to you by – Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
Wellstar has achieved a rare milestone in cardiac care, earning the highest possible rating—three stars—in four categories evaluated by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). This distinction places the cardiovascular surgery program, based at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, among the elite cardiac surgery programs in the U.S. and Canada.
The STS Star rating system is one of the most rigorous, verified and respected measures of quality in healthcare, based entirely on objective patient outcomes and implemented medical care processes. The latest analysis covers a three-year period, from January 2022 to December 2024, and evaluates performance in four key areas: isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG or open-heart surgery), aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR + CABG, and multiprocedural cardiothoracic surgeries. Wellstar Ken -
nestone earned the coveted three-star rating in four.
Wellstar Kennestone previously held three-star ratings in two categories. This latest achievement marks a significant advancement, solidifying its position as a national leader in cardiothoracic surgery.
“This new accomplishment speaks volumes about the skill, precision, and teamwork of our cardiothoracic team,” said Wellstar Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Richard Myung. “We’re proud to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients from across the Southeast who have some of the most complex heart conditions.”
With a team of more than 110 cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons, the Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care is home to one of Georgia’s most comprehensive cardiovascular programs. Its flagship, Wellstar Kennestone, was the first hospital in the state to earn the prestigious Comprehensive Cardiac Care Certification—the highest distinction
awarded by the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association.
For more information about heart care at Wellstar, visit wellstar.org/heartcare.
Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
4500 Hospital Blvd., Suite 320 Roswell (770) 410-4520
2450 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 206 Alpharetta (470) 267-0430
Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center 3000 Hospital Blvd. Roswell (770) 751-2500
A team of advanced heart care specialists means more expertise for you.
At Wellstar, you’ll find more than 100 cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons across our cardiovascular services team who are ready to care for you. Whether you need preventive screenings or treatment for complex heart conditions, your heart is in good hands with our skilled team— highly rated by patients like you.
We are leading the way in Georgia and beyond with innovative technology and experienced clinicians to ensure you have the expertise you need close by. Learn how Wellstar can help keep your heart going strong at wellstar.org/northfultonheart.
How often should you really go to the dentist?
“See your dentist every six months.” It’s a rule we’ve all heard—but does it still apply to everyone?
While the twice-a-year guideline works well for many, the ideal frequency of dental visits depends on your individual health, habits, and risk factors. A personalized approach is often best for protecting both your smile and your overall well-being.
Why Go at All?
Beyond clean teeth, dental visits play a vital role in your overall health. Numerous studies show a strong connection between oral disease and systemic conditions. Regular checkups are important for early detection of issues before they escalate. For example, untreated tooth decay or gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health problems
The Traditional Rule: Every Six Months
For decades, dentists have recommended cleanings and checkups twice a year. For many people, this is enough. Routine cleanings remove plaque
buildup, catch early signs of cavities or gum disease, and allow your dentist to screen for conditions like oral cancer or TMJ disorders.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Oral health varies from person to person. People with healthy gums, no history of decay, and excellent home care may only need to visit once a year. Others with higher risks such as smokers, diabetics, or those with a history
of gum disease—may need visits every three to four months.
Pregnant women may also benefit from more frequent checkups due to hormonal changes that can increase the risk of gum issues. Children, teens, and individuals with braces often require more frequent care.
An individualized plan helps catch small problems before they become serious—and prevents unnecessary visits.
The Benefits of Regular Visits
Even with excellent brushing and flossing, only professional cleanings can remove hardened plaque (tartar). Many dental issues, including early gum disease and decay, develop without pain. Regular exams make it easier to treat problems early saving time, discomfort, and money.
Your dentist also checks for broader health concerns. Conditions such as oral cancer, sleep apnea, or acid reflux often show early signs in the mouth.
Special Considerations for Older Adults
As we age, the risk of gum disease increases. Factors like dry mouth, chronic conditions, and dental restorations make oral care more complex. Many older
adults benefit from seeing the dentist every 3 to 4 months, especially if they’ve had significant dental work or a history of gum problems.
If you have gum disease, your dentist or periodontist will recommend a customized maintenance plan with more frequent cleanings to manage inflammation and prevent bone loss.
