Board advances $14 million to upgrade Autrey Mill Middle
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Johns Creek Symphony gives Vietnam a show
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra's recent trip to Vietnam was anything but a simple vacation.
In mid-October, the orchestra was invited to the country as part of a week-long visit to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of strategic diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam. Johns Creek musicians, accompanied by “The Voice” contestant Mikaela Ayira, marked the visit with two performances at the Hanoi Opera House.
“It was a diplomatic celebration,” JCSO Music Director Henry Cheng said. The Johns Creek Orchestra was the only one from the U.S. to participate.
Cheng tossed the orchestra’s hat into the ring shortly after he joined the organization in the spring of 2025. After completing several rounds of interviews, the orchestra was selected, beating about 50 other groups.
See ORCHESTRA, Page 21
JOHNS CREEK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA/PROVIDED Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra members participate in a goodwill mission to celebrate diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Vietnam in October.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger
from the Czech Republic during a
11
City courts Czech business interests
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek is opening its doors wider for international commerce — that was the message to a delegation of Czech business leaders.
“We're not just the best place to live because we have nice homes,” City Manager Kim Greer said at the gathering held Nov. 11 at the business group’s
headquarters on Johns Creek Parkway. “We're the best place to live because we have a thriving economy, and we're always looking for new partners to add to that.”
City and state officials and local business representatives met with about 10 visitors from the Czech Republic. Hosted by the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce, the meeting was designed to create dialogs and forge new business relationships.
At the same time, nearly 5,000 miles away, Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne was doing the same, meeting with Czech business leaders in Prague.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who opened the Johns Creek summit, said the city and the State of Georgia are ready to explore opportunities with businesses around the globe.
See VISIT, Page 20
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
speaks to Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce members and visitors
Nov.
meeting business group’s headquarters on Johns Creek Parkway.
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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.
Officers investigate attempted ATM theft
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police are investigating an attempted seconddegree burglary after an unidentified male suspect broke into the CVS off Alpharetta Highway (Ga. 9) Oct. 30 and tried to open an ATM.
The report says several officers were dispatched to the convenience store just before 6 a.m. after an alarm company alerted dispatch about a potential burglary in progress.
Upon arrival, officers said the front door appeared to have been forced open. Just inside the store, an officer said he noticed a damaged Allpoint ATM with the front face torn off and protruding wires.
Repairs for the damaged ATM are around $500.
The report says no merchandise was stolen during the incident.
After a search of the property, officers said they were unable to locate anyone matching the suspect’s description. The suspect is described as a man wearing cowboy boots and a gray hoodie.
Officers said the suspect left the scene in a white pickup truck, which was unable to be tracked.
The report says a Roswell detective took over the investigation at 7 a.m. with CVS employees en route to assist.
— Hayden Sumlin
Vehicle reported stolen from resident’s garage
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A car was reported stolen from a Webb Bridge Court garage Oct. 21.
Alpharetta police said a 45-year-old Alpharetta man told officers he found
the vehicle missing after opening his personal garage.
The man said he was in possession of both of the vehicle’s keys. He said he is the only person who drives the car.
The man showed officers statements indicating he had made payments on the vehicle.
Officers checked Flock security cameras but found no video of the vehicle.
The incident was classified as a felony motor vehicle theft. — Jon Wilcox
Alpharetta resident reports car break-in at Hembree Park
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police are investigating a car break-in and unauthorized use of credit cards after a 46-year-old Alpharetta woman reported the felonies Oct. 31 at Hembree Park.
The Alpharetta woman said her boyfriend drove her Honda Pilot and parked it by one of the playing fields around 7:30 p.m. She said she left her spare key in the car, preventing it from being locked.
Officers said no forced entry to the vehicle was observed but the owner’s wallet and its content were taken.
The following items were reported stolen: a Truist debit card, an American Express credit card, a Chase credit card, $50 in cash, her Georgia driver`s license, her medical marijuana card, her social security card, an Air Tag and the spare key.
While speaking with the officer on the phone, the Alpharetta woman said she tracked her Apple AirTag to Houze Way and found her wallet lying empty on the sidewalk next to her spare key.
Later, she said her American Express card was charged $300 across two transactions at gas stations, and the Chase card was rung up for around $350.
The officer said the suspect also attempted to use the Truist card but had all four transactions declined.
As of Nov. 3, the case remains active.
— Hayden Sumlin
Woman arrested on felony shoplifting charge
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 25-year-old Alpharetta woman was arrested on a shoplifting charge Oct. 22 after allegedly stealing almost $600 of merchandise.
Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to a North Point Parkway department store about 10 p.m. after a theft was reported.
Officers viewed security camera footage allegedly showing two women entering the store with two children. One of the women concealed items from the cosmetics department in their cart under a blanket, police said.
The woman pushed the cart past points of sale and was apprehended, police said.
Officers obtained a warrant charging her with felony shoplifting.
She was taken to Fulton County’s Rice Street jail.
— Jon Wilcox
Roswell resident reports iPhone stolen from parcel
ROSWELL, Ga. — An 80-year-old Roswell resident reported the theft of his new Apple iPhone 17 Pro Nov. 2 from a package before it was delivered to his home in the northeast corner of the city.
The victim told officers that he went to a Verizon store to purchase a new phone but placed an order because of limited stock.
When he received his package, the man told officers that it appeared to have been opened and was empty.
Officers said there was clear tape covering the ripped brown tape that sealed the box. The packaging of the iPhone remained in the box, but the phone itself was missing, officers added.
The report says the package was shipped from Mount Juliet, Tennessee by FedEx, which has an active case number for the theft.
Officers said the cell phone’s serial number was listed on regional crime dashboards and ended the report.
