‘Doing our part’ ‘Doing our part’
Volunteers get to work removing trash from a section of Johns Creek during an April 26 community cleanup.
Volunteers dive in to beautify Johns Creek waterway
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Keeping natural spaces clean is everyone’s responsibility, said Ryan Yang, a 13 year-old Suwanee resident.
“We’re doing our part to help the community,” he said.
Ryan and almost 20 other north
Atlanta residents met April 26 morning, wearing boots, gloves, waders and neon-yellow safety vests to clean a section of Johns Creek behind Medlock Bridge Subdivision. The group fished bottles, balls, Styrofoam, cans and all manner of garbage out of the waterway and removed the invasive Chinese privet plant over the course of about three hours.
Taking advantage of the cool morning, the group gathered on the edge of some soccer fields by the neighborhood to go over their plans. From there, they made a 10-minute hike through pristine forest and wetlands still dripping with overnight rain.
See CLEANUP, Page 10
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne held a District 1 Town Hall April 22, inviting state congressmen for a legislative update and recognizing local high schoolers.
The county just received $9.4 million in funding through the General Assembly to open a behavioral health crisis center in North Fulton, External Affairs Director Jessica Corbitt said. The proposed location is the future North Fulton Health and Human Services Center at 4700 North Point Parkway, though nothing has been locked in yet.
Corbitt said House Speaker pro tempore Jan Jones (R–District 48, Milton) fought to make sure the funding was added back to legislation after a cut earlier in the 2025 session.
Julie Adams, a Republican member of the county’s Registration and Elections Board, said the special election for the Georgia Public Service Commission Nov. 4 is important because the panel sets utility rates.
Thorne told the crowd of around 100 that she wants to stay engaged with her constituents.
Bipartisanship involves opposing political parties finding common ground through compromise, a central theme throughout U.S. history that’s many find
FULTON,
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
NEWS TIPS
770-442-3278
AppenMedia.com
319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009
HANS APPEN Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus CONTACT
Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.
ADVERTISING
For information about advertising in the Johns Creek Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
CIRCULATION
To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278
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.
Victims pin vandalism on high school ‘war week’
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police responded to four separate complaints regarding high school junior and senior pranks.
Officers were dispatched to their first call just after noon April 15 on Weathervane Drive.
A woman told police that shortly before midnight, she woke up to a loud noise at the front of her residence. The woman and her husband walked outside to find eggs, mustard and different sauces thrown at the door and vehicle.
In in the morning, she noticed about $1,500 in damage to the wood molding. The vehicle’s paint will also require treatment.
The woman told police that her daughter attends Chattahoochee High School, which is in its junior and senior prank war season.
Another call came at 9:27 a.m. on Blue Spruce Circle. The woman told police that eggs, flour, ketchup and mustard were thrown on her car. The inside of the vehicle also had minced garlic and chocolate pudding thrown inside. The woman and her husband said they intend to press charges. All of their children attend Chattahoochee High School.
Police answered another call about an incident that took place in the early hours of April 19 at 12:49 on Ashleaf Place. A woman told police that in the early morning hours of April 16 her vehicle had been hit with blue spray paint forming the word “junior” while parked in the driveway. Damage is estimated at between $1,500 to $2,500. She told police that her son was on the football team.
Support Local News appenmedia.com/join
The last incident was reported on April 20 at 8:11 p.m. A homeowner told police that four to five individuals placed food items in the mailbox and threw food at both vehicles parked in the driveway. An incendiary device was also thrown at the windshield of one of the vehicles. The owner said the incident could be related to the high school war week.
— Sarah Coyne
Vandals damage vehicle in Bellmoore Park area
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A woman called police after her daughter found her vehicle burglarized and vandalized April 17.
The vehicle was parked and locked at the tennis courts around the corner from the home around 8 p.m. April 16 in the Bellmoore Park subdivision.
She told police she suspects an old friend had a part in it.
The vehicle had flour on the dashboard and the truck bed was covered in what police observed to be cat food, eggs, meat, syrup and some kind of red liquid.
The driver’s inside key lock was warped, and police found the interior covered in baking flour and syrup.
A crime scene investigator lifted prints from the syrup bottles, bags of flours and from the vehicle.
Through information acquired by the family, police found that all suspects including her daughter attend Northview High School.
The mother told police that she would like to press charges.
— Sarah Coyne
Woman reports fraud totaling nearly $4,000
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A woman notified police of identity theft and fraudulent charges April 16.
She told police that on the previous day, she received three texts messages for online purchases to Samsung. The
first two purchases totaled $3,997. A third attempt was made for a purchase of $2,331, which she was able to stop.
She later received additional messages from Samsung stating that the orders were picked up at a Best Buy in Canton, Ga.
The woman advised police that she purchased her current phone from Samsung and Best Buy Jan. 20. She reported that she was required to give several identifying documents, including her driver’s license information and Social Security number. She stated that she suspects her personal information may have been leaked.
The woman told police she was able to refund all of the credit card purchases.
— Sarah Coyne
Police investigate dispute between two coworkers
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Officers investigated a reported workplace assault between coworkers April 10.
An assault was reported about 5 p.m. at an Old Milton Parkway financial company, according to an Alpharetta police report.
A 67-year-old Marietta woman said a 45-year-old Milton woman punched her shoulder where she had had surgery for broken bones. The Milton woman said she thought the Marietta woman was speaking to another coworker about her, according to the report.
The Marietta woman said the Milton woman knew about the injury because she had worn a sling at work.
Officers observed no injury to the woman’s shoulder, but she said she suffered severe pain. She planned to visit a doctor to have the shoulder checked out.
The women said they’d had no prior altercations or disputes.
The police report included no information about whether the Milton woman was charged with a crime. The incident was classified as a misdemeanor battery. Jon Wilcox
Fulton County Schools recognizes top seniors
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — A month before the next generation of Fulton County Schools graduates walk the stage in May, high-achieving seniors were honored at the third annual Senior Recognition Luncheon April 22 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.
More than 60 seniors from across the county walked in procession to shake hands with Superintendent Mike Looney and School Board members.
Valedictorians and salutatorians, alongside family members and principals, were invited to the luncheon to celebrate their academic achievements at their schools.
Chattahoochee High School salutatorian Saishriyans Pandya plans to study computer engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
“It’s great to celebrate all the hard work of the past four years,” Pandya said.
Seniors in the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition program and REACH scholars were also recognized.
The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition program honors Georgia’s highest achieving seniors through the Professional Association of Georgia Educators Foundation. REACH scholars are given a $10,000 needs-based mentoring scholarship based on specific academic, behavior and graduation counseling requirements.
Superintendent Looney saluted the seniors, families and educators, wishing
the soon-to-graduates the best of luck in the future.
“I love this time of year is where there's a lot of events happening, a lot of celebratory events happening across our district highlighting the accomplishments of our students that are graduating this year,” Looney said.
School Board President Kristen McCabe also recognized the seniors, thanking them for inspiring her and giving her hope for the future.
“When we say we are proud, we truly are proud,” McCabe said. “We're proud of all of our students, but these individual students have worked extremely hard and persevered.”
Keynote speaker, Alex Plavin spoke to the seniors about what it means to
embody excellence, resilience and commitment.
Plavin, manager at Collective Insight and founder and owner of Charcuterie Chick, encouraged the seniors to make a difference in their community. Plavin is a Riverwood High School class of 2016 graduate,
“The more you lean in, the more you learn about yourself and the world around you,” Plavin said.
Plavin left the seniors with one final piece of advice before they head for the stage in May. She told seniors that comparison is the thief of joy.
“My advice to you is this, get involved, seek out organizations and experiences that resonate with you, but don't forget your roots,” Plavin said.
Cambridge seals 15-2 season with win over Johns Creek
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga — The Cambridge girls lacrosse team secured a No. 1 ranking in Georgia with a 12-9 win April 24 over No. 4 Johns Creek High School.
Cambridge remains nationally ranked, currently one spot above the Milton Eagles at No. 18 in USA Lacrosse Magazine’s rankings.
Each team’s star seniors made for an electric matchup at the draw. USC commit Jenna Lundstedt had 14 draw controls for the Bears to go along with a hat trick and two assists. Lindenwood commit Madison Tredway made up for struggling at the dot with five goals and an assist.