The Bottom Line
For most, twice a year is a good rule of thumb—but it’s not universal. Ask your dentist what schedule is right for you. Keeping up with regular dental visits is one of the simplest, smartest ways to protect both your oral and overall health.
“Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life." -Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic
Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the most modern advances in dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover the best options for you, please call us at 770-992-2236.
A major step forward in understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
While I usually focus on dermatology, every so often, a discovery from another field demands attention. A recent, elegantly designed study has produced compelling evidence that some cases of multiple sclerosis (MS) may be caused by bacteria in the Lachnospiraceae family.
MS is a chronic disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the central nervous system—the brain and spinal cord. MS often worsens over time, leading to disability and reduced life expectancy. Common symptoms include fatigue, difficulty walking, balance problems, and cognitive impairment—issues that severely impact quality of life.
In recent years, the importance of gut health in overall wellness has come into focus. We now frequently hear about the “gut-skin,” “gut-joint,” and “gut-brain” axes, suggesting that gut health is closely tied to the health of distant organs. We’re just beginning to understand how gut bacteria— collectively known as the gut microbiome— play a role in both health and disease.
Clues to MS’s origins have come from a related condition, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). In GBS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath around peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms like hand and foot weakness and sometimes paralysis. A well-established trigger for GBS is Campylobacter jejuni. Its surface proteins mimic those found in human nerves closely enough to confuse the immune system, leading the immune system to attack both the bacteria and the body’s own tissues—a phenomenon called molecular mimicry.
Since the 1982 discovery that C. jejuni can cause GBS, researchers have hunted for a similar microbial trigger for MS. Many studies proposed potential bacterial culprits, but with thousands of gut bacteria to sort through, most leads fell flat.
That may have changed in February 2025. A breakthrough study involved using a mouse model that mimics MS when mice are exposed to certain gut bacteria. In sterile environments, these mice remained healthy, but once exposed to normal gut flora, they could develop a MS-like illness. They were more likely to develop this illness if the bacteria came from the gut of people with MS. The challenge was identifying which specific bacteria were responsible.
The game-changing insight came from studying identical twins where one twin has MS and the other does not. Researchers
collected bacterial samples from the ileum and colon—both stool and wall-adherent bacteria—from these twins. The twins’ DNA might be identical, but their gut microbiomes were not! Researchers transferred these bacterial communities into the MS-prone mice. The result: mice receiving microbiota from MS-affected twins developed illness, and a bloom of bacteria from the Lachnospiraceae family was observed. Two species in particular—Eisenbergiella tayi and Lachnoclostridium—were linked to disease development.
While this study is a landmark in neurology, its implications extend to autoimmune diseases across the body, including those of the skin. For example, patients with inflammatory bowel disease are nearly three times more likely to have severe psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. Molecular mimicry involving the gut microbiome could be a unifying cause in many autoimmune disorders.
Why the ileum and not some other part of our gut such as the stomach? The stomach is extremely acidic. In contrast, the pH of the ileum is around 7.4 – similar to the rest of our body. The bacteria that thrive in the ileum could also easily thrive in the rest of our body, so bacteria in the ileum pose more of a threat of invading and causing disease. To defend our bodies from the bacteria that live in the ileum, the immune system has to be hypervigilant – sometimes too vigilant. The ileum has specialized lymphoid structures to train aggressive immune system cells. But highly trained immune cells can sometimes become overzealous attacking not just harmful invaders, but our own tissues as well. Sometimes, autoimmunity is a consequence of having a part of our gut be the same pH as the rest of our body and of having to fight off the bacteria that grow there.
The discovery of Lachnospiraceae in the ileum likely causing some cases of MS is exciting because it offers a roadmap for uncovering microbial causes of autoimmune diseases more broadly. If a suitable animal model exists for a disease, and if human twin pairs can be identified where only one of the two twins is affected, this approach could be replicated across various conditions—perhaps in psoriasis, certain types of eczema or in hidradenitis.