— Hayden Sumlin
School Board advances $14 million in upgrades to Autrey Mill Middle
By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Fulton County Board of Education reviewed two contracts totaling over $20 million for school renovations at its Nov. 11 work session.
The projects would renovate Autrey Mill Middle School and upgrade the audio and visual systems at three high schools.
The contract to renovate Autrey Mill totals $14.2 million with a 5 percent contingency fund. Funding comes through Special Purpose Local Option
Sales Tax (SPLOST).
The extensive renovations will remove and replace all light fixtures with LED lighting, replacing the emergency generator, boilers and other heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, and installing a new intercom system. All acoustic ceiling tiles will also be removed and replaced.
The contracts, both awarded to Ward Humphrey, Inc., were placed on the consent agenda for formal approval at the Nov. 20 School Board meeting. It is set to be approved alongside another contract with Ward Humphrey totaling $6.9 million to install new audio and video
systems in theaters at Langston Hughes, Johns Creek and Centennial high schools. The schools will also receive equipment upgrades, including wireless microphones, an intercom system and other upgrades to make the system fully functional.
Upgrades are expected to be completed by December 2027 and will be funded through sales tax dollars.
Other items on the consent agenda for the Nov. 20 meeting will be to update the district’s local facility plan with the state to reflect recent school closures and renovations. Following their closure in February, Spalding Drive and
Parklane elementary schools will be phased out.
Another resolution will phase out the old facility for Camp Creek Middle School since a new building is under construction.
North Springs High School is also receiving renovations, including a new instructional building where the school’s athletic fields used to be. Staff expect construction on the new North Springs facility to be completed by August 2027.
The School Board will meet Thursday, Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. at the South Learning Center in Union City for its next board meeting.
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Legislator seeks safeguards to protect children online
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — State Sen. Sally Harrell (D-District 40) is forming a bipartisan coalition of elected officials and concerned citizens to address online safety for children during the Georgia General Assembly’s 2026 session.
Harrell told a crowd at the Nov. 5 “Parent Town Hall” in Dunwoody that she hosted her first single-issue community meeting in northern DeKalb and southern Gwinnett counties to generate public support.
“What we realized, the more we listened to testimony, the more we realize that we are heading toward a crisis with our kids,” Harrell said. “We need feedback from parents … What are you experiencing right now? What has happened with your kids?”
While it’s not clear what a legislative solution looks like, Harrell said she is working with Senate committee co-chair Shawn Still (R-District 48) on formal recommendations for state action.
“When we do file legislation, we’re going to hit a lot of pushback,” Harrell said. “We need to be organized at the grassroots level to fight that pushback.”
Some progress has already been made. Georgia’s “Distraction-Free Education Act” (HB 340), which passed this year, bans smartphones for public school students grades kindergarten through eight.
Harrell said her effort to form the Senate Impact of Social Media and Artificial Intelligence on Children and Platform Privacy Protection Study Committee passed on her second attempt after connecting with a staffer in Lt. Gov. Burt Jones’ office.
The committee’s first three meetings examined how online platforms can be addictive and harmful to young people, and it probed specific state policies that can result in safer online experiences. Senators also examined the potential dangers related to the use of AI-driven chatbots in online platforms by minors.
Tragic case presented
Harrell presented a video of a Florida mother and attorney Megan Garcia, who filed a wrongful death lawsuit against an AI platform for the suicide of her son.
Garcia testified before the U.S. Senate during a subcommittee hearing Sept. 16, titled “Examining the Harm of AI Chatbots.”
“Sewell was a bright and beautiful boy who, as a child, wanted to build rockets and invent life changing
technology,” Garcia said. “But instead of preparing for high school milestones, Sewell spent his last months being manipulated and sexually groomed by chatbots designed by an AI company to seem human, to gain trust and to keep children like him endlessly engaged by supplanting the actual human relationships in his life.”
The tragic story of Sewell Setzer III and AI company Character Technologies is the latest example of a decades-long trend of emerging technologies, like the internet, smart phones, social media and algorithms, negatively affecting children.
Harrell said she became interested in the subject more than a decade ago as a mother.
“These companies have designed the products to be engaging,” Harrell said. “The more addicted they are to their phones, the more profits the company makes.”
Adults are also addicted to their smartphones and the internet, which Harrell says makes the issue a matter of family and community.
When her children were beginning to use social media and the internet in the early 2010s, Harrell said she saw their behavior changed.
A decade later and the data is clear, mental illness and suicides among teens and young adults skyrocketed after smartphones and social media became ubiquitous.
“It’s not the parents’ fault,” Harrell said. “It is the product, and it’s designed that way on purpose … I’ve been waiting for the millennial generation to come along, to have kids, to get scared, to get motivated, to join the force, to stand up to these big companies.”
Community engagement
Some elected officials attended the town hall, including Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch, Doraville Mayor Joseph Geierman and DeKalb County District 1 School Board member Andrew Ziffer. Harrell thanked Deustch for taking an interest in children’s online safety and securing a space for the talk at Dunwoody City Hall.
A “panel of moms” convened at the dais to discuss some of the ways they are handling technology and the internet with their teenage children.
Casey Stefanski, executive director of the Digital Childhood Alliance, said a lot of parental controls and other tools to control what a child can see and do online are not sufficient.
See HARRELL, Page 21
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County schools react to passage of senior tax exemptions
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Fulton County voters approved two property tax exemptions Nov. 4 that reduce the taxable value of a senior's qualified homestead by a percentage, thereby lowering the amount they owe to the school district.
The Fulton County School Board says it understands and appreciates the financial concerns of senior citizens, but has remarked the school district is facing significant financial pressures.