The first quarter was back and forth. The Bears put up two quick goals in under a minute before Johns Creek slowed down the game to go for three straight.
Several consecutive draw wins allowed the Bears to get a two-goal momentum swing going. When they took the lead back, 4-3, with a goal by attack Kasey Dwyer, they stayed ahead for good.
Sophomore defender Abby Johnson said the Bears came into the matchup prepared, with lots of familiarity between the top players from club competition in the offseason.
“We knew this game was gonna be tough,” she said. “When we all started to communicate, we got stops on defense, and our offense was taking care of the ball, they were taking good shots.”
Johnson was matched up with another standout sophomore, Johns Creek’s Sydnee Cane. After Cane’s first goal that tied the match, Johnson shut her down with the exception of one extraordinary goal in the third quarter. Cane’s second goal came at a seemingly impossible angle, demonstrating the miracles possible with strong athleticism and game IQ, even when faced by tough defenders.
The Bears kicked off the second quarter with a three-goal run in the first three minutes.
Two freshmen, Linden Donner and Ella Alberici, demonstrated the future of Cambridge’s program with big plays on
both ends.
Alberici and the rest of the defense stiffened to keep the Gladiators out of the back of the net for nearly 11 minutes.
Cambridge head coach Pam Masinko complimented the underclassmen, specifically Johnson and goalie Susie McElheny on their well-rounded game.
“I’m very proud of this group, they always show up for the big games,” she said. “We made some adjustments after the first quarter. On a good team like this, they’re gonna make a run and our adjustments allowed us a buffer to fight off that run.”
Cambridge will have a bye in the first round of playoffs, their first matchup will be May 1, against an opponent yet to be determined. Johns Creek’s first round matchup was set for April 28 against Northgate High School.
PHOTOS BY: ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Cambridge’s Jenna Lundstedt defends against Johns Creek’s Madison Tredway, No. 8, at Cambridge High School April 24. The two, who have played club lacrosse together with Eagle Stix, faced off at the draw and were often found matching up against each other on defense.
Johns Creek sophomore Sydnee Cane weighs her passing options from behind the goal at Cambridge High School April 24. Cambridge’s Abby Johnson, a club teammate of Cane’s from Eagle Stix, put on the clamps, holding Cane to two goals.
Gillespie outlines looming struggles for Fulton schools
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Fulton County School Board member Sara Gillespie says the district faces funding challenges from multiple directions this year.
At her monthly community meeting April 23 at Sweet Apple Elementary School, Gillespie highlighted several changes and potential policies that could take affect soon.
Her interchange with residents of her district, which includes Roswell and parts of Alpharetta, carried over into the April 24 Board of Education meeting in Union City.
The School Board reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, feeling the weight of future revenue challenges.
“Board, as you’re aware, as you direct us, just to always not think just the short term, but the long term as we make our decisions, and this will definitely impact us in the long-term tax allocation,” Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef said.
The school system faces declining enrollment, uncertain federal support and an inflation rate of 2.8 percent.
Gillespie also said the new senior homestead exemption – a $10,000 reduction in assessed property values for those
City Calendar & Events! 2025 MAY
May 2
Summer Concert
“Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute” Newtown Park - 7 p.m.
May 3
Johns Creek International Festival
Heisman Field near Atlanta Athletic Club
Noon - 6 p.m.
May 6
Planning Commission Meeting
City Hall - 7 p.m.
May 8
Arts, Cultural, & Entertainment Committee
City Hall - 6:30 p.m.
May 17 Touch-a-Truck City Hall - 10 a.m.
May 19
City Council Work Session City Hall - 5 p.m.
City Council Meeting City Hall - 7 p.m.
May 20
Board of Zoning Appeals
City Hall - 7 p.m.
May 21
Recreation and Parks Advisory Meeting
City Hall - 6:30 p.m.
65 and older – will also have an effect.
Another piece of legislation, which must pass a countywide referendum, would exempt 50 percent of property assessments going to education for those 70 and older. If passed this fall, it would result in the loss of some $50 million in school tax revenue for Fulton County Schools in fiscal year 2027.
“That’s a reduction to our revenue stream as well, so we’re taking that into account,” Gillespie said.
For the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, local property taxes accounted for about 64 percent of revenues for the school district.
The board will hold two public hearings for the budget May 6 and May 13. Final adoption is set for June 10.
In other matters at the April 23 community meeting, Gillespie mentioned new legislation that may affect the technology policy for students. The policy will include cell phones, smart watches, earbuds and anything that is device related.
“We can’t see what’s going on and but yet, we’re still somewhat responsible for that student and what is happening inside the school,” Gillespie said.
Gillespie plans to go into further detail on what the policy will look like at the next community meeting, which will be held virtually May 8.
May 23
Adaptive Recreation BINGO Night
Newtown Park - 7 p.m.
May 24
Fly Fishing Class (registration required) Cauley Creek Park - 10 a.m.
May 26
Memorial Day
City Hall Closed
May 31
Fly Fishing Class (registration required) Cauley Creek Park - 10 a.m.
Scan the QR Code to learn more or to contact the City of Johns Creek!
SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA
Fulton County Schools District 1 Board Member Sara Gillespie presents potential budget impacts at the monthly community meeting on April 23 at Sweet Apple Elementary School.
Bestseller’s
10-year anniversary to be marked in Roswell May 31
By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com
Becky Albertalli, author of “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” and 10 other works, is one of Roswell’s busiest literary stars, as evidenced by a short list of accomplishments in just the past 13 years.
In 2012, Albertalli was a psychologist specializing in working with LGBTQ teens and gender-nonconforming children. Then her first son was born, and she decided to try writing a novel. A year later, she connected with her first agent at the fall 2013 Atlanta Writers Conference. Two years later, “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” debuted. Three years after that, “Love, Simon,” the film based on the book, was released. Then “Love, Victor,” the spinoff TV series inspired by the novel and movie, aired in 2020.
York Times bestseller “Imogen, Obviously,” as well as “What if It’s Us” and “Here’s to Us,” co-authored with Adam Silvera, and “Yes No Maybe So,” co-authored with Aisha Saeed.
Now, for the 10th anniversary of her first book, a deluxe limited paperback edition is being released and celebrated at a free event at Albertalli’s longtime library. Hosted by Bookmiser and the Roswell Library, she will be in conversation with author Matthew Hubbard Saturday, May 31, at 2 p.m.
“It’s been a very surreal 10 years,” Albertalli said. “I can’t believe how quickly time has flown. More than anything, I’m grateful for the incredible readers, authors and industry professionals I’ve met along the way.
“The Bookmiser event on May 31st feels like the perfect way to celebrate my favorite things about this entire journey,” she continued. “It’s a true hometown event – held at my community’s public library, hosted by a bookstore I’ve loved for years, and in conversation with a brilliant author I’m lucky to call a friend.”
The accolades she accumulated in the process have been equally impressive. "Simon," which was longlisted for the National Book Award and the Lambda Literary Award, won a host of other honors, including the William C. Morris Award. The movie scored a variety of commendations, as did the Hulu series. And all the while Albertalli continued publishing acclaimed work, including the New
Thursday, May 8, Kristy Woodson Harvey and Mary Kay Andrews Mother’s Day Tea. The presale launch of Harvey’s new novel, “Beach House Rules,” sponsored by Poe & Company Bookstore, includes a signed copy. $50. 11 a.m. The RoofTop at Crabapple Market, 12630 Crabapple Road, Suite 340, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com.
Monday, May 12, Kinley Bryan reflecting on “The Lost Women of Mill Street,” for the Friends of the Roswell Library’s 40th anniversary. Free. 2 p.m. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 404-6129700.
Thursday, May 15, Friday, May 16 and Thursday, May 22, Jenn Hildreth, Emmy Award-winning ESPN broadcaster, will discuss her debut book, "Tough as a Mother: Women in Sports, Working Moms, and the Shared Traits that Empower Us All,” at three free events. On May 15 at 6:30 p.m. she will be at Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. https://www. read-it-again.com/event/tough-motherrelease-party. On May 16, at 6 p.m. she will be at Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-696-9999.