We are entering an era when the microbiome may hold the key to some of medicine’s most enduring mysteries. As our understanding of these bacterial-human interactions deepens, causes of disease will be identified, and new treatments will follow.
Insist
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 22 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.
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta
of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 5, 4 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with 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!
SNACK FOODS
1. Bank document. Ring-shaped sweet snack. Bath powder.
2. Peruvian capital. Room at the top. Snack of sweet confections
3. Mexican cash. Snacks with dips, maybe. Astute.
4. Round cake snack. Blue shade. Pillow cover.
5. Fencing sword. Small sweet treat. Large-scale.
6. Mand member. Mystique. Health snack.
7. Crunchy snack. Egg carton measure. Eros.
1 Bank document. Ring-shaped sweet snack. Bath powder
2. Peruvian capital. Room at the top. Snack of sweet confections.
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. Mexican cash. Snacks with dips, maybe. Astute
4. Round
5. Fencing sword. Small sweet treat. Large-scale.
Pa.
OPINION
Flower bed irrigation using a soaker hose system
It has now moved into a long, HOT, DRY summer, and many of our flower beds are feeling the heat. How can we help them survive and thrive? As our summers get hotter, water may become a more limited resource. Outdoor watering can account for 50% or more of household water used during the summer months. Studies have shown that homeowners often water their plants too much and too frequently, resulting in unhealthy plants with shallow roots that are more susceptible to disease and pest infestation.
Although sprinkler irrigation is preferred for turf lawns, flowers and shrubs benefit more from trickle or micro-irrigation where water is applied slowly and directly to the roots of plants using small, flexVible pipes. Drip irrigation minimizes water loss from evaporation and run-off and uses 30-50% less water than sprinkler irrigation. It also keeps foliage dry, which decreases the risk of disease. There are many kinds of drip irrigation systems, but most consist of buried PVC pipes for main lines, polyethylene tubing for water distribution, emitters, a control valve, water filter and a pressure regulator.
An easier and less expensive alternative is to use soaker hoses available online and from most garden stores. They can be flat or round and made from PVC or recycled rubber. While flat soaker hoses are good for straight, long stretches, round soaker hoses can be curved around flowers and shrubs for direct root watering. This also avoids watering the parts of the bed where there are no plants but where weeds will happily grow when watered.
The first step to setting up a soaker hose irrigation system is to measure the areas you want to water. Soaker hoses come in lengths of 25 to100 feet, as well as “soaker hose systems” with lengths of hose that can be cut and various connectors to customize your system.
Keep in mind extra length may be needed to wind around plants. The round hoses are tightly coiled when removed from their packaging, so it is important to stretch them out in the sun to make them easier to handle before placing them in your garden bed. It is also a good idea to flush them with water to make sure there is even moisture coming from the entire length of the hose. The hose can be laid directly on the soil and then covered with a layer of mulch. Garden pegs are invaluable for holding the hose in place while winding it around your garden plants. Hose splitters may be needed to attach multiple hoses from one water source. Regular garden hoses may also be needed to connect the soaker hose to the water source.
Adding automated timers with a rain sensor makes the process seamless. Timers should be set to water between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. If you are watering multiple areas, stagger the scheduled days or times to maintain water pressure. When using automated timers, the faucets will always be open, so it is imperative there are no leaks or drips. Sometimes washers and hose ends must be replaced. Using plumber’s tape and a plumber’s wrench are key in having drip free connections. It
Hose splitter with two-hose automatic timer attached. Each hose can be programed separately.
About the author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Anne Wiskind, a Master Gardener who completed her Fulton County Master Gardener curriculum and internship in April 2025. She is a life-long gardener with an active interest in ecological gardening and encouraging biodiversity. Anne is appreciative of the mentorship from the North Fulton County Master Gardeners during her training.
is also a good idea to check your water pressure, as most hose work best at 60 psi and may burst at pressures of 100 psi or greater.