The first exemption, for residents who are 65 or older, takes 25 percent off a home's assessed value. The
second one, for residents who are 70 or older, reduces it by 50 percent.
Both exemptions passed easily with more than 75 percent of the roughly 125,000 votes across the county.
Fulton County Schools has one of the lowest millage rates in metro Atlanta, and the school district says the tax exemptions were developed with its legislative partners as a part of ongoing efforts to address the impact rising housing assessments have had on seniors.
“The impact of the passage of the exemptions cannot be addressed in isolation,” the district’s statement says. “The loss from local tax dollars the senior exemptions bring (estimated
at approximately $50 million) will be compounded by a loss of state dollars. At the same time, the district is managing higher costs for health benefits, employee compensation and inflation.”
The school district has been planning for exemptions, along with general cost escalations and declining enrollment.
Through its GLIDE initiative, officials say they can minimize the impact to classrooms and staff. The initiative (coined Growth Opportunities, Lean Operations, Investment in Innovation, Diversify Revenue and Enhance Efficiency) uses data and projections to prepare for a $93–95 million fiscal adjustment over
five years, ensuring FCS can continue delivering essential services while honoring its commitments to students and the community.
As the Sandy Springs and East Point communities are aware, Fulton County Schools closed two elementary schools this academic year due to declining enrollment and underutilization of facilities in the region. Rising operational costs and dwindling revenues also played a role.
“Further decisions about capacity are being considered and will be discussed in the coming years,” the statement says. “There are no immediate plans for action for closure or consolidation for the upcoming fiscal year.”
North Fulton charity schedules coat, Thanksgiving food drive
ROSWELL, Ga. — North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) is bringing back its annual CoatsGiving program, presented by Nalley Automotive, Nov. 17-22, at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Roswell.
The initiative provides warm winter clothing and Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of families across North Fulton.
Donation drop-off will run from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Nov. 17-19. Family distribution will take place Nov. 20-22.
With rising costs and limited resources, many families are turning to NFCC for help, and the nonprofit expects to serve roughly 600 families during CoatsGiving. The organization is specifically seeking coats for young children, from infants to 11-year-olds, to meet the growing demand.
“CoatsGiving is a beautiful example of what happens when a community comes together,” said Sylvia Cardona, vice president of community engagement at NFCC. “A warm coat and a holiday meal may seem simple, but they represent dignity,
care and connection for families who are working hard to make ends meet.”
CoatsGiving combines two long-standing NFCC traditions: the Thanksgiving food program that was started in 1984, and the Warm Coats drive, launched in 1994 by a local Girl Scout Troop. The programs merged in 2024 to better serve families in one convenient experience.
Here is how to give:
• Donate nonperishable food items, such as canned vegetables, dry potatoes, dry beans, cranberries, stuffing or dessert mixes.
• Provide new or gently used coats and winter accessories in all sizes, especially for young children.
• Contribute gift cards from Kroger or Walmart.
For donation guidelines, sign-up forms and more information, visit nfcchelp.org/ coatsgiving/.
Doctor-turned-entrepreneur advises seniors how to avoid ER
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dr. Nadia Nabavi, a former Northside Hospital and Grady Healthcare physician, said the top three reasons seniors end up in the emergency room are falls, UTIs and pneumonia.
The North Atlanta chapter of Adult Children of Aging Parents invited Nabavi to host its Nov. 11 program, “From UTIs to Falls: Understanding What Sends Seniors to the Emergency Room,” at Dunwoody United Methodist Church.
Nabavi listed the Big Three causes in order. She said a third of people over age 65 will fall at least once.
“I’m an emergency/EMS physician … that means I’m really good at identifying things that are gonna kill you,” she said. “One thing we saw over and over again was there were many calls for seniors, and it wasn’t like our seniors needed the hospital, but they also needed more than just ‘take two aspirin and call your primary care physician.’”
That realization inspired Nabavi to found Green Dot Health as an alternative to what she sees as a broken healthcare system that saddles seniors with huge hospital bills, sometimes for care they could receive at home.
Green Dot Health’s services includes
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Dr. Nadia Nabavi explains how seniors can avoid preventable trips to the emergency room at the North Atlanta chapter of Adult Children of Aging Parents’ Nov. 11 program at Dunwoody United Methodist Church.
24/7 access to board-certified ER doctors like Nabavi, at-home lab draws, prescription and imaging coordination, post-visit follow-ups and a straightforward billing process.
Membership to the virtual practice starts at $149 a month, a three-month minimum commitment is required.
With an emergency room visit ranging from $1,500-$3,000 and trips to an urgent care exceeding $150, Green Dot Health “fills a gap” in senior healthcare.
Incentives to join
The membership also qualifies for tax-free reimbursement from health and
flexible savings accounts, which can be especially useful for Medicare enrollees to offset out-of-pocket costs.
When Nabavi asked the crowd of 30 how many had been to the emergency room in the past year, at least half of the hands went up. More than 800,000 seniors are hospitalized each year.
A urinary tract infection is far more common than pneumonia but much more dangerous for seniors. Falling is the most common, which can occur after a senior develops an infection.
Nabavi said one way caregivers can assess fall risk is to perform a “timed up-and-go test,” having them stand up, walk 10 feet, turn around, stroll back to the chair and sit down. If it takes someone more than 12 seconds, they may be at risk of falling.
Prevention methods include physical and occupational therapy, which can strengthen core and leg muscles while teaching people how to get up after a fall. An occupational therapist can also come into a home and strategize how things like furniture placement and lighting can be improved.
What seniors really want to avoid is falling and breaking their hip, which exacerbates existing ailments and mortality rates.