Details are below, along with other May events.
johnscreekbooks.com. And on May 22 at 5:30 p.m., Hildreth will be at Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-7975566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com.
Saturday, May 17, J.M. Failde will spotlight her adult vampire romantasy duology, “The Sun Child” and “The Crow Lord.” Free. 5 p.m. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-6969999. johnscreekbooks.com.
Saturday, May 24, Tenille Bell will lead story time with her children’s books, “Ryder's Ride to the Grocery Store” and “At the Chicken Nugget Farm.” Free. 11 a.m. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com.
Saturday, May 31, Becky Albertalli celebrating the 10th anniversary of “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda,” in conversation with Matthew Hubbard. Bookmiser and the Roswell Library are hosting the event. Free. 2 p.m. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 770509-5611.
To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@ gmail.com by the 15th.
ALBERTALLI
International Fest to celebrate culture with food, fun
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek’s International Festival is set to offer a smorgasbord of food, music, art and activities May 3.
The festival will be hosted noon to 6 p.m. at the Atlanta Athletic Club fields, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, across from the Club, according to the City of Johns Creek.
“Bring the family and enjoy engaging and collaborative activities for the kids as they have fun learning about cultures from around the world,” the city said.
More than a dozen food trucks will offer cuisines from around the world, including foods from Korea, Spain, France, Bosnia and Jamaica.
A wide variety of performances will showcase cultures and ethnicities. The festival is seeking musical performers, dancers, storytellers, martial arts demonstrations and more.
More than 30 retail vendors will offer artistic wares from jewelry to clothing to cosmetics. A number of nonprofit organizations also will be on hand to provide information about their missions.
The Johns Creek Art Center will provide activities such as face painting, cultural storytelling and art stations.
— Jon Wilcox
If you go
What: International Fest
When: Noon-6 p.m. May 3
Where: Atlanta Athletic Club fields, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, across from the Club.
For more information, visit johnscreekga.gov.
APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO
The International Fest plans to feature food, activities, vendors, music and more May 3.
Kids celebrate planet at nature preserve
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The kids who attended Autrey Mill Nature Preserve’s Earth Day Celebration had lots of fun, but they also learned an important lesson.
“Earth Day is important so we don’t ruin the Earth and make it a bad place to live,” said 14-year-old Adithya Iyer.
Adithya attended the celebration with his mother Meena Viswanathan and 8-year-old sister Nivedya Iyer, joining hundreds of children in a day of hands-on educational activities. About a dozen businesses and organizations attended, setting up tables under a large tent for families to peruse.
At each table, young people were encouraged to reach out and explore with their hands.
A container of cicada shells rested next to displays of children’s books. Buckets of markers invited kids to color butterfly drawings. One table offered the opportunity to make seed bombs that would sprout wildflowers.
Each of the activities carried an underlying lesson, the importance of respecting the planet.
The lesson is one that Viswanathan said she has worked to instill in her children. The family recycles and maintains a healthy garden among other planet-friendly lessons.
“Every generation that comes into the world has to be respectful to Mother Nature,” Viswanathan said. “As we pass it to the next generation, we have to be mindful of how we treat Mother Nature.”
This year’s celebration marks the second hosted by the nature preserve, said Lizen Hayes, executive director. Hayes said it was apt that the City of Johns Creek helped this year with promotion and attracting participating organizations and businesses.
The city has Green Community and Tree City USA designations. It also is home to numerous residents who care about the planet and conservation.
Hayes said she wants to see the event grow and hopes to add a community gathering featuring art or costumes.
She also hopes to see additional cooperation with other nature preserves in the area at future Earth Day celebrations.
“We all have the same cause,” she said.
Beverly Lenox, owner of Lenox Education and Consulting, was one of many business owners on hand. She set up a table inviting kids to make seed bombs.
Lenox decided her company should attend to promote education about conservation and environmental appreciation.
“The young generation is our future,” she said.
Duluth dad Vlad Palii said he understands the importance of teaching those
variety
Children test their artistic skills with face painting, one of many fun activities offered at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve’s Earth Day Celebration April 19.
lessons to his 6- and 8-year-old daughters. The family goes over environmental “do’s,” which include spending time outside, and “don’ts,” such as needfully throwing away waste when it can be repurposed.
For example, Palii said they try to hold onto toilet paper tubes to use for crafts.
But Palii admitted he decided to take his daughter to the celebration for another more pragmatic reason. He was looking for a reason to get them out of the house that Saturday.
“They gotta do something,” he said, joking. “They just go crazy at home.”
engage in one of many
PHOTOS BY: JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Children scout the grounds at the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve’s Earth Day Celebration April 19. The event offered a
of hands-on activities for kids.
Children
art activities during Autrey Mill Nature Preserve’s Earth Day Celebration April 19.
Cleanup:
Continued from Page 1
Larry Fitch, board president of the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, said he founded the cleanup because he wanted to leave his community better than he found it.
Leading the group, Fitch periodically punctuated the morning birdsong, stopping here and there in the lush green environment to offer tidbits of information about the area.
“It just helps keep our streams clean and our drinking water source clean,” Fitch said. “It also lets the area look more natural, instead of having a lot of evidence of trash from humans.”
Fitch found partners with the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, Fulton County and City of Johns Creek, who have offered supplies and helped spread the word for volunteers.
Fitch, who routinely walks paths along the creek with his dog Eli, said the work has made a big difference in improving the area.
A previous cleanup pulled hundreds of pounds of trash from the creek, and Fitch playfully challenged this year’s group to do better.
“You can’t leave until you pull 300-400 pounds of trash,” he said.
Down by the creek, volunteers got serious with their work, climbing over fallen trees and crawling through openings in the brush.
Johns Creek resident Barry Hester and his 13-year-old daughter Ginny Hester wore neoprene fishing waders to walk through the waterway.
Ginny said she wanted to help out because she understands the importance of making her community a better place. She said giving back provides its own reward.
“It feels like I'm doing something for my community,” she said.
The pair were carrying a plastic trash bag filled with a beer can, various lost balls, a piece of plywood and other garbage.
Barry, who was there to support his daughter, said he was enjoying the work.
“She’s forced to hang out with me,” he said, joking.
The cleanup effort was joined by Danh Nguyen, a storm water inspector for the City of Johns Creek. He led a group around the area in pulling the invasive privet species. With spades and weed extractors, they got to work
removing the hardy weed, which offers no nutritional value to wildlife and chokes out native plants.
The work was sometimes difficult, and a few plants left Nguyen and his helpers sweaty and breathing hard.
Nguyen, who pulls the plant as part of his job with the city, said he welcomed the volunteers’ help in the arduous work.
“I’m just one person,” he said. “It would have been the whole day.”
PHOTOS BY: JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Volunteers walk across a footbridge on their way to a section of Johns Creek during a community cleanup April 26.
Trash is sorted into piles following a community cleanup April 26 along a section of Johns Creek.
Volunteers remove an invasive Chinese privet plant from a wooded area in Johns Creek April 26.
Best
Best
Best
Best
Best
Best
Best
Best
Best
Best
Best
Best
Best
Best
Best
Coming Soon!
Treatment Best Urgent Care
Urology Best Vein Specialist
Veterinarian
RECREATION: Best Art Lessons/Studio
Community Event
Dance Lessons/Studio
Best Of North Atlanta 2025
Presented By
Best Date Night Hotspot Best Day Spa / Massage Best Farmers Market
Golf Course Best Group/Corporate Activity Best Gym / Fitness Facility Best
Just opened?
Appen Media publishes New Business Spotlights to highlight local businesses as they get started. Submit yours for free at appenmedia.com/newbusiness
12 | Johns Creek Herald | May 1, 2025
Biscuit restaurant rises to meet growing demand
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The perfect biscuit is like a warm hug, said Brandy White, owner of Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company.
“It kind of warms your soul,” White said. “It feels like home to me.”
Since 2001, the Sawnee Mountain Biscuit has operated out of a renovated mobile home at 104 13th St., serving perfect pillowy biscuits wrapped around eggs, cheese, bacon and other breakfast staples. With dozens of items on the menu, the restaurant features other tasty offerings from French toast to a house-made pimento cheese.