So how much water does a soaker hose deliver? The only way to truly know is to place the soaker hose in a bucket for an hour and measure the output. Water output depends on the hose diameter and manufacturer. Often the hose manufacturer’s website will give an estimate of the output/hour. Another option is to stick a finger or soil probe in the soil after 30 minutes of watering and assess the
soil moisture. The soil should be moist to a depth of 2 inches and extend about 1 inch on either side of the hose. The frequency and length of watering can be adjusted accordingly. Soaker hoses don’t work well past 100 feet of length or uphill.
The goal is to water deeply and infrequently. A general rule of thumb is that established perennials and shrubs should only be watered one inch per week. Annuals and new plantings will need to be watered more frequently. A rain gauge in your yard may help you determine how much to water, as well as checking your soil and plant health. A soaker hose system can simplify the process.
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.
ANNE WISKIND/PROVIDED
ANNE WISKIND Guest Columnist
It’s amazing what you can hear when you listen
RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
The family sits down in the restaurant. The waitress comes to take their order. The parents order first. Then their young daughter orders for herself.
“I’d like a hotdog, French fries and a Coke. Please.”
The dad – sitting next to her – shakes his head and motions “no” to the waitress – “She wants meatloaf, mash potatoes, and milk.”
The waitress looks at the little girl, then the dad. Almost imperceptibly she pauses and exhales. Then she looks back to the little girl: “Do you want ketchup on your hotdog sweetie?”
Plan:
Continued from Page 3
Johns Creek will charge nothing for the service.
The estimated cost of the updated North Fulton Comprehensive
The parents tense up. The father glares. His wife stares down at the table. The little girl looks at both her parents, first one then the other.
“She thinks I’m real,” the little girl says.
It not a question and it’s not a statement. It is an observation – an epiphany, an explanation, almost an offering – from the little girl to her parents. A light glimmers for the first time – an aura – within the little girl. It’s not that it hasn’t always been there, though.
Please listen. Please see. Please understand. Are you paying attention?
She-thinks-I’m-real.
I have listened to that part of the podcast, “Stories That Imprison Our Heart,” by Tara Branch (minute No. 24-ish) now a dozen times. I can’t stop listening to it. It is almost as if I am sitting at the adjoin-
Transportation Plan is approximately $1.2 million, with $990,000 coming through federal funds and $247,500 in local match from the five cities.
Population estimates from 2023 will determine local match percentage. With 91,700 residents, Roswell has the second highest population, just behind Sandy Springs. The City of Roswell will have to contribute 23.69 percent or $58,642 of the local match.
“Upon authorization from all five city councils the consultant procurement will begin through [the ARC] and the full plan update process is expected to take 12 to 18 months including the procurement evaluation, public engagement and final adoption,”
Nicholas said.
Roswell city staff recommends using unprogrammed TSPLOST funding for its funding portion.
The agreement will move forward to the July 14 City Council meeting for formal approval.
Hotel development
In other matters at the Committee
ing table and watching and listening, not unlike having a front row seat for “A Streetcar Named Desire” in an old, historic theater somewhere.
I, too, have to catch my breath, then breathe. I hold my breath and hope –wait – to see if the father lets her have her hot dog and fries – to see if he gets it. I never see how the scene ends. I can only guess. But I am there, sitting right next to the little girl, wanting to shout, “You are enough. I can hear you. I see you. Promise.”
She thinks I’m real.
That story was part of a podcast about stories – how all our lives are part of stories – bound by the stories we believe and stories we don’t. It is about how we navigate the stories through life, how we allow them to impact our lives. Or not.
of Council meeting, elected officials gave tentative approval to an ordinance creating the Roswell Development Finance Program.
In July 2024, the City of Roswell set forward goals and objectives to grow the economy through the Economic Development Authority. The finance program would help grow the city’s economy by focusing on financing new hotel development.
City staff propose that the finance program should be administered by the city through the Roswell Development Authority, which can draw on private capital for funding.
The first reading for the program will go before the City Council July 28 to allow for the city’s legal team to see if they can allow the Roswell Housing Authority to use the program.
“I want to look into further how other cities have utilized it with their housing authorities,” Assistant City Attorney Joe Cusack said. “I think there's been some creative ways they've utilized it, and I think it's probably worth looking into and getting an answer.”