See NABAVI, Page 21
Milton teen decorates her own path to profit
By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — Art became a healing outlet for Savannah Murray when she was 13 years old. After being bullied by her teacher, she started drawing without ever taking an art class and has since gained recognition as a published, award-winning artist. Now, at 19, Savannah is a business owner, combining her passion for art with the outdoors through her porch-decorating business, Pumpkinful Porch Designs.
“I’ve always been kind of artistic,” Savannah said, “and I always liked the fall and colors of trees. I thought, what can I do with art and something outdoors?”
The inspiration to start her own business sparked from frustration. As a young adult with autism, Savannah struggled to find a job despite her success as an artist and nature photographer. After months of interviews, Savannah’s mother, Theresa Murray, said it was difficult to see her daughter rejected for jobs she was qualified for. She recounted a time when Savannah was turned down for a dog sitting job despite volunteering with horses and being a certified raptor handler.
“It’s been an awakening for her, and she is just so full of pride in herself, knowing that she has the ability,” Theresa said. “She just needed to hire
herself because nobody else believed in her.”
No matter where an individual lies on the spectrum, it’s difficult for autistic adults to get a job, Theresa said. Recent estimates from the Autism Society of America found that 85 percent of individuals with autism who have a college degree are unemployed or underemployed. With those statistics in mind, Savannah set out on a mission to make her business a place where people on the spectrum can feel confident in the workplace.
“I know it’s hard to get a job being autistic,” Savannah said. “I think it would be cool to help other people get a job that they can do without being judged or having to be perfect at it … and help other people get hired.”
Decorating the porches of five or six homes in a day adds up, and Savannah wants help managing the 8,000 pounds of pumpkins she’s used so far this year. Savannah started preparing for her first year taking clients in June and has decorated more than 50 porches across the metro Atlanta area in 2025, even going as far as Athens to bring fall to customers’ front doors. Each house sparks new inspiration for Savannah as she balances the pumpkins’ color scheme to make the design flow across the porch.
See MURRAY, Page 9
SAVANNAH MURRAY, owner, Pumpkinful Porch Designs
THERESA MURRAY/SPECIAL
Savannah Murray, owner of Pumpkinful Porch Designs, sits on a porch she decorated with heirloom pumpkins. In only her first year of business, Savannah has decorated over 50 porches across Metro-Atlanta.
THERESA MURRAY/SPECIAL A truckload of pumpkins that Savannah Murray uses to decorate porches. The pumpkins are sourced from North Georgia and, after they’re used as decoration, are donated to a local farm as food.
Murray:
Continued from Page 8
“It can take her about an hour to do 20-30 pumpkins on a step,” Theresa said. “It takes practice for her and she’s getting better as she goes along with it.”
Savannah hopes to hire teenagers who are on the spectrum to help her transfer materials and coordinate with customers as her business expands. With pumpkin season winding down, she envisions building a brand that will encompass Hollyful – bringing Christmas-themed porch decoration – and Porchful Artistry that will decorate porches yearround.
Theresa said it’s really inspiring to see Savannah’s personal growth, and even more so when they receive messages of how her ambition has inspired children on the spectrum. Theresa said they receive phone calls
and emails sharing how Savannah’s story has inspired others and allowed them to recognize that autistic individuals can do anything.
“It’s been really great for Savannah,” Theresa said, “but it’s also heartwarming to know that other people are being inspired by this.”
Savannah’s entrepreneurship has received a nomination for the Star Award at the annual Star Shine Gala hosted by Spectrum, a company providing autism support, education and resources. The award celebrates businesses that employ individuals with autism in metro Atlanta.
“People really do not understand the difficulties of autism,” Theresa said. “I think the world should be a little bit more accommodating to the autistic community because they have so many abilities and it’s being overlooked right now.”
To get in contact with Savannah Murray and add a seasonal surprise to your porch, visit https://pumpkinful. com/ or reach out to 678-706-7897.
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Georgia Northern Ridge District welcomes October Eagle Scouts
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ALPHARETTA, Ga.— The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District (cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton) is proud to announce its newest Eagle Scouts who completed their Eagle Board of Review on Oct. 23 at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.
Pictured top row, from left Eli Leaders, of Troop 841, sponsored by St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Eli’s project was the design and creation of six artificial fish habitats, eight natural fish habitat bundles, four fishing line collection bins and an educational sign about fish habitat and ecosystems at the Lakhapani Preserve Pond.
Blake Faunce, of Troop 143, sponsored by Greenleaf Capital Partners. Blake’s project was the design and construction of six wooden benches for Cumming First United Methodist Church.
Arpan Saha, of Troop 1717, sponsored by Cross of Life Lutheran Church. Arpan’s project was the design and construction of eight benches for the wooded area behind Rucker Road Farm Park.
John Lewis, of Troop 87, sponsored by Roswell Presbyterian Church. John’s project was the design and construction of two mobile book carts and a bookshelf for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta- Arthur M. Blank Hospital. John also held a book drive to stock the book carts and collected 1,657 books.
William Gibson, of Troop 629, sponsored by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. William’s project was the design and construction of fencing around the triple zipline and a TEC course, as well as building four benches for people to sit and wait at these courses, for Sojourn Adventures, an outreach ministry of Perimeter Church
Bottom row, from left:
Michael Brandt, of Troop 69, spon-
sored by Alpharetta Methodist Church. Michael’s project was the design and construction of three storage racks and a storage cubby for the Chattahoochee High School Football Team equipment room.
Vishnu Arumugam, of Troop 3143, sponsored by American Legion Post 251. Vishnu’s project was the design and construction of four elevated wire plant tables and two wooden benches for the Chattahoochee Nature Center.
Luke Flores, of Troop 143, sponsored by Greenleaf Capital Partners. Luke’s project was the renovation of the Goat Shed at Denmark High School, which included pressure washing and painting the shed, adding gutters to the roof, which emptied into a water stock tank. Luke also built a goat ramp for the goats and a hexagonal tree bench to provide seating for the barn area.
Bilal Mourad, of Troop 12, sponsored by the Muslim American Society Youth Center. Bilal’s project was the design and construction of four raised brick garden beds and educational signs for the Masjid Al-Momineen.
Aayush Ahuja, of Troop 10, sponsored by St. Benedict’s Catholic Church. Aayush’s project was the design and construction of six fences for one of Lake Windward Elementary School’s play areas.
Kyle Jenkins, of Troop 985, sponsored by Northbrook United Methodist Church. Kyle’s project was the design and construction of a storage shed, a pathway from the shed to the gardens for the Northbrook United Methodist Church’s Community Garden. Kyle also replaced the bench at the garden.
Ethan Huh, of Troop 2143, sponsored by American Legion Post 251. Ethan’s project was the design and construction of two picnic tables and two benches for the Atlanta Promise Church.
PROVIDED
Newly awarded Eagle Scouts stand at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church at an Oct. 23 ceremony.
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Baa baa black sheep, have you any wool? Flock history
BOB MEYERS Columnist
I would venture to say that many adults in Georgia remember childhood nursery rhymes or stories about sheep, for example: “Mary Had a Little Lamb," "Baa Baa Black Sheep" or "Little Bo Peep.” We consider sheep to be friendly and sometimes affectionate if not the brightest animals on the farm, and sheep may have a special relationship with their owners who often give them names and love them like pets.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison raised sheep. Woodrow Wilson kept a flock on the White House lawn during World War I to keep the grass trimmed and to save manpower. Sheep have been raised in Georgia since the 1700s according to the New Georgia Encyclopedia. Both lamb and wool were important to our early settlers. Inventory data on sheep began in 1867 when there were about 45 million sheep in the United States. The number remained fairly constant until after the Second World War. Among the reasons for the post-war decline were the rise of synthetic fabrics, decline in the consumption of lamb, cheap imports that flooded the U.S. market and urbanization. Currently there are only about 7.5 million sheep in the U.S. and about 10,000 in Georgia.
Today, sheep farming plays a small but significant role in Georgia’s agriculture especially in Middle and South Georgia. In Fulton County, according to the USDA, there were 167 farms on 9,000-plus acres in 2022 of which about 3,500 acres were pastureland. This was 14 % fewer farms and 25 % fewer acres devoted to farms than in 2017.
Worldwide there are more than 200 sheep breeds but only two types of breeds, hair sheep and wool sheep. The hair-type breeds do not need to be sheawww red, a significant labor-saving feature. Hair sheep grow a coat of coarse hair that naturally sheds in the spring. They produce meat. Wool-type breeds must be sheared, usually annually. Their fleece is the result of centuries of selective breeding to produce fibers for textiles. Their wool is soft and insulating and contains lanolin, a natural oil. Some breeds have no horns, some have two and some have four.
People sometimes ask if a sheep’s wool will grow forever if the animal is left unshorn. The answer lies with Shrek, a famous sheep in New Zealand who really did not like haircuts. He hid out in a cave for six years before he was found in 2004. When shorn his owner could not tell that he was a sheep according to “Modern Farmer” magazine. When Shrek was
sheared his fleece weighed 60 pounds, enough wool to make 20 men’s suits. In 2015, a sheep named Chris who was lost and then found in Australia five years later, provided 91pounds of fleece, a world record. An Australian sheep’s annual fleece normally weighs about 11 pounds. While North Fulton is not known for raising sheep, a few people do raise them. Tom and Jane Grady purchased a property in Alpharetta in 1981. It was once owned by Walter Tucker (1909-1984), a farmer and skilled carpenter who bought
and cleared the land circa 1940 and built a barn that still stands. He and Jane have several Tunis sheep. “I love taking care of them,” says Tom. “They connect me to my relationship with God. John Chapter 1 tells us that Jesus was the Lamb of God. The 23rd Psalm says the Lord is my shepherd,” Tom notes. “Sheep are very fragile and fearful. They cannot survive without a shepherd. They follow me when I walk in a field because they know that I am their master.”
Tom breeds his sheep in October using
a ram provided by fellow sheep farmer and friend Phil Busman. The ram will stay in Tom’s yard with his two adult and one young female for about a month when his adult females will breed. After five months the two will probably give birth to twins. Within a half hour the newborn lambs will be standing by their mother and nursing.
Phil and Mary Busman have a working farm in Alpharetta which provides fresh grown vegetables to families who support the farm by purchasing harvests in advance. The Community Supported Agriculture, CSA, program they started in 2008 has grown by word of mouth until 73 families now take part. The farm has provided approximately 1300 baskets of food for its customers this year.
Phil gives the credit for CSA’s success to his sheep and to “responsible tillage.” He says, “a healthy ecosystem takes care of itself.” Phil has very few insects in his garden yet does no spraying or mowing because the sheep have kept the soil balanced.
Phil has four ewes, two pure Tunis and two crosses between Cotswold and Tunis plus one ram loaned for the breeding season to friend Tom Grady. Crossbreeding yields strong animals which Phil calls “hybrid vigor.”
Every year Phil sends the sheared wool to MacAusland’s Woolen Mills on Prince Edward Island in Canada to have it made into blankets and yarn.
Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@ bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA
Phil Busman does not have to cut the grass. His sheep do it for him. In addition to pasture maintenance, the sheep help with vegetable growing by consuming plant residues. Phil and Mary have been raising sheep since 1990.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
During World War 1 President Woodrow Wilson and his wife Edith kept a flock of Shropshire sheep on the White House lawn. This avoided the cost of maintenance and freed men for military service. The wool from the sheep was auctioned off to raise money for the Red Cross. The photo was taken in 1919.