Tucked into a sleepy neighborhood on the edge of Cumming, Sawnee Mountain Biscuit might easily be taken as another house, but locals say the squat, blue-clapboard building is one of the town’s best breakfast spots.
Over the decades, the restaurant has earned a cult following in Cumming and the north Atlanta area, serving as many as 400 orders some mornings.
Often, the drive-thru line stretches into the street and down to a nearby Tribble Gap Road intersection, White said. The procession can be so crowded that White sometimes has to make peace between drivers when someone cuts in.
White’s staff has made a practice of opening 15 minutes early to serve a regular “breakfast club” group of early risers who stop by routinely for a bite before heading to work.
“We have people who come here every single day,” White said.
Dawsonville resident Zack Sams said he has been coming since his grandfather started taking him when he was 6.
Although his grandfather is no longer alive, Sams said he continues to drop by.
“We used to come here at least every other weekend,” Sam said. “We'd come here and eat breakfast, and now I come here by myself.”
In 2018, White left behind a career in
graphic design and purchased Sawnee Mountain Biscuit from her father’s stepmother, who had run the spot for years.
The restaurant was already doing well, but she saw an opportunity to do better.
White called on her marketing experience to establish a social media pres-
ence to spread the word. She installed a point-of-sale system and replaced the cash register with a tablet to ensure orders went out promptly. They also take DoorDash deliveries, which contribute significantly to sales.
While the service initiatives have
tripled sales, White says one thing will never change — the biscuits.
“It's always remained buttermilk, lard and flour,” White said. “That’s it, three simple ingredients.”
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Brandy White holds her 1-year-old daughter Lennon White at the entrance of Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company just outside the City of Cumming.
Biscuit:
Continued from Page 12
The restaurant’s most popular item, the bacon, egg and cheese biscuit, combines its popular buttery biscuit with crisp but chewy bacon, gooey melted cheese and fluffy eggs into a breakfast symphony.
Competition in the Cumming biscuit scene has been fierce, and Sawnee Mountain Biscuit has at times had as many as six competitors. But White said her restaurant’s biscuits have something special. They are made with love.
After all, biscuits hold a special place in White’s heart, she said.
As a little girl, her grandmother made a point of serving biscuits every morning along with a heaping breakfast of Southern cooking.
“You could tell everything was made with love,” White said. “And that's something that we try to put back in here.”
Customers also have taken notice, saying the restaurant’s biscuits have an indefinable, homemade charm.
“Customers say, ‘Don't tell my grandma, but this is just like hers,’” White said. “They make people feel like they're at a second home.”
That second-home mentality extends beyond the food and into the restaurant’s atmosphere.
Richard Bellini, a former employee and now regular customer, said the warmth is a key reason why people keep coming back.
“When customers roll up, it’s ‘How's your family? How's the kids?’” he said. “That means something to people.”
Like her grandmother, White said she finds immense satisfaction in serving people delicious food that will power them through their day. At the restaurant, she performs all manner of tasks, whether taking orders in the drive-thru line or simply pausing to catch up with customers. She has even run biscuits across the street to the school she once attended.
“It's just fun to me,” she said. “I like seeing people happy, and we try to create happiness through serving great food.”
White said she thinks hometown restaurants like hers are doing better than ever because customers’ tastes have shifted away from fast food and chains.
Sawnee Mountain Biscuit’s sales have been so good lately that White is looking to expand and considering staying open past noon.
The renovated mobile home on 13th Street has plenty of good memories, but White said the business has outgrown the tiny space.
“Business is increasing,” she said. “It’s increased significantly.”
Years have passed since White left her career, and she said she loves her new life running the restaurant. Most mornings, she gets out of bed with excitement and purpose, eager to start another day serving delicious biscuits.
It is a life calling she thinks her grandmother would have understood.
“Her making that meal for me, it made me happy,” White said. “She continued to do that because she enjoyed taking the time to make something special. That's something I enjoy — making something special.”
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Sawnee Mountain Biscuit serves biscuits and other breakfast fare to north Atlanta residents out of a renovated mobile home on the outskirts of Cumming.
BRANDY WHITE/PROVIDED
The bacon, egg and cheese biscuit is one of Sawnee Mountain Biscuit’s most popular items.
Five trending wellness features to add to your home spa this season
Rawlings and Sherri Conrad
Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
If you’re curating a sanctuary of wellness at home, keep reading. In a world that never stops moving, true luxury is the ability to pause. These carefully chosen wellness amenities go far beyond pampering. They tap into your body’s natural rhythms, restore balance to your nervous system and create an intentional space for recovery, reflection and renewal.
1. Cold therapy.
Once reserved for elite athletes and high-end wellness retreats, cold therapy has made its way into luxury homes via bespoke cold plunges and state-of-the-art cryotherapy chambers. It builds resilience, sharpens mental focus and resets your system at a cellular level. That daily shock to the system becomes a ritual of strength. Cold therapy isn’t punishment—it’s preparation for a stronger, more adaptive life.
2. Infrared sauna.
Infrared saunas offer a refined way to detox, heal, and recharge in peace. Without it, recovery feels sluggish, stress piles up and sleep suffers. But with a 20-minute session—wrapped in gentle, radiant heat— your skin glows, your joints release and you sleep more deeply.
3. Aromatherapy steam shower.
Creating comfortable lounge and dining areas is key. Think about a backyard with mismatched, low-quality furniture versus one that features plush seating, an outdoor kitchen and an elegant dining space. The second option makes your space much more functional and appealing.
4. Heated stone or radiant heat floors.
This quiet luxury does more than keep you warm—it grounds you in comfort, circulation, and calm. Luxury is often felt in the details—and few details are as indulgent as the warmth of heated stone beneath bare feet. Radiant flooring delivers a quiet comfort that anchors the body, encourages healthy circulation and completes the thermal journey when paired with cold plunges or saunas.
5. Smart spa systems.
Technology enhances wellness when it works seamlessly behind the scenes to create the perfect environment. Without it, you’re fiddling with lights, speakers and temperature—all while trying to relax. With it, you press a button or speak a command: the lights dim, the music flows, the scent disperses, and the water is exactly how you like it. Effortless ambiance becomes your new baseline.
We hope these ideas inspire you to design a space that supports your highest self. Wishing you stillness, strength and spa-level serenity on your journey forward. Reach out to Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300 for all your real estate needs. We would be happy to assist you!
Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing
Copywriter/Copyeditor
Bill
PEXELS
The consequences of not having a Property Estate Planning done by an attorney
Take the example of a well-known celebrity, let’s call him “Chris.” Chris was a beloved actor with a career spanning decades. Despite his success and substantial fortune, he never took the time to create a comprehensive estate plan. When Chris unexpectedly passed away, his family was left to navigate the complex and often confusing legal process of distributing his assets.
1. Legal Battles and Family Disputes: Without a clear and comprehensive estate plan, Chris’s family found themselves embroiled in legal battles. Different relatives claimed entitlement to various parts of his estate, leading to prolonged court cases and strained family relationships. A well-drafted estate plan could have provided clear instructions and prevented much of the discord.
2. Financial Burden: Chris’s estate was subject to significant taxes and fees that could have been minimized with proper planning. Estate planning tools such as trusts can help reduce the tax burden and ensure more wealth is passed on to heirs rather than lost to taxes and legal costs.
3. Delayed Distribution of Assets: The absence of a comprehensive estate plan meant that the distribution of Chris’s assets was delayed significantly. Probate, the legal process of distributing a deceased person’s estate, can be time-consuming and complicated. An estate plan can streamline this process, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their inheritance more quickly.
4. Business and Real Estate: Without a proper trust, Chris's real estate and business had to be liquidated to pay off the creditors at a substantially reduced price due to the probate process and disputes between the beneficiaries as to keeping or selling the business and real estate.
5. Unfulfilled Wishes: Without a comprehensive estate plan, there’s no guarantee that Chris’s assets were distributed according to his wishes. An estate plan allows individuals to specify exactly how they want their assets allocated, ensuring their in-tentions and wishes are honored after their death.
Sign up for our upcoming workshops and webinars to learn more. For more information, contact us at 770.209.2346.
• Should I upgrade my Will to a Trust?
• What do I need to know about Revocable Living Trusts?
• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?
• How do I protect my assets for my family and legacy?
• How do I remain in control?
• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?
• How can my family avoid probate? May Workshops: Tues., May 27 - 4 pm Thurs., May 29 - 12 pm (lunch and learn) Thurs., May 1 - 12pm
our FREE Educational Workshops. Reserve your Spot and Get a FREE Consultation for attending the Workshop (a $500
New Homes from $500’s - $800’s Move-In Ready Homes Available
305 Belmont Park Court, Canton, GA 30115 | 770-635-4080 SoleilBP com
DOWNTOWN FAUSETT
New Townhomes from $ 349’s
4 Townhomes Ready Now
BROOKS POND
New Home on 2+ Acres in Cumming Final Opportunity $ 929,000 Move-In Ready Home 6490 Mockingbird Rd. Cumming, GA 30028 | 404-821-9807 DavidPattersonHomes.com
373 Highway 9 N., Dawsonville, GA 30534 | 678-578-6763 DavidPattersonHomes.com THE HOMESTEAD AT MILTON 3-10 Acre Homesites from $ 900’s to $ 1M+ Only 8 Opportunities Remain 15135 Hopewell Rd. Milton, GA 30004 | 678-578-6740 TheHomesteadatMilton.com LONG HOLLOW LANDING On the Shores of Lake Lanier Lake Homes from $ 1M+
| 678-578-6833 DavidPattersonHomes.com
Lori Lane, President | New Homes Division, Luxury Collection and Global Contact us at 404.801.7180 | visit BHHSGANewHomes.com | follow Lori@the_lorilane Buckhead Office, 3744 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342
Luxury Active Adult Living in Canton
Homesite 3 -The Scarlett
A lifestyle with a view
Discover Horizon at Laurel Canyon
Brought to you by - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Horizon at Laurel Canyon in Canton offers more than just homes—it offers a lifestyle curated for comfort, beauty, and connection to nature. Created by award-winning Patrick Malloy Communities, this thoughtfully designed neighborhood invites you to embrace luxurious, low-maintenance living surrounded by panoramic mountain vistas.
From the moment you arrive, Horizon enchants with its sweeping views and elegant home designs that reflect the serene environment. While not age-restricted, the community is crafted with the active adult in mind, prioritizing single-level living, open-
concept floor plans, and natural lightfilled spaces that make every day feel expansive and peaceful.
Select homes offer sky terraces—an elevated retreat where you can unwind with a glass of wine and take in the most stunning sunset views in metro Atlanta. With homesites that showcase awe-inspiring mountain backdrops, Horizon presents a rare opportunity to build a dream home perfectly in tune with its surroundings. Currently there is one move-in-ready home available, with two additional new homes under construction, starting at $1 million.
Amenities that complement the view
Life at Horizon is about more than beautiful homes—it’s about community and connection. Enjoy
access to a two-story clubhouse with a wrap-around veranda, a resort-style pool, gazebos for quiet relaxation, tennis courts, and even a playground for visiting grandchildren. Golf lovers will appreciate being just a short cart ride away from the Laurel Canyon Golf and Country Club.
A gateway to the Best of North Georgia
Living at Horizon places you at the heart of everything that makes North Georgia special. Spend weekends browsing the boutiques and cafés of downtown Canton or take a scenic drive to the charming mountain towns of Ellijay, Jasper, or Blue Ridge. With convenient access to I-575N, you’re just minutes from Canton’s vibrant town center, 30 miles north of Atlanta, and only 35 minutes from some of
Georgia’s most picturesque mountain getaways.
A legacy of excellence
Since 1994, Patrick Malloy Communities has been shaping the Metro Atlanta area with exceptional neighborhoods and over 7,000 homes sold. Frequently honored as one of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 20 Homebuilders, the company has a reputation for quality, innovation, and award-winning design.
To learn more about Horizon at Laurel Canyon, visit PMCommunities. com or call 770-254-5357. Horizon is proudly represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division. Explore more at BHHSgaNewHomes. com. An Equal Housing Opportunity.
Spring cleaning
Getting your home ready for the spring market!
Brought to you by - HOME North Atlanta
Spring is one of the most active seasons in real estate, with buyers eager to secure a home before summer. As demand peaks, sellers must ensure their property is positioned to attract serious buyers and maximize value. A home’s curb appeal is a critical factor in driving interest. A wellmaintained exterior sets the tone for a buyer’s experience, signaling care and attention to detail. Fresh mulch and seasonal flowers enhance landscaping, while cleaning gutters
and addressing wood rot reflect diligent upkeep. A welcoming front entrance, featuring a clean porch and a new doormat, reinforces a polished first impression. If needed, repainting select areas can breathe new life into the façade. Before listing, a prelisting inspection helps uncover any potential concerns, allowing sellers to resolve issues proactively rather than during negotiations. An appraisal offers valuable insight into the home’s market value, helping to establish a competitive price point. Working with an experienced real estate professional
who understands the nuances of the local market ensures the property is strategically positioned to attract the strongest offers.
Inside, every detail should showcase a move-in-ready home. Decluttering and depersonalizing create a neutral, welcoming space that allows buyers to envision themselves living there. A deep clean, including carpets, kitchens, and windows, ensures the home looks and feels fresh. Small but meaningful updates—such as replacing outdated fixtures, repairing minor damages,
and applying neutral paint colors— help modernize the property and boost appeal. If necessary, staging can elevate the home’s presentation, emphasizing flow, functionality, and warmth.
Spring brings newness and life, along with eager buyers. Preparation is key to making a lasting impression in a competitive market. With thoughtful improvements, stunning staging, and curb appeal that wins over arriving buyers, sellers can position their homes for a successful and rewarding sale.
AAVALON EXPERT
NOW AT HOME LUXURY REAL ESTATE
valon has been my professional home since its inception in 2015. From the moment this vibrant, walkable community was built, I’ve been immersed in its real estate market, helping buyers and sellers navigate one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the Atlanta metro area. Now, I’m bringing my expertise to HOME Luxury Real Estate, continuing to provide top-tier service for anyone looking to buy or sell in Avalon.
Having been here since day one, I know Avalon inside and out—every floor plan, every property, and every market shift. This knowledge and my deep roots in the Avalon community have allowed me to consistently sell homes quickly and efficiently, giving my clients a smooth transaction process. When it comes to Avalon, I have my finger on the pulse; I understand pricing trends and always know who’s looking to sell.
Avalon continues to command the highest price per square foot in the area, with single-family homes averaging $3.3 million and townhomes at $1.541 million. The demand for these homes remains strong, with single-family properties averaging just 20 days on the market, while townhomes stay for around 54 days. This isn’t just about numbers—Avalon offers a premium lifestyle with unmatched walkability, direct access to the Alpha Loop, downtown Alpharetta, Whole Foods, and GA-400.
Find your next HOME, whether you are buying or selling, with the help of Avalon’s longstanding expert and experience the seamless process I bring to the North Atlanta market. With exclusive insights into upcoming listings and market trends, I ensure my clients have the competitive advantage they need to secure the perfect Avalon HOME.
OPINION
Growing herbs in containers 101
Herbs are a great way to start food gardening. They tend to be a bit less picky than vegetables, and there are a wide range of choices for various moisture and sun conditions. Many of them also do well in containers, making them a good choice for patios and porches, too. All herbs should do well in a garden bed except the mint family! Anything in the mint family should only be planted in containers. Mint can spread invasively and take over your bed, your yard and maybe even your house! So, it is best in a pot on its own. It will spread throughout whatever container you choose and choke out whatever else you plant with it. But it is worth the bit of management so you can have it handy to add quickly to water, tea, salads or recipes.
Because mint spreads so quickly, it is very easy to propagate by division or by rooting a cutting in water. It is perfect to receive as a pass-along from a friend or neighbor. Mint will tolerate more conditions than most herbs, including some shade.
In contrast, rosemary can start in a container but will eventually want to be planted in-ground as most forms will result in a large bush if planted in a sunny place.
Mint and rosemary are both perennials. Other herbal perennials that will do well either in containers or in the ground include chives, sage and thyme. Sage and thyme both like drier conditions and work well together as the filler and spiller in a container. Chives are easy to propagate by division, so it is another opportunity to get or receive a starter plant from a friend. Chives like more water and would best be planted with some of the annuals mentioned below.