Stories can be suffocating. They can bury us deeply, so deep we can’t find what our own story is. They can deny us a voice – or give us one. They can deny us agency, the recognition that we too, have our own story to tell and to live – that we too count – our voice, our opinions, our own values – instead of someone else’s.
My daughter used to ask me – “I too?” I suppose I was too wrapped up in my own story that I didn’t notice hers – or acknowledge it as much as she deserved for it to be acknowledged. “I too?” That she had to ask, makes me sad.
Listen. You just have to be still and then listen. Be calm, so you can hear their story and get it.
Do you want ketchup on your hotdog, Sweetie?
Yes. Please.
In a related matter, the City Council gave tentative approval to the 2025 Annual Action plan for the Community Development Block Grant.
To secure annual assistance under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the city must submit an action plan detailing how it intends to use the grant money.
In 2023, the city allocated its Community Development Block Grant funds for the demolition and clearance of the Roswell Housing Authority’s 199 Grove Way Pelfrey Pines site. The public housing development consisted of 40 one-bedroom units serving tenants earning below 80 percent of the area median income. Units were also designated for seniors and people with disabilities.
The city currently lists the improvement of affordable housing as a top priority. This year the city got a total allocation of $400,668.
“We decided to go for a Section 108 Loan through [U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development] which allows us to apply for up to five times our annual allocation and we can repay that loan using our CDBG funding every year,” Grants Specialist Charles Alford said.
The city will have a repayment of $2 million for the Section 108 loan. City staff plan to close on the loan and begin repayments in fall 2025.
The action plan will be due Aug. 16 and will consist of a public comment period between June 27 and 28. The City Council will consider the action plan it’s final approval at the Aug. 14 regular meeting.
All proceeds of the loan will go toward the Roswell Housing Authority’s redevelopment and site work for the former Pelfrey Pines site.
Camp:
Continued from Page 1
“I think one thing I really like about this camp is that we’re not just here the whole week, we actually take them into the community,” camp manager Brooke Nolan said.
For seven weeks from June 2 to July 25, campers are invited to Mill Springs Academy and spend their summer with the team of counselors.
Nolan, a middle school special education teacher, has been working with the camp since 2016. She found her passion for working with children with special needs when she volunteered at Camp Joyful Souls in high school.
Serving as camp manager for Joyful Soles has shaped her life.
“I built my whole life around special education,” Nolan said.
She said she believes that the environment of Camp Joyful Soles allows the campers to grow in ways parents thought weren’t possible.
“There’s unfortunately not a lot out there for our kids, and so this program has kind of given them an opportunity to go somewhere where they feel like they belong and feel like they had a great summer and just to be happy,” Nolan said.
She has seen her kids come out of their shell and gain new confidence by participating in the camp.
Every day Nolan receives thanks from parents for helping their children grow.
“It’s amazing watching them just like become different people,” she said.
The camp, which hosts 35 kids, has a growing waitlist.
Although volunteer registration is closed for this season, she encourages rising ninth graders on up to join the team.
“I just feel like it changes your perspective on life, and also just what you know about these kids,” Nolan said.
Pitts:
Continued from Page 1
Seniors are particularly vulnerable, as many live on fixed incomes from Social Security, pensions or modest retirement savings. Increasing their tax burden may force them to make painful choices between paying for medicine, rent/mortgage, food and other basic needs.
Hitting our seniors with higher taxes clearly sends the wrong message about how we value their lifelong contributions and sacrifices. It also risks pushing more seniors into poverty and increasing demand on social safety nets, even as those programs brace for expected cuts from Washington.
Milton Fire Department personnel mingle with Camp Joyful Soles attendees, adding a community experience.
Planning for the summer camp is a year-round effort. Parks and Recreation Program Supervisor Thomas Rhodes oversees Camp Joyful Soles.
“Camp Joyful Soles suddenly became my baby,” Rhodes said.
The department tailors the camp to allow kids to come and feel like everybody else, Rhodes said.
While I worry about our seniors’ financial future, I am well aware many young adults are struggling too. Although some may be advancing in their careers, they’re not immune to the steep and growing costs of groceries, gas, and housing. Raising their taxes now will only add to the hurdles they must overcome to succeed.
Fulton County is operating effectively under the current 8.87 millage rate. We’ve tightened our belt while continuing to deliver — and in some cases expand — essential services.
As we debate the appropriate millage rate this year, we must think of the future. Fulton County is preparing for major investments, including a new hospital and a senior facility in South Fulton. We must also meet the
“Our goal is to make sure there’s opportunity for our participants, and make sure there’s a safe and fun and meaningful environment for them to be involved in outside of the school months,” he said. Volunteer registration and camper registration for next summer will begin early 2026. To learn more, visit miltonga.gov/ government/parks-rec/camp-joyful-soles.
compliance requirements of the DOJ consent order.
These are essential projects that will carry hefty price tags. Unfortunately, when the time comes, we may have to consider a tax increase but doing so prematurely — without clear necessity — simply layers more burden on residents who are financially struggling.
In short, raising taxes during a time of economic uncertainty erodes public trust in government. Forcing our residents to pay more – especially our seniors – is not just bad policy, it is counterproductive and downright unfair.
Be assured, as Chairman of the Fulton County Commission, I will continue to stand up for fiscal responsibility and fight for our taxpayers. On this issue, I will just say NO.
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on June 19, 2025, for Consumption on Premises of Wine and Malt Beverage
Owners, Jay Shah
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Phillippi
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Sarah Moen
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Stu Moring
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North Fulton Master Gardners, Inc.
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Righteous PR
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Neil Robertson
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To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
Savin
Kate Seng
Kimberly Verska Carol Williams
The Schoenblum Family
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The Small Business Advisor
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Trunnion LLC
Matthew Tyser
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Full-time
Vice President of Client Programs
NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Vice President of Client Programs position. The Vice President of Client Programs (VPCP) is a senior leader responsible for creating and implementing the Client Services department strategy for NFCC. This includes creating programs and services, monitoring their effectiveness and ensuring funds are distributed appropriately. The VPCP also leads a team of 13 client services staff who handle client intake, case management, impact and outcomes data, education (GED/English classes) and workforce development programs.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
Operations Manager – Plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of the company. Manage daily operations and administration to obtain optimum efficiency and maximize profits.; Bachelor’s Degree in Business req.; 40 hr/wk in Alpharetta, GA; Mail resume to ACR Ventures, LLC dba Craft Burger by Shane Old Milton, 2500 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30009
To place a classified ad, email classifieds@appenmedia.com. Deadline is Thursdays by 3pm
Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk III –Customer Service to assist in a high-volume call center. Requires high school diploma or equivalency, computer, communication, and general office skills. Requires one (1) year experience in a customer service call center or service-type organization, utility, finance, banking, or equivalent industry. Bilingual is preferred, fluent in English and Spanish (written and verbal).
Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours, to include evenings, weekends and holidays.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5PM, July 18, 2025 . Apply online: www. sawnee.coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363, extension 7568.
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.
Principal Software Engineer. The CBORD Group, Inc. Duluth, GA. Provide support in all phases of SDLC. BS: CS or rel. 8 yrs exp dev, architecture & modernization. Other exp reqd. Apply: https://cbordcareers.ttcportals.com/
Workforce Development Coordinator
NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the fulltime Workforce Development Coordinator position. The Workforce Development Coordinator serves as a crucial link between NFCC clients, Volunteer Coaches, and local employers.
The Coordinator collaborates with community businesses to identify hiring opportunities while working closely with Volunteer Coaches who deliver career readiness services including resume writing, job application assistance, and interview preparation. Through these efforts, the Coordinator helps clients improve their employment prospects that may lead to greater financial stability.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
Part-time
CALLING ARTSY FOLKS
www.homefields.com is looking for artsy people to paint and assemble it’s unique replica stadiums. Good piece rate. ksmall@homefields. com or 404-664-4411
If you love working with children, Midway Preschool is hiring Assistant Teachers.Call Beth @ 770-752-0440 or email beth@midwayumc.org
SERVICE DIRECTORY
devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405
Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles &