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TIP YOUR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON
Your local community newspaper lands in your driveway every week—rain or shine—bringing you the stories, events, and updates that matter most. But did you know that the person delivering it is often a dedicated individual who goes the extra mile (literally) to ensure you stay connected?
Why Tip?
• Show Appreciation: Your delivery person is out there early in the morning or late at night, navigating all kinds of weather, so you can enjoy the news with your morning coffee.
• Support Local Efforts: While the paper might be free, the effort behind it isn’t. Tipping helps reward those who keep this vital community service running smoothly.
• Brighten Their Day: A small tip can make a big difference in someone’s day, showing gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
If you enjoy receiving your free community newspaper, consider giving a small token of appreciation to the person who brings it to your driveway. A little kindness can go a long way!
Thank you for supporting your local delivery heroes!
How to give your delivery person a tip:
Give via the online portal at appenmedia.com/deliverytip or scan this QR Code
If you prefer, you can also mail a check made out to Appen Media Group and mail it to Newspaper Delivery Tip C/O Appen Media Group, 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009
100% of every dollar you contribute will be spread out evenly between the 24 newspaper delivery people that Appen Media employs. Whether you give $5 or $50, they will greatly appreciate it. 1 2
Attracting birds and pollinators to your winter garden
As temperatures drop and many plants go dormant, it is easy to assume that your garden enters a quiet, lifeless phase. But winter can be a time of surprising vibrancy and ecological value, especially if you intentionally create a haven for birds and pollinators. In Georgia’s relatively mild climate, it’s possible to support local wildlife year-round with just a few strategic choices.
Attracting birds and pollinators to your winter garden doesn’t just benefit the environment, it also adds life, movement and interest to the garden during what might otherwise be a dull season. Here's how to make your outdoor space a welcoming winter habitat.
Why attract wildlife in winter?
Winter is a critical time for many species. Birds and pollinators face food shortages, fewer water sources and the loss of natural habitat due to development and tidy landscaping. By offering food, shelter and water, your garden becomes a vital sanctuary. In return, it’s possible to enjoy bird song, pollinator activity on warmer days and a deeper connection with the natural world.
Plant with purpose: winter food
Native plants are the most important building blocks for supporting Georgia’s wildlife. While flowers may be fewer in winter, native seed heads, berries and evergreen plants offer much-needed sustenance.
Plant winter-blooming flowers
Select plants with blooms or berries in the winter to provide a much-needed food source for pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Some non-native winter-blooming options for Atlanta gardens include:
• Camellias: These evergreen shrubs produce vibrant flowers in shades of pink, red and white from fall to spring. They attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.
• Hellebores (lenten roses): Evergreen foliage and winter blooms in shades of white, pink and purple make hellebores an excellent choice for attracting early bees and buzz pollinators like bumblebees.
• Juniper: This evergreen shrub provides both nectar for pollinators and berries that feed birds throughout the winter.
Use native plants
Choosing native plants not only supports local wildlife but also helps main-
tain the ecosystem's balance. Native plants have co-evolved with local wildlife, providing the best possible food and habitat. Some Georgia native plants that attract birds and pollinators include:
• Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria): Yaupon supports pollinators and provides year-round shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds, protecting them from predators and harsh weather conditions. Its red berries continue through winter, providing a crucial food source for birds. Robins, mockingbirds, thrashers, wrens and more feed on these berries.
• Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum rufidulum): This plant produces clusters of dark blue berries that persist into winter, providing an essential food source for birds when other food is scarce. Mockingbirds, thrashers, catbirds and waxwings are known to feed on these berries.
• Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis): Wild indigo produces seed pods that provide food for goldfinches and pine siskins in winter.
• Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata): This legume produces small, peanut-like seeds that are a valuable food source for mourning doves, quails and sparrows.
house overwintering insects and provide cover for birds.
• Add birdhouses or roosting boxes, which offer insulation from the cold and safety from predators.
• Trees and shrubs with dense foliage offer excellent shelter.
• Evergreen shrubs and dense hedges are valuable as natural shelter. It would be beneficial if at least 25 percent of the trees and shrubs in your landscape were evergreen.
Don’t forget the water
Water sources can be scarce in winter, especially when temperatures dip below freezing. Birds and insects need clean, accessible water every day.
As far as water sources go, the vessels should be filled no more than two to three inches deep (while changing the water frequently) and elevated in the middle of an open area to minimize predation by cats and other animals. Here are a few suggestions for adding water to your yard:
• Birdbaths: Use a heated birdbath or add warm water daily to keep it from freezing.
• Shallow dishes with stones: These are ideal for small birds or insects on mild days.
Other plants for winter wildlife
• Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana): With vibrant purple berries, this native shrub is a magnet for cardinals and mockingbirds.
• Hollies (Ilex spp.): Both evergreen and deciduous varieties provide dense cover and berries for food.
• Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana): Offers winter berries loved by cedar waxwings.
• Coneflowers and black-eyed Susans (Echinacea and Rudbeckia): Leave seed heads standing; finches will thank you.
• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Even after blooming, goldenrod stems and seeds feed small birds and provide overwintering shelter for beneficial insects.
Provide shelter
Many pollinators, including native bees, overwinter in leaf litter, hollow stems or soil. Don’t over-clean your garden; a bit of wildness is healthy. Resist the urge to rake everything away, especially in naturalized parts of your garden. Here are a few shelter tips:
• Leave brush piles or stacked logs in a corner of the garden, creating ideal nesting sites.
• Avoid cutting back dried perennials and ornamental grasses, which can
• Dripping water sources: Even a slow-dripping container can attract birds. By incorporating these practices into your Atlanta-area winter garden, you'll create a welcoming haven for birds and pollinators. Enjoy the beauty and satisfaction that comes from supporting local wildlife and preserving biodiversity.
Happy Gardening!
North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https:// appenmedia.com/opinion/columists/ garden buzz/.
About the Author
This Week’s “Garden Buzz” features Amy Magner, a Master Gardener since 2014. As a member of North Fulton Master Gardeners and Sandy Springs resident, she has taught various classes, including cancer wellness, at Farm Chastain. She is also a certified health coach, speaker and creator of the “Changing Aging” program.
AMY MAGNER Guest Columnist
WILL SMITH/ WITH PERMISSION FROM MOUNTAIN EXPRESS Black-throated Blue Warbler rests on a beautyberry.
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, 6 and 4 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!
ON THE MENU
1. Icy coating. Low water mark. Squirrel's favorite snack.
2. Panda's dish. Lackluster. Racetrack shape.
3. Spare tire. Beaver's snack. Mountain peaks.
4. Blue whale's dinner. Crayola color. Hawaiian binge.
5. Hot spot. Horse's meal. Extra-large.
6. Pillow covering. Otter's dish. Wall painting.
7. Victory's margin. Bear's feast. Hurl.
1 African desert. Operatic solo. Supreme god of ancient Greece.
2. Spiraled-horned African antelope. Bunsen burner. To-do
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. Deep hole. Settee. African howler
4. Sleep interrupter. African dry river bed. Chatty bird
5. Skin disorder. Flu symptom. African river
6. African republic on the Gulf of Guinea. Drink garnish. Small goose.
7. Icy coating. African language. Wedding helper
Visit:
Continued from Page 1
“We are open for business,” Raffensperger said. “We want to have great relationships … They want to grow their economy, and we want to grow our economy.”
Johns Creek has much to be proud of from its schools to roadways to public safety departments, said Shay Foley, interim chamber chief executive officer. Those assets make the city a great place to live but also are a powerful force in attracting firms from around the world.
The city is home to international firms, such as health care software company Ebix, Boston Scientific and World Financial Group.
Equally important, the city is open to doing business with firms around the world and actively seeks to recruit and cater to them, he said.
“If you come here to settle a business, you came to the right place,” Foley said.
Oto Hrdlicka, head of foreign affairs for the Brno Regional Chamber of Commerce, said he attended the Nov. 11 meeting to make connections between businesses in his community and Johns Creek.
Brno, a city of about 400,000 founded about 1,000 years ago, is a hub for machinery and software industries.
Hrdlicka said automotive companies in particular may seek to establish operations in Johns Creek partly because the industry is well established in the state.
“We would like to identify all the interesting regions within Georgia, so this was the reason we also would like to visit Johns Creek,” he said.
Antonin Machala, a managing director for Altech, said his company may consider bringing a production center to the U.S. Altech makes industrial mobility aids, such as platform and stair lifts among other equipment.
He said he was particularly attracted by Johns Creek’s quality of life. The chamber meeting and the relationships there could later lead to important investments.
“The idea is to join the U.S. market … and later export to the U.S., and afterward start production,” he said.
The Johns Creek City Council has identified economic development as one of its five strategic priorities, Greer said. She was accompanied by numerous city staff and elected officials, including Economic Development Director Kim Allonce and four council members.
Their attendance was a reflection of the city’s commitment to supporting global businesses, she said.
“When you find one of us, you find all of us,” Greer said. “They know that the business community, both our local small businesses to big international companies, is what makes Johns Creek such a special community.”
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Members of a business delegation from the Czech Republic listen to a presentation during a Nov. 11 Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce meeting at the chamber headquarters on Johns Creek Parkway.
Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce members and Czech Republic business representatives visit ahead of a Nov. 11 meeting at the chamber headquarters on Johns Creek Parkway.
Nabavi:
Continued from Page 7
Nabavi said seniors can meet with a podiatrist to have a doctor look at their feet and suggest optimal footwear. She said checking vision and hearing is important as well.
“If there’s something else going on … the fall is actually a symptom of a bigger problem,” Nadavi said. “And that’s sort of our segway into infections.”
Tracking another threat
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are more common in women than men due to a variety of anatomical and hormonal factors. Men can get them too.
“If a bladder infection doesn’t get treated, then that infection can then move up to your kidney,” she said.
Orchestra:
Continued from Page 1
The orchestra performed pieces such as “Rhapsody in Blue,” “Overture to Candide” and traditional Vietnamese works.
Cheng said he thinks Johns Creek was selected for the opportunity partly
Harrell:
Continued from Page 4
Stefanski said large technology companies consider 13-year-olds as adults online, and one solution is to raise the age to 16.
Laura Ladefian shared her experiences working as a mental
“Usually the trigger is ‘mom is getting up a lot to the restroom, and she doesn’t normally do that,’ and that may culminate in a fall.”
A few program attendees were in the process of caring for their own aging parent suffering from an infection.
Kelly, a Brookhaven woman, said her 88-year-old mother had been refusing to undergo a procedure to take images of her bladder to diagnose what doctors told her may be a UTI.
So far, medicine hasn’t helped.
Growing impatient, Kelly said the program inspired her to keep pushing for answer to her mother’s discomfort, which may involve convincing her to have the procedure.
Preventing pneumonia, or an infection of the lungs, is straightforward. The best was to protect against it is to have seniors routinely vaccinated against the most prolific strain and wear a mask in crowded spaces.
because of its respectable skill and the city’s representation as a model American community.
“At the end of the day, they saw us as an idealized version of America, which is a really cool thing,” Cheng said. “And that's reflected artistically and musically.”
After getting over their considerable jet lag, the musicians did much more than simply tour the country, Cheng said.
health specialist with teens and young adults at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, saying that technology is a huge topic in her office. Ladefian said it breaks her heart when she hears a middle schooler say they wish younger kids never get a phone because “it’s too late” for them.
AI technologist Katie Fullerton shared potential ways to adjust the algorithms behind AI chatbots and
Despite the politicization of vaccines, seniors in the room said they get them after conducting their own cost-benefit analysis.
The North Atlanta chapter of Adult Children of Aging Parents held its Nov. 11 meeting in the Asbury Room at Dunwoody United Methodist.
The nonprofit ACAP has grown from a small program founded in Hickory, North Carolina in 2012 to more than nine locations across the eastern United States.
The state of Georgia has four chapters, one in Cobb and Cherokee counties, another in Forsyth County, a Hall County group and the North Atlanta chapter, which meets on the second Tuesday of each month.
All in-person programming is free.
More informational meetings
ACAP North Atlanta Chapter Coordinator Mary Remmes, a life coach for the adult children of aging parents,
They also served as ambassadors for the city.
They met with Vietnamese musicians, sharing what makes the community great, from its parks to infrastructure to diversity, Cheng said.
“It's hard to find a city like that, and this is what drew me to the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra,” he said. “Music especially, is always a reflection of culture and society.”
social media while also sharing her daughter’s experience.
The Digital Childhood Alliance wants people to know they don’t need to be a tech expert, just an engaged parent.
The nonprofit encourages parents to talk to their children about artificial intelligence and internet usage “early and often,” set and revisit boundaries, prioritize human connections and
said there will not be a meeting in December but programming through March 2026 is ready to go.
Another member of the leadership team, Holly Mitchell, discussed her entrepreneurial venture ChangingSpaces with co-founder Linda Kaplan that helps manage moves for seniors.
“My company can help people do all of these tasks,” Mitchell said. “ChangingSpaces was born to help people move and rightsize and figure out how they’re going to help themselves live easier and simpler and stress-free.”
For more information about the North Atlanta chapter of Adult Children of Aging Parents, visit acapcommunity.org.
For more information about Dr. Nabavi’s business, visit greendothealth.com.
For more information about Mitchel and Kaplan’s business, visit changingspacesatlanta.com.
Cheng said he hopes the relationships formed will lead to future collaborations between Vietnamese and Johns Creek musicians. He also thinks experience itself will serve as a powerful force in broadening the orchestra’s creative reservoir.
“It was not a vanity show,” Cheng said. “It’s about how we can be of service to the community, bring new cultures back and share how great the city is.”
watch for signs that AI use may be harming their child.
Red flags for kids include panic or distress when AI access is removed, sudden academic improvement or secretive screen use, referencing a chat bot as “a friend or someone who understands them” and declining motivation or isolation.
For more information, visit digitalchildhoodalliance.org.
Computer Professionals for GA based IT Firm: “Sr. System Architect to dsgn, dvlp, enhance, customize & co-ordinate activities to implement advance s/w module components using Dell Boomi. Provide technical dsgn assistance & architectural leadership to ensure applications are integrated & adhere to stated architectural & dsgn principles & standards. Implementation of data foundational procedures, guidelines & standards to improve the efficiency of information processing systems. Travel and/or relocate to various unanticipated worksite loc’ns with frequency dependent on Project and/ or Client requirement throughout the U.S. may be required.” Apply w/2 copies of resume to HR, Sandeza Inc, 13010 Morris Road, Ste 600, Alpharetta, GA 30004.
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce LLP in Roswell, GA is seeking a SW Developer to dvlp & deploy multiple app dvlpmnt projs, including deployment on complex multi-platform SW systems w/in schedule, cost, & quality reqs. No trvl. WFH avail; must be available to work in the Roswell office three days/week. Salary: $109,283/yr. Send resumes to: careers@mccalla.com
Sawnee EMC is seeking a Mechanic with diesel engine experience to perform mechanical work and related maintenance on company trucks, equipment and vehicles. Requires high school diploma or equivalency. Must have valid CDL Georgia Driver’s License or the ability to acquire a CDL. Requires previous work-related experience. Some Heavy Lifting. Rotating day and night shift schedule. Must be available to work alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, December 1, 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
HELP WANTED
American Legion Post 201
Part Time Custodian – Needed Saturdays & Sundays start time 6:30 am. General cleaning of building, pick up and discard trash on grounds. Supervise community service workers when available. Must be able to lift 50 lbs., and move around safely and efficiently without aid of mechanical support, accept and sign for deliveries. Approx. 5-7 hours a day.
Part Time Bartender – Flexible schedule afternoon and evening hours, approximately 15-20 hours per week. Previous experience preferred but not necessary. Must be able to qualify for City of Alpharetta Pouring Permit.
If interested in either position please contact DiAna Casale (770) 475-9023 Mon-Thurs 10 am – 2 pm or americanlegionalpharetta@gmail.com. Detail job description for both available upon request.
Front Desk Intake Specialist (Bilingual-Spanish)
NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the part-time Front Desk Intake Specialist position. The Front Desk Intake Specialist is responsible for connecting clients to the programs and services that NFCC offers. The role includes data entry, updating clients’ applications, and keeping clients and students informed of programs and service enhancements. As the face of NFCC at the Intake desk, this role requires maintaining a professional and welcoming presence that reflects the organization’s values.
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Spanish are required. Experience using Salesforce or other CRM systems is a plus.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
Cemetery Plots
and
GREEN LAWN CEMETERY BURIAL
IN
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