In most locations in Fulton County, you can harvest these perennial herbs all year long. Harvest times for annual herbs will either be warm season/summer, e.g., basil, or cool season, e.g., parsley.
Many annual herbs can be grown in a container, but check the label as some of them, like santolina, tarragon and dill, will like a big container best. Parsley is easy to grow and can tolerate some shade, so it is a great filler for a planter with other herbs or flowers. While basil loves to get big in the ground, it behaves well in containers, too, and makes a great thriller for your container arrangement.
When planting your containers:
• Select an appropriately sized planter for the number of herbs you are including. Clay pots are a good place to start, but you can be creative. Ensure they have drainage holes, and you have placed them in areas that receive the right amount of sun. It is easier to move them to their final location before you add the soil. In some cases, you may want them on wheels so they can be moved.
• It is always handy to have some herbs right near the kitchen door so you can easily just “snip and go” when you need them for recipes.
• The containers should be filled with a good potting mix. (Not from your yard or “garden soil” from the store.)
• It is easier to start with small plants from the garden
About the author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Sue Boehlke, a Master Gardener intern. Sue is a member of the North Fulton Master Gardeners. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in economics and an MBA. She is a lifelong, avid gardener and is now working on the chal-lenge of downsizing her gardening to a small city lot in Alpharetta, where fungus, pests and weeds still find her.
center or a friend than with seeds if you are a new gardener.
• If you plant basil and chives that have big crops and lots of harvest, you will occasionally need to add fertilizer throughout the growing season.
• Water appropriately for the herbs in that container. You should save the tags they come with when you purchase them as a reminder of the sun and water requirements as well as to predict their eventual size.
• Harvest throughout the growing season. You do not want your herbs to bloom with flowers or you will lose flavor, as they put their energy into flowers and seed instead of flavor in the leaves.
When planning your containers, remember that herbs do not need to be exclusive. You can mix them with other vegetables, small shrubs (depending on container size) or even flowers (foodscaping is the practice where food is incorporated in your decorative landscape). It is important to have consistent water and sun requirements for all plants in a particular container so they can thrive. Keep in mind the eventual size and shape of the plants you select so you do not under- or over-plant.
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.
Food scaping
Herbs + Flowers = Beautiful planters
Learn more
Herbs in Southern Gardens, UGA Extension Publications, Bulletin 1170
SUE BOEHIKE Guest Columnist
PHOTOS BY SUE BOEHLKE/PROVIDED Healthy mix of starters from the garden center
What would Kurt Vonnegut write today?
My son Hans recently gave me a book that I am reading – again –“Cat’s Cradle” by Kurt Vonnegut. I hadn’t read Kurt now for decades and, as I expected, it didn’t take many pages to remember why I liked what he wrote. Actually, I probably should say “how he wrote.”
Vonnegut was an angry guy. He was a smart guy. He was a frustrated guy. He was cursed with the ability to see and understand the obvious that most of us don’t see – cannot see or won’t see – and care about it. That is, he connected dots – big picture kind of dots – and I think that drove him crazy. I suspect that he only found relief when he died in 2007.
On the first page of “Cat’s Cradle,” he talks about a book that he started to write when he was a younger man – “two
No
wives ago, 250,000 cigarettes ago, 3,000 quarts of booze ago…” The book was to be a tome called “The Day the World Ended.” His description of how he spent his time when he was a “young man” reminded me of my dear father, but that’s another long story that also didn’t end well.
He worried a lot about mankind killing itself with technology. He wrote a lot about civilian and political cults, war, war machines and the impact of AI. Yes, he clearly saw AI coming down the track almost 60 years ago, and it terrified him. He wrote about mindless people, soulless tyrants, toxic governments and religion, and especially about hypocrisy – almost always as if sitting on the judge’s dais at Nurenburg; no small claims court for him.
He must have worried constantly when he tried to sleep; in the morning lying in bed; sitting at the breakfast table; or speaking at events where they paid him the big bucks to talk about his dark visions and Dresden.* No wonder
he smoked so much and drank like a fish.
In one of his books, “The Sirens of Titan” which he wrote in 1959, he told the tale of the richest man in the world and his escapades through outer space. The critics called it an intergalactic comedy. I doubt Kurt laughed much as he wrote it.
Sound somehow a bit familiar?
As I read “Cat’s Cradle,” I wondered how Kurt would be feeling today and what he would be writing about now. He would probably be giddy with so much material. Reminds me of the party Lorne Michaels and the writers from “Saturday Night Live” must have thrown when John McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate.
On second thought though, “today” might have been too much for even Vonnegut – too broken, too twisted, too distorted and too toxic – that it might have passed the cutoff point for being candidate for satire, intergalactic comedy or even righteous rage.
Even after having survived the hell of the firebombing of Dresden, “today “may have been too much for him – and possibly us as well? But there is always a silver lining, I suppose. He could have re-used the word with which he ended his most important and celebrated novel – “Slaughterhouse-Five” – “Poo-teeweet.“
Or, to use another phrase Vonnegut liked, “So it goes.”
*Dresden: “On about February 14th the Americans came over, followed by the R.A.F. Their combined labors (the firebombing of the German city of Dresden where Vonnegut and 150 other fellow POWs were being housed in a slaughterhouse) killed 250,000 people (primarily civilians) in 24 hours and destroyed all of Dresden, possibly the world’s most beautiful city. But not me.” -- Kurt Vonnegut in a letter to his father after being liberated from Slaughterhouse 5 and surviving the firebombing.
‘Gesundheit’ necessary for a ‘God Bless You’
MIKE TASOS Columnist
With those major religious holidays and holy days mere dots in our rear-view mirrors, it’s time to get ready for the upcoming sweltering summer.
It seems to me that most folks aren’t focusing much on those hot months. Many are taking time to celebrate the rest of Spring pleasantness. A recent run through the Home Dept parking lot was a confirmation that there are plenty of yardwork enthusiasts just chomping at the bit to get out in the yard and play in the dirt. Industrious shoppers were buying bags of mulch by the pallet. Not me. My major outdoor activity will be grilling on the Traeger and pulling the trigger on those nasty bastid mosquitoes. Having the yard sprayed is a mere phone call away.
A childhood where my mom doled out weeding a flower bed sentences as if she were a warden at a botanical prison has exacerbated my aversion to any kind of yardwork.
We brothers hated being in that miniscule patch of weed-infested flowers. Our weed-pulling lasted mere minutes before a dirt clod would be tossed. We were all pretty fair shots too. Inevitably, one of us would wind up with a good amount of mud, dirt and weeds in our hair. Or worse yet, in our ears.
When that happened, all sorts of ordinance filled the air, our scalp and our nostrils. Getting all that dirt out of an ear was a two-shower undertaking. And what would normally take less than hour morphed into a sunup-to-sundown ordeal.
And make no mistake: Very few weeds met their demise. I guess Mom was looking out for our health when she confiscated the container of Round-Up I wanted to administer to any living plant
or weed. A fatal spritz seemed like it would us get into the pool much quicker.
Of all of us, Matt was the only one who had allergies that would prompt thunderous sneezes and an itchy throat that the rest of us found hilarious. These were not polite sneezes. Instead, these would make the bees stop buzzing and the birds take flight.
Of course, being kindly brothers, there wasn’t a “Gesundheit” or “God Bless You” to be found as Matt dealt with his misery. In retrospect, Matt was always the smart one. His allergic woes always brought Mom outside to take him in the house and get him some Dimetapp. Marty, Allan and I remained behind. Forget the weeds. When Mom left, projectiles once again filled the air.
I can remember being bored with the war games. Being the oldest, I felt compelled to demonstrate my “big brother” prowess and put an end to the afternoon session.
I got in a good bit of trouble when
Mom appeared just as I was showing Allan the fine art of giving a wedgie. Mom came after me when she spied Marty levitating off the ground, suspended from a branch with a hole poked in his undies.
These days, it seems more common in my circle for us to end a conversation with a “God Bless.” I must credit good friend Jerry Nix with making it seem so right and much more meaningful that a “Talk to you later,” or “All right then.” Fellow Knights of Columbus Tony Roberti always signs off the same way.
The need for a sneeze response has become obsolete. Imploring for some help from the Man Upstairs just seems so right. And so Southern.
I think I’ll do a lot more of that.
Mike Tasos has lived in Forsyth County for more than 30 years. He’s an American by birth and considers himself a Southerner by the grace of God. He can be reached at miketasos55@gmail.com.
RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
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!
RIVERS OF EUROPE
1. Witch trials locale. Swiss river through Bern. Deadly African snake.
2. Kick out. Fencing sword. European river carrying more traffic than any other.
3. Crazy. Famous English river. Garbage hauler.
4. France’s longest river. Ranch young. Coffee order.
5. Greek cheese. Spotted wildcat. Italy’s river.
6. Russian river, longest in Europe. Halo. Squirrel food.
7. Kiln. Second longest European river. Really big show.
1 Witch trials locale. Swiss river through Bern. Deadly African snake
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!
2. Kick out. Fencing sword. European river carrying more traffic than any other river in the world
3. Crazy. Famous English river. Garbage hauler
4. France’s longest river. Ranch young. Coffee order
5. Greek cheese. Spotted wildcat. Italy’s river
6. Russian river, longest in Europe. Halo. Squirrel food
7. Kiln. Second longest European river. Really big show
Fulton:
Continued from Page 1
sorely lacking in Washington today. It’s a different story in Fulton County, at least if you ask the Republicans and Democrats at the town hall.
Chairman Robb Pitts briefly spoke at the start of the town hall, drawing attention to Fulton’s prominence among the more than 3,000 counties throughout the country.
Fulton County has about 1.2 million residents, with each of the six commission districts representing around 200,000 constituents, the same as a Georgia State Senate district.
“I know that sometimes there are differences of opinion as to what you think we’re doing or should be doing, but we’re doing a great job,” Pitts said. “Commissioner Thorne is doing a great job in her first term representing District 1; she and I have worked closely together.”
Pitts has chaired the Board of Commissioners since 2018 after serving as a commissioner and Atlanta City Council member. He said in his four decades of public service, “Coach Thorne” has been his favorite travel companion.
“She and I have worked very closely together; I guess probably 90 percent of the time we’re on the same page,” Pitts
Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne chats with District 1 constituents during her April 22 town hall at the Customer Service Center off Maxwell Road in Alpharetta. Thorne said she works closely with Chairman Robb Pitts to find compromises between Republicans and Democrats on the Board of Commissioners.
said. “When we’re not on the same page, we disagree amicably.”
Thorne said she appreciates Pitts as a mentor and loves how he has represented the county on a global stage, whether at the 1996 Summer Olympics or the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
“A lot of times, what I think is best and what he thinks is best were different, but how can we compromise?”
Thorne said. “Democrats and Republicans coming together for the best of what’s good for the county.”
As a simple rule, Commissioner Thorne represents most of the east side of Ga. 400 in North Fulton County, and District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis serves most of the western half north of I-285.
A part of District 1 bleeds over Ga. 400 into parts of Roswell, and District 3 includes all Sandy Springs residents south of I-285 and some just north of it.
State Rep. Scott Hilton (R–District 48, Peachtree Corners) gave a legislative update following the Georgia General Assembly 2025 session.
Hilton said he is optimistic that Gov. Brian Kemp’s “tort reform” will “balance
lars in debt and spending public dollars on attracting new residents, Hilton says most people don’t realize how good Georgia is doing relative to most of the country.
State Sen. Shawn Still (R–District 48, Norcross) touted legislation including the expansion of the state’s homestead exemption, school choice vouchers, mental health and increased monitoring of students who threaten violence at school.
Of the 5,000 bills drafted for the 2025 session, fewer than 400 passed both chambers and only eight have Kemp’s signature, Still said.
One of the highlights of the town hall was hearing from local students on the Fulton County Youth Commission, which engages local high schoolers in policies and legislation that impacts them directly.
Youth Commissioner Nathan Dsilva, a sophomore at Milton High School, played a pivotal role in the enactment of SB 351, which bans cellphone use by students in grades K-8.
the pendulum” between trial lawyers and business interests. Democrats typically refer to the legislation as a “legal overhaul” because of its limits on lawsuits and jury awards, saying it’s a giveaway to insurance companies.
Some Kemp allies say the effect on insurance premiums will be minimal. Businesses and commercial property owners are more likely to see a decrease in liability coverage than a consumer is on their monthly insurance payments.
“The only thing we are constitutionally required to do is pass a budget … we could do that and go home,” Hilton said. “We actually have a budget surplus … we’re able to invest while at the same time cutting your taxes.”
One Fulton County resident asked Hilton whether the declining income tax rate means the state is investing less. Hilton said the tax cuts are possible because of the state’s surplus, and the annual budget continues to grow.
In the past decade, the state has added about a million residents. While some other states are millions of dol-
Other local politicians attended the town hall, including Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry with City Council members Bob Erramilli and Larry DiBiase, and Roswell City council members Lee Hills and Christine Hall.
Thorne and Pitts honored Former District 1 Commissioner Lynne Riley with a proclamation for her years of service and contributions to the county and state government. Riley sports an extensive public service resume, including state treasurer, a term as a state representative and her collaboration with the Fulton Legislative Delegation in creating the cities of Sandy Springs, Johns Creek and Milton.
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Join today for $16/month
YOU CAN USE LOCAL NEWS
Support the work appenmedia.com/join
Support Local News Join Appen Press Club
CHARTER MEMBER
DC Aiken
Big Sky Franchise Team
David & Michelle Bertany
Amour & Duane Carthy
Adam Corder
Barbara Anderson
Kerry Arias
Scott Baynton
Joseph Bell
James Bennett
Carl Abernathy
Bruce Ackley
Salpi Adrouny
Alpharetta Lions Club
Omar Altalib
Dave Altman
Ron Altman
Joel Alvis
American Legion Post 201
Alice & Dr. Richard Appen
Gaye Armstrong
Mary Asbury
Bangkok Boxing LLC
Shannon Banna
Beth Barnes
Janet Bass
Caitlin Bates
Jannet Bauer
Barbara Bauschka
Miriam Beattie
Kathy Beck
Laura Bentley
William Bentley
Leslie Berry
Tom Billings
Tochie Blan
Ron Boddicker
Jodi Bogen
Sherri Bolles-Rogers
Helen Borland
Debra Bowen
Joe Bowen
Ryan Brainard
Mark Brandus
Mel Brannen
Carol Bright
Linda Brill
Dorothy Brouhard
Erendira Brumley
Bernhard Burgener
Alvin Burrell
Mike & Theresa Buscher
Mary Busman
Clea Calloway
Kirk Canaday
James Carr
Bridgette Carter
Patrick Cressaty
Robert Flint
Robin Fricton
Zachary Hahn
Allison January
Rita Brown
Mark Casas
David Conti
Theodore Davis III
Maureen Drumm
Michael Kenig
Roderick Liptrot
Bob Meyers
Claude Nardy
Cliff Oxford
MEMBER+
Charlcie Forehand
Aileen Horton
Deborah Jackson
Ali Mahbod
Richard Matherly
MEMBER
William Cartwright
Frank Catroppa
Pat Check
Virginia Christman
Christopher Cleary
Ann Coaloa
Kim Coggins
Evelyn Collazo
Michael Mackenzie
Communications
Joan Compton
Carol Cookerly
Terri Coons
Rhonda Cude
Connie Cunningham
Christopher Cupit
David Davis
Duane DeBruler
Marilyn DeCusati
Rebecca Donlan
Tom Driscoll
Michael Dudgeon
Jeanette Dummer
DutchCrafters Amish Furniture
Thomas Edmonds
William Edmundson
Denise Eicher
Mim Eisenberg
Danny Elkins
Su Ellis
Martha Fasse
Nell & Doug Fernandez
Daniel Fleck
Lee Fleck
Laura Floyd
Cathy Flynn
Paul Folger
Adrienne Fontaine
Mary Ford
Nanci Foster
Amy Frederick
Kelly Frommer
Carol Fry
Tracey Ganesh
Daniel Gay
John Gibbs
John Gilberto
Leslie Gilliam
Bailey & Ryan Gladysz
Michelle Glotzbach
Harvey Goldberg
Christopher Goodrich
Phyllis Goodrich
Ralph Griffin
Marilee Hamilton
Susan Hanna
Marion Hannah
Roxanne Hazen
Joe Hirsch
Penn Hodge
Dianne & Steffan Holmquist
Joan Hostetter
Austin Hughes
Jacqueline Hursh
Lynn Johnson
Tyler Jones
Arthur Kebanli
Laura Keck
Mark Kelly
Nancy Kennell
Randall Kent
Carol Kerr
Allison Kloster
Dyna Kohler
Larry Krueger
Jess & Chris Kysar
Malinda Lackey
Brandon Leach
Dennis Lee
Ken Leffingwell
Carol Lehan
Bonnie Lind
Francia Lindon
Harlan Little
Ross Long
Kyser Lough
Rita Loventhal
Brenda Lundy
Rita Loventhal
Karen Magill
Kyile Marshall
Julie Martin
Carla Masecar
Valerie Matthews
Ross & Lori Ramsey
Sarah Reiter
Mark Rundle
Matthew Sayle
Lynn Thomas
Evan McElroy
Vickie McElroy
Patricia Miller
Anne Peer
Robert Popp
William Maxwell
Rachel McCord
Austin McCully
Diane McDonald
Karen McEnerny
Lynn McIntyre
Mike McLoughlin
Jennifer Mendoza
Al Merrill
Chris Miller
Christine Miller
Joe Modica
Fred Moeller
Sarah Moen
Catherine Moore
Carol Morgan
Kathy Morgan
Stu Moring
Leslie Mullis
Donna Murphy
Jack Murphy
Cindy Nolan
North Fulton Master Gardners, Inc.
Tricia Novarro
Bob O’Brien
Anne Pappas
Lynn Pennington
Jonathan Peters
Kurt & Leslie Phillips
Mary & Jan Phillips
Debra Powell
Joyce Provissiero
Chuck Pugh
Robert Radloff
Raj Rajagopalan
Ashwin Ramaswami
Cheryl Rand
Jean Rearick
Joseph Reed
Righteous PR
Angie Rigney
Neil Robertson
Kimberly Robinson
Matt Rohs
Kim Romaner
Kelly Sarmiento
Stephanie Schniederjan
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.
Kim Truett
Roger Wise Jr.
Colt Whittall
Sergey Savin
Kate Seng
Kimberly Verska
Carol Williams
Robert Scholz
Stephanie Schuette
Susan Searles
Tina Shelton
Lisa Shippel
Joanne Simmons
Tom Simon
Cindy Simpson
Robert Singleton
Faye Sklar
Judith Slaughter
Andy Smith
Gena Spears
Donald Spencer
Melissa Spencer
Gloria Stathos
Robert Stevens
Wesley Stewart
Cathryn Stovall
Celeste Strohl
Diana Sullivan
Andy Sumlin
Mike Tasos
Candice Teichert
The Small Business Advisor
William Tietjen
Lisa Tilt
Michael Townes
Trunnion LLC
Matthew Tyser
Ollie Wagner
Lewis Walker
Jonathan Washburn
Michael Watson
Michael Weiss
Herbert Wells
Sally White
Thom White
Umpika White
Christine Williams
Jamie Wimberly
Jonathan Winkie
Nancy & Dave Wistrand
Carla York
Jonathan Young
Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club
The Schoenblum Family
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
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, May 2, 2025. Apply online: www.sawnee. coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-8872363, 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.
Orpine Inc has multiple openings in Alpharetta, GA, Software Developer ($127,504.00/yr): Dsgn, Rvew, Dvlop, Code, Prpre, Prfrm, Asist & Trck cntrl sftwre. Business Analyst ($87,672.00/yr): Wrk, Dcment, Rvew, Prfrm, Wrk, Asist, Provide & Prpre stgs of prjct. Business Intelligence Developer ($134,493.00/yr): Dsgn,, Dvlp, Crete, Build, Ovrse, Wrk, Prvide, Prfrm & Ensre data usd for analysis. Sr. Software Engineer ($149,760.00/yr): Dsign, Dvlop, Build, Rspnsible, Dsign, Take, Lead, Maintn, Artculte, Wrk, Prticpte & Rsolve post dplymnts. Sr. Software Developer ($149,760.00/yr): Dvlp, Rsolv, Maintn, Cnduct, Rserch, Trublsht, Prvde, Srve & Prvide efort estmtions. Network Engineer ($118,186.00/yr): Estblsh, Build, Trublesht, Estblsh, Maxmze, Updte, Colabrate, Scure & Acomplsh rsults as needed. Programmer Analyst ($129,272.00/yr): Crete, Write, Perfrm, Asist & Prepare projct progres. Computer Programmer ($127,504.00/y): Write, Colbrte, Implmnt, Crct, Dbug, Updte & Crete code libraries. All positions req trvl/ reloct to var unanticiptd client loc throughout U.S w/ expenses paid by emplyr. Standard Co. Bnfts offered. Mail res & position to, Dir., of Operations, Orpine Inc, 5865 North Point Parkway, Ste #250, Alpharetta, GA, 30022 or email immigration@orpine.com. EOE.
24 ON Physicians, PC seeks multiple FT Hospitalist Physicians (Alpharetta, GA). Render medical services in the medical specialty of Hospital Medicine. Must have M.D., D.O. or foreign equiv degree. Must be board certified or board eligible in Internal Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine. Must possess a GA Medical license or able to obtain. Subject to periodic transfers to various unanticipated locations in the US. Must have legal authority to work in US. EEOE. Resume to: C. Fann, 24 ON Physicians, PC, 13000 Deerfield Pkwy, Ste 100, Alpharetta, GA 30004 or cfann@incompasshealth.com. Ref: HospitalistNB31
Infor (US), LLC has an opening for an Architect in Alpharetta, GA. Position will lead the design and implementation of the company’s user interface architecture and collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and development teams to create seamless, responsive, and high-performing user interfaces. 100% Telecommuting permitted. How to apply: E-mail resume, referencing IN1055, including job history, to careers@infor.com. EOE.
Cavanna Packaging USA, Inc.– ElectroMechanical Field Service Technician (Duluth, GA): Provide mechanical assistance on customer installations, installation support and service. Perform mechanical warranty maintenance and after-warranty maintenance of existing equipment. Develop training material and conduct engineering training sessions at customer facilities as required. Telecommuting work permitted; Position may work in various unanticipated location throughout the U.S. Resume to: Cavanna Packaging USA, Inc, Attn: Barbara Headrick, 3400 Corporate Way, Suite F, Duluth, GA, 30096 or via email at b.headrick@ cavannagroup.com. Reference job # JS424174.
Infor (US), LLC has an opening for a Director, Science in Alpharetta, GA. Contribute to the development of highly automated, robust, reusable, explainable, and self-serviced AI solutions and integrate these into business processes. Telecommuting permitted 100%. How to apply: E-mail resume, referencing IN1049, including job history, to careers@infor.com. EOE.
Gutters
AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS Repaired and Installed. Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aarons-gutters.com. Senior citizen discount! 678-508-2432
Neighborhood Garage Sale: Friday & Saturday May 2-3 8am - 3pm. We are selling furniture, household items, paintings, decor, small kitchen appliances, kitchen items, mulcher & weed eater, bicycles, small flatbed truck, collectible comic books and more! Come see us at the Oaks at White Columns subdivision at Freemanville and Oak Manor Way in Milton Georgia. Everything needs to go!
Yard Sales
Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 877- 305-1535
VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS!
50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $119.00! Shipped discreetly to your home. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 800-709-3080
Aging Roof? New Homeowner? Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091 Water damage cleanup: A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals dry out wet areas & repair to protect your family & your home value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code! !!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866- 433-8277
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
NATIONAL ADVERTISING
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936
Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months!
Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189
Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads
Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971
DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 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 & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 6/30/25.) Call 1-844-501-3208
Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833-399-3595
Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/ day! 1-844-591-7951
We buy houses for cash as is! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer & get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-844-877-5833
MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call 1-888-489-3936
Consumer Cellular - same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No longterm contract, no hidden fees free activation. All plans feature unlimited talk & text, starting at just $20/mo. Call 1-877-751-0866
Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit cards. Medical bills. Car loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly
